What is on your holiday gift list? Here are some ideas directly from a person with Parkinson’s, but many could be a great gift for anyone, whether they have a movement disorder or not. People with a chronic illness like Parkinson’s enjoy receiving gifts that are considerate of their specific challenges, as well as those that don’t remind them of their disease, so no matter the preferences of the person you’re selecting a gift for, you can stay on the “Nice List” this holiday season!
1. Electric Toothbrush
Electric toothbrushes come in all shapes, sizes, and price points, from under $10 to over $100.
2. No-Hands or Slip-on Shoes
Many shoe companies offer no-hands shoes, ranging from dress shoes to sneakers.
3. Electric Razor
These can help prevent injury, save money, and streamline the regular shopping process. One less disposable to restock!
4. Shirt Buttoner
A shirt buttoner is precisely what it says. Let’s not kid ourselves—-buttons can be tricky.
5. Travel-Size Hair Tools and Products
Travel-size hair products are easier to handle, from blow dryers and stylers to shampoo bottles.
6. Guide Beauty Products
Their makeup and accessories are designed for people with tremors or other hand issues. A girl doesn’t have to give up all the girly stuff because she has Parkinson’s!
7. Weighted Silverware
I have a fork and a knife. I love them, and I am looking forward to the spoon.
8. Meditation App Subscription and Setup
This could help your gift-receiver with anxiety but be sure to offer to help them set it up.
9. Massager or Spa Gift Card
Help ease the holiday stress with a relaxing massage.
10. Weighted Blanket
Even better if it has heat and massage to help calm those legs with a mind of their own.
11. Towel Warmer
A warm towel and a warm robe make winter mornings easier.
12. Adult Sleep Sac
In keeping with easing anxiety, an adult sleep sac will be on my list. Babies love them – why not give one a try?
13. Gift Cards
We all shop online. It’s become a lifeline for me, from groceries to personal items.
14. Meal Service with Prepped Ingredients
Precut and premeasured ingredients can help with both convenience and nutrition. For additional insights on meal services, kitchen equipment, and healthy eating, check out the NeuroLifeOnline video: Cooking is Medicine—Nourishing the Mind and Body: Optimizing Nutrition for Parkinson’s.
15. Fitness Equipment
Items such as hand weights, trekking poles, and yoga mats are a great way to support someone in starting or keeping an exercise routine. Exercise is also research-proven to help people with Parkinson’s, as well as other movement disorders.
Enjoy, Don’t Endure
One last thought for those living with or supporting a loved one with a movement disorder… ENJOY the end of year holidays, don’t ENDURE them. Scale things down if you need to. While socializing is essential, it’s also okay to say no. You don’t have to go to every holiday party and participate in every cookie exchange. If you do need cookies, it’s okay to buy them.
Replace some of those time-consuming and physically demanding family traditions with newer, simpler ones. A big dinner can become “LINNER” – a combination of Lunch and Dinner earlier in the day when “on” times are more likely. Ring in the New Year in a different time zone. After all, it’s midnight somewhere…
Be well and visit the wHolistic Series for more tips on how to have a great holiday season.
For additional gift recommendations from specific brands, check out this guide from The Davis Phinney Foundation.
