The holiday season is finally back!! This means that it is FINALLY socially acceptable to watch Elf on repeat, wear your ugliest Christmas sweater, and listen to holiday music all day long!
Can you hear Santa’s sleigh? We could swear that we do, and we are here for it! We are more than ready to deck the halls, be jolly, and surround the Christmas Tree with gifts! As you know, with the holiday season comes holiday shopping, and as “temporary” Santa’s little helper, we are determined to help you get the best gifts for everyone on your list (including yourself).
Vermont Teddy Bear and the Amputee Coalition recently added the Limb Loss & Limb Difference Bears to their “Bears that Care” collection, and they could not be more perfect!
These bears can be customized to match the limb differences of their owner, making them a perfect and super thoughtful gift.
What makes them even more special? The Limb Loss & Limb Difference Bears also directly support the Amputee Coalition, as 20% of every sale is donated directly to this important non-profit organization.
Where to buy?
Teaching kids about diversity and inclusion is a MUST, and what better way to do it than with a children’s book?
In this guide, we are proposing 3 different books for you to enjoy with your little ones while at the same time helping them understand that each of us is special in our own way and why representation and inclusion are important.
Make sure to check these suggestions or go to your closest library and ask a librarian for specific recommendations.
This book introduces you to six kids with different disabilities: Sam, Rishi, Jay, Audrey, Ty, and Zara. The purpose of this story is to ensure all the little ones understand that kids with disabilities are just like kids everywhere. They love playing games, books, making stuff, and being silly. They have things they are good at and things they need to work on. And just like anyone else, they want to feel safe, loved, and included.
Where to buy?
The two authors of this fantastic book are Kelly Fritsch, who is a disabled writer, educator, and parent living in Ottawa, and Anne McGuire, who is an associate professor at the University of Toronto, where she teaches courses on disability justice and disabled childhoods.
This book is a bold and colorful exploration of disability rights and accessibility within a community. It is an excellent book for teaching kids about disability, accessibility, and cooperation.
Where to buy?
Amazon Canada
This book was written by actress, producer, and parent Kirsten Bell (Frozen, The Good Place, Veronica Mars) and creative director and parent Benjamin Hart. This book brings a new challenge for parents and kids everywhere: to become “purple” by embracing what makes YOU unique while finding common ground with those around you.
What is a purple person? Great question. I mean, really great! Because purple people always ask really great questions. They bring their family, friends, and communities together and speak up for what’s right. A purple person is an everyday superhero! How do you become one? That’s the fun part! Penny Purple will lead you through the steps. Get ready to be silly, exercise your curiosity, use your voice, and be inspired.
Where to buy?
Getting cozy under a blanket while watching a movie with my family during the holiday break has to be one of my favorite things to do!. With so many incredible new movies available on different streaming platforms, there is a movie for everyone to enjoy!
Amazon Prime
Paramount +
Apple TV
Netflix
HBO Max
Did you know that a weighted blanket can help you improve sleep quality while at the same time easing stress, soothe anxiety, and calm the nervous system?
According to the Sleep Foundation Organization, everyone can benefit from a weighted blanket. They can provide therapeutic benefits for those with autism, anxiety, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
However, these are not suited for everyone, so we would recommend talking with your doctor before buying one.
This one is an Amazon basics one, but there are many options available online!
Where to buy?
Designed primarily to meet the needs of gamers with limited mobility, the Xbox Adaptive Controller is a unified hub for devices that helps make gaming more accessible. This controller was built from the ground up through strong partnerships with The AbleGamers Charity, The Cerebral Palsy Foundation, SpecialEffect, Warfighter Engaged, and many community members. Input from these groups has helped shape the design, functionality, and packaging of the Xbox Adaptive Controller.
Enjoy the Xbox One games or Windows PCs with this adaptive controller that allows you to play and customize your experience with button remapping and profiles.
Where to buy?
