Holiday Gift Ideas for a Loved One with Dementia
We all have that “hard to shop for” person in our family. You lean towards buying socks or gloves but choosing the perfect gift can be difficult or even impossible! What makes it even harder? If your loved one also has dementia.
Here are some gift ideas for someone who has dementia, including options for those at the beginning to the end stages of the journey. Great gifts can provide the individual to have more autonomy and independence, or just simple joys and ways to relax. We hope these will be helpful!
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List view: Gift Ideas by Stage or Gift Ideas by Category (Current View)
Books
Depending on the stage of your loved one’s journey, you can consider activity books and brain games for those in the early stages or picture and coffee table books to encourage reminiscence for those in the later stages. Activity books could include sudoku, word games or other trivia to engage those in the earlier stages. Others might enjoy a coffee table book on their hometown, a favorite vacation spot, or other hobby or interest (bird watching, cars, history, dogs or cats, etc.).
- America: An Activity Book for Seniors with Dementia and Alzheimer's: https://amzn.to/3SICPMS
- Picture Book of National Parks: A Picture Book: https://amzn.to/47vHrdP
- Picture Books about interests or to reminisce on past decades:
- Chapter books for Seniors, Those with Alzheimer's, or Reading Issues: https://amzn.to/49C9zNE
Easy Tech
For those in the earlier stages, and still managing many of their day-to-day activities, some modified tech might simplify their day. Think clocks with bigger numbers that are easier to read, or even a simplified smart phone that can help them stay connected.
- Skylight Calendar: https://tinyurl.com/y7ryvt76
- Call Genie: Call Genie - Video Calling through their TV
- GrandPad: https://tinyurl.com/4ps3h68u
- Flipper Simple TV Remote: https://amzn.to/3SK3IQl
- Digital Alarm Clock - Easy to Read, Uses Sounds: https://amzn.to/3MIjAz5
- SMPL One-Touch Music Player: https://amzn.to/46hiu48
- Large Talking Button Clock and Alarm Clock: https://amzn.to/49HSUse
- Simplified Cell Phone: https://g.co/kgs/pcbfJ9r
- Memory Support Checklist: https://amzn.to/3SEAdzr
Sensory Items
For those in the mid and later stages, sensory and fidget-type items could be a good choice to keep hands busy. There are a ton of fidget toys available from spinners to poppers, and here are a few more that might appeal specifically for those with dementia.
- Jellyfish Sensory Lamp: https://amzn.to/46kJfoe
- Sensory Pillow Cover: https://amzn.to/3sE0XFz
- Tactile Fidget: https://amzn.to/3upC4Oh
- Twiddle Sensory Toy:https://amzn.to/3QFk9Li
- Chew Necklace: https://amzn.to/47yeJZa
- Sensory Arm Pillow Fidget Wrist Cuff: https://amzn.to/3G5EYup
- Fidget Board: https://amzn.to/3G38AbO
Adaptive Clothing
Adaptive clothing features open back functionality in tops, side open designs in pants, hidden magnetic snap fasteners instead of conventional buttons and easy touch closures in footwear. All these helpful features enable people to dress with dignity, comfort and style.
- Unisex adaptive sweater: https://amzn.to/49BKfr5
- Adaptive polo: https://amzn.to/3R2pdKU
- Adaptive cardigan: https://amzn.to/46ivPt7
- Adaptive women's track pants: https://amzn.to/40JQZ2g
- Adaptive men's pants: https://amzn.to/47hEgpL
- Dignified reversible bib scarves:
*Check out the brands Silverts or MagnaReady for other adaptive options!*
Stay Cozy!
In the winter you can’t really go wrong with a cozy blanket or some comfy socks. Textured blankets can add another level of sensory stimulation. Others may enjoy a weighted blanket for relaxing.
- Granny Jo Products Lightweight Warm Fleece Blanket with Pockets: https://amzn.to/40ENPwA
- Warming stuffed animal heating pad: https://amzn.to/3QFq5nj
- Two textured throw:
For Animal Lovers
If your loved one is an animal lover, you have more options to consider! If they like watching outdoors, consider a bird feeder that attaches to your window or even with a smart camera enabled. Those in the later stages might enjoy a realistic plush animal, particularly if they’ve always enjoyed a pet at home.
- Animated cats/ dogs:
- Realistic Sleeping Plush Breathing Cat / Simulation Sleeping Dog: https://amzn.to/46ool84
- Fidget Dog: https://amzn.to/46fgg5w
- One-Way Mirror Bird Feeder: https://amzn.to/47S7WtJ
- 3 Pack Chirping Birds: https://www.alzstore.com/Audubon-3Pk-Plush-Singing-Birds-Set-for-Seniors-p/0619.htm
- Interactive Bluebird: https://amzn.to/46apcs
Activity & Engagement Themed Gifts
Staying engaged is always a priority for those with dementia. Depending on your loved one’s interests, they might enjoy a new puzzle, art supplies or craft kit, or even a simple card or board game. Many favorite hobbies can be simplified so that your loved one can still be successful – and enjoy!
- OuiSi Visually Connecting Photo Cards: https://shop.ouisi.co/pages/memory-care
- Marble Maze Game: https://a.co/d/iUgBlwt
- Playable Art Ball Game: https://www.alzstore.com/playable-art-ball-fidget-toy-p/0206.htm
- Tic Tac Toe Strategy Game: https://amzn.to/3sE2tHL
- Doodle Board/Drawing Pad: https://amzn.to/3SIbHgI
- Puzzles:
- Large Piece Puzzle for Seniors Bundle Kit: https://amzn.to/3FYMbfP
- Velcro games: https://amzn.to/40JRZn2
- Memory game: https://shorturl.at/jlzGL
- Activity Apron: https://amzn.to/3SLboSy
* Check out the brand Relish https://amzn.to/40DzAYZ for more dementia specific games, crafts and sensory activities!*
Peace of Mind for the Care Partner
These items may help a care partner feel more comfortable and bring them some peace of mind that their loved one is safe.
- AirTag holders or accessories
- Wristbands: https://amzn.to/47eK9nv
- Clip: https://amzn.to/3SKkVJE
- Brooch-style: https://amzn.to/40FxrMe
- Insoles: https://amzn.to/3SJhOBm
- Wallet card: https://amzn.to/46iDGqk
- Patch wandering alarm and receiver: https://tinyurl.com/rhsksv2m
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