When you’re shopping for gifts, it’s best not to take a one-size-fits-all approach.
Instead, you should focus on finding presents that the recipient will actually use and appreciate. When you’re shopping for people with disabilities, for example, you’ll want to keep their disability in mind as you shop.
Luckily, finding thoughtful gifts for people in wheelchairs is easier than you might think. These items, which I selected based on my experience as a custom wheelchair specialist, range from practical to fun to tasty!
Whether you’re shopping for a friend or family member, a man or a woman, young or old, the gifts below are sure to be a big hit.
So keep on reading to learn more – or – give your eyes a break and let our system read this article to you… Just press play!
Our Favorite Gifts for Wheelchair Users
You’re probably wondering how you can help your loved ones who rely on a wheelchair to stay warm and alleviate their aches and pains. Well, look no further than the Happy Heat Rechargeable Electric Hot Water Bottle. This fantastic product offers numerous benefits that make it an ideal gift for wheelchair users:
- Ease of use: No boiling water or heating pads required – just plug it in and enjoy the warmth.
- Long-lasting heat: It offers up to 5 hours of soothing warmth, perfect for staying cozy throughout the night.
- Lightweight and portable: At only 3 lbs, it’s a breeze to carry around and use wherever needed.
- Therapeutic benefits: It helps alleviate arthritis pain, sore muscles, and menstrual cramps, providing relief and comfort in various situations.
In a nutshell, the Happy Heat Rechargeable Electric Hot Water Bottle is an excellent gift for wheelchair users who want to stay warm, relieve pain, and enjoy a more comfortable and cozy experience.
Its portability and therapeutic benefits make it a versatile and valuable tool in serving others and improving their quality of life. So go ahead and brighten someone’s day with this thoughtful and practical gift!
The Deadbolt Mystery Society Monthly Box is the perfect gift for someone who uses a wheelchair because it’s an enjoyable activity that they can do while comfortably seated. This immersive and interactive game night experience offers intriguing characters, compelling stories, and engaging puzzles for up to 4 people.
Each month subscribers receive a brand new standalone investigation with everything needed to solve the case. Even better, each box is self-contained, so there is no need to purchase any other boxes or have knowledge of prior boxes in order to enjoy the mystery!
Whether you want to play alone or with your friends and family, The Deadbolt Mystery Society Monthly Box is sure to bring hours of fun and entertainment. And if anyone ever gets stuck on anything, their helpful Hint Group on Facebook and Hint files on their website are always available!
Wheelchair Accessory Gifts
It’s important to stay hydrated throughout the day, and with this gift, it’ll be easier for anyone in a wheelchair to have a beverage with them at all times.
This universal cup holder is compatible with virtually all cups, mugs, bottles, and cans and remains upright at all times. If you know someone that’s spilled drinks before, consider giving them this thoughtful gift!
It’s important to ensure that people can stay comfortable when they’re in a wheelchair all day, especially if they only recently started using a wheelchair.
This deluxe cushion is incredibly plush and can be secured to a chair’s left or right armrest. For the ultimate comfort, you can buy a cushion for both armrests!
This secure, easy-release lap cushion can be an effective positioning device for someone struggling to stay upright when sitting.
It can keep users securely in their wheelchairs and can even provide anterior posture support.
It can even make self-feeding easier, which means it can help someone in a wheelchair maintain their independence.
Being out in the sun all day can lead to sunburn and skin damage, but thankfully, this umbrella provides excellent protection.
The umbrella can be securely fastened to a wheelchair and can block out 99.5% of UVA rays.
The umbrella is fully adjustable and easy to transport, which means the person you’re shopping for will be able to use it whenever they spend time outside.
Life Mounts All Weather Wheelchair Flashlight with Flex Mount
It’s important that people in wheelchairs can see clearly — and be seen — at any time, day or night. This mountable flashlight was designed for barbecue grills but can easily be secured to a wheelchair.
This gift could be lifesaving if you’re shopping for a wheelchair user who likes to go out at night.
A flashlight is an incredibly useful item to have around the house, which is why this wheelchair-friendly flashlight is such a thoughtful and useful present.
Wheelchair ramps aren’t always available, but with a portable ramp, your loved one can safely access areas with stairs.
These ramps are available in various sizes and are specifically designed to be as portable as possible.
Many ramps even feature built-in handles, which makes them easier to carry around.
Vive Waterproof Wheelchair Bag
Vive Wheelchair Bag - Electric Wheel Chair Walker Accessories Pouch for Adults, Seniors, 15...