Want to go anywhere and bring everything you need? The one and only Newton Backpack from Motion Composites.
This backpack was designed specifically for wheelchairs. The Newton backpack offers easy compartment access and is practical, well-adapted, strong, and durable. All the features you want for everyday use, plus it’s weather-resistant!
Where to buy?
Make sure to contact your closest wheelchair provider, if you don’t know who it is, check here.
Sketchers is known for creating comfortable shoes, but now they have designed a collection that features their Skechers Hands-Free Slip-ins technology. They are the perfect mix of comfort and ease of use.
With over 350 different options for all the family, you will certainly be able to find a shoe that will fit your style and match your colorful spirit.
Apart from being easy to put on, they also feature their exclusive Heel Pillow technology that holds your foot securely in place, and their Skechers Air-Cooled Memory Foam cushioned comfort insole to keep your feet cool throughout the day.
Where to buy?
GUIDE Beauty is redefining the beauty industry with award-winning, uniquely designed products crafted for ALL makeup users.
Terri Bryant spent her career as a celebrity makeup artist and beauty educator. At the height of her career, Terri started to experience a loss of dexterity in her hand, which led to challenges applying makeup. Eventually she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Empowered by knowledge and a lifelong love of makeup, Terri set out to create a better and easier way. Now alongside Chief Creative Officer Selma Blair, who revealed her diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis in 2018, GUIDE Beauty is changing the game in the beauty industry and developing a culture of broader inclusion through Universal Design.
They offer all the ergonomic makeup brushes you can think of: an award-winning eyeliner applicator, an eyeshadow palette, brow products, and mascara. Plus, all their formulas are vegan and cruelty-free while feeling luxurious on the skin.
Where to buy?
Having a disability does not mean that you cannot be fashionable, and Tommy understood the assignment!
Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive was designed for and together with people with disabilities, with one goal in mind — to deliver classic style with innovative design twists that make getting dressed easier for the entire family.
This collection features all the Tommy classics, modified with one-handed zippers, magnetic buttons, seated wear, and seams that open to accommodate prosthetics. Each piece is thoughtfully crafted to ease the every day, so everyone can express their personal style without the fuss.
Where to buy?
The well-known lingerie brand has finally introduced an accessible lingerie collection and we are loving it! Their classical styles got modified to feature thoughtful modifications with magnetic closures for easy on and off, front strap adjustors and sensory-friendly fabrics.
This is a part of the efforts from VS to become more accessible and diverse. For this collection, they partnered with GAMUT Management, a consulting and talent company that works exclusively with and for people with disabilities.
Their collection includes bras and panties, from Body by Victoria (available in U.S. cup sizes B-G, bands 32-44, & XS-XXL) and Wear Everywhere (available in U.S. cup sizes AA-G, bands 30-44, & XS-XXL).
Where to buy?
Are you the kind of person who just LOVES to have a splash of color on EVERYTHING? Then, the Newton Airgrip Handrims are the perfect addition for you!
The Newton Airgrip Handrims are a great way to add a touch of color to your wheelchair while lightening it up. They only weigh 1 lb (440 g), are crack and peel-resistant, and with this year’s additions, they now come in 19 eye-popping colors!
But that’s not all. What else makes them unique you ask? We use a special painting process that makes them super grippy, perfect for those wheelchair users with dexterity issues. They also perform very well when wet.
Where to buy?
Make sure to contact your closest wheelchair provider, if you don’t know who it is, check here.
These are only a few ideas, but we hope we have helped you find the perfect gift for your loved ones!
If you did not get the chance to check last year’s suggestions, make sure to read our 2022 Holiday Gift Guide for the Disabled Community for extra possibilities.
Remember that the most important part of the holidays is to spend quality time with our family and friends. On behalf of the Motion Composites family, we wish you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season!
*Disclosure: The links above are not affiliated links. Motion Composites does not participate in any affiliate programs.
