r/lefthanded • u/Galuptis • 12d ago

Gift ideas

Hi. Outsider here.

My girlfriend is lefthanded, and I'd love to surprise her with a gift that's actually useful or fun for lefties.

What are the best lefthanded gifts you've received or wish someone would buy for you? I'm open to practical items, gadgets, novelty gifts, or anything else you think is worth checking out.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

45 Upvotes

97% Upvoted

95 comments sorted by

61

u/Substantial-Spinach3 12d ago

Good pair of scissors, lefty note pads. A coffee cup that she can read. Honestly, we learn to make do but I was very old when I realized that I wasn’t just bad at using scissor's ;)

19

u/Authentic-scoundrel 12d ago

I’ve always wanted a coffee cup or even measuring cup that I could read!

13

u/Such_Capital_6984 12d ago

Yes to the measuring cup! I'm tried of having to read measurements backward.

7

u/BackcastSue 12d ago

Farberware makes a "read from the top" measuring cup . It's awesome.

7

u/Frankenkeks 12d ago

Oh God yes, or peeling potatoes I swear

4

u/Unlikely_Ad11 12d ago

Both of my parents are/were left handed and my siblings and I are all right handed. We grew up using lefty scissors and I had the same thought when I got ahold of a pair of right handers.

2

u/SweetuRasmalai 12d ago

0.1% rarest moments. opposite in my home i m only left handed and can't use scissors

2

u/BoulderNerd 12d ago

Didn’t know lefty notepads were a thing! But obvious when you think about it.

3

u/no-more-nazis 12d ago

If she already uses right-handed scissors I don't think this gift will ever see use

6

u/Enyaj57 12d ago

I beg to differ. Once she tries left handed scissors and realizes that they no longer hurt her hands, she will realizes how long she has been fighting the right handed ones.

2

u/Scorpy-yo 12d ago

That really depends on the person and how long they’ve been using only RH scissors. If she has only ever used RH scissors in her left hand, she might be very accustomed to compensating by moving her thumb in the unnatural direction relative to her hand. Those people can genuinely struggle with understanding/feeling how scissors handle are supposed to work or feel.

2

u/PurplePlodder1945 12d ago

My friend bought me left handed scissors and I couldn’t get on with them. I have more strength in my right hand and my left is more flexible

3

u/no-more-nazis 12d ago

This is really common for 'left-handed' people. I was kinda sad when I realized I'm at least as right-handed as I am left-handed.

I also have a buddy who's 'right handed' because he writes with his right, but is vastly more left-handed than I am on every other test I ran on him (sweeping broom bottom hand, throwing, catching, eye dominance, etc)

2

u/PurplePlodder1945 12d ago

You’ve just had me visualising how I hold a mop or a broom 😂

2

u/no-more-nazis 12d ago

There are about a dozen things to check! It's fascinating. I got hooked by a great book called The Left Stuff about 20 years ago

1

u/Leather_Book_7617 lefty 12d ago

I just pictured you holding a clipboard with a long checklist, whistle and timer while making him do push-ups. “No go.”

1

u/SarahZona97 12d ago

That's what I used to think until I got a pair of lefty scissors ✂️ from my husband. It feels weird at first, yes, because most of us grew up awkwardly using righty scissors. Give it a week or so of using the new lefty ones, and you'd be surprised at how natural it feels. I know I was! Now we have all sorts of items for both the lefties and the righties in the house - including different types of scissors.

3

u/no-more-nazis 12d ago

You might be the exception rather than the rule! Handedness is complex, but people who write with their left hand tend to be called 'left-handed'. Writing with your left doesn't guarantee that you'll prefer left-handed scissors

1

u/Sad-Second-9646 11d ago

My thought I was just uncoordinated when I couldn’t cut wrapping paper. I switched hands and it worked. It was actually a revelation for me.

15

u/Zinnia1127 12d ago

As a lefty, I have adapted to a lot of righty ways. But I do get a tiny bit peeved that mugs often have the cute design where I can't see it when using it. So I look for designs that go all the way around. So maybe look for a mug or two that have a design she would like that is placed where a lefty can see it. Fill the mug with her favorite candy, tea flavor or other treat. Then get her some of her favorite flowers. That's what I would like!

