15 Arthritis-Friendly Gifts That Are as Thoughtful as They Are Functional
Everyday Health independently vets all recommended products. If you purchase a featured product, we may be compensated. Learn why you can trust us.
Arthritis is a common condition in which inflammation of the joints causes pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. It comes in various forms, such as osteoarthritis, which results from wear and tear, and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the joints.
When choosing gifts for people with arthritis, it’s important to consider their specific needs and limitations. Consider products that can help ease their pain, improve their mobility, and make their daily routines a bit easier. “Look for items with ergonomic designs, nonslip grips, or features that require minimal effort,” advises Robin Valadares, a physical therapist. “Heating pads or massagers are great for relieving stiffness, while adaptive clothing with magnetic fastenings can be helpful for people who struggle with buttons or zippers.” The best gifts for people with arthritis provide practical relief while adding comfort and joy to their everyday lives.

TENS 7000 Digital TENS Unit With Accessories

BunMo Utensils
These ergonomic kitchen utensils combine practicality with comfort, making daily tasks easier for your loved one who might struggle with traditional utensils. These tools are made with easy-to-grip handles and lightweight foam for maximum hold, reducing strain on hands and wrists and making eating and cooking more enjoyable and less painful. They’ll help your loved one continue appreciating their favorite activities, whether it’s enjoying a delicious meal or simply making their morning coffee without discomfort. This small change can make a big difference in preserving their independence and happiness in the kitchen all year long.

Hempvana Ultra Strength Pain Relief Gel

Medical King Heated Blanket

AllSett Health Half Moon Bolster Pillow
The AllSett Health Half Moon Bolster Pillow is the perfect solution. Its unique shape makes it ideal for placing under the knees, behind the back, or between the legs to relieve pressure and improve alignment. Additionally, its compact size makes it perfect for use on the couch, in bed, or even while traveling, offering relief and support wherever your loved one goes.

MauSong Jewelry Fastening Helper

BalanceFrom 7-Piece Yoga Set

Fit King Hand Massager
A hand massager combines relaxation and relief in one thoughtful package, and the Fit King Hand Massager is a great option. It’s designed to target the entire hand and fingers with its three professional massage modes, including kneading, shiatsu, and squeezing. These techniques work together to relax joints, ease pain, and relieve stiffness, making everyday activities feel more manageable. Also, with two levels of heating therapy, it adds a soothing warmth that can loosen tight joints and improve circulation. Portable and cordless, it’s perfect for use at home or on the go, making it a gift that’s as practical as it is pampering.

KitchenClouds Kitchen Mat
Whether your loved one is cooking, washing dishes, or working, standing for long periods can take a toll on the joints. Here’s where a mat like the KitchenClouds Kitchen Mat comes into play. Made from soft, high-quality PVC foam, it offers a 0.4-inch cushion that supports tired feet and eases pressure on muscles and joints, helping to reduce discomfort in the feet, knees, legs, and back. Its thoughtful design includes a diamond-shaped nonslip bottom to keep it securely in place, while the beveled edges minimize the risk of tripping, perfect for protecting the safety and comfort of your loved one as they move around their home.

Spa Luxetique Epsom Salts Gift Set

EazyHold Adaptive Handle

Fitbit Inspire 3

Fit King Leg and Foot Massager With Heat

Dr. Frederick’s Original Grippy Arthritis Gloves

OXO Good Grips Twisting Jar Opener
A jar opener might seem like a simple gift, but for someone with arthritis it can make the once-impossible task of opening a jar easy and pain-free. The OXO Good Grips Twisting Jar Opener is designed to make opening jars nearly effortless while saving hands from unnecessary strain. With its large, easy-to-grip handle, it’s perfect for arthritic hands, and the nonslip base pad keeps jars steady while sharp teeth latch onto lids for a hassle-free twist. Whether it’s a small jar of honey or a stubborn jar of pasta sauce, this adjustable gadget has it covered. Thoughtful, practical, and totally underrated — it’s the kind of gift they’ll thank you for every time they use it!
Common Questions & Answers
“Arthritis is a condition that causes joint inflammation, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling,” explains Valadares. “This can make movements like bending, gripping, or walking more difficult. Over time, arthritis can reduce strength and flexibility, limiting the range of motion in affected joints and making everyday tasks like opening jars, writing, or climbing stairs more challenging.”
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis among adults. Between 19 and 30 percent of people older than 45 have knee osteoarthritis, 27 percent have it in their hands, and 27 percent in their hips. It’s estimated that 40 percent of men and 47 percent of women will develop osteoarthritis in their lifetime, with the risk rising to 60 percent for those with a BMI higher than 30.
“Heat therapy is one of my favorite recommendations for arthritis and arthritis-related pain,” Dr. Malhotra says. “It works effectively by increasing blood flow and relaxing muscles, which eases stiffness and pain. It can improve joint flexibility and range of motion, which can positively impact a person’s quality of life.” Heated blankets, heated desk pads, or massagers with heat functions all make excellent gifts for people with arthritis.
- Arthritis Basics. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. March 22, 2024.
- Johnson MI et al. Efficacy and Safety of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) for Acute and Chronic Pain in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 381 Studies (the Meta-TENS Study). BMJ Open. February 10, 2022.
- Li Z et al. The Distinctive Role of Menthol in Pain and Analgesia: Mechanisms, Practices, and Advances. Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience. October 4, 2022.
- Abbasifard M et al. Effect of Topical Hemp (Cannabis Sativa L.) Seed Oil on Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial. Pain Management Nursing. September 9, 2024.
- Heat Therapy Helps Relax Stiff Joints. Arthritis Foundation. December 17, 2024.
- A Wake-Up Call for Sleep in Rheumatic Diseases. Lancet Rheumatology. November 2022.
- The Benefits of Yoga. American Osteopathic Association.
- Vats S et al. Analysing the Therapeutic Potential of Epsom Salt Across Multiple Human Physiological Systems: A Comprehensive Review. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research. September 2024.
- Guglielmo D et al. Walking and Other Common Physical Activities Among Adults With Arthritis — United States, 2019. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. October 8, 2021.
- Whale K et al. The Importance of Sleep for People With Chronic Pain: Current Insights and Evidence. JBMR Plus. July 1, 2022.
- Shen C et al. Thermotherapy for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Protocol for Systematic Review. Medicine. May 14, 2021.
Why Trust Everyday Health

Emily Hirsch, MS, RD, LDN
Author
Emily Hirsch is a registered dietitian, expert health writer, and speaker with over 18 years of experience in the health and wellness space. She is the founder and owner of South Charlotte Nutrition, a private practice dedicated to various nutrition services including counseling, medical nutrition therapy, and corporate wellness.
Beyond her clinical practice, Emily is a professional writer covering a wide variety of health and wellness topics. She remains dedicated to bringing lackluster research to life by translating main research points into language that resonates with diverse audiences. Emily has been a trusted contributor for renowned companies like Nature Made, Garden of Life, and That Clean Life, among others.
Emily's goal is to continue to consistently deliver sound nutrition guidance to help people improve the quality of their lives.
When not working, Emily can be found outdoors picnicking and hiking while taking in all of the vitamin O (oxygen) she can get with her husband and two children.