Holiday Gift Ideas for Your Favorite Friend Who Has Cerebral Palsy

Do you have a person who has cerebral palsy or a physical disability on your holiday shopping list? Are you at a loss about a gift to buy them? Something that will be helpful, and they also would enjoy?

I have compiled a list of items that I believe someone with a disability would want to receive. But, like any gift, keep in mind the person receiving and follow your heart and instincts. Not everything you give needs to be disability-related.

Kindle: I love to read, but holding a book is extremely difficult due to my dexterity. Having a kindle has opened the pastime of reading books to me like never before. I like to read in comfort and independence.

Kindle case: If you know someone has a Kindle, consider purchasing a Kindle case. Kindles can be a challenge to turn on and off. My husband bought me a durable case that turns on the Kindle when you open it, and turns it off when you close the case. I absolutely am thrilled by the independence it has given me.

Massage gift certificates make a great present for people with stiff and spastic muscles. Massages help a person relax and have better movement for a while. Be sure to research to see if the massage facility is wheelchair accessible or it will be a waste of money and time for the person going for the massage.

Pants that look good but are easy to get on and off, like leggings. If you’re shopping for a woman, a good pair of leggings is an excellent idea, especially paired with a shirt that matches.

Money is a great idea for someone on disability. Disability checks aren’t very high and living off that money is not easy. So, having some extra money is always welcome.

Gift cards to places like Amazon are a huge help to anyone. More and more people are using online shopping and the convenience is wonderful, especially if you can’t drive.

Heating blankets or wraps are welcomed by those who have difficulty with muscles or tight muscles. Heat helps calm and relax muscles. Look for blankets that are easy to turn on and off.

Homemade coupons offering your services. When you have a physical disability, you feel bad asking for help, and because of that we often don’t ask. Offering services such as lawn care, organizing closets, trips to the movies, trips to stores, carpet cleaning, basement organizing or help with pets are always welcome. Having the coupons takes away the pressure the recipient can have about asking for help.

Anything soft is excellent for people with cerebral palsy. Feeling softness on the skin or in the hands not only feels good, but is good therapy. Blankets, fuzzy socks, pillows, sheets, towels, slippers, mittens, hoodies and pajamas all fit in this category.

Technology offers wonderful opportunities to people who have disabilities: iPads, iPhones, remote control lights, apps and anything offering ease of independence. Consider an iTunes gift card as an idea.

Visiting or offering to drive to places are perfect gifts. Going places can be a challenge if someone doesn’t drive, so if you offer to drive them it takes away the stress of asking for a ride.

Pets: If you are considering adopting or purchasing a pet for a friend, do not unless you ask first. They may not be physically capable of caring for a pet, and that is not fair to your friend or the pet.

Note: Cerebral Palsy News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Cerebral Palsy News Today, or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to cerebral palsy.