Buying a gift for someone with dementia is a lovely gesture but can be challenging as you want to make sure your choice suits their tastes and changing abilities.
Below we provide tips for buying gifts for someone with dementia, as well as our top pick dementia gifts with labels below each item to show you which stage of dementia it is most suitable for.
Tips for Buying Suitable Presents for People with Dementia
Wondering what to buy someone with dementia that will show your care and understanding? Keep in mind the following tips when selecting a dementia-friendly gift:
- Recognize Changes: Understand that the person's abilities may have changed. As dementia progresses, your loved one might experience increased confusion or agitation and not be able to complete tasks they once could.
- Match Interests and Abilities: Choose gifts that align with their interests and abilities. For example, arts and crafts for someone creative or puzzles that are appropriately challenging based on their dementia stage. Find the correct stage of dementia here.
- Consider Musical Gifts: Music has a universally positive impact on people with dementia. It's beneficial at all stages, helping to reduce stress and improve mood.
- Dementia-Friendly Group Activities: Opt for group games and activities that are dementia-friendly, fostering connection and joy without overwhelming your loved one.
- Help Maintain Independence: A gift that promotes independence and helps a loved one overcome memory loss challenges can be a great option.
Looking for a great gift to give a loved one with dementia? Below we have compiled a great range of dementia gifts to suit all stages of dementia, plus different interests.
Best Gifts for Dementia
1. Relish Dementia Radio
A dementia-friendly radio is an excellent gift choice for individuals at any stage of dementia. Its design focuses on ease of use, featuring a simple control panel, large buttons, and clear colour contrasts to enhance visibility. The radio also includes a personalisation panel, allowing you to tailor music choices to your loved one's preferences.
As well as promoting joy, playing music has been shown to slow down cognitive decline and encourage brain plasticity in elderly adults. You might even see your loved one hum along or tap their foot in time to their favourite songs.
Suitable for any stage of dementia.
2. Day Hub Dementia Reminder Clock with Task Alerts
A thoughtful and practical gift for people living with dementia, the Day Hub is designed with user-friendliness in mind. It features a clear, easy-to-read display and simple controls, making it dementia-friendly. With a customizable task list and visual and audio reminders, it helps in managing daily routines but also promotes a sense of security and reassurance for the user.
It's a gift that goes beyond mere functionality, offering a way to enhance daily life and bring peace of mind to those living with dementia and their caregivers.
Suitable for people in the early to mid stages of dementia.
3. All About Us Board Game
This board game is a wonderful way for friends and family to connect and share memories. It's a unique life-storytelling game that encourages players to reminisce about their lives, from childhood to the present.
For individuals with dementia, it's especially beneficial as it stimulates cherished memories and helps them engage with their identity and emotions. This game not only fosters a sense of independence and purpose but also strengthens bonds with loved ones, making it more than just a game – it's a tool for emotional connection and memory stimulation.
Suitable for people in the early stages of dementia.
4. Frameo Digital Photo Frame
Unlike traditional frames, digital ones allow you to easily update photos remotely, ensuring your loved one sees familiar and comforting faces all year long.
The Frameo digital photo frame allows you to send photos to the frame via a free app – all your need is the internet. It's a simple way to bring joy and spark warm memories for your loved one, even from afar.
Suitable for any stage of dementia.
5. Bathing Birds 35-Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
Bird lovers, gardeners and nature enthusiasts will enjoy completing this idyllic scene of birds enjoying a bird bath in a peaceful garden. With larger pieces, the puzzle is ideal for aiding those with dexterity difficulties.
A lovely activity to complete alone or with loved ones. Inside the box are conversation prompts to help spark conversations, evoke memories and promote a sense of wellbeing.
Suitable for people in the early stages of dementia.
6. Musical Bingo
Wander the streets of Paris with an accordion playing and revisit the Scottish Highlands with traditional bagpipes. Music lovers are sure to enjoy this game of bingo. Up to 8 players can join together to listen to musical sounds and mark the instruments on their bingo sheet. The first player with a full house shouts, “Bingo!”
A great activity to play at a family get-together where all the family can get involved. Using evocative melodies and illustrations rather than numbers, this game is dementia-friendly and a whole lot of fun.
Suitable for people in the early stages of dementia.
7. Calming Aromatherapy Candles by Rose & Raine
Creating a peaceful and familiar environment is key for those living with dementia. Aromatherapy candles offer a gentle way to promote relaxation and reduce agitation. Certain scents, like lavender and chamomile, are known for their calming properties, while citrus aromas can boost mood and energy.
Remember to supervise your loved one while using aromatherapy candles to ensure their safety. If you do have concerns, you could try using a flameless candle with an accompanying lavender room spray.
Suitable for any stage of dementia with supervision.
8. Magnificent Birds Aquapaints
A creative and stimulating experience, perfect for individuals with dementia. This set includes 5 vibrant illustrations of exotic birds designed to spark conversations and evoke memories of past travels. No mess, you only need water and a paintbrush to bring the illustrations to life! Once dry, the colours fade, so they can be used again and again.
Engaging in painting not only brings joy and a sense of accomplishment but also promotes relaxation and mental wellbeing, making it an ideal therapeutic tool for artistic expression and reminiscence.
Suitable for people in the mid stages of dementia.
9. Circuit Marble Maze
The Circuit Marble Maze offers a unique blend of calm and excitement, ideal for someone with dementia. The maze challenges hand-eye coordination and dexterity as players navigate a marble through a twisting track.
