- Gift selection should align with the cognitive abilities of the recipient.
- Spending quality time together is often the most valuable gift for dementia patients.
- Gather early in the day to reduce confusion for the individual with dementia.
If someone you love has Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia — and 7.4 million Americans including 38,300 Utahns do — gift giving can be a bit tricky.
Not all typical gifts are a good idea and depending on the dementia stage, some well-intentioned gifts may not be appropriate, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
“Choosing a meaningful gift for someone living with dementia requires thoughtful consideration,” said Stacie Kulp, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association of Utah, in a written statement. “It’s important to consider the person’s cognitive abilities and select gifts that are both enjoyable and useful.”
She said the most valuable gift may be spending quality time together. But note that gatherings can be difficult if no adjustments are made. The Alzheimer’s Association provides some tips to ensure everyone has a good time.
Ideas include talking it through with family and friends in advance so expectations and understanding are the same. Sometimes confusion is greater later in the day, so early gathering can be helpful.
The individual with the disease may very much like helping with preparations, but pay attention to keep it safe. For instance, don’t use candies or artificial fruits and vegetables in decorations, because those could be mistaken for the real thing and shouldn’t be consumed.
Focus on what brings happiness and let go of activities that could be overwhelming.
The group also advises adapting gifts.
The association has its own 2025 Holiday Gift Guide, with ideas tailored to the stage of the disease. It also includes ideas for gifts for the nearly 12 million unpaid caregivers.
In the early stage of dementia, the guide recommends these gifts:
- Dry-erase calendars and whiteboards with colorful markers for daily reminders and events.
- Label makers to help organize and identify household items.
- Gift cards for ride-sharing services or favorite activities like movies or dining out.
- GPS tracking devices (available as jewelry, key rings) to help keep track if someone gets lost, while allowing independence and improving safety.
- Personalized “memory” calendars with family photos and important dates.
Gifts for those in the middle to late stages of dementia:
- Music playlists with the individual’s favorite songs and artists. Music, by the way, often triggers memories and can be a soothing tool.
- Comfortable clothing that’s easy to wear, such as sweatsuits, nonslip socks, shoes with Velcro closures and soft robes.
- Framed photos or collages with visible names to boost recognition.
- Calming items like soft blankets or massage balls to reduce anxiety.
- Adaptive dining tools like no-spill cups and easy-grip silverware.
To help individuals engage in daily activities:
- Memory phones with photo-based contact lists.
- Puzzle and activity books designed for cognitive engagement.
- Card games and board games that can be adjusted in terms of difficulty.
- Outings to movies, concerts, museums or shopping sprees.
- Creative pursuits like coloring, scrapbooking, ornament painting or table setting.
For individuals who provide unpaid care, the association offers these gift ideas:
- Respite time. Spend some time with the person who has dementia so the caregiver can run errands or take a break.
- Homemade coupons for chores, like cooking, cleaning or yard work.
- Gift cards for meals, laundry, tech support or pampering.
- Books, from novels to titles focused on caregiving and self-care.
- Self-care items.
The association offers other aids, including a marketplace where you can buy items with a portion of the proceeds supporting the mission to fund research, provide care and support and raise awareness.
You can learn more about holiday gatherings at alz.org/holidaytips.