Christmas is a time of joy, family, and of course, indulging in delicious food and drinks. However, for some people, savouring your festive meal, delectable snacks and pleasant beverages can be extra challenging without accessible eating and drinking aids.
Duncan Edwards, Shop Manager at Disability Health Shop, gives his top picks of eating and drinking aids to make your Christmas celebrations easier to enjoy.
Single-Handed Serving Made Easy: The Topple Tray
The Topple Tray is a marvel for those who might find traditional serving trays difficult to manage. Its unique, lightweight design allows for easy single-handed use, making serving drinks and dinners less stressful. This kitchen aid is ideal for people who have balance problems, dexterity issues and disabilities – such as Parkinson’s disease or cerebral palsy – which makes carrying a standard, traditional two-handed tray a lot more difficult, or even dangerous.
It has a no-spill design that has to be seen to be believed! You can watch a demonstration of the Topple Tray being used on YouTube.
Eco-Friendly Sipping: Bamboo Drinking Straws
Say goodbye to traditional plastic straws and hello to sustainability with these Bamboo Drinking Straws. They are not only eco-friendly but come with a cleaning brush and handy carry bag, allowing you to take them to cafés, restaurants, pubs and family gatherings this Christmas. This straw set can also be an ideal stocking filler for a friend or loved one who is looking for a sustainable and accessible drinking aid.
Portable Convenience: The Trabasack Mini Wheelchair Tray
The Trabasack Mini combines the utility of a bag with the convenience of a tray, ideal for wheelchair users. This versatile product ensures that dining and drinking are comfortable and accessible, wherever you are this Christmas. Use it in crowded bars or at parties, or when visiting a relative where you can’t get to a table.
Innovative Dining: Knork Knife and Fork
The Knork Knife and Fork in One is a revolutionary utensil that combines the functionality of a knife and a fork, simplifying eating. Safe in the mouth, it cuts by rocking the bevelled edge (like a rolling pizza cutter). It makes one-handed dining easy at the Christmas dinner table.
Cut with Ease: Knork Steak Knives
Christmas food can get really meaty (if that’s your thing)! The best ‘at table’ cutting experience is with Knork Steak Knives. These knives are super sharp and serrated, requiring minimal effort, they have large chunky handles, perfect for those with limited hand strength or dexterity.
Stay Hydrated with Ease: The Hydrant Water Bottle
Keeping hydrated is crucial and the Hydrant Water Bottle offers a practical solution. It’s designed for easy use, especially for those who may find traditional bottles difficult to handle, ensuring that staying hydrated during the festive season is a breeze.
The Hydrant Water Bottle has a long tube with a bite valve that can clip to your clothing. It means that you can simply bite and drink without using your hands. This can allow you to drink while doing other activities, such as typing on your phone or computer, driving/propelling your wheelchair or even drinking while doing sports like running or cycling. You can also access your drink with ease from the comfort of your sofa or bed.
There are different models that come in different sizes and styles. It’s Christmas so remember – they are not just for water!
You can browse the full collection of eating and drinking aids on the dining and drinking page of the Disability Health Shop.
Bonus Tip: Inclusive Fun with the Ultimate Playing Card Holder
While food and drink are central to Christmas celebrations, let’s not forget the fun of holiday games. The Ultimate Playing Card Holder is a fantastic addition for game enthusiasts. It’s designed to hold cards securely, making board and card games more accessible and enjoyable for everyone, including those with limited hand function.
Have a good Christmas from all of the Disability Health Shop team and please visit our growing range of second-hand items and “TK Max” style discounted items that are customer returns.
About the Author: Duncan Edwards
Duncan Edwards, with 14 years in disability product development at Trabasack and the Disability Horizons Shop, combines firsthand experience with a deep understanding of accessibility. He explores the latest equipment trends at trade shows and supports disabled entrepreneurs with new products.
Driven by personal connections – his son’s movement disorder and his wife’s spinal injury – he has lots of experience finding and using disability products for eating and drinking.
Read his recent blog post on hosting accessible Christmas parties. He is committed to promoting inclusivity and hopes for a fun and accessible festive season for all.
You can also check out Emma Purcell’s guest post on Disability Horizons Shop – How Will AI Help Disabled People?
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