These washable wheelchair bags are made of a waterproof fabric that protects whatever wheelchair users choose to store there.
They can also store all kinds of essential items, from phones and tablets to hand lotion and gloves.
Storage is an issue for many wheelchair users, so a gift like this is practical and thoughtful.
If cushioned armrests aren’t enough for you, you can opt for the ultimate comfort with this full-coverage cushion. Once secured, the cushion can make a wheelchair feel like it’s covered in pillows!
Of course, the cushion does more than offer comfort. It can also improve circulation, reduce soreness, and even lower blood pressure, making it a wonderful gift for anyone you love that’s in a wheelchair.
When temperatures cool, it’s important to find ways to stay warm. This wheelchair blanket, which features a beautiful embroidered floral design, can comfortably fit most wheelchairs.
It even includes lap pockets, so the user can keep their hands warm.
The blanket is machine washable and made from a cozy fleece. The design isn’t for everyone, but this is a premium-quality blanket that was specifically designed for wheelchair users.
Not into flowers? Classy Pal has plain blankets and other designs to choose from too.
Practical and Useful Gifts
The Copper Compression Half-Finger Gloves keep a wheelchair user’s hands warm, compressed, and comfortable too. These gloves come in various sizes and are made of a copper-infused anti-microbial and moisture-wicking material.
The gentle compression can help with hand pain, and they have a fingerless design to still grip their handrims and move their chair.
Zeba’s fashionable sneakers are wheelchair users because of their patented no-tie system.
Instead of dealing with fasteners, they slip right on, even from a standing position.
This reduces the chance of you losing your balance because you won’t need to bend over to tie your shoes!
This well-made jewelry features a hidden panic button that you can press when you need any assistance from friends, family, or even the authorities.
Once received, the jewelry syncs up to an app on your cell phone. Then, once the panic button is pressed, your cell phone will notify the people that you designated.
This is a great gift for wheelchair users who are on the go frequently.
These superior and stylish bibs and clothing protectors for seniors come in all kinds of fun and classy designs.
They are extra large for maximum coverage, have a strong but easy-to-open velcro closure, and have a pocket/crumb catcher at the bottom.
LapGear Designer Lap Desk with Phone Holder and Device Ledge
This gift makes it possible to use laptops, write letters, and even engage in crafts while sitting in a wheelchair.
This lap desk is comfortable to use thanks to the built-in cushion, which conforms to the shape of the user’s lap.
It’s available in various styles and colors, allowing you to select the perfect style for the person you’re shopping for.
You can’t always be there to assist your loved ones, but with monitoring devices from MobileHealth, you can ensure that the people you care about are always protected.
These medical alert systems make it possible to receive help with just a push of a button. This will transmit the user’s location and information to MobileHealth operators.
Getting in and out of bed isn’t always easy for people in a wheelchair.
With an affordable platform bed from Zinus, however, it will be a lot easier.
Many of these beds also include appealing features like reclining headboards and built-in USB ports.
With these medical tags, it’s easy for first responders to get essential information about a patient.
The tags are laminated and completely weatherproof, so they’ll be in great shape for years. The set includes both a keychain tag and a wallet card.
It’s a wonderful way to protect the people you love most.
It isn’t always possible to hold an umbrella while in a wheelchair.
This colorful and stylish poncho can keep your loved ones comfortable and dry. The poncho is reversible, fully lined, and can be packed into itself for increased portability.
It’s big enough to cover up most wheelchairs too.
Many wheelchair users need to wear gloves to protect their hands.
These stylish men’s gloves aren’t just waterproof. They also feature touchtip technology, allowing them to be used with touchscreen devices.
This gift is an excellent option if someone on your shopping list needs a new pair of gloves.
When people have limited mobility, many basic tasks, like tying shoelaces, can be a challenge.
Thankfully, you can avoid tying your shoes with these shoelaces from Xpand. These laces can be used with all kinds of shoes and consistently provide a great fit.
A present like this could make for a great stocking stuffer.
Pampering and Comfort Gifts
The BioSoft line of socks from Orthofeet is specifically designed to address foot pain and increase overall foot comfort.
They are made of super-soft, moisture-wicking, anti-bacterial bamboo fibers and come with padded soles and super stretchy cuffs to better fit swollen feet, ankles, and calves.
Dignity Pajamas
Many wheelchair users often have difficulty dressing, resulting in lots of tugging and pulling by caregivers.
