The best gifts for those who have suffered a Stroke
Turning good intentions into actionable support
Here are the top items for recovery, as recommended by Stroke patients:
Mobility & Rehabilitation
TENS Unit Muscle Stimulator
Provides drug-free pain relief through electrical nerve stimulation.
Pronation & Supination Wheel
Aids in rebuilding arm and wrist mobility through specific therapeutic movements.
Jeanie Rub Variable Speed Massager
Positions hands naturally to minimize wrist and finger stress.
Rehabilitation Robot Gloves
Specialized rehabilitation devices that make therapy engaging and game-like, focusing on fine motor skills and hand coordination.
Forearm Desktop Rehab Skateboard
Rehabilitation tool designed for improving arm mobility and strength. Controlled arm exercises while seated help rebuild range of motion and coordination.
FlexiKold Gel Cold Packs
Professional-grade cold packs that maintain flexibility even when frozen, allowing them to conform to body contours.
Under Desk Elliptical Machine
Perfect for seated exercise during stroke recovery, this compact elliptical helps maintain leg strength and circulation while sitting.
Spasticity Relieving Hand Splints
These specialized splints help manage hand spasticity, a common challenge after stroke.
Mirror Therapy Box
"You place your affected hand inside the triangle (where you can’t see it), and you stare at the reflection of your good hand while you do your exercises."
Grip Strength Trainer Set
A comprehensive set of hand exercisers with varying resistance levels to help rebuild grip strength and fine motor control.
Arm Sling for Shoulder
Provides crucial support for affected arms post-stroke, helping prevent shoulder subluxation and reduce pain.
Resistance Band Set
A versatile set of exercise bands ideal for gentle strength training during stroke recovery.
Self-Standing Lightweight Adjustable Walking Cane
A cane that stands on its own when not in use, eliminating the need to bend down to retrieve it.
Kinesiology Tape
Professional-grade athletic tape that provides support without restricting movement.
Entertainment & Mental Stimulation
Stroke Recovery Activity Book
Helps maintain cognitive function and provides engaging activities that can be done at their own pace. Specifically designed stroke patient versions available.
Cake Pop Baking Kit
Perfect for engaging in therapeutic kitchen activities. Baking can help improve fine motor skills, hand coordination, and cognitive function.
Fire Tablet
Versatile tool for entertainment, communication, and cognitive rehabilitation. Can be loaded with therapy apps, games, and streaming services.
Cross Stitch kits
Provides a calming, low-impact activity that can help relieve stress and encourage focus.
Air Pods
Wireless earbuds provide freedom of movement while enjoying music, audiobooks, or podcasts. The touch controls are easy to use with limited dexterity.
S'mores Cookies Baking Kit
Great for practicing hand coordination and sequential thinking during recovery.
New York Times: A Puzzle a day Crossword Book
Puzzles provide consistent cognitive stimulation and vocabulary practice. The progressive difficulty helps build problem-solving skills and mental acuity.
Kindle
An e-reader with adjustable text size and built-in front light, making reading comfortable and accessible during recovery.
Word Search
Engaging word puzzles that help maintain visual scanning skills and cognitive function. The search patterns help exercise visual tracking abilities.
Noise Cancelling Headphones
Headphones that create a peaceful environment by blocking out distracting sounds. Beneficial for reducing sensory overwhelm and promoting relaxation.
National Parks Puzzle for Adults
A beautiful 1000-piece puzzle featuring scenic views of national parks, perfect for visual processing practice and fine motor skill development.
Reusable Smart Notepad
"An amazing gift I got in the hospital. It was so valuable to be able to write/draw because of my memory loss and aphasia."
Calmness Adult Coloring Book
A therapeutic coloring book designed with stroke recovery in mind, featuring patterns that promote relaxation and mindfulness.
Bracelet Making Kit
"It was good OT, and I got to make a bunch for people who support me."
Sudoku
A collection of number puzzles that provides excellent cognitive exercise, helping maintain and improve problem-solving skills and concentration.
Stress Relief Coloring Book
Helps relieve stress and promote relaxation through creative activities.
Comfort & Rest
Weighted Blanket
The weight of weighted blankets can have a calming effect on the nervous system.
Electric Blanket
Warmth + muscle comfort.
Eye Masks
Helps maintain regular sleep patterns in hospital settings by blocking out harsh overhead lighting and supporting proper rest.
Wearable Infrared Heating Pad
A therapeutic heating pad that delivers targeted infrared heat to sore muscles and joints. The wearable design stays in place without holding.
Fleece Throw Blanket for Couch
Ultra-soft, lightweight fleece blanket perfect for staying cozy during rest or therapy sessions.
Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream
A rich, fast-absorbing body cream that provides intensive moisture without feeling greasy.
Hot Water Bottle
Provides targeted warmth for muscle comfort and pain relief, especially useful during rehabilitation periods.
Wedge Pillow
A therapeutic positioning pillow that provides optimal support for elevated rest. The gradual incline helps with proper positioning for comfort and circulation.
