2025 Gift Guide for People Living With ALS and Caregivers

Deeksha ChitturiFoundation Blog, Home Page, Support Services

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Find thoughtful and practical gift ideas in our Gift Guide for People Living with ALS, created with guidance from our support services team. Whether you’re honoring someone you care about or looking for ways to offer comfort and support, this guide shares ideas informed by real experiences in the ALS community. Each suggestion is selected with care to support comfort, connection, and ease — from helpful everyday items to meaningful personal gifts that bring warmth and joy to the holiday season.

Out-of-home activities:

Consider giving the gift of shared experiences — a meaningful way to connect and create special moments together. Concerts, theater performances, museum visits, and sporting events can offer a joyful change of pace and time spent side-by-side. Rochelle Walwer, LCSW, a support services coordinator, suggests looking into memberships to places like the Morton Arboretum or Chicago Botanic Garden, which offer accessible paths, or choosing accessible theater performances in Chicago. When planning an outing, keep comfort and accessibility in mind — such as wheelchair-friendly venues, easy-to-navigate paths, and thoughtful seating options — to help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Paid Experiences

Free Experiences

Entertainment:

Whether you’re choosing a meaningful gift or planning a special experience, we’ve gathered ideas to help make your holiday list thoughtful and joyful. From accessible games and puzzles to audiobooks, streaming subscriptions, and creative keepsakes, there are many ways to stay engaged, entertained, and connected. Karen Raley Steffens, RN, CHPN, CCM, a support services coordinator, also recommends Songfinch, a platform where you can create original, personalized songs — a heartfelt and memorable gift.

Capturing those memorable moments:

Rochelle recommends Wi-Fi digital photo frames — a meaningful way to share and enjoy photos with family and friends. Even a fresh rotation of favorite pictures or a thoughtful greeting card can brighten someone’s day and offer a loving reminder of connection and support.

Personal care: 

Everyone deserves moments of rest and self-care. Easton Stevenson, LCSW, a support services coordinator, suggests cozy warm blankets for added comfort while sitting or resting in a wheelchair — a simple gift that offers ease. For those who enjoy a bit of pampering, gift certificates to a trusted spa or salon can also provide a relaxing and uplifting experience.

Making daily life a little easier:

Daily routines can look different with ALS, and thoughtful tools can help make those moments a little easier and more comfortable. Rochelle and Michelle Shaker, MSW, LCSW recommend adaptive clothing, which is available from many online retailers. One option they like is JCPenney, which offers clothing designed to support comfort, accessibility, and ease when getting dressed.

Accessibility and Ease of Movement 

Give the gift of comfort and independence this year. Our staff recommends foam grips that fit on all different-sized utensils and can be easily transported.

Communication:

Tablets and smart-home devices can offer meaningful support and convenience in daily life. Karen suggests Google Home products, which can help with staying connected and managing tasks with ease. Anne Marie Doyle, MA, CCC-SLP, with extensive experience as a speech-language pathologist, also recommends writing tablets (like Boogie Boards) and voice amplifiers — helpful tools for communication and independence.

For Caregivers

Caregivers play an invaluable role in supporting individuals living with ALS, and thoughtful gifts can show appreciation for their dedication and hard work. Consider gifts that encourage rest and comfort, like spa gift certificates, cozy blankets, or aromatherapy diffusers. Practical help — such as meal delivery services or grocery gift cards — can also go a long way in easing everyday tasks. Personalized gifts add a special touch, and shared experiences can offer much-needed time to recharge. Most of all, these gestures let caregivers know their hard work and care are appreciated and seen.

Relaxation

Entertainment:

Capturing those memorable moments:

Practical Gifts

 

The Les Turner ALS Foundation is committed to providing care and support to help all families navigate their ALS journey with confidence and resilience. Please make a gift so we can continue to deliver that care and support. Together, we will create a world free of ALS.