It’s Christmas time again. I don’t know about you, but I find the whole process of present giving very stressful. Some people are very difficult to buy for. This year, as in the past few years I have also been faced with buying a present for my aunt – who has worsening Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. This is the most challenging present buying of all. But, I have done some research and I hope this is helpful to all of you out there who are also looking to buy a present for someone with dementia. Undoubtedly, the best presents are those that bring comfort, spark memories, and encourage engagement without causing frustration. Here are some dementia-friendly present ideas that are available from UK retailers.
Presents that bring comfort
- Weighted blankets or lap pads – These can help promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. They come in different prices depending on size and can be found at a number of retailers including the Alzheimer’s Society Shop. The Alzheimer’s society shop has a number of ideas for gifts so is a good place to start for ideas.
- Twiddle muffs or fidget cushions – These are tremendous and, to be honest, I had never heard of them until I started to do some research. They make a great present and are available from places like Amazon and Etsy UK at really good prices. If the person with dementia in your life likes to fiddle with things or has restless hands, this is the place to start.
- Heated throws or soft tactile cushions – Offer warmth and comfort. Now heated throws are a staple in my house anyway at this time of the year. They are available from many retailers and are a great way of keeping people warm and giving them that extra feeling of comfort.
Presents that are good for memory and help with reminiscence
- Digital photo frames – These have really come down in price over the years and they are a great way of displaying family photos in a slideshow; widely available on Amazon UK.
- Life story books or memory boxes – Both the Alzheimer’s Society and Relish (a retailer that has loads of present ideas for people with dementia) offer kits for creating personalised memory aids. These can be great things for getting family members involved.
- Personalised photo lap trays – again – using old photographs and putting them on a practical tray is a really easy idea for getting good memories to the person you are caring for every day. Available from Bags of Love.
Activity-based presents
- Large-piece jigsaw puzzles – Relish and A Good Day specialise in dementia-friendly puzzles with clear images and fewer pieces. This is another present that you can sit down and actively engage with someone over and who doesn’t like a puzzle at Christmas?
- Aquapaint sets – Really easy to use as you are just brushing with water – but the effect can feel like you are painting. Reveal beautiful images from blank pages with just a large brush and water. These are available from many retailers but also from the Alzheimer’s Society Shop.
- Colouring books with bold patterns – African and Caribbean themed books from Alzheimer’s Society.
Music and technology
- Simple music players or dementia radios – Relish offers easy-to-use devices designed for older adults. For instance, the Relish dementia radio is a specially designed radio that caters to the needs of people living with dementia. Some key features of our dementia radio include large buttons, audible feedback when buttons are touched, a volume dial that never reaches zero so that the user knows it’s still switched on, and a hidden set up panel at the back to avoid confusion. It is a little pricey but worth looking at.
- Smart speakers – These have really come down in price and Amazon Echo devices are voice-controlled and can play music and set reminders. There is a Black Friday deal at the moment on Echo Pops with them at just over £20 (half price at time of writing).
Gardening and nature
- Accessible gardening kits – Dementia UK suggests herbs, houseplants, and easy-grip tools for those who enjoy gardening.
Where to buy in the UK
While we don’t recommend one retailer over another, we have put some of the retailers down here. But shop around – there are deals to be had.
- Alzheimer’s Society Shop – Jigsaws, Aquapaint, reminiscence books.
- Relish Life – Dementia-friendly puzzles, radios, and sensory toys.
- A Good Day – Activity packs and conversation starters.
- Etsy UK – Handmade sensory items and personalised gifts.
- Bags of Love – Custom photo gifts.
Tips for choosing presents
And lastly, a few tips for choosing presents – at least a couple of which are universal present giving tips:
- Match the gift to the person’s stage of dementia and interests.
- Avoid overly complex items or those that could cause frustration.
- Prioritise safety and dignity.
