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Top 5 Holiday Gift Ideas for Individuals with Ataxia

Guest Author: Day Undefined

Welcome to Day Undefined’s Holiday Gift Guide for the National Ataxia Foundation – taking a fun twist on some of our favorite products. We hope it might spark ideas for useful, thoughtful, and accessible gifts for yourself or a loved one.

Of course, while our team thinks these products are great, we recommend that you take a close look at the refund or exchange policy in case it’s not the right fit. We are not paid to endorse any of the following products or companies that we are sharing with you.

1. OXO POP containers filled with something special

OXO POP containers are great for storing dried foods, candy, snacks, tea bags, and so much more in the kitchen or around the house (think cotton swabs, craft supplies…the sky is the limit). The best part about these containers (which come in all different sizes) is the large button on the lid that can be pushed with one hand to open or secure the lid (watch here). 

To make these containers extra special, fill them up! Here are some ideas:

  • Their favorite snacks or candy (blast to the past with this “retro candy”)
  • Tea bags or hot chocolate mix
  • Homemade trail mix or granola (here’s a recipe)
  • Another small gift (…a good pair of socks? Gloves? Hand warmers?) 
Three clear OXO POP containers are sitting on a wooden table. One is filled with hot chocolate packets, another with pretzels, and the third with colorful peanut M&Ms.

2. A travel mug (or something to carry it with)

One of Day Undefined’s most highly viewed products is the Contigo Luxe Autoseal Tumbler, reviewed by Lisa. She loves this coffee mug, which helps limit spills, and takes it everywhere. To use this mug, you push in a button while drinking. When the button is not pushed, the drinking valve is closed, making it hard to spill. If this doesn’t seem like the right model for your gift, check out the other tumblers and mugs we have reviewed. 

Of course, if your gift recipient already has a beloved “I heart Pugs” mug or cup, then maybe it’s more about transporting it. If that’s the case, consider these useful devices:

The nice thing about giving a travel mug is that you can pair it with a gift of their favorite tea, coffee, hot chocolate (Baileys optional!) – or any other favorite beverage.

A Silver Contigo Luxe Autoseal Travel Mug on a wooden table with Swiss Miss hot chocolate packets and tea bags leaning against it and a plant behind it.

3. Suprus electric lighter paired with an awesome candle

The Suprus electric lighter is easier than most other methods of lighting things, especially for someone with decreased fine motor skills. To use this lighter, you slide a switch forward and then push a button (but not at the same time). It is also rechargeable! Just one word of caution – it’s not childproof. Watch this close-up demo.

To make this extra special, consider pairing it with a unique candle that…

If an electric lighter and candle isn’t the right choice for their household, consider a beautiful flameless candle (with a remote!) instead. 

Black Suprus electric lighter lighting a candle in a glass jar.

4. Cell phone accessories that reflect the person’s style

Many of us use our phones a lot. So having a comfortable, secure, and stylish (!) experience with it can make a big difference. What do we mean? There are cases, grips, and lanyards that can add reassurance that it won’t get lost or dropped (or break if it does). Even better is finding these in the favorite color or pattern of the person who will be using it. Here are the ones that Day Undefined has reviewed, but don’t hesitate to expand beyond these if you think a different style might be better:

A white cell phone with a grip strap in turquoise popped up on the back of it and a black lanyard attached to it.

5. The perfect blanket

Here’s the thing about blankets. When you find the right one, it’s your favorite thing – but the possibilities feel endless! For many people a light, soft throw blanket is just right for watching TV or working at their computer; others might benefit from a weighted blanket while sleeping, which has been said to help with sleep and anxiety, among other things. And then there are heated blankets for extra cold nights, or cooling blankets for hot sleepers. We don’t have the answer for you, but we do know that blankets can make a really special gift. Tip: try to ask some sneaky questions ahead of time to get an idea of what the person might want 🙂 

Here are some ideas:

The Bearaby weighted blanket in dark gray-blue spread out over the end of a bed.

About Day Undefined

Day Undefined is a marketplace of everyday products for accessible living. They provide user-generated reviews of products used by members of the physical disability community.

Day Undefined’s vision is to be a store for home goods and adaptive products that breaks down silos and stigma around disabilities, seeks to improve the product market, and promotes a culture of style, choice, and pride. Their mission is to build a cutting-edge marketplace of products curated and reviewed by individuals with disabilities and use that content and expertise to advance our vision.

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