Designed with high colour contrast and a lightweight board, it's perfect for those with visual and dexterity challenges. Engaging and rewarding, it's not just a game but a journey that brings a sense of achievement and joy.
Suitable for people in the mid stages of dementia.
10. Puppy Playtime 13-Piece Puzzle
A delightful activity for dog lovers with dementia, this 13-piece puzzle is designed to evoke fond memories and smiles, reminiscent of joyful times with furry friends.
Beyond its fun aspect, it offers cognitive benefits, enhancing visual perception and providing a sense of accomplishment upon completion, making it a meaningful and enjoyable pastime.
Suitable for people in the mid stages of dementia.
11. Snakes & Ladders and Ludo
Adapted for people with dementia, this classic board game duo offers double the fun for family and friends. Designed with high colour contrast and clear guidance, they are ideal for individuals with visual and cognitive impairments.
They provide an engaging, stress-free experience, with large numbered cards for easy handling, perfect for those with dexterity challenges. Enjoy the thrill of the race to the finish line with a touch of nostalgia and friendly competition.
Suitable for people in the mid stages of dementia.
Gift for Someone with Later Stages of Dementia
12. Track Marble Maze
Entertaining, calming, yet challenging, this is an activity for those who love a mission. The aim is to guide the marble around the maze to the end of the course by tilting the track with both hands. It’s ideal for improving coordination and dexterity and is sure to give a sense of achievement when the marble reaches the end of the course. Designed to be lightweight, with safety screws and curved corners for the best user experience.
Suitable for people in the mid to late stages of dementia.
13. Tactile Turn
This sensory toy is great for keeping hands busy and alleviating anxiety and stress. It focuses on doing rather than accomplishing, as there is no right or wrong way to use it. It’s easy to hold with different colours and material textures for enhanced sensory stimulation.
It helps relieve agitation and boredom as it can be in constant motion. It can be a way for people with dementia to express themselves if they can no longer communicate using words.
Suitable for people in the late stages of dementia.
14. Sensory Bubble Tube
The LED Bubble Tube is both visually stimulating and calming, making it a great addition to any living space for someone living with dementia. It can create a soothing environment and provide a source of fascination and enjoyment.
The rhythmic movement of the bubbles can be visually soothing and promote relaxation, and the rising bubbles can be a great tool for encouraging focus and reducing agitation. They can be used alongside your favorite calming music on the Relish radio!
Suitable for people in the mid-late and late stages of dementia.
15. Fidget Widget Tool Kit
Developed in collaboration with the Alzheimer's Society, this is a unique set of five fidget widgets, each offering a different motion like twisting, turning, sliding, rolling, and spinning.
Engaging repetitive movements, touch and feel, these widgets are perfect for engaging busy hands and calming unsettled minds, providing a sense of occupation and inclusion in meaningful activities. There is no right way to use the toy, so users can enjoy exploring different ways to interact with it.
Suitable for people in the late stages of dementia.
16. The Baking Cupboard Magnetic Picture Board
Ideal for mums who love to bake, this memory game helps evoke happy memories from the past. The retro-styled magnetic pieces have been thoughtfully designed to create a comforting and familiar scene for a person with dementia who loves baking.
Bold colours and easy-to-handle shapes can be placed onto the magnetic board or simply used as conversation starters. Conversation prompts are included with the game. This activity is a great alternative for those who struggle with puzzles.
Suitable for people in the mid to late stages of dementia.
17. Dancing Shoes 63-Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
If your mum loves to dance, then this might be the perfect puzzle for her! Depicting a scene from a vibrant jazz nightclub, this puzzle is bound to stir up memories of memorable nights out dancing.
High-contrast colours and chunky puzzle pieces aid visibility and dexterity. The puzzle can be a fun activity to complete with friends and family and is sure to give a sense of accomplishment upon completion. Conversation prompts are included inside the box to encourage social participation.
Suitable for people in the early stages of dementia.
18. Golf Target Game
For dads who love golf, this is the perfect gift to enjoy with family and friends. Roll out the target mat on the floor and throw the lightweight bags at the holes. Whoever gets the closest to the hole wins!
This activity promotes fun, lighthearted competitiveness and dexterity. The bright colours and easy-to-hold bags aid use. Can be played while sitting or standing.
Suitable for people in the mid stages of dementia.
19. Garden Wonders Aquapaint
For gardening enthusiasts and those with a creative streak, this Aquapaint set is ideal. Depicting everyday garden scenes, green-fingered Dads will feel right at home with this painting set. With just a dash of water added to a paintbrush, each stroke reveals a colourful scene underneath. No need to worry about making a mess or going outside the lines.
Ideal for promoting creativity and inspiring conversation. What’s more, the 5 art sheets are designed to be used again and again.
Suitable for people in the late stages of dementia.
20. Handyman Magnetic Picture Board
An ideal gift for dads who love DIY, this magnetic picture board features popular tools and a DIY theme that can rekindle fond memories of past projects and skills.
With bold colours, large, easy-to-handle magnetic pieces, and conversation prompts, it's not just an activity but a doorway to cherished memories and conversations. This board offers a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment, making it a thoughtful and engaging gift.
Suitable for people in the mid to late stages of dementia.
For more dementia-friendly gifts, explore the full range of Relish products here.
