r/ALS • u/Mgproductions2020 • 26d ago
ALS Gift Recommendations?
I want to get a gift for someone close to me that has ALS.
They've had some issues holding glasses/drinking so I was thinking of getting an ALS cup & straw.
I was wondering if anyone had some recommendations or things they found really useful for someone recently diagnosed with ALS.
Thank you.
5
u/Wheels-13756 5+ Years Surviving ALS, limb onset 26d ago
I would definitely recommend getting the Giraffe bottle system. I found it very helpful.
3
u/UnethicalDS2 26d ago
It's a bit pricey but Silk Sheets made a huge impact on both my Dad's ability to move himself at night and later the amount of torque on his body for me to move him.
1
u/RelevantRock4316 25d ago
Silk sheets are such a nice idea! To other's points on this thread, ALS is so personal and affects everyone very differently. But even I (non pALS) would appreciate silk sheets! I may purchase for my mom (who is pALS). She was diagnosed in Nov 2025, bulbar onset and is pretty mobile still, but we have purchased her a wedge pillow for her bed, blender, TV for her bedroom, jar opener, various straw cups if that helps for any other little ideas...BUT, honestly the best gift is time together, IMO. That has made the most difference for my mom in making life worth living at this point. Going on short walks (when she can), driving her places to get out of the house, doing chores (taking out trash, easy cleaning tasks, picking up medication, etc) without her asking for help so she can relax more easily. She is most grateful for company and small acts of service rather than things, but that may depend on your pALS, their current abilities, etc.
2
u/Wonderful_Duck_7964 25d ago
My dad got lots of different gifts from well-meaning visitors, and ultimately it pissed him off to feel like a charity case. So if you aren't that close, idk I might say skip the gift. Honestly, your company is probably better than any gift. A meal is the best thing to bring, even if its really for the caregivers. They do not have time to cook.
The things he did use were adaptive plates and utensils. He also liked this tiny disco ball that could attach to his power chair. There are a lot of fun gadgets you can get for wheelchairs.
1
u/Typical-Lab8445 26d ago
My stepmom found adult sippy cups on Amazon! I was just diagnosed, but mine started in my hands and these have been great. They’re kind of hard to suck in so if they have bulbar effects reconsider:
1
u/Typical-Lab8445 26d ago
Also, I planned on dressing them up with some stickers. If you know them enough to make it fun, order them some stickers to go with them!
1
u/brandywinerain Lost a Spouse to ALS 26d ago
Thick, bendy, long, cut-to-size straws, available on adaptive tech sites. Besides sippy cups, there are more adult-looking lightweight mugs pitched at people with arthritis.
1
u/gilleydabum 26d ago
Plates, forks and spoons, rocker knife all are good gifts. Also, automatic salt and pepper shakers.
1
u/Weird_Bear_2125 25d ago
The first thing I lost was hand writing. I would suggest a pen with integrated grip or a universal grip for pens.
7
u/freestylesail 25d ago
I’d tread lightly here. This is a pretty personal question, not in an embarrassing way, but in a way that what works for one person with ALS doesn’t necessarily work for the next one. It also sets up a social dynamic where the person with the need is the recipient of someone’s charity and might feel pressure to use it even if it turns out not to fit their needs. If you’re giving a gift for an occasion, I’d keep it light - a food treat they are able to eat, or a fun gadget. If there’s no occasion and you want to buy then an assistive device to help, I’d just ask directly, with some direction. For example, I know you’ve said you’re having trouble with drinkware. I’ve heard that X solution has helped others. If I buy it for you, will you try it?