Throughout December, Staffordshire County Council is highlighting the array of low-cost assistive technology products that could make life-changing gift ideas for friends and family this Chsitmas. 

Gadgets that can help someone to prepare food, get washed or dressed or feel safer around their home are examples of the kind of products being highlighted. 

This months 'elf antics' are part of a wider county council campaign to help support people who want to live independently in their own homes for longer. 

To help spread the message, the team have recruited help from the Staffordshire 'Happy at Home Christmas Elf'.

He shares ideas online and on social media and he has also been out and about in the community, meeting residents to demonstrate some of the gadgets. 

The gadgets include:

• Playing card holder, which makes holding cards easier
• Telephone with photo buttons so people don't have to remember phone numbers
• Easi-grip handle gardening tools to make gardening easier

Julia Jessel, Cabinet Member for Health, Care and Wellbeing at Staffordshire County Council said: "Technology is really transforming many aspects of everyday life. 

"These simple and low-cost devices can really make the difference to the lives of people with a daily living need and can help them to be safer and more independent at home. 

"We hope this fun Christmas campaign will help to highlight the range of simple and affordable assistive technology equipment available."

As well as showcasing a selection of the gadgets as gift ideas, the Happy At Home Christmas Elf has also paid a timely visit to MediQuip, in Stafford, one of the county councils largest providers of assistive technology equipment.  

Here he stocked up on some of the most popular gadgets and offered their busy team a little bit of help in their workshop and shop.

People can explore the Christmas gift Ideas and other resources on the council's website.