Does anyone have any recommended tools for picking things up?

How nice of you to be helping your friend like this! Most medical supply stores have long handled grabbers which are fabulous. My mom used them.
Take care,
Carol

Hardware stores & Home Depot type of stores have grabbers too. Lots of websites for people trying to live independently also have them. I would get more then one too. I wouldn't want to have to carry a grabber with me around the house.

You can also find grabbers in most drug stores. They are wonderfully useful for anyone, handicapped or not!