for someone with dementia involves considering their interests, stage of dementia and sensory needs. The right gift can provide comfort, stimulate memories, and encourage engagement while supporting their well-being. Here are some ideas:
Art and Craft Supplies – easy-to-use colouring books with bold designs, watercolour paints, crayons, or markers for creative expression. Even simple craft kits tailored to their abilities, like card-making or clay modelling. Dementia does not take away creativity.
Gifts for Memory and Reminiscence – personalised photo album with labelled pictures of family, friends, and past events. Perhaps even consider cards with images from their younger years, like vintage cars, fashion, or events.
Puzzles and Games – large-piece puzzles with simple images for easier handling, memory games or matching games plus board games with straightforward rules, like dominoes or bingo.
Music and Nostalgia – compile a playlist of favourite songs to play on the day. Or a retro-style radio or CD player which plays familiar music from their lives. Even instruments like tambourines or maracas for interactive music-making.
Comfort and Relaxation Gifts – soft, easy-to-wear clothing like cardigans, slippers, or shawls. Or something to help with relaxation such as lavender-scented cushions or essential oils for calming effects. Sensory lamps with soothing colours can be very calming. Perhaps some skincare sets with gentle lotions or balms.
Activity-Oriented Gifts – for the summer a gardening kit with small potted plants, herbs, or an easy-to-manage indoor gardening set. Or tools for planting seeds or watering plants.
Many of these suggested ideas have all been tried and tested at one of Tapestry Day Club days. Last year our guests enjoyed over 400 different types of activities, and possibly the most successful has been with music involved. The best gifts for someone with dementia focus on simplicity, comfort, and connection. Personalise your choice based on their preferences, abilities, and stage of dementia to ensure the gift brings joy and meaningful engagement.
We have found some amazing resources on the internet in particular from Relish. When Relish CEO, Ben, was 10 years old his grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. He struggled to find anything that could suit his grandfather’s changing abilities, while being appropriate for adults. So he made a puzzle. His grandfather loved the puzzle so much he made another, and then another. Relish grew from there, researching, refining, and developing activities that are truly right for people living with dementia.