The open-back gowns and pajama products from Dignity Pajamas are easier to put on because they are open in the back with simple closures like hook and loop fasteners.
The best part? They don’t look like those ugly hospital gowns either; rather, they look like any other stylish nightgown or pajama set a person would choose for themselves!
They have many styles available for both men and women!
These closed-heel slippers look like normal shoes at a glance, but they’re designed to provide incredible warmth and comfort.
The slippers are made from natural wool and are available in many sizes and colors. Plus, the closed heel will protect the feet from injuries caused by the front wheel and legrests.
If you gift someone a pair of these slippers, you can expect to see them always wearing them.
It isn’t necessary to wear shoes in a wheelchair, but it is essential to keep your feet protected.
These soft, high-quality slippers offer incredible comfort while keeping feet safe.
It’s an especially thoughtful gift if your recipient is also diabetic because they are especially prone to foot injuries.
Vive Neck and Back Shiatsu Massager with Heat
Neck Massager
Perfect for heating, massaging, and relaxing sore back and neck muscles, this is a great gift that can provide much needed relief to muscle soreness, muscle tightness, or even pain resulting from these issues.
All without having to book an appointment, go across town, and deal with the uncomfortable aspects of getting a massage from a professional.
TaoTronics Light Therapy Lamp
Light Therapy Lamp, 10,000 Lux UV Free LASTAR Sunlight Lamp with Touch Control 3 Brightness...
In winter, you could have 16 to 18 hours of darkness.
This keeps elders from getting out in the sun, which can depress some elders.
A light therapy lamp mimics natural outdoor light so that elders don’t feel they are missing out on anything outside.
A lack of lumbar support can lead to lower back pain and feelings of stiffness.
Wheelchairs don’t always provide ample support, which is why this comfortable memory foam cushion is such a thoughtful present.
The pillow comes in various colors and can easily be used with a wheelchair. Once someone starts using this cushion, they’ll be able to feel the difference right away.
For people in wheelchairs who tend to get a little lonely, check out Crate Joy’s TheraBox Self-Care Box.
Each box has healthy ways to spend your time by concentrating on yourself and your own care. You get a happiness activity and several self-care wellness products to try out.
The best part? Therapists choose each box’s selections!
See all of our favorite subscription boxes here.
Tech Gifts
Snug Safety - Free Daily Check-In Service
Looking for a unique gift idea for a senior or elderly person who lives alone? Here is a great alternative to expensive medical alert systems.
Snug is a free – and friendly – check-in service for people living alone. It works via an app on a mobile phone and alerts a senior’s emergency contacts if they don’t check in by their assigned time.
There are free and paid subscription plans available. The free plan sends text messages to emergency contacts, while the paid Dispatch plan takes additional steps, including phone calls to ensure the person is safe. If they can’t reach anyone, they will request a Wellness Check to the cell phone’s last location.
The Dispatch Plan is $9.99 per month, but Graying With Grace readers can save 15% by using my discount code GWG15 or the button below.
Vive Health Mach V Fitness Tracker Watch
Fitness Tracker Mach V
This fitness watch from Vive Health is a comprehensive activity and sleep tracker. It even tracks heart rate and blood pressure throughout the day to promote good cardiovascular health.
It has an easy-to-use interface with a bright, clear screen, and easy for most older adults to read. It lasts seven days between charges and recharges fully in less than 2 hours using a simple magnetic charger.
Finally, it is water-resistant and can be worn in the shower or while washing hands, so you don’t have to worry about it getting misplaced. 2 color options and a 60-day satisfaction guarantee.
This easy-to-use cell phone for seniors features photo dialing and an emergency button and displays the time, remaining batter, and signal strength.
And that’s it!
Plus, caregivers can manage and control the phone settings through a simple portal.
These high-quality noise-canceling headphones are world-renowned for shutting out the world around you.
Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant too. Wireless and easily synced to a phone, tablet, or PC.
This HD video doorbell makes it possible to see who’s at your door from a phone or tablet. It can also record video footage of your porch.
It’s a lovely gift for someone who might struggle to answer their door or for anyone with security concerns.
If the user authorizes you to use their account, you can also use Ring to check in on them throughout the day.
The Wearable2 is a simple health tracker and fall detection device. As such, it has a myriad of features.
For fall detection, users have access to GreatCall’s 5Star Urgent Response. The watch connects immediately with the call center when it detects a fall.
Users can also access other emergency services, roadside assistance, locksmith, or caregiver by pressing the 5Star button. Users must pair the device with the iOS or Android app for fitness tracking.