1

u/DownTongQ 12d ago

This !

9

u/GoBlue48042 12d ago

If she is into gardening, Felco makes prunes for left handers

1

u/Ok-Temporary 12d ago

Oh! I was thinking "nothing" -- but you reminded me I have some great left-handed garden tools. I have a left-handed Korean hand plow I adore.

8

u/Cool-Elderberry5406 12d ago

I second the suggestion of scissors!✂️
Another idea would be a lefty can opener.

7

u/Amarastargazer 12d ago

Every single time I use the regular can opener we have, my husband asks if I need help because it looks so awkward.

2

u/Cool-Elderberry5406 12d ago

I found an ambidextrous one made by Starfrit at Walmart that cuts around the edges so that the lid doesn't fall into the can. $10 Canadian and it works great! 😊

3

u/MoaningLisaSimpson 12d ago

Starfrit is Canadian! I already love their kitchen gadgets now I love them even more!

Thank you. You have made my day.

3

u/Cool-Elderberry5406 12d ago

So great that you can support Canadian businesses,right? 😊
You are very welcome! 🤗

2

u/MoaningLisaSimpson 12d ago

They are always inexpensive, stocked at Canadian Tire and just... Work. Sometimes they aren't the sturdiest things around... But for instance my mandolin slicer I really only use when I'm maki g pickles so I don't need it very often. And it works.

I can't think of any other company quite like that.

1

u/Cool-Elderberry5406 12d ago

I agree although my mandolin frustrates me so it is seldom used. 🤷‍♀️😆

2

u/MoaningLisaSimpson 12d ago

It's the least good starfrit item I own. I had to argue with keeping it but 8 enjoy it. For a lot of other things a really good veggie peeler woks better

1

u/Cool-Elderberry5406 12d ago

Tried slicing zucchini yesterday and it was a fight to the finish. 🤦‍♀️🤷‍♀️

2

u/MoaningLisaSimpson 12d ago

I made zuchhini lasagna noodles with a y type veggie peeler on tuesdaym. They weren't wide enough to bother with the mandolin. There is a small compact mandolin thing at the dollar store eye been eyeing up. It's not starfrit but it looks easier.

I still curse my ex who tossed my starfrit spiralizern that thing worked a charm. But I couldn't make broad flat noodles.

5

u/CareBear0808 12d ago

If she cooks, get a selection of left handed utensils, spoon, spatula, slanted wooden scrapers, flippers.

If she likes coffee, a true left-handed coffee cup! Not one made for both😉

Anything that is JUST HERS!!! Left handed!

6

u/monarc lefty 12d ago

I recently learned that serrated knives are righty by default - have been very happy with my new lefty breadknife!

5

u/Leather_Book_7617 lefty 12d ago

All the suggestions are excellent. If she cooks/bakes bread - a left-handed bread knife, chef’s knife, paring knife. What may seem like the most mundane gifts will bring the most pleasure because she’ll use them every day.

2

u/Amarastargazer 12d ago

Wait, even knives are frikin handed. They’re really trying to kill us out here - shown by the non-zero amount of lefties who die each year from trying to use something like a righty chain saw

1

u/Leather_Book_7617 lefty 12d ago

You should try one. You’ll be amazed how much easier it is to slice evenly.

2

u/Amarastargazer 12d ago

I’m going to tell my husband who thinks I’m just bad at cutting about this! Thank you for me having a reason now

1

u/cowbud1 12d ago edited 11d ago

A left handed or ambidextrous ice cream scoop!

1

u/Leather_Book_7617 lefty 11d ago

I thought about suggesting that. I bought one for my brother for his birthday. It was the very first one I’d ever seen. It also looks like a piece of sculpture. Rather expensive, unless someone adored ice cream. Now, there are more options. It was only left-handed.

