How to Choose Meaningful Holiday Gifts for People Living with Dementia

Guest Post by: Christine O’Connor

The holiday season is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the joy of togetherness and create meaningful moments with loved ones—no matter where they are on their dementia journey. If there is a friend or family member on your gift list who is experiencing cognitive impairment, you’ll want to give special thought to choosing a gift they are able to use and enjoy.

Presenting a gift to someone with dementia goes far beyond the act of giving—it’s an opportunity to bring genuine joy and comfort during the holidays. The right present can help maintain a person’s dignity and sense of self-worth by focusing on who they are, rather than their diagnosis. Thoughtful gifts that avoid reminders of the condition and instead honor lifelong interests and passions can spark positive memories, foster connection and reinforce a loved one’s identity. So how do you find the ideal gift?

Gift selection tips

No matter what stage of dementia a person is experiencing, it’s important to keep in mind that they can still enjoy some, if not many, of the same things they did before receiving their diagnosis. Think about the person’s unique interests, likes and preferences and try to personalize your gift as much as possible.

For people in the earlier stages of dementia, look for gifts that can help keep your family member active physically and socially. Gifts that encourage social engagement and connection are always a good choice—think simple games, puzzles and crafts that involve other family and friends.

For those in the middle to later stages of dementia, simple gifts that provide sensory stimulation are often the best choice. These kinds of gifts can help promote pleasant memories and feelings via touch, sight, sound, taste and smell. Assistive products can also be helpful for both a person with dementia and their caregivers.

Gifts ideas for every stage of dementia

When selecting a gift for a loved one with cognitive impairment, it’s important to consider where the person is cognitively so you can choose a gift they are able to use and enjoy. To help you find the perfect present, we’ve compiled a list of ideas for individuals living in the early, middle and late stages of dementia.

Early stage

• Books and magazines: Choose titles related to your loved one’s hobbies or favorite genres; consider large print editions.

• Gift cards: Consider ride-sharing services or a favorite activity (movie, restaurant, golf), enabling your loved one to remain active and independent

• Card and board games: These are an opportunity to engage family members and friends, allowing others to spend time with your loved one.

• Art supplies: Sketchbooks, colored pencils or adult coloring books themed around personal interests are good choices.

• Photos: Digital photo frames display favorite images in a continuous loop; some even allow you to add captions identifying people and places.

• Experience gifts: Museum memberships, tickets to concerts or outings tailored to their interests help people in the early stages continue to enjoy their favorite activities.

“When my mother was in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, she enjoyed visiting our local art museum to see her favorite Impressionist paintings. We also purchased a zoo membership, which encouraged her to spend time outdoors and get in some physical activity while engaging with the animals she loved so much.”

—Christine, U.S.

Middle stage

• Comfort items: Soft blankets, textured pillows or weighted throws in favorite colors or patterns

• Simple crafts: Pre-assembled craft kits that require minimal steps but tap into familiar interests such as sewing, woodworking or art

• Photo albums: Albums featuring labeled photos of family, friends or places they love

• Books: Life story books or coffee table books about favorite places or hobbies

• Interactive pets: Robotic pets or plush toys for companionship

  
  

“My father-in-law loved his cat. When he moved into a memory care facility, she went to live with another family member. He missed her so much, so we found a plush cat with nearly the same colors and markings. He carries it everywhere and it really seems to comfort him.”

—Rhonda, U.S.

Late stage

• Sensory gifts: Aromatherapy diffusers, soft sensory balls or tactile blankets

• Visual stimulation: Brightly colored mobiles or wall art featuring favorite colors or calming patterns

• Gentle music: Soothing playlists, wind chimes or musical stuffed animals

• Soothing activities: Hand massages, scented lotions or gentle touch therapies

• Simple companionship: Stuffed animals, soft dolls or items that provide comfort and reassurance

  
  

These are just a few ideas that can bring happiness to people suffering with cognitive impairment. The best gifts for people living with dementia are ones that honor their unique personalities, histories and interests without focusing on the condition itself. Get creative and find a gift your family member will love!

Where to buy

Most of the items here can be purchased from traditional brick and mortar retailers and online stores. If you’re looking for something more specialized, check out the Alzheimer’s Association list of retailers in the U.S. and Canada offering assistive products for people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.

Once you’ve found the perfect gift, make the holidays—and every day—safer, easier and more joyful for your loved one living with dementia. Download the Simon app today or join our app tester group to learn how you can extend independence and support caregiving.

Still have questions? We would love to hear from you!

Email us team@simon.health