Finding the perfect gift is a welcome challenge. If you’re purchasing something for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, you may need extra inspiration. Consider a few popular gift ideas for people with dementia to locate the perfect present and avoid additional stress.

1. A Weighted Blanket

People with dementia may feel extra anxious when they’re alone. If your loved one struggles to fall asleep at night, get them a weighted blanket. The heaviness stimulates a full-body hug and eases the nervous system. Although they should still have nighttime assistance as needed, your family member may feel calmer and fall asleep quickly with a weighted blanket hugging them. Here are some examples of Weighted Blankets.

2. Scrapbook Supplies

When someone has early-stage dementia, they may still enjoy reminiscing. The empowering activity is extra fun if they have craft supplies. Find some scrapbook equipment and colorful decorations, and print out pictures from their life. Your loved one may enjoy spending an afternoon piecing their memories back together with the craft project. They can always flip through the pages later when they’re struggling to recall their favorite memories.

Other people may not enjoy scrapbooking for longer than a few minutes. If your family member gets too stressed, try taking a walk together. The gentle physical activity relieves depression and anxiety symptoms, so it could be an enjoyable way to release built-up tension. Walking is one of the most engaging activities for seniors with dementia, so try it together if your loved one feels frustrated by pictures they can’t recall. Check The Meaningful Memory Maker for more gift ideas.

3. An Informational Clock

Telling time is difficult as dementia progresses. You can keep your family member informed with a digital clock that has large print. If the clock also shows the day of the week, the date and the year, you’ll empower your loved one to connect with the present day without asking for help. They may otherwise feel embarrassed or upset by having to do that regularly. There are a variety of communication tools on the market. A couple of our favorites are Memory Board, GrandPad, and Innerhive. Each is a different type of commuciation tool.

4. Coloring Books

Caregivers might not think about coloring books as presents for their loved ones, but they’re a great resource. Coloring supplies are among the best gift ideas for people with dementia because they offer a low-pressure activity that allows for self-expression. Find a book with big pictures so your family member doesn’t have to struggle coloring between small lines. you cna find Adult Coloring Kits here.

Resources are available around the clock if new challenges arise after your loved one opens their gift. They may get inspired by coloring books, but want to explore other hobbies. Free educational resources will help you connect with dementia-friendly activities that your family member can try by themselves or potentially with others.

5. Sing-Along Videos

Music is an excellent tool for shifting your mood. Give your loved one a sing-along video of their favorite music. They can follow along by reading the lyrics on the screen when they don’t remember a phrase. Exploring dementia-friendly YouTube content could also help you find other helpful videos that make life easier for caregivers and people with dementia. Bridgetown Music Therapy also has some gret resources!

6. Flower Arranging Kit

Flowers are another creative outlet. If your loved one used to have a garden, get them some flowers, a vase, and any other supplies they’ll need to make a floral arrangement. The low-stress activity is easy to do and creates something beautiful to inspire their self-esteem.

You could also swap real flowers for silk alternatives. They’re widely available at craft stores that also supply vases and bouquet accessories. Your family member may enjoy their floral craft more if they can appreciate their work for months or years to come. You can visit the American Horticultural Therapy Association.

7. Picture Books

Many publishers print picture books specifically for people with Alzheimer’s disease. Browse options with themes that your loved one would appreciate, like locations or time periods they adored. Reading together is among the most engaging activities for seniors with dementia, but only if the pictures are big enough for them to follow along with.

If your family member enjoys their picture books, you can also explore poetry and other creative works written by people walking the same path as you. They could more closely address specific feelings you’re both encountering while learning to live with memory loss. You can also check out Nana’s Books, Mirador Magazine, and AlzAuthors for additional gift ideas.

8. A Classic Movie

Your family member doesn’t have to venture to the theater to catch a film. Give them a classic movie they watched back in the day. They may draw some memories from the experience or boost their mood by watching iconic scenes. Try turning on the subtitles so they can follow along, especially if your loved one has age-related hearing loss.

If you need help finding movie ideas for a specific stage of dementia, you can easily connect with others through Alzheimer’s Speaks for recommendations. The organization brings people together so no one feels alone after a memory loss diagnosis.

Find Gift Ideas for People With Dementia

Giving a present to someone with Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t have to feel challenging. Explore popular gift ideas to find inspiration for your loved one. Whether they’d appreciate a weighted blanket, picture book, or a scrapbooking project, you’ll engage their interests and lift their mood. Visit Dementia Map Global Resource Directory for additional gift ideas.

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Beth Rush is the mindfulness editor at Body+Mind. She writes about caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease. She also shares tips for coping with c-PTSD, PCOS, and climate anxiety. Her goal is to encourage readers to live their best lives. Subscribe to the Body+Mind Newsletter for more posts by Beth

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