This post was previously published but has been updated to include new and relevant content. It includes affiliate links that may pay a very small commission when used. This has zero impact on the price you pay, but does help me offset some of the website expenses I incur. If you decide to purchase any of the items below, I would greatly appreciate you using the links provided. A portion of all profits are donated to charities that help people with disabilities.
Prior to COVID, the instantaneous replacement of leftover Halloween candy and costumes with Christmas trees and holiday paraphernalia was annoying. But this year, OMG! I’ll take 500 tinsel bags, 50 sparkly ornaments, and 20 mistletoes (says the Jewish girl).
Play those Bing Crosby tunes and bring on the holiday cheer! After a three-year pandemic, Christmas (or Chanukah, or Kwanzaa), or any other celebration, is never too early.
Trend-Able’s 2022 Holiday Gift Guide for people with disabilities is here to help!
The gifts we’ve curated are either products we own and love or ones with amazing reviews that we hope to receive ourselves (let’s see who actually reads our posts). The gifts featured (not all specifically designed for people with disabilities) will undoubtedly help anyone with physical challenges to look and feel their best and remain mobile and independent with style.
The items below range in price from under $20 to $2500 and up. They cover everything from fashion and accessories to disability-friendly tools and mobility devices to help loved ones (or yourself) remain independent, active, and looking and feeling good. Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post to shop all of the gifts pictured and more.
Of course, as with all gifts given from the heart, it’s the thought and not the price that matters. But if you have the means, “’tis the season to splurge.” Right?
Click on the links and images below to shop our favorite 2022 gifts for people with disabilities:
The Gift Of Independence
There’s nothing more satisfying than an organized home with all your stuff in its designated places. However, for those of us who have hand weakness, opening and closing storage containers can be a difficult task in and of itself. These adapted kitchen canisters do not require twisting, turning, or hand strength for opening or closing. They come in a set of three and are easily opened and closed by pressing the easy open button.
If you’re into cooking, this adaptive cutting board is designed to make many common culinary or household tasks easier for those with limited hand strength or mobility, or who are otherwise dependent on one hand. Four large rubber suction feet keep the board firmly atop kitchen counters. It can hold mixing bowls, graters, loaves of bread, or jars securely for one-handed opening. Stainless steel spikes hold vegetables and fruit for cutting or slicing with one hand. The spikes can be reversed to provide a smooth food preparation surface.
If you surveyed 1,000 people with disabilities and asked them, “What is your #1 pain point when it comes to housekeeping?” I’m pretty sure that “vacuuming” and “mopping” would be at the top of the list!
Now, imagine a vacuum/mop combo that (using your voice or the device’s app to set up a schedule) cleans and shines your floors all on its own. Plus, this robot mop/vacuum actually empties itself after it’s done, remembering your home’s layout. So, you or your loved one can be relaxing on the couch (or out running errands) while all the floors are cleaned and shined on their own.
Grab bars are a smart thing for anyone with disabilities to have in the shower and other places where falls often happen. But they don’t have to be ugly or ruin the aesthetics of your or your loved one’s decor.
The Invisia Accent Grab Bar is a shower essential that provides robust support without compromising the look of your bathroom. The unique, curved profile can be installed vertically, horizontally, or diagonally to give you the proper support wherever you need it.
If you or your loved one has difficulty reaching for things, this is an awesome solution for any area of the home. Rev-A-Shelf’s Side Mounted, Pull-Down Closet Rod is available in three sizes and features an adjustable rod length to accommodate various openings depending on the model. To accommodate the universal design and the needs of wheelchair users, the telescoping pull-rod can be adjusted from 34 to 50 inches.
The Echo Show is the best everyday virtual assistant for people with disabilities. I love the big screen (I can see it even without my readers) that allows me to both listen to and see the responses to my commands. I can ask Alexa to schedule things in my calendar, order paper towels on Amazon, tell me the local weather, and even make calls. Alexa can turn off my lights, increase the heat in the house, and read me everything from podcasts to Audible books and even meditations.
I use my Ipad for literally everything and have it loaded with many of the disability friendly apps we’ve recommended. But, due to hand weakness and my tendency to drop almost EVERYTHING, I’ve gone through way too many of these not so inexpensive devices. But, after discovering this awesome Ipad case with its soft strap, easy grip handle and crossbody strap attachment option, it’s made all of the difference!
Well, I’m more of a Door Dash kind of girl than a cook, but when I do attempt to make a meal, I want kitchen appliances that make it seamless to do so and that create less mess for me to clean up in the process.
