Shannon's Favorite Things Gift Giving Guide Extravaganza Spectacular 2024
Don we now our pay apparel
Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears, and also $50, because I accidentally bought myself too many “treat yourself” Christmas gifts for myself instead of buying for other people, and now I need to get my mom a gift—don’t read this, Mom! But don’t worry! If you’re shopping for your mom, or your cousin, or the lady who does your hair, or your dog walker, or your let’s be real, you’re looking for stuff to add to your wish list, I’ve got you covered!
This year’s edition is split into three categories depending on price, and I’m also including two different types of products—(1) items I’ve purchased and absolutely loved, and (2) items I haven’t purchased but absolutely want to buy based on reviews.
Since I have absolutely conquered and covered almost every single dysautonomia related product from my past years of gift guides, this gift guide is not solely centered on dysautonomia gifts, but you will certainly find many chronic illness friendly and appropriate gifts, along with a few things that could even work for your weirdo family member who has never experienced illness a day in their life.
Alas,
Are you ready to take this journey with me?
Stocking stuffers!
I have a confession to make—I went against my personal convictions with this section. I have a deeply held belief that a “stocking stuffer” should never cost any more than $10, but, y’know, the economy, everything is so expensive. My stocking stuffer category here includes items from $1-$15, and I’m sorry for being that person, but all of these items are of the spirit of stocking stuffer picks, so, I’m at least delivering on that promise.
Sunflower Legos
Growing up I was not a legolomaniac (that’s what we call them, right?) like my older brother was, but I appreciated a good lego set at school and in a doctor’s office waiting room. (Which thinking about it now, wow, gross.) The magic of Lego is that they keep making cooler, and cooler, and cooler sets that keeps drawing me in and thinking “oh, maybe I should try this?” even though I know I would get so frustrated after a while—I have not the patience.
Still, I absolutely love these flower sets they’ve been putting out the last few years—I love that they don’t look completely impossible, and at the end you have something super aesthetically appealing to display, a flower that won’t die and smell rotten in a few days.
you can also find these at Target, Walmart, Amazon, etc
Penguin Hand Warmers
I, and I think most people with dysautonomia, have absolutely terrible blood circulation, so my hands and toes are prone to being freezing all the time, especially in winter. I’ve used some of those single use heat packs but the waste of it all really bums me out, so a few years ago I got a rechargable hand warmer which was great and would make an excellent stocking stuffer. I found these penguin hand warmers and c’mon this would be so good as a gift in The Year of Pesto the Penguin—who wouldn’t want to keep their fins warm this way? Plus, this would help me get closer to my lifetime dream of shaking hands with a penguin.
Leather Air Tag Keychain
I have to put Air Tags on everything because I’m constantly losing things—thank you, brain fog. These leather keychains have holders for the Air Tags and are absolutely adorable—a huge step up from the standard silicone ones on the market.
Leather Keychain Holder Case Compatible with Apple AirTag, $8.99, via Amazon
Throw in some AirTags while you’re at it — $24 for one, or $72 for four!
You can also find these for super cheap on Ali Express
Straw Toppers
I absolutely love tumblers, but the fact that the straw is just out there and exposed to the elements all the time is kind of gross. Enter, exciting, cute, fun straw toppers. I have found such cute options from tiny little cowboy hats to sea creatures to happy clouds. Great option for the person with a Stanley Cup (which is, most people.)
Kanoodle Game
I’ve seen this game advertised all over TikTok and it reminds me of the math games and puzzles my Third Grade teacher used to give us for enrichment activities. It looks fun but also a little frustrating which makes it a perfect game to do while bingewatching garbage TV.
Educational Insights Kanoodle Brain-Teasing Puzzles 14pc, $8.49, via Target
you can also find these at most major retailers where toys are sold
Socks (HEAR ME OUT GUYS)
I think the punchline of every 90s sitcom was that the worst gift to get on Christmas was socks, but no way man, give me all the socks every Christmas, provided they’re fuzzy or high quality Bombas ones.
Bombas socks are wonderful but have outrageous price tags—if you have that kind of money to spend, God bless you and please send a pair my way—but these fuzzy gripper socks on Amazon have great reviews and a great price tag to match.
