Free gifts:
A visit, even for five or ten minutes can lighten a homebound person's day. Come armed with good jokes and funny antidotes.
Inexpensive (but appreciated) gifts:
One gift can simply be to send them greeting cards by mail. There is something very special about receiving a card by snail mail. It makes the recipient feel recognized.
Candy is yummy, but be certain what the person really likes and can handle. Don't be afraid to ask. Swallowing can be a huge issue. As in "Big Bang Theory," Milk Duds are for all ocassions, as are Ding Dongs.
Soft kleenex tissues with aloe in a box with colors and designs the person likes. Add a bow and it becomes a gift.
Spray on sunscreen
A good back-scratcher. I found that plastic spaghetti spoons work wonderfully!
Non-slip adhesive ducks for the tub or shower floor
Burt's Beeswax lipbalm
Body lotion or powder
A good cologne or perfume
Music or movie CDs
Movie or event tickets
Flowers... even men like flowers, don't let them kid you. They don't have to be expensive. From your garden can be just as wonderful.
One or a mountain of pillows... a variety of sizes, firm to soft, some with the cooling gel or pad, a supportive "C" shape neck pillow to a large sitting-up bed cushion
Pillow protectors of any or every size
Pillow cases, soft, in any of a variety of sizes
Medium Cost:
An assortment of good greeting cards. Keep in mind that when they send someone a card, they want it to look new and thoughtful. Humorous cards are usually appreciated. A couple of nice sympathy cards in the mix, although often overlooked, come in handy.
Throw blankets in colors the person likes
Small blankets that can be used to cover the person's lap and legs. People in wheelchairs can be prone to either sunburn or cold, especially on their knees. They are very useful to cover spots from dining or other accidental spills.
Aprons with pockets. Even severely disabled people love their cell phones, have wallets and other small items they need or like to carry. The aprons protect their clothes when they eat, so serve a double purpose. If you do embroidery, something meaningful to the person makes a special touch.
Character slippers... several dozen different types are available. My husband has tiger, zombie, hobbit, and several different bear feet. These are wonderful for disabled people who can still go out. The slippers are great to make people smile and break the ice to talk to the disabled person.
An "on the door" hanger with about six large compartments to hold slippers. These compartmentalized hangers also prevent the door from being smashed into the wall when the door opens from being hit by a wheelchair.
More expensive:
Pedicures and manicures... I treated my husband to a pedicure, his first. My friend and I insisted that his toenails be painted. He protested. We ignored his protests. We selected two colors, one a brilliant blue and the second, a glitter topcoat. When he was finished, everyone in the salon stood up or came over to look at his feet. I suggested to the salon manager that he take a picture, because this could open a new market. Real men, this one being a former fighter pilot, lumberjack, rancher and dairyman, get their nails painted. Later, at home, he happily showed visitors his toes.
A really good electric razor or new blades for an existing razor.
A good set of wireless headphones for watching television. Be ready to set them up or make sure there is someone else who can.
A deep tissue massage, especially one that will come to the home.
Fans, table or standing that are adjustable and multispeed
A personal buzzer that has a button on a necklace for the patient and a vibrating and/or noise unit for the caregiver
For disabled with their own home (make sure you check with the person first!):
Maid service
Window washing service... Windows are the eyes of the home. Beautifully clean, streak free windows makes the home feel fresher, more comfie.
A handi-man to fix all the dings and bangs to walls and doors from wild wheelchair rides.
Aluminum or brushed steel door kicks to prevent wheelchair marks on doors. I recommend getting ones at least 10 inches high. These install with screws. Be prepared to do the installation or help arrange for a handiman.
For those gift-givers who have money to burn:
A comfortable adjustable bed
Memory foam bed topper
A padded headboard
A large flat screen television, since vision can often be an issue, size matters.
A wheelchair van, with top of the line amenities and an automatic slide out ramp, capable of kneeling. Backup navigation, a step and captain's chair for the driver, lots of cup holders, individual adjustable air vents. (Alright, maybe that's more for the caregiver than the person!) A wheelchair modified Toyota Sienna with the side access seat would be great.
A Disney park vacation for the disabled person and a dozen of their friends! Disney caters to the disabled and makes access to everything easy.
Or, a Universal Studios vacation in Florida for Harry Potter fans.
A full-time night-time care-giver or nurse... oddly enough, a disabled person may require more attention at night than during the day.
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