My Favorite Holiday Gift Ideas for Your Loved Ones with Parkinson’s

Every year, I compile a list of holiday gift ideas for people with Parkinson’s disease. This year, I’ve taken my favorites from previous lists and added some new ideas. I’m offering them here for those who need assistance with finding the right gift for their loved one.

A few of my favorites

Two of my all-time favorites are a terry cloth bathrobe and an electric toothbrush. The robe can be worn after showering when we don’t have the strength to dry ourselves or struggle with balance. A task like brushing our teeth doesn’t have to be so difficult when we have a quality battery-powered toothbrush.

Years ago, I bought a herbal neck wrap. I heat it in the microwave and use it to relieve stiffness in my neck. I also lay it across my feet to warm them up. These wraps are super easy to make: Use corn or rice and mix in aromatic herbs such as lavender.

For the love of books

If your loved one enjoys reading, a Kindle or another e-reader could be the answer to your gift-giving question. Fine motor skills — such as turning pages — can be challenging for some people with Parkinson’s. And a touch screen could be the solution. You could add a gift certificate to cover their first book purchase.

Personal care tasks, such as taking care of nails, become more difficult as the disease progresses. Your loved one might be delighted with a voucher for a professional manicure. A basic treatment is not overly pricey and often includes a hand massage. You could splurge and add a pedicure to make them feel truly pampered.

An alternative to a professional manicure is a do-it-yourself nail painting that an older grandchild could give to a grandparent. People with Parkinson’s might be grateful for an electric manicure set if they can still take care of their nails.

Let’s admit it: Some tasks would be easier with help, but you’d like to maintain your modesty a little longer. Have you considered a bidet toilet attachment? I discovered this device a few months ago and thought, “Why not?”

Following are more gift ideas that may inspire you this holiday season:

• Slipper socks with nonslip soles to prevent falls;
• Gift certificates for dance, voice, or other Parkinson’s-specific classes;
• A Rock Steady Boxing membership;
• Weighted eating utensils;
• Book of puzzles or brain teasers;
• Colored pencils and adult coloring books.

Whatever you decide to give your person with Parkinson’s, if the gift is chosen with love, they will appreciate it.

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Note: Parkinson’s 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 another 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 Parkinson’s News Today or its parent company, Bionews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Parkinson’s disease.