If you’re anything like me, when someone asks what you want for Christmas, it’s easy to name a few things. So it’s no surprise that Rainie regularly receives an Amazon link with a “Tell Santa ;)” caption.
Or maybe you have no idea what you want. I’ve been there too! The first Christmas after my accident, as a new quadriplegic, I didn’t know what I wanted because I didn’t know what I could actually use. It was difficult to think of a single thing that I could benefit from having.That year, my high school principal and teachers reached out to my family. They wanted to trade in their tradition for swapping faculty gifts, and all go in to provide gifts for me instead. They all came over with arms full of things I could use! They brought fuzzy socks, blankets, pillow cases, essential oils, an Amazon Alexa, and more! They helped make that Christmas very special for me and I will always remember their kindness.
This will be my 3rd Christmas since my accident so I have some more insight than back then! A few things I have asked for includes anything heated: heated socks, heated leggings, and heated gloves (the struggle is real!)
If you or someone you know is in a similar situation, I hope to help give you some ideas for gifts that will be useful and enjoyable this year!
Amazon Alexa or Google Home- This has been so very helpful to us! In the beginning, I didn’t have my phone so I could use Alexa to send messages and call my family. In the hospital, we would have her play music for us and even now, she is great for setting timers, playing music, or giving me reminders. You can also buy lights and technology powered by Alexa, but I’m not there yet!
Heated Blankets – I wouldn’t survive the winter without my heated blankets. I have one that plugs into the wall, the car, and I even have one that plugs into the USB outlet on my wheelchair. This is a great gift since someone with a Spinal Cord Injury usually can’t regulate their body temperature. But also if they don’t have much feeling, it can be easy to overheat so be careful!!! There are so many versions, but I have linked a few for you.
Essential Oils and Diffuser- I like the Young Living Brand because they were gifted to me and smell amazing. It’s nice to have something to fill the air with fun scents when you spend so much time in one place- whether it’s your room, or even just the house. As a newly injured person getting out was a pretty rare occurrence. I linked to Amazon for a cheaper version and I know TJ Maxx as a lot of options too!
Wall Calendar or Book Calendar- Appointments on appointments with multiple people keeping your schedule can be hard! A calendar for all to see is super helpful!
Voice Amplifier- A good idea for those of us who can’t talk loudly. I wish I would’ve known about this a lot sooner than I did because it makes it so much easier to be heard.
GlassOuse glasses- Glasses for controlling a laptop. They are perfect for someone who doesn’t have enough arm movement to use a laptop. This is how I write my blogs, do my homework, and much more.
Heated Jacket- Did I mention we are cold a lot? I first saw it on another quadriplegic’s page, Laura @anhonestquad, and knew I had to have it! There are many versions but I linked one for comparison.
She shared a few ideas too! These may be helpful for people with more arm movement.
Apple Watch- easily call and text people. She said it’s really helpful if she falls.
Gloves for Life – a quality suede, a “tacky” palm insert, and have an easy on and off closure (made to be accessible for quadriplegics, or those with limited dexterity). ‘‘They keep me from blistering, allow me to push independently easier, assist in transfers, grasping objects and can be used for much more!’’
Freewheel- a manual wheelchair attachment that lifts the castors off the ground to give you more control on various terrain. ‘‘I can actually push myself on gravel and grass if my freewheel is attached!’’
A cup holder that attaches to the wheelchair.
Magnet shoe laces (no more shoe tying!)
I hope this will give you ideas this Christmas if you are having a hard time coming up with your own!!! Check out my Amazon list to find some of these items!
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