The best gifts for adults with cerebral palsy will add convenience to their everyday lives or help them become independent.
Because cerebral palsy is a developmental disorder, many gift guides for people with CP are intended for children. This gift guide will share 15 ideal gifts for adults with cerebral palsy.
The Best Gifts for Adults with Cerebral Palsy
Understanding how cerebral palsy affects your loved one’s day-to-day life can help you choose the perfect gift.
Cerebral palsy is a condition that includes a wide range of motor impairments at varying severities. Individuals may experience motor impairments in their legs, one side of the body, or throughout their entire bodies.
Below are 15 suggested gift ideas for adults with cerebral palsy.
1. Smart Devices
Smart speakers like the Google Home or Amazon Echo make great gifts for adults with cerebral palsy.
These devices are convenient for individuals with motor impairments because they can be paired with other smart devices to:
- turn the lights on and off
- make phone calls
- lock and unlock doors
- set reminders and alarms
- control the temperature
These tasks can be managed using just the individual’s voice. If your loved one is non-verbal or has difficulties speaking, they can download the Amazon Alexa app or Google Home app to control these tasks from their phone.
Discover smart devices on Amazon »
2. iPad
An iPad opens a world of opportunities for someone with cerebral palsy. Not only can it be used for entertainment, but also therapy.
For example, individuals with oral motor impairments may download speech therapy apps and speech generators to improve their communication skills. Additionally, individuals are able to develop their fine motor skills by learning how to use the iPad.
Various applications may be installed to keep adults with cerebral palsy engaged and occupied throughout the day.
If an iPad is too costly, consider getting your loved one an app store & iTunes gift card so that they are able to purchase helpful apps to use on their iPhone.
3. Adaptive Tools
Adaptive tools make great gifts for adults with cerebral palsy because they provide the support needed for individuals with motor impairments to perform activities of daily living independently.
Useful adaptive tools for individuals with cerebral palsy include:
- Reachers help individuals with weak arm or trunk control grasp objects that are out of reach.
- Leg lifters help individuals with lower body motor impairments perform transfers in and out of bed.
- Grab bars may be installed around the house to provide additional support for performing transfers.
- Adaptive utensils help individuals with fine motor impairments eat independently.
- Universal cuffs attach to various household items such as pens, toothbrushes, and silverware to help individuals maintain a secure grasp of objects.
Find additional adaptive tools on Amazon »
4. MusicGlove
MusicGlove can help adults with hemiplegia (paralysis of one side of the body) or quadriplegia (motor impairments throughout the entire body but predominantly in the limbs) strengthen their hand functions.
It combines music, gaming, and hand therapy to create the ultimate neurorehabilitation device that keeps individuals engaged and practicing the repetitions they need to improve.
Learn more about the MusicGlove »
5. FitMi
FitMi is a rehabilitation device that helps motivate adults with cerebral palsy to be more active and perform high-repetition movements. It involves tapping, moving, and squeezing sensorized pucks to challenges displayed on the screen.
With 40 hand, arm, core, and leg exercises designed by physical and occupational therapists, the FitMi is ideal for individuals with any type of cerebral palsy.
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6. Wheelchair Accessories
Wheelchair decorations like cushions, wheel covers, and stickers adds individuality and flair to a basic wheelchair.
Some individuals with cerebral palsy may spend the majority of their day in a wheelchair, and decorating it to express their personal style may help improve their confidence and uplift their mood.
Additionally, cushions may make your loved one feel more comfortable as well as prevent the development of pressure sores.
Discover decorative wheelchair accessories on Amazon »
7. Activity Tracker
Getting your loved one an activity tracker can help promote a more active lifestyle.
Due to motor impairments, many individuals with cerebral palsy live sedentary lifestyles, which increases their risk of developing health complications, including:
- Pressure sores
- Poor circulation
- Decreased metabolic rate
- Depression
- Weak bones and muscles
Being active doesn’t require strenuous exercise. Simply moving around more throughout the day may provide significant health benefits. Setting a daily activity goal motivates individuals to be more active.
Find activity trackers on Amazon »
8. Wireless Headphones
Wireless headphones are an excellent gift for adults with cerebral palsy.
Jumbled headphone cables are difficult for individuals with motor impairments to detangle. Wireless headphones eliminate the difficulty so that your loved one can listen to music or watch videos without having to manage tangled wires.
9. Massage Gift Card
Many adults with cerebral palsy experience tight muscles and pain on a regular basis.
A professional massage promotes relaxation by loosening stiff muscles, improves circulation, and reduces pain.
If you prefer to get your loved one an item rather than a gift card, a handheld massager is also a great gift idea.
10. Robotic Vacuum
Vacuuming can be challenging for individuals with cerebral palsy because it requires both upper and lower body mobility.
A robotic vacuum helps keep the floor clean and gets to all those hard-to-reach spots, like under the sofa. It can also save a significant amount of the individual’s time.
Shop robotic vacuums on Amazon »
11. Blender
Cerebral palsy can affect the muscles of the mouth and make it difficult for individuals to chew or swallow.
Those that do not need a feeding tube may find that using a blender or food processor to breakdown their food is an effective way to decrease chewing and make food easier to digest.
12. Ring Doorbell
The Ring video doorbell is another useful gift for individuals with cerebral palsy. When someone rings the doorbell, it sends a notification to the individual’s phone and allows them to see who is at the door.
Individuals with motor impairments may also require more time to get to the door. The Ring doorbell allows users to speak into their phones to let visitors know they are on the way.
Learn more about the Ring video doorbell »
13. Virtual Reality Headset
A virtual reality headset is both entertaining and promotes a more active lifestyle.
Individuals with cerebral palsy are able to participate in interactive challenges that keep them engaged and performing the repetitions they need to improve their mobility as well as provide entertainment and distraction.
14. Electric Blanket
People with cerebral palsy often struggle with body temperature regulation. Since most of our body heat is generated through muscle contractions, those with severe motor impairments are more likely to feel cold due to limited movement.
An electric blanket may help your loved one warm up quickly. The heat may also help relax tight muscles and reduce pain.
Discover electric blankets on Amazon »
15. Xbox Adaptive Controller
If your loved one enjoys video games, then the Xbox adaptive controller will make a great gift.
The Xbox adaptive controller was designed to make gaming more accessible for everyone. In fact, it was created in partnership with the Cerebral Palsy Foundation.
Individuals can connect various switches, buttons, and joysticks to customize their gaming experience and have it accommodate their specific motor impairments.
Learn more about the Xbox Adaptive Controller »
Gifts for Adults with Cerebral Palsy: Key Points
Everyone experiences cerebral palsy differently, so it’s essential to understand the severity and location of your loved one’s motor impairments and consider their interests when picking out a gift.
Hopefully, this gift guide for adults with cerebral palsy provided some helpful insight. We’re sure you’ll find the perfect gift.