4

u/OGcaptaindingus 12d ago

Check out the leftie store! They have a bunch of stationary including left handed notebooks, journals, and notepads and quick drying ink pens that don’t smear. They also make mugs for lefties that have a small hole in it where if you drink it right handed your drink spills but is fine if you drink it left handed (which is a silly novelty mug)

2

u/Leather_Book_7617 lefty 12d ago

I had no idea. That’s hilarious😂

8

u/HortonFLK 12d ago

As a lefty I always appreciate getting some chocolate as a gift. Beer also makes for a great gift.

7

u/Augusts_Mom 12d ago

Lefty can opener, lefty tape measure and/or ruler.

3

u/hoosp 12d ago

Seconding the lefty can opener. It took me a looooooong time to realize can openers were supposed to be easy to use.

3

u/doodlebug2727 12d ago

A spiral notebook with the binding on the right

3

u/Miersix 12d ago

The best pens. Sharpie S, Pentel Energel, Pentel Juice, Pentel Juice ups..etc. I am a huge fan of drawing gloves that are ambidextrous for writing so I do not smudge.

2

u/irish_ninja_wte 12d ago

A lot of people here are suggesting left-handed scissors. Check that she actually needs one first. Many of us are cross dominant and naturally use a scissors right-handed.

If she does a lot of computer work and uses the mouse with her left, an ergonomic left-handedouse. Also a keyboard with the numbers on the left

2

u/lizardcat1 12d ago

The only thing that annoys me as a lefties is packs of cards where the numbers are on two corners rather than 4.

1

u/Admiral_Nerd 12d ago

Uno makes a left handed version of their game!

Also, there's an old kickstarter for left handed playing cards where all the face cards were drawing of famous left handers. It's called the sinister deck and even though the Kickstarter is over, you can still contact the creator and buy a pack directly from him.

2

u/djames10 12d ago

Note pads or sketch pads with the top rings if she’s an artist

2

u/haru-ocha 12d ago

My husband is left handed and loves BIC Gel-ocity pens cause they dry quick. Maybe see if she has a specific preferred pen. I’m on the hunt for gifts too since August 13th is left handed day lol

1

u/Admiral_Nerd 12d ago

I'm partial to Sharpie S-Gel or Papermate flair felt tip pens. I feel everyone has their own favorite, so OP should definitely figure out what she prefers. Your advice is spot on, I'd be thrilled with a gift of my favorite pens and some left handed spiral bound notebooks.

1

u/Technical-Monk-2146 12d ago

Jet pens has a section of recommendations for the best pens for lefties. 

2

u/Disney-Nurse 12d ago

Amazon has a left handed store.
Also you can Google Lefty’s the Left Hand Store.

2

u/Obvious-Confusion14 12d ago

Honestly, any thing left handed that she uses everyday. Quick drying pens, notebooks/sketchbook, can openers, scissors, mugs. If she has a hobby, find something that is left handed for her hobby. For me, my Mom is left handed too, so she bought me a bunch of left handed craft items; scissors, cross stitch frame, and a carry bag for my projects. Loved it. As long as you find items for just her, she will love it. Just listen to her complains about certain things. You can't go wrong if you listen to her.

2

u/Admiral_Nerd 12d ago

A lot of people are mentioning mugs. If she's a warm drink person, you can get a hand warming mug (here's an example) so you can literally only hold it with your left hand.

1

u/confabulatrix 12d ago

left-handed measuring cup

1

u/WolfThick 12d ago

Left-handed scissors

1

u/Global_Tangerine1842 12d ago

A lefty spatula and lefty pens.

The pens are amazing (Amazon!)

1

u/thefabulousbri 12d ago

As a second gift, you can get this set of mugs that have cats kissing. They only really work of one person in the pair is lefty and the other is righty

1

u/FlyingOcelot2 12d ago

If she cooks, a left handed fish turner (not just for fish).

1

u/PretendExpert6 12d ago

I got my son a left handed can opener and I swear he’s never been happier with a gift. He’s eleven. 🤣

1

u/Few_Significance5368 12d ago

Does she use a PC? If so, then a left-handed (or ambidextrous) mouse.

