10 Ideal Gifts for People with Dementia and Alzheimer’s
Buying a gift for someone with dementia is a lovely gesture but can be challenging, but we know it can be difficult knowing what to choose.
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.
Top Tips
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:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Dementia-Friendly Group Activities: Opt for group games and activities that are dementia-friendly, fostering connection and joy without overwhelming your loved one.
5. Help Maintain Independence: A gift that promotes independence and helps a loved one overcome memory loss challenges can be a great option.
Relish Dementia Radio
A dementia-friendly radio is an excellent gift choice for individuals at any stage of dementia. It's design focuses on ease of use, featuring a simple control panel, large buttons, and clear color contrasts to enhance visibility. The radio also includes a personalization 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 favorite songs.
Suitable for any stage of dementia.
Day Hub - Dementia Reminder Clock with Task Alerts
A thoughtful and practical gift for people living with dementia, the Day Hub is a day clock and personal task manager that helps your loved one take control of their daily routine and live independently.
It has a simple setup and large buttons to remove the confusion that often comes with digital products. This helps keep the user in control of their daily life, removing dependence on the caregiver.
Suitable for people in the early to mid stages of dementia.
All About Us - Conversation 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.
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.
Magnificent Birds Aquapaint
A creative and stimulating experience, 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.
Marble Mazes
We offer 2 marble mazes, each for a different stage of dementia; Circuit Maze, and Track Maze. They offer 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 color 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.
Circuit Maze suitable for people in the Early-Mid stages of dementia.
Track Maze suitable for people in the mid stages of dementia.
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.
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 colors 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.
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.
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.