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Writer's pictureJessie Hillock

Early Stage Dementia Friendly Holiday Gift Ideas

Updated: 6 days ago

Holiday gift ideas that are practical and thoughtful for those living with early-stage dementia.


Here are some of my favorite holiday gift ideas for those living with early-stage dementia. These recommendations are inspired by my 11 years of professional experience in dementia care and thoughtful suggestions from clients and caregivers. My hope is that these ideas bring inspiration and make gift-giving feel more meaningful and manageable this holiday season.


These gift ideas aren’t just for the holidays—they’re also perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or any time you want to bring a little extra joy or connection.


*Affiliate Disclosure: I do have affiliate links in this blog post. If you purchase something from my link, I will receive a small commission from the sale. This comes at no cost to you, but is paid by the company.  I do not take becoming an affiliate with any company lightly.  If I am, it’s because I believe in the company and their product and who I trust are making the dementia care space a better place.


*Jessie (The Memory Compass) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.


 

Collage of various gift guide items

 

Click images, headers, or underlined links below to shop.

gray and white radio

The Relish radio was designed for people living with dementia to minimize confusion and maximize independence. It includes large buttons, audible feedback when buttons are touched, a volume dial that never reaches zero so the user knows it's still switched on, and a hidden set-up panel with a USB port for your own playlist concealed at the back of the radio to avoid confusion. To shop on Amazon, CLICK HERE, or to shop the Relish website directly, CLICK HERE and use code TMC15 to enjoy 15% off!



white dementia clock hub with customizable routine chart on side and one white dementia clock

Relish Day Hub - Dementia Reminder Clock

The Day Hub was created to aid, support, and empower those living with dementia with daily schedule management. It includes customizable alerts to remind users to complete tasks at regular times and an auto dim feature for nighttime hours. To shop on Amazon, CLICK HERE, or to shop the Relish website directly, CLICK HERE and use code TMC15 to enjoy 15% off your order.



Wooden bird feed with image of bird and smartphone with bird image displayed

Perfect for bird lovers! Its built-in camera and AI can recognize over 10,000 bird species, turning birdwatching into a joyful, interactive experience. Plus, with multi-device sharing, family and friends can join in the feathered fun, creating special moments together. It’s the perfect way to bring a little nature, connection, and excitement into their day!




Hydroponic herb growing kit

This hydroponic herb growing kit is small enough to fit on the kitchen counter, allowing users to grow herbs and vegetables indoors year-round. It is a great gift for those who can no longer tend to a large garden or who are unable to tend to a garden in the winter months. It also promotes a sense of purpose and joy!




Two digital photo frames each with image of smartphone next to them with image display of app for frame devices

Digital Photo Frame

Skylight Frame: This digital picture frame has a quick one-minute setup - just plug it in and tap the screen to connect to wifi. Everyone in the family can send photos with the mobile app or via email, and they arrive in seconds. To shop the frame on Amazon, CLICK HERE, or to shop the Skylight website directly, CLICK HERE, and be sure to use code MEMORYCOMPASS to enjoy 15% off your frame order. ViewClix: A digital photo frame plus video calling! Set the frame to auto-answer a video call for a hands-free experience for the senior. Share photos or video clips from the app. Schedule text reminders to the frame and set up periodic weather forecast updates to display.



array of journals, books, and conversation cards

Tools to Build Connection

One of the most common challenges my clients share is knowing what to talk about during visits. That’s why I love tools like Mom’s Story, Dad’s Story, or services like Storyworth—they’re perfect for sparking reminiscence and connection. Our Moments Generations inspires meaningful conversations, while the Duncan and Stone Travel Journal provides a way to reflect on favorite trips. I’ve personally used Storyworth with my family, and my tip is to have the prompts sent to you and type out your loved one’s responses to make it easy. Shop this LINK to enjoy $10 off your order. My tip for the journals is to also use them as prompts to ask your loved one the question, and you assist in documenting responses - a gift of connection and preserving memories.


array of word search and cross word activity books with adult coloring book with markers

Gifts That Promote Cognitive Stimulation

If your loved one with early-stage dementia enjoys word searches, crosswords, coloring, or trivia, there are numerous activity books out there with different complexity levels designed for those living with cognitive changes. I have linked a few of my favorites HERE.






Display of Raz Phone features including caregiver app and phone home screen display

The RAZ Memory Cell Phone is one of my top recommendations for families supporting a loved one in the early stages of dementia. Its simple design makes using a phone less confusing, with one-touch photo calling that’s easy to navigate. For caregivers, the companion app is a game-changer—you can remotely manage contacts, send reminders, track GPS, monitor the phone’s battery and signal, block unwanted calls, and even set limits on calling hours. It’s an incredible tool for keeping your loved one safe, connected, and independent while giving you peace of mind.


