ALZ Alaska Blog

Holiday shopping and gift-giving can be stressful, especially when choosing gifts for a person living with dementia. With nearly 8,400 Alaskans living with Alzheimer’s disease, selecting meaningful and appropriate presents often depends on the stage of the disease.

This holiday season, the Alzheimer’s Association has released its 2024 Holiday Gift Guide. The guide provides thoughtful gift ideas for individuals in the early, middle, and late stages of Alzheimer’s, as well as suggestions to keep those living with dementia engaged and involved in daily activities. It also includes gift ideas for the 25,000 unpaid caregivers—family members and friends—who provide vital support.

5 gifts for people living with Alzheimer’s – early stages

• Dry-erase calendars and whiteboards to help list reminders and daily activities.
• Label makers to assist with organization and keeping track of household items.
• Gift cards for ride-sharing services or favorite activities like golf, movies, or dining out to encourage staying active.
• GPS trackers (bracelets, watches, keychains) to promote safety while supporting independence.
• A “memory calendar” featuring family photos with write-in spaces for birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions.

5 gifts for people living with Alzheimer’s – middle-to-late stages

• Personalized music playlists featuring favorite songs or artists.
• Comfortable clothing that’s easy to wear, such as sweatsuits, non-slip socks, Velcro shoes, and soft nightgowns or robes.
• Framed photographs or photo collages with labeled names to help with identification.
• Soothing gifts like handheld massage balls, soft blankets, or comforting sensory items to reduce anxiety.
• Adaptive dining accessories such as no-spill cups, plate guards, and silverware with easy-grip handles to maintain independence at meals.

5 gifts to encourage engagement and support daily tasks

• A memory phone with photo-based contact storage for family and friends.
• Puzzle and activity books to promote cognitive engagement.
• Card and board games to involve family members and friends in meaningful connection.
• An outing or experience, like attending a movie, concert, sporting event, museum visit, or a holiday shopping trip.
• Creative activities, such as making homemade gifts, painting ornaments, scrapbooking, or decorating together as a family.

5 gifts for dementia caregivers

• Time is the most valuable gift—offer to spend time with the person living with dementia so the caregiver can run errands, attend appointments, or simply relax. Even an hour can provide much-needed relief.
• Homemade coupons for help with tasks like cleaning, cooking, yard work, or snow removal.
• Gift cards and certificates for meal delivery, house-cleaning, laundry services, or personal care like massages and pedicures.
• Books—whether novels for enjoyment or caregiving guides focused on health and self-care.
• Self-care bundles including bath products, moisturizers, foot creams, or other pampering items.

For more holiday gift ideas, visit the ALZ Mission Marketplace: Purchase with Purpose. A portion of every purchase supports the Alzheimer’s Association, funding critical research, care, and awareness efforts.

To learn more about safely enjoying the holidays with loved ones affected by Alzheimer’s or other dementias, visit alz.org/alaska.

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We’re here for you. Day and night, 365 days a year. If you need support this holiday season, call our FREE 24/7 Helpline at 1.800.272.3900. Learn more about the helpline here.