6 gifts for active people with Parkinson’s
Looking for a gift to give to your favorite person who has Parkinson’s disease and refuses to sit still?
I have found six items that could benefit someone like that, particularly those who travel, hike, and get outside for exercise.
While I’m not promoting any specific brands, I’ll offer some search words to make the items easy to find online. I’ll also give you a rough price range.
(If nothing here strikes your fancy, check out my first gift list, published a year ago.)
Gift ideas for active people with Parkinson’s
NON-SLIP SOCKS
Cozy slippers or around-the-house socks are like a warm blanket around your feet – a great gift for almost anyone. But for people with mobility issues or at risk for falls, it’s important to get the kind with the rubbery substance on the bottom.
Search for “house socks with grips”
Price: $5 to $20
PILL BAGS
I have a stack of these and I use them ALL the time. They are perfect for those of us who take medication every few hours and are often out and about. I just drop my next dosage into a bag, “zip” it up, and stash it in my wallet or in a secure pocket.
Avoid the tiny packages that would be hard for someone with a hand tremor to open. About 2×2 inches is as small as you should go. The bags are also reusable.
Search for “small pill pouches” (Also available at Walmart stores.)
Price: about $2 per package of 50
WATER BOTTLE CARRIER
Staying hydrated is good practice for anyone, but it’s especially important for people with Parkinson’s. It helps with absorption of medication and fights constipation. Plus, people with PD who get dehydrated often see their symptoms worsen, too.
But who wants to juggle a water bottle with all the other things to carry when you go out?
Enter this carrier for water bottles that you can sling over your shoulder. I just received one as a birthday gift. It has pockets for my phone, credit cards and other small items. So convenient. Why didn’t someone think of this before? It’s so simple!
Search for “water bottle carrier with strap”
Price: $17 to $25
TREKKING POLES THAT TRAVEL WELL
Poles are an excellent balance aid, whether you’re hiking a trail or walking around the neighborhood. They are constantly being improved upon.
I suggest finding polls with these two features: foldable (to fit in a suitcase) and with removable rubber tips. The rubber tips work on sidewalks and in stores, and the metal tips help on dirt trails and on icy outdoor surfaces.
Some come with a drawstring carrying bag.
Search for “trekking poles rubber tips foldable”
Price: $80-$250
EYE-DROP ‘GLASSES’
A long day outdoors in the sun or wind can dry out your eyes, and eye drops are like a refreshing dip in the pool for your orbs. The idea is to get the drops to land on the eye’s surface, but when your hands shake a lot, it’s hard to hit the target.
These “glasses” make it easy. You put them on, tip your head back, find an opening to set the bottle in, and squeeze the drops in. Again, why didn’t someone think of this before?
Search for “eye drop helper glasses”
Price: $12-$20
WEIGHTED PEN
This aid isn’t necessarily aimed at people with Parkinson’s who try to stay active, but I’m adding it because it’s a cool idea. Micrographia, or small handwriting, is a common symptom of Parkinson’s disease. Rigidity, tremors, and slow movement tend to make writing small and messy.
These pens are thicker for a better grip, and weighted to help stabilize the jerkiness. I’ve tried one, and I have to say it felt good to use.
Search for “weighted pen for tremors”
Price: $12-25.
(Check out my video that features the micrographia problem.)
Buying tips
Since it’s shopping season for many people, and having shopped for many years (certainly that qualifies me!), I will dispense advice based on my own experience.
Don’t be tempted to grab the cheapest version you find! Unless you typically buy products in the top price ranges, your best bet is to shoot for somewhere in the middle. This philosophy serves me well!
You should also consider consumer reviews, but go ahead and raise your eyebrows at some of them. Nurture a sense of skepticism. Many people are paid to write reviews are and beholden to the people who pay them.
Thank you to Susan S. and Ethel M. for helping with ideas and photos.