Kindle Paperwhite, Amazon Echo Show, and white Amazon Echo Dot

Tech Devices

The Kindle Paperwhite is a great gift for avid readers. It offers adjustable font sizes, is lightweight, and has a glare-free screen. It comes with Kindle Unlimited, which gives users access to over 2 million books and thousands of audiobooks. The Amazon Echo Show and Echo Dot are thoughtful gifts for those in early-stage dementia. They offer reminders for medications, routines, and appointments. With voice-activated commands and video calling, they provide easy access to connection, music, and news, supporting independence and engagement.


Array of board games and card games

Games

Games like Qwirkle, Uno, and Ageless Innovation’s dementia-friendly versions of classics like Trivial Pursuit, Life Generations, and Scrabble make wonderful gifts for someone living with early-stage dementia. These games are not only fun but also great for engaging the mind, encouraging problem-solving, and creating opportunities for meaningful connections. Tip: To make games like Uno less complex, try simplifying the rules. You can remove cards like skip, reverse, and wild cards or deal fewer cards to each player. These adjustments make the game easier to follow while still keeping it fun and engaging, and if holding a hand of cards is challenging, check out this hands-free playing card holder.


brown leather password book

The Clever Fox Password Book isn’t just a great gift for someone—it’s also a lifesaver for their care partner. Keeping all passwords in one organized, secure place makes it much easier for them to manage online accounts, pay bills, or handle other important tasks if they need to step in and help. Tip: Place a tile inside the cover or an item tracker to decrease not being able to find the item if it is misplaced.




wood framed drawing of a house

This is a sweet way to honor the beloved home or favorite location of your person living with dementia. The drawing could be of a childhood home that may often be mentioned in stories or conversations and invoke a sense of peace or calm.







2 pairs of shoes and 2 adaptive apparel shirts

Stylish & Practical: Adaptive Clothing & Hands-Free Shoes

Joe and Bella's adaptive apparel - with features like magnetic closure shirts and side zipper pants - makes the dressing process easier, quicker, and stress-free for people living with dementia and their care partners. They offer a range of adaptive apparel, including their men's everyday magnetic button down in a tailored and relaxed fit, and the signature magnetic cardigan. Use code THEMEMORYCOMPASS for 17% off your order for orders over $50. Kizik shoes are hands-free shoes that require no tying, no bending, and no hands, which can add independence and convenience to the day. Tip: If your loved one lives in a senior living community and you are concerned about items going missing, I love the Label Land customizable iron-on or stick-on labels.


white and gold gift card with gold bow

Gift Cards

When it comes to gifting for someone in the early stages of dementia, think beyond the typical options like restaurants or clothing stores. I love recommending gifts that focus on experiences or memberships to promote social engagement and cognitive stimulation. Consider gift cards for services like house cleaning, home organization, or lawn care to help lighten their load. Memberships to senior centers or fitness classes can encourage staying active and connected. You could also gift experiences that align with their interests, like theatre tickets, massages, or music therapy sessions. These thoughtful gifts not only show you care but also support their well-being and independence in a meaningful way.


 

If you are looking for more dementia-friendly holiday gift ideas, check out these other gift guides:


Give the gift of working with The Memory Compass!

A 1:1 dementia navigation consultation offers personalized guidance, support, and practical strategies to help care partners and families navigate the dementia journey with confidence and clarity. It’s a gift that makes a real difference. Click HERE to purchase a gift card today, or click HERE to fill out the inquiry form, and I will reach out to you asap!


Do you have any other gift ideas you would like to add to the list? I love learning about new favorites!


 
Family sitting in blue train car with Santa standing next to train car.

By: Jessie Hillock, M.A., SLP, CDP

Dementia Navigation Coach & Consultant

Certified Dementia Practitioner

Background as a Speech-Language Pathologist

 

Jessie is the owner and founder of The Memory Compass, where she works with families across the United States facing memory loss and cognitive challenges. As a certified dementia practitioner with a background as a geriatric speech-language pathologist, she specializes in dementia care and navigation. Jessie helps families tackle dementia-related challenges through personalized consultations and coaching sessions. She empowers families by creating tailored action plans that address current needs and proactively prepare for the future—saving them time, energy, and reducing overwhelm. Want to learn more about how Jessie supports individuals and families living with memory loss? Schedule a free 15-minute discovery call today by clicking the button below!



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