This year’s holiday gift guide features 16 products that New Mobility staff and contributors can’t live without. We have gifts at a variety of price ranges — from $25 and under, to $100 and under, to bigger purchases that are $100 or more.
Gifts Under $25
Zip Ties
I keep a small pack in my bag wherever I go in case of emergency. Tie up a loose cord, make a zipper quad-friendly, hold together a broken chair part — you name it, they can handle it. $6
Ian Ruder, New Mobility Editor-in-Chief
Fabrifoam
A quad-friendly, easy-access strap for any weak grip. Whether it is strapping something to my lap, or sticks to my hands for cardio-drumming, Fabrifoam works wonders. $10+
Jen French, Contributor
RMS 26-Inch Soft-Grip Folding Grabber
I never travel anywhere without this folding grabber. It fits easily in my carry-on suitcase or backpack and is great for picking things up off the floor and reaching light switches and items on shelves. $16
Sylvia Longmire, Travel Contributor
Zippered Compression Socks
We know compression socks are good to wear but are a pain in the ass to get on. The zipper makes it so much easier and avoids medical suppliers. $10+
Jen French, Contributor
Crippling Hot Sauce
For those who like some heat, while supporting a wheelchair-using entrepreneur with CP. $10
Teal Sherer, New Mobility Social Media Director
Luminara Remote Flameless Candles
I love the cozy glow of a candlelit room, but as a quad, I don’t mess with matches. Luminara makes the best flameless candles I’ve found, many of which can be controlled by a single remote. $25+
Jenny Smith, Contributor
Gifts Under $100
Camelbak Fusion Reservoir
Easy access to abundant water is a must for staving off UTIs, maintaining bowel health and staying hydrated. The new zipper-based Fusion reservoirs are a huge upgrade — easier to fill and clean than the traditional models. $55
Ian Ruder, New Mobility Editor-in-Chief
Wet Weather Gloves
I love the Giro Xnetic H2O Cycling Gloves when it’s raining or wet. They stay warm even when wet, and dry quickly. $37
Mat Barton, Cartoonist/Illustrator
GoFit Muscle Massage Hook
This contraption helps massage knots out of tight traps and other muscles. Even as a quad, I can get a good amount of pressure into the knots with its design. $35
Jenny Smith, Contributor
TOLOCO Massage Gun
I use this for my sore shoulders and arms (especially after I’ve done a lot of pushing) and tight back muscles and hip flexors. $40
Teal Sherer, New Mobility Social Media Director
Billy Footwear
With stylish, comfortable shoes designed by a quad for people with limited hand function, Billy offers plenty of great designs to keep your feet looking good. Read full review. $45+
Mike Franz, Contributor
Braun Epilator Silk-epil 3 3-270, Hair Removal Device
As a quad, I needed help shaving my legs until I discovered an epilator. An epilator pulls hair from the root with its miniature tweezers. Sitting in bed, I can “shave” my legs without assistance. $40
Jenny Smith, Contributor
Big Gifts (Over $100)
Sierra Comfort Low-Level Portable Massage Table
This table is low enough that I can transfer directly over from my chair, and it gives a more solid surface than a bed for yoga and stretching. It’s pretty lightweight, so if I need to fold it up and push it into a corner, I can do it on my own. $249
Regan Linton, Contributor
Active Hands Kitchen Pack Deluxe
Any adaptive device that makes cooking easier is worth its weight in gold. The Deluxe Set offers good savings over buying the 10 items separately. Read full review. $110
Mike Franz, Contributor
Vicair AllRounder O2 Cushion
A great way to protect your butt outside of the wheelchair. If you have sensation, it is comfortable too. Read full review. $247
Jen French, Contributor
Push Lox
They can be pricey but you will never buy another set of brakes. The chair will be slightly wider and will wiggle a little, but the brakes will not give out during a transfer. (For pricing inquiries, go to the Push Lox website.)
Jen French, Contributor
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As always, for the disabled, pump up the priced.
See below about pumps up prices – I gotta say that Billy;s Footwear has an amazing range of footwear that is so much easier to put on and, well – wear – AND all at such a low price, the poor guy must be living in a garage or back with his parents. While, I have heard the words “Priced for insurance” actually used by (able-bodied) exec (which should be illegal – don’t you/?) at a Disability Fair – this does not apply to Billy’s. I understand that he’s a Quad too – so let’s support his cause. I’ve got two pairs (so far) and no, I don’t get free shit for writing stuff like this. I just wanted to make a point K