Finding a gift for someone you love is never easy, and if they’re living with dementia, it can feel even more challenging.
You may find yourself thinking in circles, asking yourself questions like, “What would they actually enjoy?”, “What would they find useful?”, “What would make their day a little brighter?”
Don’t worry; below, we’ve listed a handful of gift suggestions for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease at the different stages of cognitive impairment.
Get ready to take the guesswork out of gift-giving and make this year’s present one they’ll truly appreciate.
Please note that we’ve provided a list of suggested retailers where you can purchase each item below. These listings are for your convenience to support your gift selection process and are not endorsements, as we are not affiliated with any of these merchants.
Gifts For Those with Early-Stage Dementia
1. Photo Album With Family Names and Faces
Consider making a photo album featuring pictures of your loved ones’ family and friends. This will help those in the early stages of cognitive decline reinforce memory and connect with familiar faces.
Consider spending an afternoon with your loved one printing photos, labelling them with names, and placing them in the album together. This shared activity adds a personal touch and creates lasting memories.
Where to buy supplies: Dollarama, Superstore, Michaels, Staples, etc.
2. Audiobook Subscription
Audiobook subscriptions are a great gift idea for seniors who may struggle with reading the fine print in physical books but still want to enjoy their favourite stories, stay mentally engaged, and explore new topics.
Additionally, they offer a hands-free and relaxing way to experience literature without straining eyesight.
Where to buy: Audible, Spotify, Everand, etc.
3. Diffuser & Essential Oils
A diffuser with essential oils is a great way to bring calming scents into your loved one’s space without needing to worry about blowing out a candle.
Familiar scents like lavender or vanilla can bring back fond memories while calming ones like chamomile help with relaxation and stress relief.
Diffusers are an easy and safe way to boost mood and they create a cozy atmosphere.
Where to buy: Saje, Walmart, London Drugs, etc.
4. Recipe Book of Family Favourites
Consider compiling a recipe book filled with your family’s favourite simple recipes, such as:
- Classic comfort foods like mac and cheese or meatloaf
- Holiday favourites, like stuffing or pumpkin pie
- Easy breakfasts, like pancakes or scrambled eggs
- Quick and healthy snacks, like fruit salads
- No-bake desserts, such as oatmeal cookies or cream cheese dip
You and your loved one can select the recipes together and set aside special times to cook them as a team!
Where to buy supplies: Dollarama, Homesense, Walmart, London Drugs, etc.
5. Activity Book with Simple Brain Exercises
Activity books are great for seniors with dementia as they provide simple brain exercises that help keep their minds active. Here are some types of activity books you may want to consider:
- Easy Sudoku
- Word searches
- Dot-to-dot books
- Find the difference picture puzzles
- Simple mazes
- Crossword puzzles
Where to buy: Amazon, Indigo, Book Outlet, etc.
6. Simple Garden Kit
Simple garden kits, like potted herbs or flowers, let your loved one enjoy the pleasure of caring for a plant, adding a sense of purpose and accomplishment to their day. These kits create a relaxed, easy routine that brings a bit of nature and joy into everyday life.
Plus, growing herbs can add a fresh, homegrown touch to meals or teas!
Where to buy: Amazon, Etsy, Walmart, etc.
Gifts For Those with Middle-Stage Dementia
7. Simple Crafts
Simple crafts can boost mood and provide a sense of accomplishment.
Here are some examples of crafts that you may consider gifting for your loved one with dementia:
- Paint-by-number kits
- Felt flower arrangement kits
- Wood painting kits
- Bookmark making kits
- Colouring books
Basic painting, colouring, and flower assemblies offer a sensory-friendly experience, helping seniors with dementia embrace their creativity without having to follow any complicated or lengthy steps.
Where to buy: Amazon, Walmart, Dollarama, Michaels.
8. Music Memory Box
A music box playing your loved one’s favourite tunes can boost mood and comfort and help with relaxation and recall.
For example, Music Memory Box sells memory boxes that you can fill with meaningful objects. The boxes feature a sensor, so when you cover the sensor it will play any song you wish. You can add new music to the box whenever you want with a basic USB stick.
Where to buy: Music Memory Box, Donuma, Etsy, The Music Box Store.
9. Memory Book with Large Print and Images
Consider creating your loved one a scrapbook that includes photos of:
- Family gatherings
- Individual family members
- Their house
- Past homes
- Childhood neighbourhood
- Favourite pets
- Places they love, like vacation spots or their hometown
- Images of cherished hobbies or past achievements
- Meaningful items, like a favourite chair or personal mementos
You can also print and gather the photos and then work on the scrapbook together!
