Christmas shopping is an opportunity to find things for loved ones that we think they’ll appreciate and need. If you’re shopping for someone with limited mobility or arthritis this year, what better way to show you care than by getting them something to make daily life more comfortable and fulfilling?
While practical, heating pads and jar openers aren’t very Christmassy. Instead, we’ve created a list of our favourite fun and meaningful gifts for people with arthritis and reduced mobility, suitable for all budgets and preferences.
Jewellery and a Fastening Helper
Jewellery is a classic gift idea, but fiddly clasps and delicate fastenings might prevent you from buying it for your loved one with arthritis. To make sure your loved one still gets to experience receiving a gorgeous piece of jewellery, simply pair it with a jewellery fastening helper.
This tool makes putting jewellery on much easier, even for individuals who struggle with hand stiffness and limited mobility. It’s universal, so you can choose the piece of jewellery that fits your loved one’s style and preferences without having to worry about compatibility.
Homemade Muscle Soak
A relaxing bath is a wonderful Christmas treat, only made sweeter by the addition of homemade bath salts. This is an incredibly quick and easy gift to make for your loved one, and numerous recipes are available online. Choose one with Epsom salts to maximise arthritic benefits and ease stiff joints.
Pair the salts with your loved one’s favourite scent or essential oils with therapeutic benefits.
Some good examples include:
- Lavender: Features anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, with a calming scent that can reduce stress and improve sleep.
- Ginger: Gingerols contain anti-inflammatory properties, which can have pain-relieving effects on affected joints.
- Eucalyptus: Inhaling eucalyptus has been shown to reduce pain and lower blood pressure in patients with arthritis.
- Chamomile: The scent of chamomile has been linked to reduced pain levels and improved, more restful sleep.
- Peppermint: The contained menthol creates a cooling and tingling sensation that can help numb nerve endings and soothe pain.
Gifting your loved one muscle-soak bath salts encourages them to use the bath more frequently, which can help reduce pain, loosen joints, and improve mobility. The warm water helps to relax muscles and decrease inflammation, boosting mood and comfort.
Easy Access Bag
A shoulder or waist bag is a wonderful gift for anyone with limited mobility, especially when their hands, arms or shoulders are affected by arthritis. These bags can be worn in areas that are easily accessible, such as around the waist or across the body.
You can find easy-access bags in plenty of high-street stores, or small businesses also provide lovely offerings. Look for one that is made from durable fabric, has an adjustable strap, big pockets and an easy-pull zip.
Hand Massager
A hand massager is a luxurious gift that can help people with arthritis feel much more comfortable and independent. Your loved one might not have bitten the bullet yet to buy themselves one, which is why Christmas is the perfect excuse to treat them to an at-home pamper kit.
The Sakerplus Hand Massager utilises compression, heat, and massage to deliver therapeutic sessions and provide suitable pain relief. It features three modes to meet your loved one’s needs, and it’s portable and cordless for practical, on-the-go soothing relief.
If your loved one doesn’t feel as much pain in their hands as in their legs and feet, a leg and foot massager could be an excellent alternative. The Bodi-Tek Comfort360 is a great option, with many positive reviews.
Tipping Kettle
There’s nothing more comforting than a nice warm cup of tea, hot chocolate or malted drink in the winter, but lifting a heavy kettle can be too difficult or dangerous for some people with limited mobility. If your loved one struggles with strength and grip, a safe tipping kettle might be the best unique Christmas present.
The Uccello Ergonomic Easy Pour Kettle gives your loved one the opportunity to pour boiling water without lifting a heavy pot; its rocking cradle delivers a steady stream of hot water without the risk of scalding. Pair with an ergonomic mug or hot drink set to complete their gift.
Smart Speaker
A home assistant device, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home, makes a great gift for people who struggle to use smartphones or similar devices due to arthritis or other conditions affecting their hands, including swollen knuckles or fingers. Home assistants can be used to search for questions and answers, set reminders and alarms, play music, send messages, make calls, and perform other functions.
Certain smart speakers can even connect to home systems, such as doorbells, lights and appliances. This means your loved one can create a complete system with their home assistant to make day-to-day living easier and more efficient.
Lap Tray
A lap tray may sound like a simple gift, but it’s a wonderful option if your loved one enjoys crafting or reading, or who finds it difficult to reach the coffee table from their chair or bed. A lap tray provides a comfortable and convenient space for them to keep their belongings while relaxing.
We recommend a lap tray with a padded cushion beneath, such as those from Bosign. These are small and lightweight, so they won’t hinder your loved one, but practical enough to hold everything they need without requiring them to repeatedly get up. They come in several colours, so make sure you choose your loved one’s favourite!
E-Reader or Audiobooks
If your loved one enjoys reading, an e-reader can help them enjoy more books without the burden of holding a physical copy. E-readers come in all shapes and sizes and can hold thousands of books at a time. Brands like Amazon Kindle and Kobo also offer subscriptions that can be gifted to individuals who already own an e-reader.
Audiobooks offer a unique way of reading, making a subscription to audiobooks a fun and thoughtful Christmas gift. You can buy audiobooks outright if your loved one has a book wish list, or you can choose something you think they’d like from their preferred genres.
Wristband Alarm
If you’re looking for a practical yet comforting and beneficial present, a wristband alarm brings the best of both worlds to Christmas. These alarms are designed to be worn at all times and can alert selected friends and family members if the wearer falls. This ensures your loved one gets support quickly, helping them remain confidently living at home for longer.
Arthritis can cause mobility problems due to pain, stiffness and reduced range of motion. Your loved one may secretly worry about falling and injuring themselves, which is why this alarm is such a thoughtful and meaningful gift.
Talk to Trinity Homecare Today
If your loved one requires home care, chat with one of our friendly care team today. We offer a free, no-obligation enquiry and assessment service and are happy to offer information and advice to help you find the perfect home care solution.
Call us on 0207 183 4884 in confidence for a free no obligation quotation. If enquiring outside of our opening hours, please complete our online form and we will contact you the next day.
