The 10 Best Holiday Gifts for Loved Ones With Dementia

Choosing meaningful gifts is always an effort, but it’s even harder when your loved one is facing dementia. The good news is there is a wide range of gifts that have been recognized for what they can add to the lives of those struggling with memory loss. Keep reading to see 10 of our favorites. 

1. Simple Music Player

Technology has brought many possibilities to the table, but at times it can make life more complicated. This Simple Music Player ($149.99) dials all of that back, containing only one button that turns the music on and off. The player comes preloaded with big band tunes — or you can download your loved one’s favorite songs.

2. Coloring Books

Coloring books for adults have become a thing in the last decade because they slow life down and allow for quiet focus. These coloring books also make for an ideal gift for those facing memory loss. There are lots of options these days, including this simple coloring book ($7.99) available on Amazon.

3. Comfortable Clothing

The Alzheimer’s Association recommends comfortable loose-fitting clothing that is easy to put on and take off, including non-slip socks, Velcro shoes, loose nightgowns and nightshirts, fluffy bathrobes, and pants with elastic waistbands. The Able Label has clothing specially designed to make getting dressed easier, quicker, and safer. 

4. Plants and Flowers

While everyone is different, many people with memory loss enjoy the beauty of fresh flowers or a potted plant on their windowsill. Low-maintenance options include the spider plant, parlor palm, coleus, and various herbs.

5. Robotic Pet Companions

Although live animals aren’t always suitable for those with cognitive issues, experts have found that seniors with memory loss still find it calming to talk to and stroke robotic pets. These soft, lifelike creatures even have heartbeats. Robotshop.com sells critters like this Golden Pup Interactive Robot Toy Dog ($130.99), which has built-in sensors that respond to motion and touch. If you pet the pup’s cheek, for example, it will nuzzle your hand. 

6. Puzzles

Relish makes thoughtfully designed products for the different stages of dementia, including an assortment of puzzles ranging from 13 to 100 pieces. ($21.99). The pieces are larger, making them easier to handle, and the image features vibrant colors. While the puzzles are made for those with memory loss, there is no mention of dementia in the packaging. 

7. Digital Picture Frames

Digital photo frames, like this one from Skylight (starting at $139.99), connect to Wi-Fi, allowing multiple users to send photos directly to the frame. A top pick of many, Nixplay frames (starting at $139.99) can play short videos as well. Note that to access anything beyond basic features, a subscription, usually less than $50 a year, is necessary.

8. Custom Pillows

Etsy offers all kinds of gifts designed for those with memory loss, but one of the sweetest is this custom pillow ($19.50) which reads “Grandma’s Garden” and includes the names of grandchildren alongside pretty flowers. 

9. Digital Clocks

A large digital clock, like this one from Amazon ($33.99), makes telling time and knowing the date as easy as possible. The display clearly states the time, date, and day of the week without any confusing extra buttons or controls. 

10. A “Memory” Calendar

Another recommendation of the Alzheimer’s Association is giving your loved one a “memory calendar” in which important birthdays and anniversaries are noted. Check out this advice for creating a calendar specifically for your loved one. 

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Our memory care neighborhood is designed to make the most of the 103-acre wooded campus Meadow Lakes is set on. This one-of-a-kind environment maximizes the comfort and confidence of our memory care residents, allowing them to thrive. Each of our 16 comfortable, homelike memory care suites features a sunroom with direct access to a private, enclosed outdoor courtyard.Meadow Lakes also offers a fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, an art studio, a performance hall, a library, a croquet court, and lakeside dining, plus a calendar of events packed with everything from morning stretching to evening Jazz trios. Contact us today to see for yourself what life looks like at our senior living community in East Windsor, New Jersey.