The Perfect Gifts for Someone Recovering from Hip Surgery
Orthopedic surgeries, especially hip replacements, can be life-changing procedures that relieve pain and restore mobility. But the first few weeks of recovery can also be frustrating. Everyday tasks that once felt automatic — bending down, putting on socks, or trimming toenails —suddenly become difficult.
Josh, the co-founder and COO of Soulo, interviewed orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists and occupational therapists at Harbor UCLA, to put together a guide of practical essentials that can make recovery a little easier.
Before choosing the right gifts, it helps to understand what recovery actually looks like. Many patients are placed on Weight Bearing As Tolerated (WBAT) precautions, meaning they can put weight on the operated leg as long as it feels comfortable and safe. This often with the assistance of a walker or cane. Movement is encouraged, but pacing is key.
"Early mobility is extremely important after [orthopedic] surgery, but it’s just as important to move safely. Everyone’s body is different and recovery will depend on gradually building confidence with everyday movements."
— Orthopedic surgeon at Harbor UCLA
Depending on the surgical approach, patients are often instructed to avoid certain movements while the joint heals. This is called Range of Motion (ROM) Precautions. A common guideline is to avoid bending the hip beyond 90 degrees. In practical terms, this means avoiding:
- Bending down to reach your feet
- Sitting in very low chairs
- Crossing your legs
- Twisting the hip excessively
Because of these precautions, many routine tasks suddenly become challenging, including dressing, bathing, and even basic grooming. That’s where the right tools can make a meaningful difference. Here's a couple of practical gifts for someone recovering from hip surgery.
"We always say that the surgery is the quick part … the more difficult part comes afterwards in the form of consistent rehab. A lot of the time, complications are related to simply not following hip precaution or twisting."
— Orthopedic surgeon at Harbor UCLA
Reacher or Grabber Tool
A grabber tool is one of the most commonly recommended recovery aids after hip surgery. It allows someone to pick up objects from the floor or reach items on shelves without bending down, helping them stay within their movement restrictions. It may not be glamorous—but it quickly becomes one of the most used tools during recovery.
Sock Aid
One of the classic orthopedic recovery tools is a sock aid , which helps someone put on socks without bending down. It looks a bit unusual at first, but many patients find it indispensable during the early weeks of recovery.
Adaptive Nail Care Tool (Soulo Nail Trimmer)
One task that many people don’t think about until after surgery is trimming toenails. Because patients are usually advised not to bend past 90 degrees, reaching their feet can be difficult or impossible for several weeks. Traditional nail clippers require both bending and strong grip strength, which can make nail care frustrating during recovery.
Adaptive grooming tools like the Soulo Nail Trimmer allow users to trim their nails without bending over, helping them maintain personal grooming and independence while staying within their movement precautions. Sometimes the smallest daily routines—like grooming—can make a big difference in how normal life feels during recovery.
A Hip Abduction Pillow
Is your loved one a side sleeper? After hip surgery, that's exactly when this gift becomes essential. This wedge-shaped foam pillow straps between the legs to keep the hip properly aligned while sleeping — exactly the kind of positioning doctors recommend, but not something patients typically buy for themselves. It takes the guesswork out of "am I lying the right way?" during those first few weeks.
Ice Packs or Ice Therapy Wraps
Swelling and inflammation are common after orthopedic surgery. Reusable ice packs or cold therapy wraps can help reduce swelling and provide comfort after physical therapy sessions or longer walks.
Meal Delivery or Prepared Meals
Cooking can be tiring during the early weeks of recovery. A meal delivery service or a few prepared meals can take a lot of stress off someone who is focused on healing. Sometimes the most appreciated gifts are the ones that simply make daily life easier.
Quality Time
Perhaps the most meaningful gift isn’t a product at all. Recovery from surgery can feel isolating. Simple activities like sharing a meal, going for a short walk, or watching a movie together can help make the recovery period feel less lonely. When everyday tasks take more effort, having someone nearby can mean a lot.
Hip surgery recovery is a short but important phase. With the right tools — and the right support — patients can safely regain independence and return to daily life with confidence. And sometimes, the best gifts are the ones that help someone feel just a little more like themselves again.
