Holiday gift ideas that are practical and thoughtful for those living with late-stage dementia
Here are some of my favorite holiday gift ideas for those living with late-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.
Click any image or underlined link below to shop.
Fidget Blanket, Muff, and Book
Fidget muffs, blankets, and books can be wonderful tools for soothing restless hands and calming anxiety in late-stage dementia. With tactile elements like buttons, zippers, and soft textures, they provide gentle sensory stimulation and a sense of focus. These items aren’t just comforting—they also create opportunities for engagement and connection, bringing moments of calm and joy to daily life.
Joy For All Interactive Companion Pet
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 even spark moments of joy. To learn about the positive impact Ageless Innovation's Joy For All Companion Pets had on the life of one of my dear clients, CLICK HERE.
Relish Sensory Activities
Relish has specially designed sensory products for late stage dementia that were developed to provide gentle stimulation through touch, sound, and movement, helping to calm restlessness and reduce anxiety. Items shown here are the Tactile Turn-Fidget Toy and the Fidget-Widget Tool Kit which are also sold individually. To shop on Amazon click the products above or to shop the Relish website directly CLICK HERE and use code TMC15 to enjoy 15% off your order.
Music can spark joy, reduce agitation, and bring back cherished memories. Audio players like the Relish dementia radio or the SMPL one-touch music player are designed to be easy to use which can be helpful for care companion carryover of turning on favorite stations or favorite playlists. For those who find comfort in faith, an electronic audio Bible player offers the soothing familiarity of scripture in an accessible way. These simple tools create moments of connection, comfort, and peace in their everyday life.
Comfort Items
A soft robe, fuzzy socks, moisturizing heel socks, and a cozy blanket can bring comfort to individuals with late-stage dementia. A soft robe or blanket can offer warmth and comfort, helping ease transitions during daily routines. Fuzzy and moisturizing heel socks not only keep feet warm but also support skin health, which is especially important in this stage of care. 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 gentle warmth of a towel straight out of a towel warmer can enhance relaxation during personal care routines, reducing distress and promoting a sense of safety. Warm towels are especially soothing during bathing or before bedtime, helping to calm restlessness and ease transitions. This simple addition to caregiving can make routine tasks feel more like a nurturing experience, supporting both physical comfort and emotional well-being. It can also be used for robes, blankets, and pajamas.
Relaxing Lavender Products
The calming scent of lavender has been shown to reduce agitation and promote relaxation, creating a peaceful environment. Gentle hand massage with lavender lotion can enhance connection through touch, fostering a sense of comfort and security. Using aromatherapy room spray can help establish a tranquil atmosphere, ideal for easing restlessness or supporting better sleep. These simple tools can provide moments of calm and connection.
Functional and Stylish Adaptive Apparel
One company that specializes in adaptive apparel is Joe and Bella. Their pieces have magnetic closures and side zippers, which make dressing easier and less stressful for the individual in late-stage dementia and their care partner. Providing dignity and function during personal care routines. They offer a range of adaptive apparel, 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 Adaptive Clothing and Footwear is another great brand dedicated to simplified dressing and empowered living.
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.
Picture Books
Books filled with images of adorable babies or playful animals can bring joy to individuals in late-stage dementia. These cheerful images have a way of lighting up faces and sparking smiles. Sharing these books together can promote reminisce, comfort, and connection.
Humidifier
A humidifier can be such a helpful and thoughtful gift for someone in late-stage dementia. It keeps the air nice and moist, which can help with dry skin, make breathing a little easier, and just make things more comfortable—especially during the dry winter months or in dry climates. One of my favorites is Canopy due to the ease of being able to run through the dishwasher and being mold inhibiting unlike many humidifiers and my other splurge worthy favorite is the stainless steel Carepod.
Gentle scents like lavender can promote relaxation, ease agitation, and create a calm environment, especially during transitions or bedtime routines. It’s a simple way to fill the space with comfort and bring a little extra calm to both the person living with late-stage dementia and those providing care. Small touches like an essential oil diffuser can make such a difference in creating moments of relaxation and well-being.
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!
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
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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