Arthritis can be a defining condition for some people. It can make even the most basic tasks difficult. However, carefully selected gifts for people with arthritis help reduce pain, encourage beneficial activities, and make life easier.
10 Gift Ideas for People With Arthritis
Finding the perfect gift for a friend or family member can be tough. Add in the challenges of arthritis, and it can seem impossible to find the right one. If you are shopping for someone with arthritis, consider one of these thoughtful gifts to make them feel special.
1. Heated Blankets
Heat can help alleviate arthritis pain, which makes heated blankets, scarves, and pads some of the best gifts for people with arthritis. When applied to targeted areas, it can also boost circulation. On top of that, many people find a warm blanket very relaxing.
There are also all sorts of heated wearables, which makes it easy for someone to take their gift virtually anywhere they go. If they are stay-at-home, you can give them a cozy throw they can snuggle up under.
2. Yoga Sets
A basic yoga set is a great way to encourage someone to exercise safely and gently. That is important because staying physically active is one of the most effective ways to prevent arthritis and manage its symptoms. Yoga’s gentle approach appeals to many people with arthritis.
Look for items that provide secure grip and gentle resistance. Blocks, straps, cushions, and bolsters are excellent tools for modifying postures to accommodate physical limitations. If your gift recipient is nervous about getting on the floor, oversized yoga balls or an arthritis-friendly chair yoga video might be better choices.
3. Smart Home Assistant
Smart devices have come a long way in recent years. You can now control virtually every aspect of your home with a central voice-activated assistant. Some features that you can integrate into a smart device include lights, smoke and CO alarms, and door locks. You can even get a smart refrigerator that monitors expiration dates.
Even if you don’t go for a full smart assistant, installing a smart thermostat or device to control the lights can make a huge difference in someone’s life. It is the perfect gift for people with arthritis in their hands, and it saves them from getting up and down a lot and may even help prevent a fall.
4. Meal Kit Subscription
A subscription can sometimes feel impersonal, but a meal subscription is one of the most thoughtful ways to show someone with arthritis that you understand their limitations. Arthritis can make meal prepping and cooking extremely painful. Kits that provide pre-chopped ingredients or fully prepared meals make eating healthy food easy.
5. Sleep Aids
If you are looking for good gifts for people with arthritis, take a peek in the sleep aisle. Things like eye masks, special pillows for people with arthritis in their necks or back, and aromatherapy sets are all great ideas.
When it comes to arthritis dos and don’ts, getting a good night’s sleep definitely ranks toward the top of the things to do. Proper rest is one of the most important things to help manage arthritis symptoms because it promotes physical and emotional health.
6. Gym Membership
Do you know someone with arthritis who doesn’t exercise because they can’t afford a gym membership? If so, this could be the perfect opportunity to help them get moving. Keep in mind that not everyone likes to go to the gym, so you might want to put feelers out beforehand.
7. Single Serve Coffee Makers
If you think a coffee pot isn’t a good gift, think again. Coffee lovers take great pleasure in a fresh cup or a new variety. However, they may not be able to manipulate the controls on fancy brewing machines.
That’s why single-serve coffee machines make some of the best gifts for people with arthritis. They produce reliably consistent results in a very easy-to-use form. Combine it with several varieties of specialty coffee or tea, and you have an incredibly thoughtful gift.
8. Pain Relief Products
When you live with chronic pain, a creative gift basket filled with pain relief products is a very thoughtful gift. Consider including items such as:
- Essential oils
- Gels and creams
- Hand warmers
- Shoe inserts
If you know the person takes over-the-counter pain medication, you can add a bottle. However, be aware that not everyone does, and some OTC items can interfere with prescription medications.
9. Mobility Aids
While some people with arthritis shy away from using canes and walkers, others embrace them. However, some mobility aids are very expensive, so people may put off purchasing them. If you know the person receiving your gift will appreciate assistance, this could be a great gift. Smaller aids, like grabbers and jar openers, make nice smaller gifts.
10. Foot Massagers
A great foot massage feels great and can help reduce tension throughout the entire body. That’s why personal foot massagers make good gifts for people with arthritis. Choose from a manual massage roller or an electric model they can use while relaxing in a chair.
One note of caution is that some people with arthritis in their feet may find a foot massage painful. If you are shopping for someone in this category, a relaxing foot bath and some scented bath salts might be a better fit.
Top Qualities of Gifts for People With Arthritis
Qualities to look for when shopping for gifts for people with arthritis include:
- Ergonomic design
- Oversized grips
- Pain relief
Keep in mind that each person is unique, and you want to consider their condition and limitations when choosing a gift. Gel floor mats are great for people with arthritis in their knees, but they do not necessarily make good gifts for people with arthritis in their hands.
Support Your Loved Ones With Thoughtful Gifts for People With Arthritis
The best gifts for people with arthritis are those they will use and enjoy. It’s a bonus if that gift helps make life easier for them. Contact our staff at Elder Care Alliance to learn how our communities help people with arthritis live active and fulfilling lives.
