Holiday gift ideas that are practical and thoughtful for those living with middle-stage dementia.
Here are some of my favorite holiday gift ideas for those living with middle-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 gift 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.
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Conversation starters
One of the most common challenges my clients share is knowing what to talk about during visits. That’s why I love tools like Our Moments Generations cards or the Let's Chat Conversation Cards. Tools like this can help spark meaningful conversations and memories. They can be perfect for family gatherings or quiet one-on-one moments, to promote engagement and connection.
Window Bird Feeder
Bird feeders make a fun and gift for anyone who loves birds. Window bird feeders bring the action right to the window. It’s an easy way to brighten someone’s day and add a little joy to their everyday routine. Here are two great options: one that attaches directly to the window and another that fits as a window insert.
Relish Puzzles
Over the years, so many families have shared with me that their loved ones used to enjoy puzzles but don’t anymore. I always encourage them to try puzzles with fewer pieces. That’s why I love Relish puzzles—they offer beautiful, non-childlike scenes and come in a great variety, making them a wonderful option to bring the joy of puzzling back. Tip: Set up a puzzle and start a few pieces to help encourage engagement before ending a visit. This will promote continued interest after you are no longer present more than if you were to leave the puzzles on a shelf, which becomes out of sight and out of mind. To shop Relish on Amazon, CLICK HERE. To shop Relish directly CLICK HERE and use code TMC15 for 15% off your order.
Dementia Friendly Games
Games are a great way to promote fun and connection. Options like Tic Tac Toe, Tangram, Tile Matching, and the Expressions Memory Game from the brand Keeping Busy are thoughtfully designed to be accessible, with simple rules and engaging activities that encourage conversation and cognitive stimulation.
Trivia Books
Over the years, many families have shared how challenging it can be to find gifts for their dad or grandfather compared to their mom or grandmother. Trivia books often come out as winners! Several are specifically designed with simple, easy-to-read questions on familiar topics. They encourage reminiscing, spark conversation, and support cognitive stimulation. A few recommendations include Baby Boomer Trivia, and I Remember That.
Joy For All Interactive Companion Pets
These lifelike cats and dogs bring all the comfort and companionship of a real pet without any of the work. They respond to touch with purring, barking, or soft movements, which can help ease loneliness, calm anxiety, and spark moments of joy. To learn about the positive impact Ageless Innovation's Joy For All Interactive Companion Pets had on the life of one of my dear clients, CLICK HERE.
Paint with water sheets can offer a calming and creative activity that’s simple and mess-free! With just a brush and water, colors come to life, making it easy to enjoy the process without the need for traditional paints. They are perfect for promoting focus, creativity, and relaxation.
CLICK HERE to explore some of our favorites, along with other recommendations.
Skylight Digital Photo Frames
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.
These books are a wonderful gift for someone who loves reminiscing. With large print and short, easy-to-follow descriptions, they are designed to be both engaging and accessible. They are a great way to spark long-term memories and encourage meaningful conversations with loved ones.
Functional and Stylish Adaptive Clothing
One company that specializes in adaptive apparel is Joe and Bella. Their pieces have features like magnetic closures and side zippers, which make dressing easier and less stressful for those living with middle-stage dementia and their care partners. They offer a range of items, including their men's everyday polo, the everyday magnetic button down for men in a tailored and relaxed fit, the everyday magnetic blouse for women, the signature magnetic cardigan, and the everyday half zip pants. New customers can use code THEMEMORYCOMPASS to enjoy 17% off and free shipping. Silverts is another company that specializes in adaptive clothing, and they also have footwear. They are dedicated to simplified dressing and empowered living. 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.
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 HEREÂ and use code TMC15Â to enjoy 15% off!
Personalized Photo Blanket
A personalized photo blanket is a great comfort gift that brings warmth and joy featuring favorite family photos, special memories, or beloved places. Tip: Design a personalized blanket using old familiar photos from your loved one's past.
Zinnia TV
Zinnia TV provides gently paced, plot-free videos that reduce agitation and foster engagement. It’s filled with videos that are super calming and easy to watch—like nature scenes, sing-alongs, and memory-friendly content that can spark joy without being overwhelming. You can use it on a TV, tablet, or computer, so it’s really easy to fit into daily routines. CLICK HERE to explore the sample videos or signup for a 14-day free trial.
If your person with middle-stage dementia enjoys word searches and crossword there are numerous activity books out there with different complexity levels and designed for those living with cognitive changes. I have linked a few of my favorites HERE.
Singing at Home is Bridgetown Music Therapy's Virtual Music Engagement Program for aging individuals living at home and their caregivers. Created by a board-certified music therapist and certified dementia practitioner, the program is designed specifically for older adults living with dementia. Singing at Home members enjoy unlimited 24/7 access to the extensive on-demand video library of 300+ therapeutic music sessions. Th program promotes singing, rhythm and movement, gentle stretching, deep breathing, and relaxation - activities which can help ease the effects of dementia and other aging-related challenges. The program has a 14-day free trial and also currently has a Winter Holiday Collection with 2 months access for only $10!
This last one is a bonus—and it’s really a gift for YOU if your loved one with dementia often misplaces items that you end up searching for. This low-tech item tracker is one of my top recommendations. Simply attach the fobs to things like a purse, key ring, or TV remote, and save yourself time and frustration. It’s a small tool that gives you the gift of sanity and your time back!
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!
By: Jessie Hillock, M.A., SLP, CDP
Dementia Navigation Coach & Consultant
Certified Dementia Practitioner
Background as a Speech-Language Pathologist
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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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