Power for Parkinson’s Holiday Gift Guide
The holidays are around the corner and we are getting into the spirit! We know there are some unique considerations when holiday shopping for people with Parkinson’s. In this Parkinson’s gift guide, we have included some items that help people with PD manage their lives more easily. From dealing with tremors to anxiety, we’ve got you covered. We’ve also included some healthy options to minimize exposure to certain toxins in our environment. For the most part, we don’t receive any profit from the recommended products, but if we leave a code, we may receive a small percentage if you use it.
Accessibility Gifts
One of our all-time favorite adaptive apparel brands is Magnaready. This company makes stylish, high-quality clothing fastened by magnets instead of buttons or zippers. The founder’s husband had PD and she came up with the concept. You can see firsthand how one of our locals experienced the shirts in this video. These shirts look sharp, and you’d never know the buttons are only decorative. Here’s a unique discount code to give back to us with your purchase: PFP20.
Tying your shoes can also be a challenge when you are feeling stiff or when tremors are acting up. Here are a couple of brands popular with our community:
One of our board members swears by Cadense. Not only do they help you walk more easily, especially if you are having trouble lifting your feet, but they have a velcro strap to make them easy to fasten.
Skechers and Kizik have a number of slip-on hands free styles that also make getting ready in the morning easier.
To make the morning and evening routines easier, electric razors and toothbrushes are always helpful. There are many to choose from but here are a couple we found with great reviews: Panasonic Electric Razor and Oral B Electric Toothbrush.
For readers struggling to hold their books when their tremors are acting up, we found reading rests to be helpful. Amazon has many options to choose from here.
Healthier, Non-Toxic Living Gifts
Recent studies indicate a rise in Parkinson’s disease due to chemical exposures from solvents used in dry cleaning, industrial applications, and cleaning products. Pesticides like paraquat used in farming, golf courses, and more have also been found to contaminate the water and air leading to a higher risk of PD. Learn more in the latest bestseller, The Parkinson’s Plan, by Drs. Ray Dorsey and Michael Okun. You can see the interview with these movement disorder specialists and our Executive Director here.
A basket of organic fruits and vegetables would be a meaningful gift for anyone’s holiday. Add in a fruit wash available at many grocery stores to be sure you remove residual pesticides from all your produce.
Cleaning Products
We love cleaning products that help avoid microplastics and avoid many toxic harsh chemicals like parabens, phosphates. phthalates, ammonia and formaldehyde. Here are a couple we’ve used and found to be effective:
Blueland and Truly Free offer a whole line of products. If you purchase their starter kits, you get easily refillable containers. Use this code checkout with Blueland to receive a 20% discount:
An alternative to the products below is to give laundry detergent sheets a try. One we’ve found to be effective is Earth Breeze.
Cookware
Another way for people with Parkinson’s to reduce their exposure to harmful chemicals is to use appropriate cookware. When PTFE or Teflon is heated to high heat it has been found to release harmful chemicals. That’s why we are recommending people with Parkinson’s shift to ceramic, stainless steel, and cast iron products. Caraway is a non-stick line of cookware that helps avoid the toxic chemicals Teflon releases. They also have a great line of glass storage containers to help avoid plastic. Our Place offers another line of high-quality ceramic cookware. Both offer a wide range of colors and styles.
Power for Parkinson’s Merch
The ultimate in gift giving for People with Parkinson’s! Support our organization and raise awareness about PD all in one. Not only will you show your connection in our fun t-shirts but you can tell all your friends and family how important it is to keep moving! We have a wide range of t-shirts to choose from, balls, DVDs and new for the season… hats!! Proceeds from every purchase go directly to our programming. Click here to shop PFP.
Calming apps to help alleviate stress, anxiety, pain and depression
Calm & Headspace are two of our favorites or join Nadine Eram for one of her free Relax and Reset classes on YouTube. These are limited to PD. Join your family member and try these together. Anyone can reap the benefits!
We know Parkinson’s symptoms can be extensive and pain can be one of them. Curable is a unique app that can help manage chronic pain without medication.
There are a number of apps made specifically for people with PD. Strive PD is an app that helps you track your symptoms with an Apple Watch. Loud and Clear is an app that helps you work on your vocal power.
Last but not least, the least expensive high-quality gift is the gift of time. Get together with your loved ones and share some special time together! Even do a Power for Parkinson’s video together. We’ve done them with our families, hopefully you will with yours.
Happy holidays from the PFP team!
