People generally don’t regard Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month as a gift-giving occasion. In our opinion, though, gift-giving is what it’s really all about. Sharing your story of limb loss is a gift—a gift of perspective for those who’ve never experienced disability, who are confined by narrow conceptions of what’s “normal,” and/or who need help in learning how to adapt and bounce back from whatever challenge(s) they might be facing in their own lives.
But while you’re generously offering your wisdom to the wider world (and here’s how you can do your part), there’s nothing wrong with giving a little reward to yourself. Here are some ideas that have crossed our radar over the last few weeks. Most are new(ish) products, and all fall within an accessible price range. And if you don’t find anything on this list that really grabs you, scroll to the bottom for other gift-giving ideas from Amplitude.
Pro Armour Lite prosthesis cover
Developed by below-knee amputee William Pike, Pro Armour Lite protects prosthetic legs from dust, dirt, sand, water, and other destructive debris. Although Pike is a hardcore outdoorsman, you don’t have to be roaming the outback to benefit from this product. There’s enough debris in the backyard garden, garage, basement, clothes closet, and other domestic environments to gum up any leg. You can order for above- or below-knee devices. This New Zealand company ships worldwide. pro-armour.com/.
ithriveX anti-friction cream
A lot of our Instagram and Twitter follows swear by this product, which is formulated specifically for use with a prosthesis. It uses all natural ingredients and adjusts to heat, changing consistency to maintain its effectiveness as the temperature rises inside the socket. The company’s product line also includes creams to soothe muscle and joint pain, promote circulation, and ease discomfort related to cancer treatment. A portion of iThriveX’s profits go to charity, and you can choose where the funds from your purchase are sent. ithrivex.com.
Equip one-arm rowing device
Better known as “The Hook,” this user-friendly attachment lets upper-limb amputees work out on the rowing machine at the gym and/or pull the oars on their watercraft of choice. Co-designed by adaptive CrossFit champion Logan Aldridge, who made headlines last month when he become Peloton’s first adaptive instructor, this product is made of aircraft-grade aluminum, so it’s heavy-duty but lightweight. Cost: $75. equipproducts.com.
Bambüsi bamboo shower bench
This attractive item isn’t specifically designed for amputees, but that’s a big reason why it appeals. Instead of parking your tush on a plastic-and-steel hospital-style shower chair, you can get more of a spa-like bathing experience on a bamboo throne that’s comfortable, functional, and eco-friendly. And it’s stylish enough that you wouldn’t be embarrassed to perch upon it (appropriately attired, of course) on your back patio or deck. Cost: $69. bambusi.com.
COSI talks Strong Body
To accompany her subscription-based series of Strong Body videos, ace physical therapist Cosi Belloso has issued a couple of informative, heavily illustrated workout books for amputees of all fitness levels. Both volumes (one for above-knee amputees, the other for below-knee) are full of evidence-based, PT-approved exercises designed and sequenced for people with limb difference. Many of the exercises are shown in both prosthesis-on and prosthesis-off configurations. Cost: $49.99. cositalks.com.
Personalized Cause awareness ribbon
We hope you’ve been wearing your orange ribbon this month. It’s a good way to elicit curiosity and spark conversations about limb difference. Personalized Cause’s specialized ribbons take the concept one step further by letting you add your own unique, ice-breaking statement about the amputee experience. Brevity counts—you only get 40 characters. Cost: $15.95. personalizedcause.com.
Driven to Ride
Mike Schultz’s autobiography came out just a few weeks before the Beijing Paralympics, where the author won his third (and probably last) medal. But most (maybe all) of the other medal winners in the snowboarding disciplines were using the incredible prosthetic system Schultz designed, the Moto Knee and Versa Foot. Driven to Ride recounts how Schultz lost his leg and found his calling as a competitor, entrepreneur, and mentor. Today it’s a book; tomorrow, a movie? We’ve seen plenty of less compelling, more improbable tales at our local cineplex. Cost: $28. indiebound.org.
More Amputee Gift Ideas from Amplitude
Last-minute Holiday Gifts for Amputees 2021
Gifts to Give Yourself for Limb Loss Awareness Month 2021
Best Holiday Gifts for Amputees in 2020
More Holiday Gifts for Amputees in 2020