Shower Chair
A sturdy, adjustable-height shower seat that provides safe, comfortable support during bathing.
Practical Aids
Right Angle Knife
"Most of us have lost functionality on one side of the body. This makes it difficult, if not impossible, to use a knife when cutting meat or vegetables, especially at the table."
Super Shears
Heavy-duty kitchen shears with spring-action handles that automatically reopen after each cut. The enhanced leverage design requires minimal hand strength.
Swedish Cutting Board
An innovative cutting board with integrated food prep spikes and raised edges that allow for one-handed food preparation.
Smart Bidet Toilet Seat
A life-changing bathroom aid that provides thorough, hands-free cleaning with warm water and air drying.
Electric Can Opener
A hands-free electric can opener that safely opens cans with the touch of a button. It eliminates sharp edges, while the magnetic lid holder prevents dropped lids.
Wheelchair Arm Tray
A sturdy, adjustable tray that securely attaches to wheelchair arms, creating a stable surface for activities, meals, or device use.
Apple Watch
Smart watch that detects falls, tracks health, and calls for help. Perfect for safety during recovery.
Heatable Mug
Temperature-controlled mug with stable base keeps drinks warm longer. Easy-to-grip handle prevents spills.
Fancy Chocolates
"The best gift I got was probably some designer chocolates"
Lazy Susan
Rotating tray brings items within easy reach. Perfect for organizing frequently used items.
Cell Phone Finger Grip Strap Holder
Secure phone grip prevents drops. Adjustable strap for comfortable one-handed use.
Countertop Air Fryer
Easy-to-use air fryer with front-loading drawer and simple digital controls.
YETI Rambler 14 oz Coffee Mug
A virtually indestructible coffee mug with superior temperature retention.
YETI Rambler 20 oz Travel Mug
A premium insulated travel mug with a stronghold lid for secure transport.
Insulated Water Bottle with Strap
Leak-proof insulated bottle with carrying strap. Keeps drinks cold for hours.
Grounding Bed Sheet
Therapeutic bed sheet promotes better sleep and reduces inflammation. Soft, breathable fabric.
Grounding Mat for Desk
Therapeutic desk mat reduces muscle tension and improves circulation while seated.
Fleece Poncho
A cozy, easy-to-don poncho that provides warmth without restrictive sleeves. Perfect for wheelchair users or those who find traditional jackets challenging.
Jar Opener
The automatic grip and twist-action requires no hand strength.
Rotary Cheese Grater
"Cheese grating was one of the most difficult things for me to do in the kitchen."
Zipper Fitted Sheet
Makes bed-making significantly easier; the zipper system allows for quick changes with minimal physical effort.
Electric Potato Peeler
Automatically peels vegetables and fruits with minimal hand strength required. The adjustable blade accommodates different potato sizes.
Electric Wine Bottle Opener
A wine opener that effortlessly removes corks with the push of a button. The ergonomic design requires minimal grip strength or hand coordination.
Button Hook with Zipper Pull
A dual-purpose dressing aid that makes managing buttons and zippers much easier with limited hand dexterity.
Roomba Vac
\Perfect for maintaining a clean home when mobility is limited, this smart device can be controlled via smartphone app or voice commands.
Broom/Dustpan with Tall Handle
An ergonomically designed cleaning set featuring an extra-tall handle that eliminates the need to bend down.
Ergonomic & Assistive Tools
Ergonomic Pen
Perfect for rebuilding writing skills and maintaining hand strength during recovery. The weighted design adds control without causing strain.
Ergonomic Mouse
A vertically oriented mouse designed to maintain natural hand and wrist positioning during computer use.
Ergonomic Keyboard
A keyboard that promotes natural hand and wrist positioning during typing.
Desk Adjustable Arm Rest
The adjustable height and angle help maintain proper arm alignment, reducing shoulder and neck strain.
Ergonomic Office Chair
A fully adjustable office chair designed to provide optimal support during seated activities.
Phone Holder for Bed
A flexible, adjustable phone mount that securely holds your device above you while lying down.
Volunteer Resources
Dog Walking Assistance
Childcare Support
Companionship/Social Support
Light Household Assistance
Grocery Shopping/Errands
Meal Prep Assistance
Free Online Resources
A virtual support community for stroke survivors and their caregivers, with forums and chat rooms.
Reddit Stroke Survivors Community
A forum for stroke survivors and caregivers to share stories, ask questions, and provide support.
Offers free articles and beginner-friendly videos for gentle yoga practices tailored for stroke survivors.
Provides current information about interventions and assessment tools used in stroke rehabilitation.
Helps patients find free or low-cost medications often prescribed during stroke recovery.
A cognitive therapy app offering a free trial for stroke survivors focusing on speech, memory, and critical thinking.
A free app to track risk factors and provide lifestyle tips to prevent future strokes.
The information provided in this gift guide is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We recommend that dialysis patients consult their healthcare provider before using any product or service mentioned in this guide. Individual needs and responses may vary. Additionally, some links in this guide may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
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