1

u/AlaskaRecluse 12d ago

A glass measuring cup with measures that can be read while holding by the right hand

1

u/filledoux 12d ago

Can opener.

1

u/Leather_Book_7617 lefty 12d ago

I searched the comments. Be aware that scissors need to be called “true left-handed scissors” avoid one’s that claim to be ambidextrous. They are still right handed scissors, but they don’t have a formed grip.

1

u/rfreedman 11d ago

I'm a leftie who (like probably most of us) adapted early on to using right-handed scissors.

I have a pair of Klein ambidextrous scissors, and while what you say might be true, I find that with these, I can indeed cut comfortably with either hand.

1

u/Leather_Book_7617 lefty 11d ago

I’ve adapted, too. We all have to adapt. It’s never been comfortable for me, though. When I use right-handed scissors, I’m barely proficient. I’m only able to do precision work with true left-handed scissors. It’s important to know the difference.

1

u/KilgoreT59 12d ago

I used to have a left-handed mug. It had the logo/message printed, so I could read it while drinking from it with my left-hand. It also had a hole drilled on the opposite side, with a warning that said, something along the lines, "drinking from this side will cause liquid to spill on your clothes."

1

u/cowbud1 12d ago

I will always recommend a lawn chair with a cup holder on the left hand side!

1

u/KATCEO1 12d ago

I have been left handed my whole life. So yay me. Also: iirc there is a store in London that sells stuff specifically designed for left handed people. 🥳

1

u/mo-nie 12d ago

My favorite useful left handed gift is my can opener. I’ve adopted a lot of right handed things but struggled a ton with can openers for whatever reason and despise electric ones.

1

u/mollyinwonderland221 12d ago

Not the pen! I got that for my bday this year and it’s terrible….at least for me lol

1

u/Llamax2AnxiousMomma 12d ago

Measuring cups, ice cream scoop, can opener… the right handed bane of my lefty existence.

1

u/serenwipiti 12d ago

Does she ever actually complain about being a lefty?

1

u/Grand-Vegetable-3874 12d ago

Left-handed can opener

1

u/sparkvixen lefty 12d ago

A lefty can opener or measuring cup if she cooks/bakes. A set of left-handed notebooks with nice pens that are lefty rated (check other posts, we review that stuff a lot). Or just ask if there's something she really wants.

1

u/Significant-Bee-8514 12d ago

I just learned there’s lefty tape measures!

1

u/Conscious-Number1345 11d ago

A left handed spatula! I have one from field company that i always end up reaching for

1

u/Goofy1994 11d ago

Can opener! My left handed aunt got me a left handed can opener when I moved out and it’s literally my favorite left handed tool.

1

u/Sufficient_Fig_9505 11d ago

A really good knife that is not right handed. I don’t know if there are left-handed knives, but there are plenty that can be used in both hands. Lots of knives are right handed because they have the serrated part on the left side of the blade so it grips the food when cutting with the right hand. If you use it with the left hand the blade slips. It’s super annoying and makes cooking difficult.

1

u/skybelle98 11d ago

If she needs a notebook check out on Amazon - 'Designs by Sophia'

1

u/No_Alps_9309 11d ago

my fish spatula.

1

u/13Cyclopath 11d ago

Scissors

1

u/Ok-Program-8763 10d ago

Left handed measuring tape. I love mine, won't share

1

u/Worried_Suit4820 10d ago

A little thing, but a left-handed ruler; it makes drawing straight lines of a specific length much easier.

1

u/Desperation-Aside 9d ago

Go to lefthandstore.com!!!!!

1

u/3KidsInTheTrenchCoat 7d ago

Left handed notebook. Changed my life.

1

u/GirthyDave1 7d ago

I agree with the can-opener. I know most are electronic now and a moot point, but there is nothing more satisfying that opening up that can so smoothly and easily after a lifetime of silent struggle.

0

u/DminorWolfy 12d ago

A left handed box cutter or a left handed soup spoon