Trays aren't just for serving – they can help your parent enjoy meals, hobbies or crafts while seated comfortably. A well-designed tray should reduce strain and offer stability on laps or beds. From cushioned bases to foldable legs, here are a range of trays suited to different needs.
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If you’ve found a product that’s made a real difference to your parent, we’d love to hear about it. Please get in touch at hello@carents.co.uk and help us share with others in the Carents community.
1. Essen 2-Pack Serving Tray Set
This plastic set includes two stackable trays, ideal for meals, snacks or carrying items around the house. With raised sides and cut-out handles, they’re stable and easy to grip.
Pros:
✔️ Non slip
✔️ Raised edges – Helps prevent spills
✔️ Cut-out handles – Easy to lift and carry
✔️ Classic design – Neutral tones suit most homes
Cons:
❌ No cushion or legs – Not ideal for lap use
❌ May be heavy when fully loaded
🏆 Best for: Serving food and drinks safely from kitchen to living space
2. Aidapt Lap Tray with Bean Bag Cushion
This lap tray features a soft bean bag base that moulds comfortably to the legs, with a wipe-clean surface perfect for meals or puzzles. The built-in design helps it stay in place on uneven surfaces.
Pros:
✔️ Bean bag cushion – Moulds to lap for stability
✔️ Lightweight – Easy to reposition
✔️ Wipe-clean surface – Suitable for food and crafts
✔️ Multiple uses – Can support books, tablets or plates
Cons:
❌ No raised sides – Items could slide off if not placed carefully
❌ Not suitable for carrying
🏆 Best for: Seated mealtimes or hobbies on the sofa or bed
3. KLASS Bamboo Bed Tray Table with Foldable Legs
This foldable bamboo tray doubles as a small table, perfect for breakfast in bed or reading while seated. It’s easy to fold and store, with side handles for carrying.
Pros:
✔️ Folding legs – Converts from table to tray
✔️ Lightweight bamboo – Strong yet easy to move
✔️ Raised sides – Helps keep items contained
✔️ Handles – Aids grip and portability
Cons:
❌ May not sit comfortably on laps
❌ Legs can wobble slightly on soft beds
🏆 Best for: Occasional use in bed or sofa when a table-style tray is preferred
4. Aidapt Lap Tray Folding Table with Legs and Drinks Holder
This multi-functional tray combines a lap desk with folding legs and a drinks holder. Designed for flexibility, it works well for meals, reading or using a tablet.
Pros:
✔️ Folding legs – Easy to adjust for comfort
✔️ Built-in drinks holder – Prevents spills
✔️ Lightweight plastic – Easy to clean and move
✔️ Multipurpose – Meals, laptops, books or tablets
Cons:
❌ Plastic feel – Less premium than wood or bamboo
❌ Legs may not lock firmly on all surfaces
🏆 Best for: Versatile use at home, especially for meals and light tech use
Which Tray is Right for Your Parent?
Each tray brings something different depending on your parent’s daily habits and comfort:
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🍽️ Best for Meal Carrying: Essen Serving Trays – Classic, stackable and easy to grip
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🛋️ Best for Sofa Use: Aidapt Bean Bag Lap Tray – Soft, moulded cushion for stable use on the lap
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🛏️ Best for Bedside Eating: KLASS Bamboo Tray – Raised sides and foldable legs for support in bed
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🧃 Best for All-round Use: Aidapt Folding Tray with Drinks Holder – Practical for meals, tech or reading
Have you found a tray or table that’s made a real difference for your elderly parent? We’d love to hear what’s worked for you. Drop us a line at hello@carents.co.uk and help others in the Carents community make confident, informed choices.
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This article may contain affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase via these links, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also receive compensation from partners for featuring their products, which supports the continued running of Carents.co.uk and our services at no cost to users. We only suggest products we genuinely believe may help. Carents accepts no responsibility for the quality, safety, or suitability of any third-party products. If you choose to make a purchase you do so at your own risk.Got a product to recommend? Email us at hello@carents.co.uk.