As you can tell from my blog, I’m a big fan of finding simple solutions to help solve a problem. That’s probably why my two favourite shows are Shark Tank and the Canadian equivalent; Dragon’s Den.
I love to see how people not only came up with a solution to an existing problem but also how they overcame many hurdles to create the product and share it with the world.
There are very few episodes that I’ve missed over the years, and I can honestly say that every product I have purchased after viewing it on the show has met or exceeded my expectations for it.
Today I’m sharing my favourite Shark Tank products for Spoonies (those coping with chronic illness) and a future post will also share my list of my favourite Dragon’s Den products. These products impressed the Sharks and I think they will do the same for spoonies!
Here are my 15 Shark tank product picks for spoonies (in no particular order). We’ve added direct links to help you learn more about the products. Some links are affiliate links.
For quick reference you can also find most of these products on our Amazon List here.
1) The Comfy
What is it: A sherpa blanket crossed with a hoodie
Episode: #910
Why it’s good for Spoonies: We all know that we spend a lot of downtime at home, perhaps curled up on the couch riding the waves of pain and fatigue. In addition, some conditions can cause circulation issues so being cold might be one of our symptoms. The Comfy gives you the perfect combo of being wrapped in a warm and cozy blanket but having your hands free to still do things around the house. Gone are the days of dragging a blanket across the floor with the Comfy!
My experience with it: I love my Comfy! I wear mine every morning when I wake up in a cool house. I do my morning routine in the comfort of its plush, soft sherpa lining. In the winter when I get a chill I practically live in my comfy. I have bought one for family members as well and when we all get cozy on the couch to watch tv…out come the comfys! We won’t win any fashion awards but we sure are cozy!
Where you can purchase:
USA- Amazon
Canada – Amazon
2) Lit Handlers
What it is: It’s like a cup cozy on steroids. It adds a handle(with mini pocket) to a variety of drink bottles and cups available in a variety of bright and bold colours and designs.
Episode: # 1222
Why it’s good for Spoonies: There are days when your hand pain may be so bad that it’s hard to wrap your fingers around a cup and have the strength to hold it. Using Lit Handlers gives you a step up in holding your drink. You can easily slide your hand into the handle and it helps to prevent dropping your drink by helping to redistribute the weight of the drink. For really cold drinks, it also protects your joints from having to feel the cold (which may cause stiffness for some people when their joints are exposed to cold), while still insulating the cup and keeping it cool on the inside.
My experience with it: I was gifted three tie-dye Lit Handlers and I love them! I love that they make my drink easy to distinguish from others, they provide an instant handle for my drink (without too much effort to get the bottle in – although the water bottle cozy was definitely the tightest one to get in), and they protect my hands from feeling the cold of the beverage (which is huge for me because cold hands make my joints stiffen almost instantly). When out hiking I can also loop my belt through the handle and have my drink hands free so I don’t have to carry it the whole way.
Where you can purchase:
3) Enso Silicone Rings
What it is: Stylish, lightweight, and comfortable rings made from silicone
Episode: # 906
Why it’s good for Spoonies: If you have a chronic illness that causes swelling or joint deformities (I’m looking at you; Rheumatoid Arthritis) you have probably experienced the frustration and disappointment of having to remove your rings for fear they would get stuck on your finger. Or it may be that your fingers are deformed and it’s difficult to even put on a traditional ring. Enso rings are the perfect solution, with no fear of ever having them stuck on your finger. These comfortable and flexible rings are simple, and beautiful, and help to fill the void when traditional rings are not safe or practical to wear. They are becoming the first choice for many couples (and not a last resort). They have beautiful designs and colours to choose from, including wedding bands, to find the perfect style for you.
Where you can purchase:
USA- Amazon
Canada – Amazon
4) Unbuckle Me
What it is: A genius device to help unbuckle a child’s car seat while reducing the pressure required by the hands
Episode: # 1114
Why it’s good for Spoonies: This device uses leverage to its benefit and makes it 50% easier to unbuckle the car seat (which anyone who suffers from arthritis can testify to how painful this process can be!) If you have arthritis or any other condition which affects the strength of your hands and have children or grandchildren, this is a must-have! This is also a wonderful gift to give to new moms.