This highly rated digital toaster is da bomb! It’s awesome for people with physical challenges because, with the easy press of a few buttons, you can do like 15 things.
The Pan Buddy is a truly adaptive kitchen device. This handy attachment slides over the handle of just about any type of pan. The design consists of an adjustable vertical handle and wrist support. The handle is screwed into the wrist support and makes it easier to lift heavy pans by adding leverage and support. And the Pan Buddy also eliminates the transfer of heat from the pan. The Pan Buddy is a perfect gift for people with hand-related challenges.
The Gift Of Mobility
Trend-Able’s tagline is, “Where your disability is not an accessory.” While I strongly believe that having a disability need not define a person’s identity, I love seeing people who choose to embrace their mobility devices by either bedazzling them with rhinestones, matching canes to outfits, or choosing styles that reflect their individual sense of style.
This stylish cane is a great example. It’s lightweight and sturdy, with an offset shape that provides excellent support for the wrist. It weighs only 0.7 pounds and has a 250-pound weight capacity. Plus, it comes with an attached wrist strap for added grip and safety.
byACRE is a Danish mobility company with a mission to break down the stigma associated with reduced functionality. Their aim is to help everyone obtain a high activity level and look good while doing it. The Ultralight is truly an ultra-light rollator—in fact, it’s the world’s lightest rollator.
The shape of the rollator is inspired by both race car and bike designs, which symbolize an active lifestyle. It’s easy to fold and transport in the car, plane, or train—so you can keep exploring the world around you. Thoughtfully designed ergonomic handles support a correct posture and have integrated brakes for safety.
A handy small organizer bag that attaches to the back of the rollator is included as standard.
How cool are these tread covers? These gorgeous and fun hand-crocheted wheel covers I found by a crafter on Etsy are a great gift idea for stylish and confident wheelchair users. You can have them designed in any color palette you want. If crochet isn’t your thing, I also found these solid color spoke covers on Amazon.
An electric bike is the ultimate splurge gift for your loved one with a disability. When balance is an issue, a three-wheel tricycle lowers the center of gravity for added stability and security. You can choose to pedal for some exercise or let the bike do the work. Also, this bike has the lowest allowable step-through frame, so no struggling getting on and off.
The front and rear compartments have more than enough space to store what you need, and the large seat, double suspension, and big, fat tires give you the comfort you need for a pleasant trip, wherever your destination may be.
The Explorer Boot Dual Zip is a new adaptive waterproof boot developed through a collaboration between SOREL and Zappos Adaptive. The boots feature zippers on each side of the lower leg, allowing the wearer or a caregiver to open them wide, making inserting the foot easier. There is also an enlarged loop on the heel to make pulling up the boots easier, and removable insoles to accommodate orthotics. Check out our post with many other AFO friendly winter boot options.
The Gift Of Style
Oprah says on OprahDaily, “Now, this is cool—in fact, it might just be the gift of the year!” They look like classic, streamlined Wayfarer sunglasses, but they actually connect to your phone. You can listen to music or podcasts, answer calls, and even take pictures and videos. A simple tap or voice command is all it takes to do these things. And they charge in their case!” Ray-Ban Stories requires a Facebook account and the Facebook View App to share social content. These smart sunglasses are on the top of my gift buying list both for people with disabilities and those without.
If you wear leg braces like I do, then you will be thrilled to know that flare jeans are in style again. This pair by Free People are not only cute, stretchy, and flattering, they are also a pull-on style with an elastic waistband. Retailing for less than $100, they are a mid-rise fit with a clean silhouette and flat front & perfectly placed back pockets.
If you’re looking for a truly special gift to give someone with disabilities, there’s nothing that says I love you more than the gift of a gorgeous designer diamond bracelet.
Made in Italy this 18k gold bracelet by David Yurman features pave diamonds and a fantastic magnetic clasp.
As an alternative to black denim, faux leather pants and joggers are a chic and comfortable option for everyday and weekend dress-up. This pair has an elastic waistband and looks and feels like real leather. This on trend flare leg style skims over AFOS and are uber flattering on all body types.
I just discovered this brand of extra wide sneakers and bought both pairs for myself. I love the look of them and the fact that they have a flat platform that gives me height. They are also super comfortable and inexpensive. This is a true fine for any AFO wearer.
