Holding a fan of cards for a whole game is harder than it looks. Stiff fingers, a weak grip, a tremor or using only one hand can make it tiring, and dropped cards soon take the fun out of it. These simple holders sit on the table and keep the cards standing up, so the player can see their whole hand and pick out a card when it’s their turn.

What you get

• 4 card holders, one each in red, yellow, green and blue
• Each holder is about 8.5 x 8 x 2.6 cm (3.35 x 3.15 x 1 in)
• Light, sturdy plastic with a wide, stable base
• Fits standard playing cards, and works well with UNO and other card games

Who they help

• People living with arthritis or sore, stiff hands
• Anyone with a weak grip or a tremor
• Players who use one hand, for example after a stroke
• Anyone who finds it hard to keep a hand of cards hidden and in order

Game ideas

• Old favourites: rummy, gin rummy, go fish, crazy eights and snap are all easier when nobody has to juggle their cards.
• Group games: give each player their own colour so everyone knows which holder is theirs, which is handy in a group or at a care home table.
• One-to-one: a carer or caregiver can play a simple game of pairs or “higher or lower” and chat about card games played years ago.
• Beyond cards: stand up picture cards, word cards or recipe cards for a reminiscence session.

Sizes are approximate.