Tombow Brush Markers
I’ve done a lot of coloring and arts and crafts projects this year and have invested into some high quality markers. I love the Tombo brush for the colors selections they have, the color filling, and the marker shapes themselves. If you’re shopping for an artist, grab a pack of these, they’re so good.
While you’re at it, if you can, throw some of these cozy coloring books by Coco Wyo in there with it!
you can also find these at all major craft stores
Geometric Coloring Book
One of my favorite things that came out this year is this brand new geometric coloring book by my middle school pal, Jackie. She is a Raleigh based artist who intertwines bright color, geometric patterns, and heart wrenching/mind bending questions. This coloring book lets you be in charge of adding in the color while pondering the questions she poses for you.
This is a phenomenal gift for everyone you know, especially because of its budget price! And while you’re at it, check out all of the artwork and prints she sells—she has everything from window color catchers, stickers, to one of a kind art.
Acrylic Hair Clips
This is my absolute favorite new accessory. It all started with a Golden Retriever hair clip I saw online and of course, had to have. Then, I realized there are vendors all across the internet selling these quirky hair clips and I’ve been collecting them ever since—dogs, cats, pineapples, celestial designs, ocean animals, etc. My favorite place to find them is on Ali Express (best prices, but long shipping), but Jenny Lemons has a phenomenal selection, just at a much higher price point.
Electronic Device Screen Cleaner
I have no idea if it’s just me but my tech screens are always disgusting. I don’t even know how they get that way—I’m not touching my screen, I’m not rubbing my face and hands against my laptop monitor, why does it look like this?
I used to work for Apple, and we used a specific brand of cleaner and I took that as The Apple Endorsement™ of The Cleaner To Use and no other cleaner will measure up. I forgot the name of the cleaner and have never been able to find a bottle that looks the same as what’s in my memory. I’ve been scouring forums trying to find out what Apple has been using recently and learned that they use the brand WHOOSH! which comes with a microfiber cloth. It takes more cleaner spray that I thought it would to really work, but once you get it on there, it looks great. Fantastic stocking stuffer for anyone with a computer or phone, so, almost everyone?
you can also find this on Amazon
EOS Lotion
I first came to know EOS as that company who made those weird, round lip balm balls in 2012/2013 that everyone was obsessed with even though how were we supposed to carry those around? Keep them in our pockets and have this strange lump in our pants that made us look weird? Anyways, that’s neither here nor there.
I understand that their lotion became a pick me product on TikTok and I understand why—it smells great and actually works well—so many lotions just kind of lather over your skin and leave you feeling oily—this one is thicker like a cream but absorbs into your skin so you’re not left feeling like you can’t touch anything for five minutes afterwards. There are several great scent options, I really like the Fresh + Cozy.
you can also find this at most big box retailers and pharmacies
Nautical Digital Prints and Downloads
My friend Rebecca makes the coolest printables that spell out obscene-but-fun phrases in the nautical alphabet. They’re offered as digital downloads that you can then print and frame yourself. You can also buy them as prints on her main website, where you can also get shirts, hats, and totes!
Rebecca also offers other great printables, like an ADHD planner and astrology coloring book activities. She takes commissions, so reach out to her! 10/10 for quality products, and 100/100 for being a great human being.
Scorpio Panda Etsy shop run by my wonderful friend Rebeccca, get your printables here!
Scorpio Panda’s main website, get your printed products here
SPEND A LITTLE
We covered the stocking stuffers, and we had a damn good time, didn’t we! This next category covers what I consider to be standard gift spending ranges, you know, for the people we’re really looking to invest in. Friends, siblings, that type of thing.
Owala Free Sip Water Bottle
Every year I endorse a water bottle. For the last few years, it’s been a tumbler. This year, we grow. We adapt. We change. Because our cats won’t stop chewing on every damn straw they come into contact with.
My cat, Mr. Pineapple, sees straws and some sort of feral instinct tells him he has to chew it (or else.) So while I remain a lover of tumblers (and Tumblr), it has required me to explore other drinkware solutions. Enter, Free Sip.
There’s no shortage of insulated whatever out there, but Owala actually has insulated drink containers mixed with no leak protection. These water bottles come with an inside straw that you can remove or keep in, based on whatever your deal is. It has the ability to carry it with a little handle, or, pop it back down when not in use. It comes in sizes from 24 to 40 oz.
