Raising awareness is hard work. There are still 11 days left in Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, and we’re already plum tuckered out. Don’t get us wrong, it’s a good tuckered out—the product of burning energy to keep up with all the cool ways the amputee community is marking LLLDAM this year. (Sneak preview: We’ll be sharing our top 10 Awareness Month stories next week.)
But at our age, we can’t sustain this pace without some sort of pick-me-up. So, as we did last year, we went hunting around for some ways to treat ourselves right. Most of these items are fairly new to the marketplace. We hope you find just the right thing on this list—and if you don’t, scroll all the way down to peruse our back catalog of amputee gift ideas from previous years.
Herewith, our best amputee gifts for LLLDAM 2023:
The Hard Parts, by Oksana Masters
Masters’ autobiography came out in February, and her story is relatable to anyone who has experienced limb loss, or any other form of disability. She’s dealt with depression, societal obstacles, and so-called support systems that are actually anything but supportive. While she ended up finding purpose in adaptive sports, her message transcends athletics and applies across the board: Trust that you have worth, find the right outlet to express it, tune out the haters, and keep moving forward. Buy it at indiebound.org.
Omoton Cell Phone Stand
If you’re a unilateral upper-limb amputee, here’s a hands-free cellphone hack that lets you multitask with the best of them. We like the Omoton line because it’s affordable and functional. You’ll find options for a range of environments (including desks, cars, and bicycles), with varying features to suit your particular needs. The designs are simple, stylish, and available in multiple colors. Browse at omoton.com.
LinerWand Kick Ass Gear
Last year’s “507” baseball tees were such a huge Limb Loss / Limb Difference Awareness Month hit that we wouldn’t have blamed The LinerWand if they’d decided to roll out the same popular merch in 2023. But they’re back with a new slogan—”U Don’t Need 2 Legs to Kick Ass”—and an expanded line of stuff that includes tees, hoodies, mugs, trucker caps, and more. Check out the collection at thelinerwand.com.
Ancheer and Lectric e-bikes
Electric bicycles are everywhere these days, and they’re increasingly popular among adaptive riders. But they ain’t cheap, typically running upwards of $1200 (and you can easily spend twice as much, or more). We did some reading and asked around in search of budget-friendly e-bikes that are safe, reasonably durable, and compatible with a prosthesis. The brands that came up most often were Lectric and Ancheer. Both offer affordable, well-reviewed electric two-wheelers that are suitable for commuting and/or light pedaling on local streets and paved trails. Ancheer’s cheapest model goes for $509 (ancheer.shop); Lectric’s XP Lite lists for $799 (lectricebikes.com).
Knork kitchenware
This company began practicing universal design 20 years ago, long before the concept got hot. Their products make life easier for everyone, whether “able-bodied” or disabled. The company’s signature, namesake product combines the functions of knife and fork into a single utensil, a helpful hack for anybody who’s cutting their food one-handed at the table, prep station, or anywhere else. All Knork products are affordable, eco-friendly, and dishwasher-safe. Shop online at knork.net.
Adventures on the Can Do Trail
Some of the proceeds from this charming picture book benefit the Who Says I Can’t Foundation, which helps amputees gain access to adaptive sports equipment. The book itself shares a powerful, positive message about adapting to disability, through a series of fables about animals who thrive with limb loss and other physical challenges. Author Jothy Rosenberg is himself a cancer survivor, amputee, and adaptive athlete. Order your copy at whosaysicant.org.
befree Adaptive Pants
A fairly early entrant in the adaptive clothing space, befree has been in business for six years. Their zipOns pants allow for easy access to a leg prosthesis, and the heavyweight line is 25 percent off during Limb Loss / Limb Difference Awareness Month. Find your size at befreeco.com.
More Amputee Gift Ideas from Amplitude
Bionic Santa Shares His Secrets
How I Became an Amputee Punk
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Best Holiday Gifts for Amputees in 2023
Best New Technology for Amputees at CES 2023
Gamut Seal of Approval Brings Trust Factor to Adaptive Fashion
More Holiday Gifts for Amputees in 2022
Best Holiday Gifts for Amputees in 2022
Gifts for Amputees During Limb Loss/Difference Awareness Month 2022
