A pair of Nike Force One may mean a lot to most people but some wheelchair users can see it as a constant reminder of their condition. Comforting words may not mean much to most people; but to depressed wheelchair users, it means a lot.
This doesn’t mean that wheelchair users hate shoes and enjoy comforting words; I’m trying to say that getting the “perfect” gift for a loved one in a wheelchair requires a little more observation and discernment.
In this article, I’m going to show a list of gift ideas that a friend, colleague, partner, or family member in a wheelchair would love.
Taking out your time to take your friend camping, fishing, hiking, or visiting Disneyland in his wheelchair is one of the best gifts you can present to a wheelchair user.
Most people consider a visit to the zoo or mall way more exciting than sitting at home playing chess or video game.
Taking him/her out on these simple adventures can help distract them from their present condition and focus on having a good time.
As the saying goes, “happiness is healing to the bones“ these types of gifts create lifelong memories and an exquisite smile on the face of your loved one.
This is the perfect gift idea for wheelchair users that enjoy interacting with people and discovering new things. Alternatively, you can prank than by gifting this realistic looking double-sided $10,000 prop money 🙂
If fishing, camping, or going to Disneyland seems too small, then you should go the extra mile by getting plane tickets to see the Wildlife in Africa, renting an RV to tour Europe, or getting a taste of luxury in the UAE.
If you are looking for unique and interesting gift ideas for wheelchair users, then look no further than the Amazon Echo.
The Amazon Echo is a hands-free voice speaker. It comes with advanced features like a 2.5” woofer and a 2” tweeter, providing immersive, 360° Omni-directional audio. To enhance bass response, it also features a 10” passive radiator.
With Dolby processing, the Echo ensures clear vocals, a wide dynamic range, and an improved noise-canceling microphone array. This allows for convenient hands-free voice control. Moreover, six far-field microphones enable you to hear Alexa from across the room.
Cool right? Amazon Echo is one of the smartest home assistants ever. All echo devices are connected to a voice-controlled personal assistant service called Alexa.
This smart device will immediately respond to anytime you say “Alexa”.
It can tell you about new products and show you videos without you having to look at the screen.
Amazon Echo is a smart device that opens up the world around you. With it, you can ask questions about your surroundings and get information about products that are trending on Amazon.
It is the perfect casual gift for any wheelchair user.
You can play music from your library or purchase apps and merchandise. Echo has expanded its functionality over time and now works with most sports teams.
You can listen to music, get information on your favorite team or information on a query, and order stuff without having to type anything at all.
The best part is, it’s affordable. At just $120, you get an Echo with more than enough features to make your life easier; which makes it the perfect gift.
In the past, wheelchair users had to carry their laptops, books, water bottle, and other personal items on their lap and most times these items slide down, fall, and probably get damaged.
This is very discomforting and frustrating.
You can make your friend a bit more comfortable using a wheelchair by getting him an elegant backpack to hold his stuff.
This would save them the stress of carrying their stuff on their hand or laps. It is the perfect gift for a roommate that relies on a wheelchair for mobility.
This list will not be complete without wheelchair cushions. Wheelchair cushions are also one of the most iconic gifts that you can give to a wheelchair user.
Some wheelchair is designed in such a way that they don’t provide comfort for the user. Most folks that use a wheelchair are over an extended period are prone to a series of health issues like back pain, pressure sores, neck pain, decubitus ulcers, skin ulcer, and even poor blood circulation around the hip.
Wheelchair cushions provide additional comfort and good seating posture for wheelchair users. These handy wheelchair accessories also reduce the risk of pressure sores, decubitus ulcers, lower back pains, and improve blood circulation.
It is a priceless gift for dads and moms that rely on a wheelchair for mobility.
For wheelchair users that are determined not to let their condition weigh them down, stickers with inspirational messages or wallpaper like “nothing is impossible“ or “you can do it” go a long way in inspiring them.
It may not seem like much to you, but to them, it means a lot.
You understand what drives them and you are giving them the support and motivation they need to keep pushing. If your co-worker uses a wheelchair, this is one of the best gifts that you can give to him.
An inspirational gift isn’t compulsory, your gift can be funny or sarcastic.
If you can’t get a good sticker, you can sort for alternatives like shirts, hoodies, mugs, bracelets or calendar.
Wheelchair ramps are built to be easily fitted at the top and bottom of your door frame, making accessibility easier and convenient for wheelchair users.
Threshold ramps bridge gaps in floor heights, making them ideal for entryways, doorways, and at the top or bottom of stairs. These mobility accessories are available in a range of sizes, widths, and extensions to fit any doorway, stair, or porch.
It is the best gift for wheelchair users that enjoys their independence. This simplistic equipment allows wheelchair users to ascend and descend from elevated platforms and surfaces.