Congratulations, Owala FreeSip, on being DYSAUTONOTHANKYOU’s 2024 Water Bottle.
you can also find Owala products at Target, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Amazon, Walmart, and Urban Outfitters
BYOMA Skincare Products
I know very little about skincare products, and yet I am #BRAVE enough to recommend skincare products to you. Hear me out. Over the summer I was utterly enraptured by BYOMA’s store display and because I believe in the power of good marketing, good graphic design, good art, I was immediately like, “oh hey, this must be worth something.”
So I spent time online trying to make sure that the reviews matched up, they did, confirming that where good products go, good design follows.
I’m still trying to get in the habit of a skin care routine, but these products smell so nice, look so pretty, and just having a cleanser and a toner and SPF makes me feel cared for.
Moisturizing Gel-Cream SPF 30, $18.99, via BYOMA (because we need our sunscreen!!!)
you can also find BYOMA products at Target, Walmart, Ulta, and Urban Outfitters
Vitassium Extra Strength Capsules
Vitassium launched these capsules at the 2024 Dysautonomia International Conference and had free samples everywhere, like the angels they are. There is no greater blessing than to have free electrolyte supplements everywhere you turn when you’re exhausting yourself, facilitating a conference on why everything you do in life exhausts yourself.
I’m a huge Vitassium fan, equal parts for the products themselves but also for the team behind them—they care so much about creating something to actually help dysautonomia patients.
you can also find these on Amazon
Liquid IV
I like bragging that I knew LiquidIV before it was cool. Now, everyone’s drinking it like it’s going out of style (Nara Smith is one of their influencers?) but like, I knew about it before she did.
The benefit of LiquidIV now being the biggest thing ever is that they’re developing more flavors than ever, which brings us to the delight of the Popsicle Firecracker flavor. I could never find a flavor I loved—incidentally, I only found myself loving LiquidIV when they were giving out samples at the Dysautonomia International conferences. It just hits different when you’re running on empty and they have that cooler that makes it taste ice cold. But this flavor is my dream.
Popsicle Firecracker Hydration Multiplier, $24.99, via LiquidIV
you can also find LiquidIV at Target, Walmart, CVS, Costco, and Amazon
Birdie
When I told my parents I was moving to Chicago, my dad informed me that I needed some kind of safety alert device. He tried to fashion up some kind of wearable for me with high visibility safety material and flashing lights (DM me if you want to see pics) along with pepper spray, but I pretty harshly rejected his original proposals. I ended up going with Birdie, which has worked well—too well. Sometimes if I drop it on the floor it goes off when I don’t want it to, and hey—it does get people’s attention! But the fact that I know I have an attention grabber helps me feel a little more secure.
Birdie also just released the Birdie+, which has a feature that will send a text to emergency contacts and EMS services if you press a certain button! Check that one out for sure.
Jumpsuits
Everyone waxes poetic about your 30s being the decade of self-discovery or whatever.
So far in my 30s, as part of my self-discovery, I’m learning that my sense of fashion is just the desire to dress like I did when I was four, which means a lot of jumpsuits and rompers. I want all knit cotton, all the time.
So basically, I collect cotton jumpsuits now, whether they’re nice and long, or short versions for the summer, or pajamas, they’re great.
ANRABESS Women’s Casual Loose Sleeveless Jumpsuits, $28.99, via Amazon
ANRABESS Women’s Summer Casual Sleeveless Romper, $29.99, via Amazon
Ice Beanie
In the past I’ve recommended Headache Hat but that was bought out by TheraICE, so I’ve been exploring some other products just to widen my horizons.
I like the idea of the Ice Beanie because it’s not as hard against your head as the Headache Hat is, so it looks like a great alternative to try. And listen, for this photo of Mark Cuban alone, I endorse Ice Beanie forever and ever.
Heating Pad
Now that we’ve frozen your head, let’s warm up the rest of your body. I remember when my mom and I first realized how useful heating pads are on my stomach pain when I was a little girl—it was a revelation. The single use, portable heating pads are incredible for when you’re out and about—definitely pick up some of those! (Pro tip: if you’re looking for one for your stomach, get the lower back sized ones—more coverage.)