Where you can purchase:
USA- Amazon
Canada – Amazon
5) Simply Fit Board
What it is: An easy-to-use piece of exercise equipment for a low impact full-body workout
Episode: # 708
Why it’s good for Spoonies: Movement is medicine, but it can be hard to fit movement into our day, especially while at home. This balance board with a twist is small and easily tucks under your bed, and can give you a full-body workout in just a few minutes a day. It weighs just 3lbs and can easily be taken with you when you travel too, just toss it in your car and use it in your hotel when you need to get that important movement in. It is low impact since your feet remain on the board the whole time and there is no jumping or jarring of the joints. They also have workout DVDs available to help guide you through a variety of exercises you can do with it, beyond just the regular “twist”.
My experience with it: I’ve had mine for several years and really enjoy the workout. It took me a little bit of time to get used to balancing on it and twisting on it without moving all over the room, but once I got the method down I really enjoy the full-body workout. I pop in my earbuds and twist away. It’s quiet, low impact, and fun. I did see in some Amazon reviews that some people were complaining about their boards cracking, but I’ve never had that issue with mine even after several years of use.
Where you can purchase:
6) Squatty Potty
What it is: A stool that wraps around the base of the toilet to elevate your feet to assist with proper bowel movements by aligning your colon
Episode: # 610
Why it’s good for Spoonies: Gut health is very important for its a connection to your overall health and it’s also a connection to autoimmune health issues. Using the squatty potty (it’s as easy as just putting your feet on it while you are on the toilet) can dramatically improve your colon health and therefore have a ripple effect of health benefits.
My experience with it: We’ve had one for years and we love it. At one point in my journey I was having several gut issues including bloating and constipation, and the squatty potty, along with some dietary changes, definitely helped me to get my body back on track.
Where you can purchase:
USA- Amazon
Canada – Amazon
7) Click & Carry
What it is: A simple device designed to help you carry bags while reducing the pressure on your hands
Episode: # 1125
Why it’s good for Spoonies: Shopping can be exhausting for those with chronic illness, and one of the challenges is carrying al the shopping bags. The click & carry is a simple and lightweight device that helps to redistribute the weight of the bags so it’s not so much pressure on the small joints in the hands. It can be worn on the shoulder for hands-free carrying, or simply as an easier way to carry bags without hand strain.
My experience with it: I was gifted a Click & Carry and was very impressed with how comfortable and easy to use it was. In addition to being helpful for grocery shopping trips, I’m excited to use this while we travel as well as I feel this will be a big help at the airport when I’m juggling all the luggage.
Where you can purchase:
USA- Amazon
Canada – Amazon
8) Scrub Daddy
What it is: A clever cleaning tool that makes scrubbing so much easier. It turns hard in cold water and soft in warm water and it’s safe to use on non-stick pans. You can also wash it by running it through the dishwasher.
Episode: #407
Why it’s good for Spoonies: Doing dishes or scrubbing the tub can require a lot of energy and effort, and can cause strain on the hand joints, especially when you have to exert yourself to scrub stubborn surfaces. The Scrub Daddy makes scrubbing much easier, without the risk and scratching the surface.
My experience with it: We have been using the Scrub Daddy for years and would never do back to a traditional sponge or scrubber. We use them in the kitchen for doing dishes, and I also have one in the bathroom for cleaning the tub. They last quite a while and are worth every penny, in my opinion.
Where you can purchase:
9) Souper Cubes
What it is: Perfectly portioned trays that go in the freezer to save portions of your meal prep or leftovers
Episode: # 1214
Why it’s good for Spoonies: Frozen meals can be a life saver for spoonies. They are quick to pull out on a bad pain day so that you still have healthy food, without requiring the effort of prepping and preparing the food. The Souper Cubes might look like giant ice cube trays, but they are nothing in comparison to an ice cube tray. They have a sturdy silicone construction that can be baked, put in the dishwasher, and easily stacked in your freezer. They have stainless steel wire in the edges as well to make it extra sturdy, so you won’t get the contents spilling out due to it being flimsy.
