I’m all for impractical gifts.

Bring on the reindeer wineglass charms, the sugarplum-scented body lotion, the absolutely unnecessary but totally appreciated Burberry dog bed.

But sometimes, it’s better to give gifts that people can use, especially when you’re shopping for older relatives (because really, what great-grandma needs more knickknacks?). When you give people something that makes their life easier, you’re giving them something much more profound – freedom.

That’s what I found during a recent visit to the Technical Exploration Center in Bangor, a most unusual shopping destination. TEC is a collaboration of United Cerebral Palsy of Maine and Husson College, and it gives people a chance to try before they buy, whether they’re looking for a talking thermometer or a large-print keyboard for the visually impaired. Members can check out items from the lending library for two weeks, and nonmembers can try out things in-house.

These items aren’t just for the elderly or for people with disabilities, though – they’re created with everyone in mind. And Lynn Gitlow, an occupational therapist at TEC, has a bevy of practical gift ideas that balance convenience and safety for people of all ages.

“These are designed to make things more accessible to people, to make their lives more independent,” Gitlow said.

Think of the popular big-handled OXO Good Grips line of utensils, which originally were made to help people with arthritis. Now they’re available in cooking shops and department stores everywhere.

“They’re based on the concept of universal design, which is just good design for all people,” Gitlow said.

Many products that originally were designed to help people with limited mobility or vision have made their way into mainstream catalogs, hardware stores and specialty shops such as Radio Shack. Take the ubiquitous talking pillbox, for example – everyone could use a reminder to take their medication. What about the “reacher,” which helps people grasp things on a high shelf? Or spring-loaded scissors? Who couldn’t use a light bulb changer?

Though many of the products Gitlow recommends are built with convenience in mind, others focus on safety.

Because many in-home injuries occur when elderly people slip on throw rugs, Gitlow suggests double-sided rug-grip tape. For people whose eyesight isn’t as good as it used to be, lighting is always a problem. Sometimes, Gitlow says, the solution is as easy as changing the light bulb to a higher wattage. If that doesn’t work, pathway lights and nightlights are a low-fuss way to illuminate dark halls and walkways.

“Lighting is so important for elders because of vision problems, just normal age-related problems,” Gitlow said. “A really good light could make a difference.”

And for people who are hearing-impaired, a product such as the Sonic Super Ear TV amplifier could make a difference. It allows everyone else in the room to watch TV at a regular volume while making it louder for the wearer.

Everyone can be a bit forgetful (myself included), and a voice-memo key chain would make a perfect stocking stuffer. They’re inexpensive and widely available. For a more high-tech gift, shops such as the Sharper Image carry locators for keys, TV remotes and other easy-to-lose items.

“It’s important to try these things before you buy them,” said Gitlow, who bought a wireless locator for her sister and found that the mechanism was a bit too bulky for her sister’s taste.

Everyone could use a little help with their daily tasks, and most of these gift ideas are available locally, at home health care shops, electronics stores, discount and hardware stores. What you can’t find, TEC can find for you. And you can even go and try it out.

“People don’t get this stuff because they don’t know about it,” Gitlow said. “That’s one of our greatest missions, to break down barriers and educate people about this stuff. Anybody can benefit from this stuff.”

Even people who like impractical gifts.

TEC is located in the Evergreen Woods professional park, across from the Bangor Humane Society off Mount Hope Avenue in Bangor. It is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday. For more information, call 941-2952, Ext. 227, or (800) 603-0030.

ShopGirl would love to hear from you! Send questions, comments or suggestions by e-mail to: kandresen@bangordailynews.net, by U.S. mail to: Kristen Andresen, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor, ME 04402-1329, or by fax to: 941-9476.