However, if you’re lucky enough to be at home and next to an outlet, you’re going to save so much money with a reusable heating pad—plus you’ll be able to get a much larger one. There’s so many options—you can get ones that you can wear like vests, ones that are like miniature blankets, the options are endless. You can even pay for them with your FSA/HSA money.
I found so many cool options that I want to share.
ThermaCare Heating Pads (you can also find these at basically every pharmacy, grocery store)
Good Housekeeping’s 8 Best Electric Blankets of 2024, in case you wanna go really big—also if you have a pet, they will probably love this
pro-tip: Sunbeam continually shows up as a great brand when it comes to heating pad products, so if you see Sunbeam, you’re probably picking a good choice!
SPEND A LOT
Oooh, big money big money! Everything here is $60+, and if you’re in that price range, I assume it’s for the closest people in your life, or maybe a handsome strange you’re trying to impress!
Custom Hand Cut Collage
My amazing friend Amber makes hand cut collages and they will rock your world. I have several pieces of her art hanging in my apartment along with stickers of hers on water bottles and journals—I know I’m biased because she’s my friend, but before I even really knew her I was blown away by her art and her talent. Her art ranges from commentary on religion and identity to relationships, divinity, the supernatural and ethereal.
Take a look through Amber’s Instagram and see if there’s something on there that you already love, she might have a print you can buy!, or, if you’d like to get a custom collage, she can absolutely work with you. She’s done the most amazing collages in memoriam of family members who have passed and they are so thoughtful and beautiful—it would be the most fitting tribute.
Amber’s Instagram (and you can email her at ramos.amberlee@gmail.com!)
Bose Soundlink Speakers
I have the older generation of this and absolutely love it. I use it as a speaker for my bedroom in my parents’ house since I didn’t have a good sound system here (at my apartment in Chicago I usually just stream music via my television). The Soundlink has good battery life—I need to charge it every other day or so—and I love the way it looks. I haven’t had any issues pairing the Bluetooth with my phone or computer which is a huge plus, because Bluetooth is so temperamental sometimes.
Electric Multicooker
Are we still in the InstaPot Era? Yes? No? I’m hoping for “no” because they terrify me. My past roommate Amy had one and she was so brave—she knew how to take all of the pieces apart and clean them and she wasn’t afraid of everything exploding from pressure and I’m so glad she wasn’t afraid, because she made really good taco soup and let me have some.
I put this Electric Multicooker on my wishlist because (1) it looks way easier to use than an InstantPot, (2) I really like Drew Barrymore’s kitchen line at Walmart. I have her toaster and Airfryer (another great gift for people, by the way), and when I use them I like to pretend to be Drew Barrymore ala Kate Hudson’s impression on Saturday Night Live.
I love a slow cooker, especially when we’re throwing pulled pork or pulled chicken in there, so I think this is a great gift for anyone who has to cook (so, everyone?) and doesn’t already have some kind of product in their life.
WooZoo Pedestal Fan
I don’t have air conditioning in my apartment and I don’t have temperature regulation in my body so fans are very important to me. I was looking for a couple of new ones this summer and came across the WooZoo Pedestal fan which is now one of my all time favorite purchases. It’s so powerful, it’s not outrageously loud, it has tons of ways to oscillate, and comes with a remote.
WooZoo also has a great selection of desk fans which are also excellent quality and would make stellar gifts to your temperature regulation challenged loved one.
you can also find WooZoo products at Best Buy, Costco, and the WooZoo website IRIS USA
Air Purifier
While we’re on the topic of air and breeze, did you know that the air we breathe is important to your health? Yeah! It’s true! Wild stuff.
Unless you’re living in the middle of the country, surrounded by hundreds old trees and fresh gardens, you could probably benefit from an air purifier, especially if you’re living with any kind of chronic condition. Especially if you have a pet. I love Mr. Pineapple, but damn that little guy sheds.
My ultimate fantasy is to get one of those Dyson air purifiers because I’m such a Dyson fan girl (ask my friends about my “I want to be a Dyson Caliber Woman” speech), but guess what! You don’t need a Dyson air purifier to have clean air.
This Clorox air purifier has phenomenal reviews, and I feel qualified recommending it as (1) I am also a Clorox fan girl and (2) I have a friend of a friend who works at Clorox and she’s pretty damn smart—they have pretty high standards there.