My experience with it: I just purchased a set of Souper cubes and I was so impressed with the quality of the product. It was a much higher quality than I expected. I am looking forward to making some double batches when I cook and starting to fill my freezer for a flare day.
Where you can purchase:
USA- Amazon or at SouperCubes.com where you can sign up for their newsletter and save 10%
10) Sleep Pod by Hug Sleep
What it is: A clever alternative to a weighted blanket – the same benefits without being weighed down
Episode: # 1203
Why it’s good for Spoonies: Many spoonies benefit from light compression (both for inflammation but also for things such as anxiety.) Weighted blankets have become very popular for the soothing benefits they offer, but for many, like me, the weight of the blanket is too much and it’s just not practical to sleep with a blanket like that. When I tried a weighted blanket my hands couldn’t even lift it to allow me to adjust it. That’s why this sleep pod is such a great alternative! Just like a baby sleeps well when swaddled, many adults enjoy the gentle, calming pressure that feels like a hug. The Sleep Pod is breathable and lightweight and the latest model has a foot flap at the bottom for foot freedom.
Where you can purchase:
11) Ring
What it is: A video doorbell that records activity outside your home
Episode: # 510 (Formerly Called DoorBot)
Why it’s good for Spoonies: For many people with chronic illness, getting out of bed can be a huge feat some days, let alone being able to make it to the door in time to answer it. By having the Ring doorbell installed at your home you can easily see who is at your door, and can even have two-way communication with whoever is there….all from your phone without having to leave your bed. Save your spoons for when they are truly needed.
Where you can purchase:
12) All 33 Ergonomic Chair
What it is: A revolutionary ergonomic chair
Episode: # 1210
Why it’s good for Spoonies: Sitting still for long periods can cause physical pain and ailments. The All 33 ergonomic chair allows your pelvis to move the way it does when you walk so all 33 vertebrae align into perfect posture. This results in better breathing, blood flow, and relief from pain.
Where you can purchase:
13) No limbits
What it is: Adaptive clothing designed for those with limb differences, wheelchair users, and people who experience limited dexterity and sensory sensitivities.
Episode: # 1318
Why it’s good for Spoonies: Getting ready for the day is the first thing we do, but it can be exhausting when our clothing is hard to put on, or uncomfortable to wear. Save your spoons for other activities in the day by wearing No Limbits accessible clothing. Look and feel great with little effort!
Where you can purchase:
14) ICEBEANIE HEADACHE & MIGRAINE COLD PACK HAT
What it is: A cooling hat for migraines, fevers, and more
Episode: # 1209
Why it’s good for Spoonies: Many who suffer from chronic illness experience tension, headaches, migraines, and fevers. Finding relief from these can be challenging, but this is a great all-natural solution. This cold therapy compression solution provides full head coverage and results in a soothing therapeutic experience designed to naturally reduce pain, discomfort, swelling, and inflammation.
My experience with it: I actually don’t suffer from headaches or migraines but several of my spoonie sisters do and they have said this product has been a lifesaver for them during those moments.
Where you can purchase:
15) Larq Self-Cleaning Water Bottle
What it is: A Water bottle with a UV light in the cap that purifies the water and cleans the water bottle to prevent bacteria
Episode: # 1218
Why it’s good for Spoonies: Staying hydrated and drinking clean water is important for all people, but especially for spoonies. In addition to avoiding plastic drinking bottles (both for your health and for the environment) using the Larq can give you the confidence that what you are putting in your body is free from contaminants. There are two purification settings on the bottle, one about a minute for potable (tap) water, the second is a little over three minutes for non-potable water – like from a stream. This is also great for use while travelling to make sure your water is clean and you don’t have any digestive surprises.
Where you can purchase:
You can find most of these products on our Shark Tank for Spoonies Amazon list here
Which product is your favourite? Are we missing anything? Do you have a favourite Shark Tank product that is helpful for Spoonies? Please feel free to share below.
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