The Gift Of Looking & Feeling Good
This inexpensive blow-dryer/straightener/brush is surprisingly lightweight and easy to hold with my funky CMT hands. I have really thick hair that would normally take me hours to blow-dry smooth which is why I normally get weekly blow-drys by a professional.
It took me 15 minutes (no exaggeration) using this tool and my hair was as straight and smooth as if I had gone to a salon. Plus it comes with several awesome attachments for regular blow drying and different curling options. I rave about this blow dryer brush in our, Self-Care During A Pandemic Post.
As a makeup and skincare junkie, I’m always looking for easy-grip products that truly work. Even if you or your loved one aren’t big on makeup, mascara is a must-have for many women.I’ve tried many, but this mascara by Benefit is still my favorite. It doesn’t require several coats, elongates my lashes, and its built-in grippers make it easy for me to hold.
We’ve all heard it before, but as we age, there is no better product for reducing the appearance of dark spots and fine lines than a retinal serum. One of the challenges with most serums is that they come in tiny bottles with squeegees that are hard to hold. I recently discovered this roll on retinal serum and I am in love! It tackles the most important and sensitive area, the eyes. While we’re on the subject of skin care, I also my moisturizer with its push down dispenser by Drunk Elephant.
If your loved one has neuropathy and/or wears AFOS (leg braces), I can’t think of a more thoughtful gift than a foot and calf massager to keep their circulation and blood flowing. This is something most people would not buy for themselves but would definitely love to own.
Using reflexology massage, this massager has patented technology designed to circulate the blood from the feet toward the core of the body. Using under-foot massage rollers and warm air technology, this massager is guaranteed to relieve tension and soreness.
After a long day, nothing gets more cozy for the feet than a pair of Cozy Slippers by Billy’s Footwear. They are a zip-around style, which allows for easy foot entry and accommodates orthotics or AFOS. They are perfect for those chilly moments around the house. Be sure to use the code “Trend-Able10” at checkout for a discount on any pair of Billy’s.
As I get older, I’ve noticed an increasing number of random hairs suddenly popping up on my face and chin. It’s so annoying! With fine motor weakness, there’s no way I can use a tweezer (let alone hold one) to pull the hairs out. Although I’ve been getting dermaplane facials monthly for awhile, the hairs are popping up now between sessions (gotta love perimenopause), and so I’ve been looking for an at-home dermaplane tool that I can use myself safely and easily. Here it is! With this award-winning, at-home sonic dermaplaning system.
Sonicsmooth is dermatologist-approved for quick, easy, and painless exfoliation and peach fuzz removal. It has three different speeds, and after just one treatment, your skin will be smoother, softer, and more radiant. Plus, no chin hairs!
Conclusion
Of course, a cool tee, mug, bag, or even an apron gift with one of our original and empowering designs also makes a fabulous and thoughtful gift! Don’t know which one to choose? We also offer gift cards so your loved one can choose for himself or herself.
What do you think of our 2022 Holiday Gift Guide? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comment box below. You can also shop the entire collection and more by scrolling through and clicking on the items below.
Love this! Would also like to recommend ScentsAbility Candles – the best scented items made entirely by young adults who have intellectual ad developmental disabilities.
This is so thorough! Thank you soooo much! Purchased the bike & I’m so excited!
Oh Darlene! I’m so excited for you to get your bike. I love mine!
Thank you for introducing Me to Billy shoes. I now own several pairs. They are stylish and comfortable. I have shown them everywhere from my neurologist to my physical therapist and they were all unaware about this wonderful shoe. I really appreciate the work you put into finding cool products for people
Thanks so much Janice! I’m so glad that Billy‘s shoes work for you and that you have found success. There’s nothing that feels better than a great looking shoe that you can put on yourself & wear comfortably. Thanks for taking the time to comment! 💜
So much great research, Lainie! The Uggs were a particular thrill. I always appreciate the work you do on our behalf. Thank you!
Thank you Reece! You’re the best & a huge support to me & the Trend-Able community . Xo
Thank you for a wonderful list- I’m always excited about possible jewellery solutions since i have so much difficulty with this. Also excited about makeup brushes, shoes, callous remover, magnetic buttons, and crossbody purse. Lots to think about.
Thanks so much for reading Gail! Yes, there are a ton of helpful products & devices to keep us looking and feeling good. 💜
This is an absolutely great list! Thank you!
Nancy, I really appreciate you taking the time to comment 😄💜
This gift list is fantastic! I want the bike.
Thanks so much Lisa!