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8 Great Gifts for People With Cerebral Palsy

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With Christmas coming up, I tend to think about the many gifts I’ve received from my friends and family as a person with cerebral palsy. I have received some pretty cool gifts that helped me a whole lot with my cerebral palsy. Here are some I recommend!

1. CDs of your favorite type of music for when you have rough days.

iTunes gift card makes a great present for someone in the hospital.

I have always been a huge fan of listening to country music. On my toughest days with cerebral palsy, I always grab my Eric Clapton CD my uncle got me for Christmas and I just relax my body. Music is the perfect Christmas gift for someone with cerebral palsy because music can help distract us from what’s going on with our bodies.

My Picks: Eric Clapton CD and iTunes Gift Card

2. Stress Balls

Stress balls in various colors and shapes make a great gift for someone with cerebral palsy.Having cerebral palsy can sometimes cause stress when it comes to dealing with everyday life. I find squeezing a stress ball to be helpful for coping with the daily challenges I face.

My Pick: Stress Ball

3. Neck Pillow

Woman using a neck pillow in the car.Neck pillows are the perfect gift to get someone with cerebral palsy since many of us use a wheelchair. Sometimes we need something to make our necks comfortable when sitting in our chairs for long periods of time.

My Pick: Travel Neck Pillow

4. iPod Touch

iPod Touch.

iPod Touches are the perfect gift to get someone with cerebral palsy that’s into technology like me. There are so many apps that could help you improve your daily life with cerebral palsy. My favorite app to use is the accessibility app where it allows me to use my keyboard more easily. My finger gets too stiff and makes it hard for me to text sometimes, so having the accessibility app is a lifesaver.

My Picks: iPod Touch and iPad

5. Play-Doh

Set of colorful Play-Doh.Play-Doh is one of the best gifts you can get someone with cerebral palsy since it can help us with our occupational therapy and working with our hands. It also gives us the chance to be creative and goofy.

My Pick: Play-Doh Set

6. XBox Adaptive Controller

Xbox adaptive controller.The XBox Adaptive Controller is the coolest gift to get someone with cerebral palsy if they’re into playing video games like me. It allows you to play your favorite video game without having to worry whether your hands will get stiff while in the middle of trying to beat a level.

My Pick: XBox Adaptive Controller

7. Pogo Cup

Pogo cup -- teal travel cup with lid.

Pogo cups are the perfect gift to get someone with cerebral palsy who has a hard time holding a glass when drinking or gets random spasms. Pogo cups are the best because they’re easy to hold and they have a lid so you don’t have to worry about unexpected spills.

My Pick: Pogo Cup

8. Homemade Cards

Christmas papercrafting kit.Homemade Christmas cards are the perfect gift for someone with cerebral palsy — it’s one of the most thoughtful gifts you could make. Sometimes we need to remember that we are loved and supported by the ones we share our lives with all year round.

My Pick: Christmas Papercrafting Kit

Originally published: December 9, 2019
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