I have a long-lasting relationship with arthritis. My grandmother had it, my mother has it, and now I’m starting to feel the symptoms myself. If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, nothing makes a loved one smile quite like a gift that’s actually helps them with day-to-day challenges.

That’s why I’ve started keeping notes of the best gifts for people with arthritis I’ve bought over the years, from the adaptive bras I’ve surprised my mom with on Mother’s day, to the handy everyday gadgets I originally bought for family members (then ended up getting myself too).

So sit back and relax, I promise, you’re sure to find something here that’s perfect for just about any occasion.

1.      The Liberare Everyday Easy-On Bra

 

I know, adaptive bras probably aren’t the first things that jump to mind when you’re looking for a present for your mom, sister, or aunt. But they probably should be.

If you ask me, the best gifts for people with arthritis are always the things that make their life easier. Ask any woman with arthritis what they honestly struggle with most each day, and I bet fastening and unfastening bras is at the top of the list.

I found the Liberare Everyday Easy-On bra when I was looking for adaptive clothing for my mother (based on her request). It’s truly amazing – for a few reasons. First it has a magnetic front-facing clasp, with handy finger loops to help you out when your fingers are misbehaving.

Secondly, it’s super soft and comfortable – the material feels so great against your skin, even if you have sensitivity issues like me. Plus, it’s actually supportive – which isn’t something I can say for a lot of the other wireless bras I’ve tried. After my mom told me how much she loves this bra, I couldn’t resist getting one for myself too – and I’m glad I did.

 

 

 

2.      Joe & Bella Everyday Magnetic Blouse

The women in my family love clothes, so gorgeous shirts, dresses, and even cardigans are often go-to gift options for me when I’m struggling for other ideas. But I’m not just looking for pretty – I need these clothes to be practical too.

Joe & Bella are one of my mother’s favorite adaptive apparel brands – and I have to say, I can see why. I bought her (and my aunt) two different versions of the Everyday Magnetic Button blouse for Christmas, and they both absolutely adore them.

This is an adaptive shirt that doesn’t look clinical or “odd,”  it looks like a luxurious part of a gorgeous outfit – perfect for dressing up or down. The shirt material is super silky, the shoulders are stretchy, for easy dressing, and the buttons are magnetic, so they’re easy to work.

If you’re looking for great gifts for people with arthritis who love fashion, I definitely recommend this shirt – and I’d even advise pairing it with one of Liberare’s adaptive bras too. The Smooth-on T-shirt bra really helps bring an outfit together!

3.      Grace and Able Compression Gloves

I promise – there’s more to this list than clothing. I just wanted to mention one final item from my adaptive apparel list: Grace & Abel’s compression gloves.

If you have arthritis and you haven’t tried compression gloves before – they’re amazing. They really help to reduce swelling, minimize pain, and keep your hands cozy during the winter months too. I have a pair of these gloves in ballet pink, my sister has some in marine blue, and we wear them all the time. They were actually designed by a hand therapist, and they’re FDA approved.

Plus, they come in a range of different colors and sizes to suit everyone. If you’re worried about overheating – these gloves are super breathable, so they won’t make your hands sweaty. I do recommend double-checking your sizing for the best fit though.

4.      Backsi Long-Handled Back Scrubber

From adaptive bras and shirts, to bath-time essentials. A long-handled scrubbing brush might not seem like the most luxurious gift – but trust me, it makes a difference. This particular option comes in different colors to match your bathroom décor, and it comes with soft and stiff bristles.

I got this product for my mom at Christmas, alongside a handful of her favorite scrubs and soaps, and she told me my dad actually uses it all the time too (so I got him a separate one).

What I really love about this back scrubber is that it’s lightweight, and has a textured handle that makes it easier to grip, even when your fingers are covered in suds. It’s also designed with mold-resistant materials, so that’s a huge plus.

5.      Village Naturals Epsom Salt Joint Soak

If you really want to give your loved one a luxurious bathing experience – and help them tackle joint pain, the Village Naturals joint soak is a great part of a perfect gift bundle. Unlike some of the other bath soaks I’ve bought in the past, this one actually creates soothing bubbles, and it comes infused with Arnica and Ginger to help soothe your muscles.

Trust me when I say this soak smells absolutely amazing. The scent of blubbery and citrus is perfect for giving you a boost of energy in the morning, or after a long day at work. If you’re looking for something a little more relaxing, there are some “night time” options with lavender too.

I got my mom and sister a full bundle of different options to check out, and they’re constantly asking me to refill their supply.

6.      Sealy Electric Blanket

This was actually a gift I initially got myself to give me a little extra comfort when I was recovering from a shoulder injury. But after a cozy movie night with my mom, when she couldn’t stop raving about it, I decided to get one for her too.

While there are plenty of great heated blankets out there that make fantastic gifts for people with arthritis, there are a few things I really love about the Sealy blanket. It’s made with super-soft double-sided sherpa (and it’s machine washable).

Plus, there are multiple heat levels you can choose from, so you don’t have to compromise on the perfect comfort experience. It also has a great auto-switch-off function, which definitely comes in handy when you doze off in front of the TV.

7.      CIMCOM Hand Massager

Arthritis can affect people in different ways. My aunt really struggles with painful fingers – particularly since she works as a nurse. After a day on-shift, she’s shown me just how swollen and red her knuckles can get. That’s why my mom and me pooled together to get her this hand massager.

It’s a little expensive compared to some of the other gifts for people with arthritis on this list, but my aunt loves it. All you need to do is pop your hand into the machine, and you can choose your settings. It works by using heat and gentle compression to help with circulation, and alleviate pain.

One particularly good thing about it is it’s portable. So you can take it with you to the office if you usually struggle with aches and pains through the day. My aunt sometimes keeps hers in her locker at work so she can relax when she’s on a break.

8.      Everlasting Memory Foam Knee Pillow

You might not know this, but arthritis and sleep problems usually go hand-in-hand. That’s particularly true if you get a lot of pain in your knees – and prefer to sleep on your side, like my dad. I got him this memory foam knee pillow for my parents’ wedding anniversary, and I grabbed a new Comfort Sculpt Liberare bra for my mom at the same time. Now they both sleep a lot more soundly.

My mom can sleep in a bra that doesn’t dig into her skin with wires or cause her to overheat, and my dad can sleep on his side without the pain of his knees rubbing together. The pillow actually comes with a free pair of earplugs too – which my dad re-gifted to my mom (since he has a bit of a snoring problem).

I know, again, these gifts might not seem very glamorous, but what could be better than giving your loved ones a great night’s rest and some sweet dreams the next time they’re celebrating something?

Practical and Thoughtful Gifts for People with Arthritis

If you ask me, gifts don’t have to be fancy or incredibly expensive to be meaningful. All of these gifts for people with arthritis cost less than $100, and they’ve all made a real impact on my family members. What more could you want?

Whether you’re giving your mom the gift of an easier dressing experience with a Liberare adaptive bra, or investing in something big like a hand massager, the best gifts are always the ones that make life easier for the people you love.