Echo Dot Smart Speaker
This is probably one of the most useful gifts for anyone who uses a wheelchair.
There is a lot that Alexa can help with without the person even needing to move their wheelchair.
Alexa Echo will tell them the time, date, and weather forecast, play them their favorite songs, and also remind them to have their medicines.
All-New Dragon Home Speech Recognition Software
When people lose mobility, they often struggle to type.
With Dragon’s speech recognition software, however, it’s possible to dictate and record messages without lifting a finger.
This is a great way to send out emails and messages to loved ones, and it can also be a thoughtful gift for someone that’s always wanted to write a novel.
Food Gifts
This senior meal delivery service sends chef-prepared meals from doctor-designed diets straight to the door.
Simply select your meals from a menu online or via phone and set your delivery schedule.
Rest assured, knowing your loved one is eating well!
Are you or a senior in your life a coffee nut? Yeah, me too. And I know I would love to receive this subscription service as a gift.
For a low monthly subscription, Peet’s coffee will ship a different coffee each month – within 24 hours of roasting it!
Their service is flexible too. You can choose which coffee you want, how much you get, and how often you get it. You can pause or cancel at any time.
Don’t know for sure what type to order? Then let them curate service choices for you.
See more food club gift ideas here.
People with limited mobility often find it hard to pick up both essentials and luxury items.
With a beautiful gift basket, like the ones sold at GiftBasket.com, you can treat someone to all kinds of amazing goodies. There are fresh fruit baskets, spa baskets, and many more options to choose from.
Entertaining Gifts
Many wheelchair riders can benefit from Audiobooks.com subscriptions: from active users who like to exercise to elderly people who are homebound or even bedridden.
Audiobooks provide hours of entertainment, education, and enlightenment. Plus, they keep seniors’ minds busy as they pass the time.
Magazine subscriptions provide many benefits for seniors: education, entertainment, and a way to pass some time.
They can also be a great link to the outside world.
Look for large print magazines like Reader’s Digest for seniors with vision problems.
Ancestry Gift Subscription
As we age, it’s not uncommon to begin wondering where we came from and wanting to learn more about our roots.
A gift subscription for Ancestry® can help aging adults begin the journey by plugging in what they know about their ancestors.
A gift like this can also create an opportunity to spend time together by working on the family history together!
General Gift Ideas for Someone in a Wheelchair
Like I discussed in my recommendations for comfortable wheelchairs, insurance companies only pay for items that are medically necessary.
Many of the accessories that would improve the function of a wheelchair user don’t meet their criteria. You know, things like cup holders, wheelchair bags, wheelchair gloves, etc.
But many of these types of items would make being in a wheelchair easier.
Summary
Many users of wheelchairs will appreciate the thought of a practical gift that will help them in their daily life. But, many won’t specifically ask for what they need. Using a gift guide like this will help get the right gift for a person in a wheelchair.
Selecting gifts can be a stressful process. Thankfully, if you look at the suggestions above, you’ll find that it’s easier to find great gifts for people in wheelchairs. Even if you have a limited budget, you’ll be able to choose a thoughtful gift that will be used and appreciated.
If you’re willing to spend more, wireless headphones are one of my favorite options on the list. If you pair this gift with an audiobook subscription, it can provide hour after hour of entertainment. If you have a tighter budget, wheelchair bags are affordable and useful.
You can find more gift ideas for seniors and the elderly here if you would like more ideas.
What gift do you recommend for someone using a wheelchair? Have you given a gift that was a hit? Or maybe even a flop? Share your advice and experience in the comments below. Oh! If you found this information helpful, I’d appreciate a quick share with your friends.
I am a wheelchair user and prefer to purchase anything wheelchair related, such as a bag, for myself, as I know what I need, and wheelchair cushions have to be chosen in conjunction with providers who know what they are doing. For gifts, I want stuff like clothes (if someone knows what I like and it definitely is nothing wheelchair related), jewelry, household items, gift certificates and books. I am sure some people would appreciate getting some of these things as gifts!
Hello Shannon – thanks for your thoughts and gift ideas you shared. Maybe I should record this article a little bit. In my job as an ATP, I have had people ask me what they can get their parent in a wheelchair to make it easier, better, more comfortable, etc. These are the types of things I usually tell them. You are right, though. The best gifts come from people who know what you want and need and like! Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Thank you for your great information.
im sure ill try ordering a few for holidays…