Holy Cow! Holiday Gift Ideas for people with disabilities

Posted on by Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP
white background image with snow on the bottom of the image and red and white wrapped presents on the bottom left and right of the image. On the right side of the image is a black and white cow wearing a red hat, gold glasses and different color tinsel wrapped around its body with pink and blue mini ornaments hanging from the tinsel. On the left of the image is Pathfinder's branded graphic.

It’s that special time of year again, where sleigh bells are ringing, store doors are swinging, and wrapping paper is shuffling during hours of skillfully planned gift wrapping. Well, we’ve spent hours compiling a carefully crafted list of creative gift ideas in eight categories for people with disabilities or to benefit people with disabilities, just in time to help you this Christmas season.  Check out our special disAbility Holiday Gift Guide with holiday gift ideas for your favorite people!

A Great Read

A good book while snuggled under a comfy blanket is always a great holiday gift idea, especially when you can learn a lot from it or support authors in the disability community. Here’s some books that might peak your interest, including a relationship book that might interest some parents.

 

“How to Build a Thriving Marriage as You Care for Children with Disabilities,” written by Kristin Faith Evans, MA, MS, LMSW and Todd Evans, PhD, MA gives insight into the unique skills crucial for a thriving marriage as a disability parent.

Once on the brink of divorce, Kristin and Todd Evans uncovered the unique set of skills critical for growing a fulfilling relationship amid the extraordinary challenges of caring for their two children with special needs. Now they are sharing their discoveries and inspiring couples with insights into navigating disability parenting as a unified couple with tips on aligning parenting goals and practices as a couple based on biblical teachings, research and clinical strategies, and personal experience. Kristin and Todd offer practical relationship tools in this book to strengthen, and enjoy your marriage. They help you

· identify your unique needs
· assess your strengths and weaknesses
· set your priorities
· develop healthy stress management skills
· deepen your communication and connection
· tackle problems as a team
· find ways to rest and recharge
· nurture sexual intimacy
· build a strong support network
· and so much more

Visit their website to find out more about the book, which can be found at Walmart, Target, Barnes & Nobles, and on Amazon.

Inclusive Books

What better way to warm a child’s heart than to see a reflection of themselves in a book. Click here to find some inclusive books for the kiddos on our Inclusive book list. There’s even some for adults on our list and we’re adding more all the time. And don’t forget to download our free Pathfinder READ bookmark today! It’s a great holiday craft idea to go with your book gift or a great zawadi (gifts) for Kwanzaa!

ART

When you give the gift of art, it shows you’ve considered the person you’ve bought it for. Buying art requires thought of a person, their space, their attributes, and their style. It can be such a thoughtful gift especially when art is purchased to support organizations that assist people living with disabilities. When you purchase art from creators with disabilities, you’re not just buying a piece of art—you’re investing in talent, resilience, and community. Every brushstroke tells a story of courage!

Christmas Time by Diane Roark from Healing Arts Project, Inc. (HAPI)

Here are a few art ideas when thinking of the perfect gift.

HAPI Art

Healing Arts Project, Inc. (HAPI) provides artistic opportunities for persons in mental health and addiction recovery to promote healing, community awareness and inclusion. Works by the artists can be found in their store on their website.

Art without Limits

Borderless Art Tennessee is an organization that supports art for individuals with disabilities.

CARDS

Cards are always a perfect way to send your sentiments during the holidays. Create a holiday list of names and addresses of friends and family and send out those cards soon so they can make it before the holidays.

sn imsgr og s vollrvtion of colorful holiday cards. Center of the image is a pink card of the Nativity scene with white stars covering the card.

Greeting cards are a great way to share your sentiment during the holidays.

MIFA Holiday Cards

Again this year, MIFA is doing it big with the greeting cards for the holiday season.  Honor friends, family, and colleagues with a seasonal gift that will have year-round impact. Your gift supports MIFA’s programs serving Memphis and Shelby County, including Meals on Wheels, housing for homeless families, and financial assistance for families in crisis. For a minimum donation of $10 per card, send MIFA (Metropolitian Inter-Faith Association) a list of those you wish to honor, and we’ll take care of the rest. Their volunteers will handwrite your name, address each card, and mail them for you. Complete the Holiday Cards order form and send your special card today.

AbleVoices Photo Cards & Prints/Gifts

AbleVoices is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides photography programs for youth and adults with disabilities as a means for self-expression, empowerment, and advocacy. The ultimate goal of an AbleVoices project is to provide the tools and training for individuals to create pictures that communicate their interests, strengths, and goals for the future as well as foster the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in their communities. The culminating experience of an AbleVoices project is to display participant photographs with captions in a gallery so family, friends, and the public can learn about and celebrate the photographers. Find these items at https://www.ablevoices.org/store-photo-products

Tennessee State Parks Gift Card

With all the advancement in accessibility at the Tennessee State Parks, give the gift of outdoor adventure with a Tennessee State Park gift card. Convenient and easy to use, gift cards are the natural choice for people on the go.

