Parkinson’s Holiday Gift Guide

You still have time to find that perfect gift for your favorite Parkie.  Get to shopping!

The holiday season has arrived and although it’s an exciting time, it can be a bit stressful to find that perfect gift for your favorite Parkie. So I am here to be your holiday gift liaison. Now it doesn’t matter if you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, gift giving is the perfect way to show your love for someone important in your life and you don’t even have to spend a ton of money. I have brought together awesome gift ideas, in various price ranges to help make your celebration perfect. Enjoy!

1. Graze.com

-A box of healthy snacks delivered straight to the front door. If you have ever been concerned about making sure that your Parkie is eating enough, or if they’re making healthy snack choices, Graze.com has got you covered. With over 100 snacks and variety boxes (choices ranging from “banana-chocolate dippers” to “iced cinnamon bun trail mix”) starting at $11.99, it’s a great gift for those Parkie’s who just need a little treat at the end of the day to satisfy their sweet tooth.

2. NoCry Cut Resistant Gloves

-A Parkie with a knife? Not always a safe combo, but with NoCry gloves, you can cut fruit, veggies, or even a rude shopper at Victoria’s secret. Their website states that “NoCry kitchen gloves are crafted to protect your hands against accidental cuts and nicks when working with knives, slicer, peelers and other sharp tools. They are highly elastic and lightweight, meaning you can do precision demanding tasks without loss of dexterity and comfort. They are 100% hygienically safe to use with your food.” What’s even more enticing than saving all of your digits? The gloves are only $12.00 on Amazon! Get it!

3. Sidekicks Women’s Foldable Ballet Flats

-Every girl needs a pair of these shoes! Especially those fashionista Parkies, who just want to wear their favorite stiletto heels, but fear the pain that can occur when the monster Dystonia appears to demolish the city. Well, fear no more my heel challenged friends, Sidekicks has the solution to your conundrum.  Foldable ballet flats in a pouch… genius! These flats have saved me multiple times, so now I keep a pair in my car.  They’re reasonably priced gift for your Parkie at $13.99 and can also be purchased on Amazon.

4.  Posh Adult Coloring Books

-I know, adult coloring books… but don’t knock it till you try it!  If your Parkie is feeling stress or anxiety, give them the gift of color.  With the choice of scenery, shade, and art tool used to color, (i.e. crayons, chalk, pencils, markers, watercolors or paint) your favorite Parkie can regain some feeling of control as they create their own universe where coloring outside the lines is seen as perfection.  Prices start at $8.00 -$15.00 per book.

5. Dammit Doll

-Every Parkie should have a Dammit Doll.  When they’re having an “off” day and their symptoms are misbehaving, nothing works better than to slam this doll into a desk, wall, or chair.  The Dammit Doll takes the beating when all you can think is smashing its smug little fabric face off while yelling “Dammit, Dammit, Dammit!” Not bad a bad solution for under $16.00.

6.  Zip Me Up

-ZipMeUp is a functional tool that assists women with those hard to reach zippers that stretch from the base of the back, up the neck. This gift will help keep your Parkie living independently when faced with attempting to wear their favorite dress that they can’t zip up.  especially for those single, ready to mingle, Parkies who must find creative ways to remain independent. Priced at $24.99.

7.  The Fairy Fastener

-We all need a little magic in our lives!  When it comes to a Parkie wearing jewelry, it’s nearly impossible.  We almost need a unicorn to duck tape the bling to our bodies… now that’s what I call magic!  But with The Fairy Faster collection, flashing our jewels isn’t the problem at anymore. The website describes the bracelet fastener as, “The lightweight ergonomic design works with either left or right hand and the non-slip stainless steel spring and softly lined clasp won’t scratch your jewelry. Ideal for those with arthritis or hand mobility issues.” Then they describe the necklace fastener, ” This beautifully crafted jewelry accessory comes in two finishes, silver and gold-plate. Constructed with strong rare earth magnets and a unique pin system, the fastener snaps together securely and easily.”  Prepared to be amazed. Priced at $19.99 per fastener.

8.  Made With Molecules

-Got Dopamine? Now that you have your Fairy Fastener, time to try it out!  Show off your support of the fight against Parkinson’s disease with Dopamine molecule jewelry. Now you might have seen other version of these treasures, but just as I found out, others are made from cheap materials and lose their color or break in a short time after wearing them. So when I found these stunning pieces, (created with the high-quality materials) I knew it must be on my gift list.  Prices range from $50.00-$250.00

9. Headspace App

–Headspace Subscription is a pocket-sized trainer for your brain. When Parkies are feeling anxious or depressed, headspace can help them recenter their noggin with meditation and breathing exercises.    Their website states, “Browse our collections and pick sessions to suit your mood and lifestyle. Choose your session length, replay your favorites and learn how to apply mindfulness to your everyday activities.” The app can be used on your smartphone and some sessions are as quick as 10 minutes.

10. Tiger Tail 

-If you have been following my Perky’s Picks page on my website where I review products for Parkies, you might have seen my review of the spectacular Tiger Tail Foam Roller. I am excited about these products, because it allows people with limited mobility to release overstimulated and rigid muscles.  The Tiger Ball and The Curve Ball   are just the latest tools to add to a Parkie’s arsenal of weapons against Parkinson’s disease.  You can purchase the items separately for $24.99 or purchase the whole kit and caboodle (including the TigerTail Foam roller) for $97.95.  The gift of happy muscles.