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Recovering from a concussion is boring. Not only do concussion patients have to avoid most physical activities, doctors often advise them to limit cognitive activities too. This means no Internet, television, cellphones, video games, reading, work, schoolwork, or anything else that can overstimulate the mind. That can make it really hard to find a fun recovery activity. To help, we’ve put together this list of fun and engaging gifts for someone with a concussion.
Boredom-Fighting Gifts for Someone with a Concussion
1. Arteza Craft Clay Kit
Crafting with clay is a simple activity that’s engaging without being too mentally demanding. That’s the perfect combination for concussion recovery. The Arteza Polymer Clay Starter Kit comes with 42 bright colors of non-toxic clay, 5 sculpting tools and an accessory pack. Arteza’s polymer clay stays soft until you bake it in your home oven.
2. Modeling Clay Project Books
Project books like Modeling Clay with 3 Basic Shapes and others in the series (animals, fantasy characters) are an ideal companion gift. They’re short, illustrated, and easy to follow. These books provide simple but fun activities to help fight boredom.
3. Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty
Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty bounces, stretches, shimmers, and has over 25 different styles to choose from. Foxfire Thinking Putty, glows in the dark and comes with a black-light key-chain! Something as simple and fun as glow-in-the-dark putty can really help pass the time for someone trapped in concussion recovery mode. It’s probably pretty fun when you’re feeling better too.
4. Arteza Drawing Bundle
As concussion patients progress through recovery, writing and drawing can be a helpful creative outlet. The Arteza drawing bundle comes with everything needed to spark an artist’s creativity. Include a ballpoint pen and the art pad becomes a recovery journal too.
5. Sensory Toy Bundle
Even normal, daily activities can aggravate concussion symptoms in the beginning of recovery. As a result, patients may find themselves with plenty of nervous energy and nothing to do but sit quietly. Small Fish’s 22 piece sensory toy bundle provides a safe, painless outlet for some of that nervous energy.
6. Audio Books
If reading aggravates concussion symptoms, consider audio books instead. A gift subscription to Audible is like giving someone 180,000 gifts (that’s how many audio books they have).
The Audible app lets subscribers listen to books on any device they choose. Additionally, if listeners decide they don’t like a book, they can swap it out for another one at any time. Free of charge!
A gift subscription might be too much for a concussion patient to process. In that case, you can sign up for a free Audible trial yourself, and just share your device with them. Because you’re nice like that.
7. Easy Board Games
These classic board games like Connect 4, Sorry, and Trouble are easy to play and a fun way to pass the time. More challenging games can be taxing and aggravate concussion symptoms. This is especially in the beginning of recovery. Spend some quality time playing one of these classic board games with someone you care about. You’ll both have fun, and they’ll appreciate a break from the monotony.
8. More Challenging Board Games
Even as mental recovery continues, it’s not always possible to participate in activities for a long time. As a result, concussion patients can find themselves sitting at home, even when they feel capable of doing more. This is a good time in the recovery process to try more challenging board games, like Catan, Pandemic, and Ticket to Ride. Give one of these highly-rated board games to someone, and then stick around and play it with them.
9. Coloring Books
Coloring is easy, relaxing, and not too mentally taxing. Therefore, it makes a great activity for fighting boredom without aggravating concussion symptoms. Coloring is also an effective way to improve visual processing skills, which can be impaired as a result of concussion. The Amazing Swirls coloring book along with the Adult Coloring Book offer hours entertainment. The patterns that are easy, fun, and encourage zoning out and relaxation. Don’t forget the colored pencils.
10. National Geographic Play Sand
Sand? Okay, it’s one of the more unusual gifts on this list. But it’s low impact, low stimulation, and somehow still fun. A perfect distraction for those early days of concussion recovery.
National Geographic Play Sand never dries out, it’s 100% non-toxic, and doesn’t stick to anything but itself. So it’s just fun, not messy.
More Gifts for Someone with a Concussion
The Concussion Repair Manual
A reassuring book written by a practicing psychiatrist. It gives concussion patients and their loved ones the information they need to feel confident about recovery.