PURCHASE A CARD

Tennessee State Parks Gift Cards may be purchased at all Tennessee State Parks. Additionally, the gift card can be purchased at various Kroger and Target locations throughout the state.  They are also available at GiftCardMall.com. Tennessee State Parks Gift Cards are available in amounts up to $500 per card.

Cards ordered online through Tennessee State Parks are sent to you via USPS for intended arrival within five to ten business days.  There is a $3 shipping fee per order to the same address, with up to 10 cards per online order.

Cards may be purchased in person at the Tennessee State Parks central office located at 312 Rosa L. Parks Ave. in the William R. Snodgrass Tennessee Tower, Nashville, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM CT.

USE A CARD

The cards are redeemable for lodging at campgrounds, cabins, and lodges; golfing; restaurants; marinas; in-park gift shop items, and vacation tours. The state park system features campgrounds, gift shops, cabins, golf courses, lodges, marinas, and restaurants.

*Please Note: Gift cards are not redeemable in the online gift shop.

Tennessee State Parks Gift Cards are transferrable and do not expire, but they may not be redeemed for cash. Lost or stolen gift cards cannot be replaced. Gift cards may not be accepted at all park’s concessions. Inquire at the park office or resort park lodge front desk for current information.

You can check your gift card balance online at valutec.net at any time.

Financial Gift

Contributing to someone’s ABLE TN savings account is a great gift this holiday season. Financial gifts can be a meaningful way to share your wealth and make a difference in the lives of your loved ones with disabilities.

Light color background image with a pink piggy bank wearing a Santa hat on the left side of the image. On the bottom right of the image is two stacks of money crossed in an x and the top bill is wrapped with a yellow and white paper wrap that says, $10,000" and has a $100 bill on top. On the top right of the image is ABLE TN's logo.

ABLE TN is a savings program designed to help Tennessee residents with physical and/or mental disabilities put aside money to pay for qualified disability expenses. These accounts provide an opportunity to save and invest with tax-free earnings to help participants maintain independence and quality of life.

Anyone can contribute to an individual’s ABLE TN account, as long as total contributions do not exceed the annual contribution limit. Account owners, family, and friends may contribute a total of $17,000 each year. The Account Owner can make contributions above the annual contribution limit if they certify that they qualify for the increased contribution limit under the ABLE to Work Act. Contributions to an account are treated as a completed gift to the designated beneficiary for federal tax purposes.

Contributions into an individual’s ABLE TN account can be made by:

  • Check – Check should be made payable to ABLE TN. please include the able account owner’s name and account number.
  • Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
  • Automatic Investment Plans – An Automatic Investment Plan gives the account owner and contributors the flexibility to set up recurring contributions from a checking or savings account. Contributors will have the ability to determine the amount and frequency at which they wish to contribute on a recurring basis.
  • Payroll Deduction
  • Rollover from another ABLE plan or 529 College Savings Plan
  • Inviting friends and family to give through UGift

For more information visit ABLETN’s website.

Let the GAMING Begin!

For all those gamers out there who “just have to play this one game,” while the family festivities are underway, here’s a great assistive technology gift idea.

Microsoft – Xbox Adaptive Controller image of a white Xbox Adaptive Game Controller. on the left side of the controller is a round black button at the top, three white buttons below, and a cross-shaped button at the bottom. On the right of the controller are two black round pads.

Microsoft has added an extra special gadget to their consoles. Get your gamer an Xbox Adaptive Controller and let them game their way. . Designed primarily to meet the needs of gamers with limited mobility, the Xbox Adaptive Controller features large programmable buttons and connects to external switches, buttons, mounts, and joysticks to help make gaming more accessible.

Available at Best Buy and other retailers.

Goods & Products

Giving items that are made by people with disabilities means choosing a product that is made by an individual with a disability and the store is run largely through their own efforts.

salmon colored wall background with a box of different food items and Christmas decor in a long horizontal cardboard box. On the front of the box are two yellow and one white snowflakes. The box is sitting on a white floor.

Check out these items that will make great gifts this holiday season and support the creators of the items.

BrightStone Products

BrightStone’s mission is “To provide a comprehensive work, social support, and residential community for adults with special needs, expanding their potential and helping them develop mentally, physically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.”

All of BrightStone’s products are created by their students. Their packaged food mixes make yummy gifts to give and are available at several Tennessee retailers.

Find out more about Brightstone’s products here.

Friendmade Goods

Friends Life Community is an organization that provides opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities to grow personally, develop socially, and be active members of the community. Their line of Friendmade Goods feature the work of adults with disabilities who participate in their immersive Weekday Program. Their goods include original art, home goods, accessories, apparel, and FLC merchandise.

Practicing self-expression and exploring creative and business skills, the Friends make, package, and sell original works and wares throughout the Nashville community and beyond. Find these products at https://www.friendmadegoods.org.

Holiday Boxes

Each year volunteers gather and distribute Holiday boxes for families whose resources and family supports are severely limited. United Cerebral Palsy of Middle Tennessee volunteers pack these boxes with essentials such as staple, nonperishable food items, warm clothing, bath and bedding items. They also include Holiday and New Year’s messages, cards and drawings from children, and many other small gifts. All the items in the Holiday Boxes are new items, purchased or handmade by volunteers especially for the families they are helping through the program.