Where to buy supplies: Dollarama, Superstore, Michaels, Staples, etc.
10. Comfortable Slippers or Cozy Socks
Comfort items like warm socks are soothing and support a sense of security and comfort, especially in familiar textures.
Where to buy: Walmart, Dollarama, Winners, The Bay, etc.
11. Automatic Pill Dispenser
During the middle stages of dementia, it can become very challenging to remember how many pills need to be taken and at what time.
Automatic pill dispensers can bridge this gap, making pill management easier and ensuring seniors maintain a consistent medication schedule. They can also reduce the risk of missed or double doses and promote better overall health.
Where to buy: Amazon, The Alzheimer’s Store of Canada, HeroHealth, Walmart, etc.
12. Digital Photo Frame with Audio Clips
Digital photo frames allow you to showcase your loved one’s favourite photos of family, friends, or pets all in one frame. This digital frame helps foster recognition and a sense of connection with the people and things they hold dear.
Where to buy: Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Costco, etc.
13. Personalized Blanket with Family Photos
Who doesn’t love a blanket as a gift? Rather than buying a basic blanket from Walmart or Homesense, consider getting a personalized blanket made!
Custom blankets let you choose any image to be printed, whether it’s a family photo, a beloved pet, a landscape of their hometown, or a favourite travel spot, making it a cozy, meaningful keepsake.
Where to buy: Vista Print Canada, Etsy, Walmart, London Drugs, etc.
14. Jigsaw Puzzle with Larger Pieces
Jigsaw puzzles with 100 or fewer pieces are great for enhancing motor skills while providing cognitive engagement.
Where to buy: Amazon, Puzzle Warehouse, Walmart, etc.
Gifts For Those with Late-Stage Dementia
15. Weighted Lap Pad or Cushion
A small weighted lap pad or cushion provides a sense of security and can calm restlessness during seated activities.
Where to buy: Amazon, Fun and Function, Walmart, etc.
16. Soft Sensory Pillow with Buttons or Zippers
Sensory gifts are a great option for providing sensory stimulation to those with late-stage dementia. Pillows with textures and interactive elements can enhance motor skills, reduce agitation, and limit boredom, giving your loved one something to explore safely.
Where to buy: Amazon, Adaptability Store, Walmart, etc.
17. Motion-Activated Night Light
Motion-activated lights can improve safety by helping seniors navigate at night, like to the bathroom or the kitchen for a glass of water, reducing disorientation in low-light settings.
Where to buy: The Alzheimer’s Store, Amazon, Home Depot, Canadian Tire, etc.
18. Classic Movie DVD
While streaming services have made movie-watching easy and seamless, gifting classic movies on DVD offers a nostalgic experience, a meaningful physical gift, and an opportunity to enjoy your favourite films with your loved one.
Where to buy: Value Village, London Drugs, Best Buy, Sunrise Records, etc.
19. Custom Jewellery
Jewellery engraved with your loved one’s name, such as a bracelet or necklace, can provide comfort and a sense of security. Not only can it serve as a sentimental piece, but it can also be a helpful form of identification if they become disoriented.
Where to buy: Etsy, Michael Hill, People’s Jewellers, etc.
20. Hand Massage Tool
A gentle hand massage tool can relieve tension, improve circulation, and ease joint stiffness, making it a comforting self-care item for daily use.
Where to buy: Amazon, Walmart, Winners, Massage Wellness, etc.
21. Low-Tech Voice Recorder
Easy-to-use voice recorders are a wonderful way to leave messages for your loved one, allowing them to listen to your message whenever they desire.
Having easy access to these recordings can provide your loved one with a sense of connection, reassurance, and comfort, bringing your voice close even when you’re apart.
Where to buy: Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Sony, etc.
22. Adaptive Eating Utensils
Specialized utensils help maintain independence and dignity in eating, even with motor challenges.
Where to buy: Amazon, Dining With Dignity, Caregiver Products, etc.
Create Joyful Moments with Gifts and In-Home Support
Whether you are searching for a meaningful gift for the holiday season, a cozy keepsake, or an activity to keep your loved one’s mind engaged, the gifts above are sure to bring joy.
Another gift you can give your loved one is our in-home care services. At Ohana Care, we offer in-home dementia support, where we will help your loved one in early, middle, or late-stage dementia with companionship, supervision, social interactions, light housekeeping, and personal care.
And if you choose an interactive gift like a recipe book, jigsaw puzzle, or garden kit, our team can assist your loved one in enjoying these activities, giving you peace of mind knowing they’re supported.
Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can support you and your loved one living with dementia. We’re here for you!