The Threshold ramps are the easiest ramp to set up anywhere. It features a lightweight aluminum surface that provides dependable support without compromising security or safety, and the rubberized top surface helps prevent skidding.
These mobility accessories are super portable, durable, and economical. It is perfect for both indoors and outdoors.
Most people still don’t know that one of the best gifts you can give to someone in a wheelchair is your attention. Spending time with them allows you to learn from them, understand them, and love them for who they are.
Some people feel their wheelchair is a prison and isolate themselves from the rest of the world. They act tough but deep down; they want people to be around them.
For people that have been confined to a wheelchair through accident or illness, your presence may be a gift that they appreciate more than you know.
Being there to make them laugh when they are agitated is a gift that they will never forget. Try to be that friend or partner that they can always talk to or rely on when the time comes.
These kind gestures assure them of your love for them and it reminds them they are still accepted and valued in society. Besides, you can’t buy happiness on Amazon.
Who wouldn’t want a good pair of wireless headphones as a gift? Help a friend experience the world in a new way by giving them the gift of music.
Wireless headphones let users enjoy listening to their favorite songs, talk radio, or audiobooks without needing to rely on other people to change the song or channels.
Since it’s hand-free, they can do it on their own without moving a muscle. It is the perfect gift for wheelchair users with paraplegia or quadriplegia.
The Sony WH-1000XM4 is the overall best wireless headphones you can buy.
These bad boys have excellent noise cancellation, supreme sound quality, compatibility with smartphones, and lightweight wireless design. Because of its lightweight, wireless, and easy to use, it is the perfect gift for wheelchair users who have limited arm and hand movement.
AirPods can also be an excellent gift idea for wheelchair users that are big fans of Apple products. Although there don’t have long-lasting battery life or sweat-proof performance, they still make an excellent gift.
While ear-clip styled buds like the Beats Powerbeats have long-lasting battery life and always stay attached. These wireless headphones are perfect for wheelchair users looking for hands-free audio access.
Give a gift of sleek, durable wireless headphones with Bluetooth connectivity and make your friend happy.
Here are other wireless headphones that you might like:
There are so many products and accessories for people who use a wheelchair, and they are constantly changing. What is needed is a gift card to give your partner the right to choose what he/she wants.
If you have a friend or sibling in a wheelchair, one of the best ways to show your love is by gifting him/her a gift card. It is the perfect casual gift for a wheelchair user.
Gift cards give the user freedom of choice, which makes them the perfect gift for wheelchair users that want to maintain their independence.
Don’t know which gift card to give, here are some of the best gift cards you can give to a wheelchair user.
Amazon Gift Cards
Starbucks Gift Cards.
Netflix Gift Card.
iTunes Gift Cards.
Walmart Gift Cards.
Apple Gift Cards.
eBay Gift Card.
MasterCard Gift Card.
Victoria’s Secret Gift Cards.
Disney Gift Card.
Whether it be something simple, like a gift card to purchase an extra pair of shoes, or something more active, like a day at the spa. Gift cards are the easiest way to say “thank you”.
Cast-iron skillets are amazing gifts for cooks/chefs even if they use a wheelchair. Most wheelchair users I know are amazing cooks which makes cast-iron skillet one of the best gifts you can give to a disabled relative.
These cookwares are super versatile, nearly indestructible, have flawless cooking performance, and can be used both indoors and outdoors. A quality cast-iron pan can be used for more than 100 years and still maintain its outstanding looks and performance.
The Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 5 Piece cost less than $100 but comes whith quality pans and cookware that are perfect for all occasions.
This set of cast-iron cookware has amazing shapes and designs that provide even heat distribution for flawless performance for cooking, frying, searing, sautéing, roasting, and even baking on stoves, induction cook-tops, grills, and campfires.
How do I gift a cast-iron skillet, you might ask?
Simply make the recipient’s favorite meal, serve in the skillet while it’s wrapped in a festive-colored burlap. You can also add other small items [like a pair of oven mitts, a small recipe book, or a customized apron], and deliver in a reusable tote.
A cast-iron pan is perfect for cooking almost any meal. They are easy to clean and will last forever if you take care of them. These cookwares have a smooth enamel finish that makes cleaning easier – they are easy to clean and long-lasting enough to pass down through generations.
These are the top 10 best gift ideas for wheelchair users that we could find. The gift ideas in this article are perfect gift ideas for parents, siblings, friends, partners, colleagues, and elderlies who use a wheelchair.
We created this guide to help you find the right gift for a disabled friend or family member.
Wheelchaired is a proud member of the United Spinal Association and a disability blog dedicated to sharing guides and advice on issues concerning disability, mobility, accessible travel, and personal development.