If you live in Middle Tennessee and need a holiday box filled with cheer,  or know of someone in need,  contact United Cerebral Palsy of Middle Tennessee at (615) 242-4091.

SELF-CARE

The best gifts provide some sense of self-care and pampering. The holidays can quickly go from a time of relaxation and connecting with loved ones to a stressful few months. Creating sustainable and realistic self-care practices can empower you to show up as your best self for the holidays.

wood grain wall background image with Christmas garland, pine cones, ornaments and candy canes hanging on top of the wall. On the bottom of the image are two hands held up as if they are trying to put something on the wall. In between the hands is text: "Make YOUrself a priority."

Check out these self-care gifts to get your holiday shopping done.

Thistle Farms has handmade soap, candles, body & spa products that are perfect for your gift of self-care, and the sale of their products is dedicated to helping women survivors recover and heal from prostitution, trafficking, and addiction.

What better way shop than to shop for a purpose.

TRENDING GIFTS

Red background image with diagonal red and yellow mini color blocks bordering the image. On the right of the image is a long blonde hair woman wearing a white long sleeve shirt and black jeans with a black cross-body purse going from her right shoulder to the left. She is holding a white shopping back and is walking along side of a short hair dark brown skin woman in a wheelchair wearing a long sleeve red sweater, black pants, black shoes and a colorful infinity scarf wrapped around her neck. She is also holding a white shopping bag and smiling. Text on the left of the image says, "Trendy Gift Giving, Trending items for the perfect holiday gifts." On the top right corner of the image is Pathfinder's branded graphic.

 

Oh the things we’d love to have! This list consists of some “must-haves” for your loved ones with disabilities this holiday season. Check them out.

 

Image of a girl with light brown hair playing in a dark color tent with a pink blanket in the bottom of the tent, toys, and starry night scene on the inside of the tent. Text, "Bildurem" is on the top of the tent above the opening. The tent is set in a lightly colored room. Sensory Tent

Create your own Calm Corner with a sensory tent for children with Autism, ADHD, SPD, etc. A sensory tent can help in so many ways:

  • Provides a calming, relaxing, safe and quiet sensory space where your children can escape from the overwhelming world; especially designed for kids with special needs to reduce anxiety and stay clam.
  • Is a fully blackout sensory room
  • Improves focus
  • Is big enough to share with a sibling or friend (max 2).

The tent is easy to set up taking only about  20 seconds and 2 minutes to fold and store. No poles and pegs, or any assembly needed. It fits in a small portable carry bag.

This item is available on Amazon and other retailers. There’s also several others at more economical prices. We just happen to find this one first.

 

Image of multiple color silicone grips holding things like a pencil, electronic toothbrush, hairbrush, knife and fork.

Universal Cuff Aid

EazyHold Silicone Universal Cuff Aid is designed to give children and seniors the ability to hold onto tons of items with ease. EazyHold straps are made of soft, flexible food-grade silicone that are hypoallergenic and latex free. They are dishwasher safe or can be cleaned with wipes. The silicone cuffs can be sanitized at temperatures up to 500 degrees and won’t degrade. A great hand grip, Cerebral Palsy, therapy, and adaptive assistive equipment for Youth to Adult. These can be found on Etsy and it comes in a -5 Pack.

 

gray marble background image with a hand with a gray sleeve and orange nail polish holding a very colorful cup with lots of graphics with text, "love Need no words."

 

Autism Tumbler Personalized

Everyone likes a good tumbler, especially to keep those nice winter drinks hot and summer drinks cold. Check out this Neurodiversity Awareness, Autism Awareness Tumbler With Straw.

This 20 oz skinny tumbler with straw has a gloss finish with graphics that they say will never fade, peel or crack. You can get your tumbler personalized.

And today it’s on sale on Etsy for only $19.99! Sale ends at midnight ET on December 12, 2024.

 

Trendy Threads

These cool and adaptive items are a great gift for that stylish and assistive enabled friend.

image of a brown skin girl with shoulder length hair wearing black glasses, a black short sleeve top and khaki pants with white socks and shoes. She is seated in a wheelchair and her hands are folded on top of her left leg as she leans on the wheel of the chair smiling.

No Limbits Adaptive Wheelchair Pants 

Developed by occupational therapists with independence in mind, these khaki pants were specifically designed for the seated body with comfort and functionality, and is great for wheelchair users or anyone who spends extended periods of time in a seated position. They are available on No Limbits website.

 

 

 

 

light blue background image with two pairs of shoes. On the top left is a light green pair and on the bottom right is a black pair. Bot have one shoe laced and the other shoe open.

 

Friendly Shoes

“The Shoe for All Abilities,” Friendly shoes are created to be  comfortable, functional, and stylish, allowing anyone to put on and take off easily. Friendly Shoes are said to increase mobility and independence by discretely accommodating adaptive needs without sacrificing fashion, comfort, or support.

There are various styles and colors to choose from which makes them easier to match with the personality of your gift recipient.

Check them out at FriendlyShoes.com

Whichever gifts you decide to give, remember, the best gifts are those given from the heart. Happy holiday shopping and giving!