Topple Tray carrying two mugs of coffee, a practical gift for stroke recovery

Gifts for Someone Recovering From a Stroke: Practical Ideas That Help

When someone you love is recovering from a stroke, it is natural to want to help. Flowers and chocolates are lovely, but many people find the most meaningful gifts are the ones that make daily life a little easier while they adjust.

After a stroke, many people find one side of the body is weaker than before, so everyday jobs often need to be done with one hand. Here are some practical gift ideas with that in mind.

For carrying drinks and food

Carrying a cup of tea with one hand, while also needing that hand for balance, is one of the trickiest jobs. The Topple Tray is a single-handed serving tray held from above, so drinks and snacks hang beneath the hand and stay level. It carries up to four glasses, is light at around 750g, and leaves the other hand, or a walking stick, free. We have written more about this in One Hand Free: How the Topple Tray Helps After a Stroke.

For the kitchen and mealtimes

NHS stroke services list simple kitchen aids that help with independent living, and many make thoughtful, inexpensive gifts:

  • Cutlery with large handles for an easier grip.
  • Non-slip mats to stop plates and bowls sliding.
  • A kettle tipper, so hot water can be poured without lifting the kettle.
  • An easy-to-use tin opener, and a jar opener for one-handed use.

For holding and opening things

Opening drawers, laptops and cupboards with one hand can be frustrating. The Grip Toggle has a soft loop that slides over cutlery and kitchen tools for a more secure grip, and a suction end that sticks to smooth surfaces to give a soft handle to pull. It can also hold items in place so they do not slide away when there is only one hand to steady them.

For comfort and dressing

  • Clothing with easy-to-use fastenings, such as wide openings, large zip pulls or magnetic buttons.
  • Slippers with a firm sole and a wide, easy opening.
  • A supportive cushion for an armchair.
  • A heated throw for long evenings.

For keeping busy and connected

  • Audiobooks or a podcast subscription.
  • A tablet stand so they can video call without holding a device.
  • Large-piece jigsaws or a card holder for one-handed card games.
  • A photo album of family and friends.

The gift of time

Lifts to appointments, help with shopping, a regular visit or a walk together can matter more than anything you can wrap.

Ask what would help

Every stroke and every recovery is different, so if you can, ask them or their family what would make the biggest difference. Their local council can arrange a home assessment, usually by an occupational therapist, to look at equipment needs. The Stroke Association helpline (0303 3033 100) and the Disabled Living Foundation's Living Made Easy website are also good places to find advice and products.

Help them keep one hand free. Discover the Topple Tray one hand tray here.

Sources: Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, stroke equipment for independent living; Cambridge University Hospitals NHS, one-handed living tips. This article is general information, not medical advice.

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