Clorox Large Room True HEPA Air Purifier, $149.99, via Clorox
you can also find air filters for other sizes at Clorox’s website, and find these products at Amazon
Weighted Blanket
Somehow, in all of my years of gift guiding, I have neglected to mention the glory and beauty that is the weighted blanket. I’m sure we’re all familiar with the benefits—it helps reduce anxiety by regulating the nervous system, reducing cortisol, increasing serotonin—while keeping you cozy and warm.
I don’t feel strongly one way or another about weighted blankets, I think they’re all excellent, so I recommend checking out Real Simple’s buy guide on the best weighted blankets!
Quince Gauze Blanket
If you’re looking for a less heavy blanket to give, my mom got me one of these gauze blankets by Quince. These feel very similar to swaddles for newborns, so you can roll yourself up like a burrito and really take care of your inner child when you get one, you know, like a healthy normal person, not weird at all.
Anything by Min and Mon
This is one of those products whose quality I can’t speak to personally, but I’ve been following this brand for years and I’m in love with them. They are a family owned company from Colombia and have been putting out the coolest leather handbags, wallets, and accessories. They are an investment, but if you’re looking to seriously WOW someone, take a look at their Gift Guide! What I love so much about them is their use of color and character—everything has so much individuality and so much to say.
They also have much more budget friendly gifts, like these amazing tiger socks, cute enamel pins, and keychains.
Portland Leather also has slightly less expensive leather goods, check those out!
Bidet attachment for your toilet
We’re all adult enough to talk about wiping our butts casually, right? We don’t need to giggle like school children? (I’m probably still going to giggle like a school child.)
Not to be uncouth, but regardless of whether or not you have gastrointetinal problems or not, a bidet attachment is just a good idea. You’ll feel cleaner. Use less toilet paper. Feel a little luxurious!
They are common use in other countries, so get a little international!
After research, I’ll be asking for the Tushy this year, and I think buying someone a luxurious toilet seat is the best way to say, “I love you, and your butt.”
you can also find these on Amazon, Walmart, and even CVS
Portable External Hard Drive
As previously mentioned, many lifetimes ago, I used to work for Apple, and the most painful thing we experienced at the store was when customers came in because their computers lost all of their data.
Every time I sold a computer, I begged customers to buy a backup hard drive and actually backup their data weekly, even if they didn’t buy it from me. I stand by it—if you’re using your computer for anything that matters to you, for the love of all that is holy, please, back up your stuff.
My computer? Full of a lot of unimportant stuff, and a lot of photos I would be devastated to lost. Which is why I have these cute, tiny, baby hard drives to do back ups.
Great price, works great, and hey you might save a life.
you can also get this product at Best Buy and other tech vendors
Factor Meals
I’ve had a really difficult year with my mental health. During one particular bout, my eating habits were the word they’d been in years. My bestie Erin was so concerned and sent me a voucher for Factor Meals so that I could order pre-made meals sent to my house—all I would have to do was heat them up.
It was such an act of love.
I’m a hugely picky eater but I was able to find meals that worked for me, I even tried some things I normally don’t eat and ended up liking, and felt so cared for.
So it’s a great gift to either give to someone, or to give to yourself. Highly recommend.
Subscription to…
And you don’t need an explanation from me on why these other subscriptions are great, I’m just gonna throw these out there for ya. NOTE: all of these are my personal referral links, so I would receive a kickback if you were to use them, but I do like and use all of these services.
Whew! Now that’s over!
As a reminder, the most important thing when buying a gift for someone is that you took the time out of your day to think about them. Price tags don’t matter. If you can’t afford to get anything, write a card—that stuff matters. I keep every card people give me and go through them. Putting pen to paper to wish someone well is meaningful, and loving.
This year’s gift guide is dedicated to my loyal POTS Pals, the most wonderful angels, particularly to my guide’s greatest supporter, Dr. Amanda!
Thank you, reader, for being a part of 2024 with me. It’s been a really hard year, and I’m relieved and grateful to bring it to a close.
Please keep yourself warm if you’re somewhere cold, and cool if you’re somewhere warm,
Please enjoy your time with loved (and liked!) ones,
Please know that I am so glad to have you in my life in whatever capacity we know each other,
And please enjoy some rest, and some cookies, this holiday season, whatever holidays you do, and don’t, celebrate.
You are a joy.
All of my love,
