AA News:
Holiday shopping can be challenging, especially when selecting gifts for someone living with dementia.
More than 46,000 New Mexicans are among 7.4 million Americans currently living with Alzheimer’s disease and, depending on the stage of dementia, some well-intentioned gifts may no longer be appropriate or practical.
“Choosing a meaningful gift for someone living with dementia requires thoughtful consideration,” said Donald Smithburg, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association of New Mexico. “It’s important to consider the person’s cognitive abilities and select gifts that are both enjoyable and useful. Often, the most valuable gift is simply spending quality time together.”
To help holiday shoppers, the Alzheimer’s Association has released its 2025 Holiday Gift Guide, offering ideas tailored to individuals in the early, middle and late stages of Alzheimer’s disease. The guide also includes suggestions for nearly 12 million unpaid caregivers across the country (67,000 in New Mexico) who support loved ones living with dementia.
Gift ideas for people in the early stage of Alzheimer’s
- Dry-erase calendars and whiteboards with colorful markers for daily reminders and activities
- Label makers to help organize and identify household items
- Gift cards for ride-sharing services or favorite activities like movies, dining or golf
- GPS tracking devices (bracelets, watches, keyrings) for safety and independence
- Personalized “memory” calendars featuring family photos and important dates
Gift ideas for people in the middle to late stages
- Music playlists featuring favorite songs and artists
- Comfortable, easy-to-wear clothing such as sweatsuits, non-slip socks, shoes with Velcro closures, and soft robes
- Framed photos or collages with labeled names to aid recognition
- Soothing items like massage balls or soft blankets to ease anxiety
- Adaptive dining tools including no-spill cups and easy-grip utensils
Gifts to keep individuals engaged in daily activities
- Memory phones with photo-based contact lists
- Puzzle and activity books designed for cognitive engagement
- Card and board games with adjustable difficulty levels for inclusive play
- Outings to movies, concerts, museums or holiday shopping trips
- Creative activities like ornament painting, scrapbooking or table setting
Gift ideas for family members/friends who provide unpaid care
- Time — offer to spend time with the person living with dementia so the caregiver can rest or run errands
- Homemade coupons for chores like cooking, cleaning or yard work
- Gift cards for meals, laundry services, tech support or pampering treatments
- Books — including novels or titles focused on caregiving and self-care
- Self-care bundles with bath products, moisturizers and relaxation items
For more holiday gift ideas, visit the ALZ Mission Marketplace: Purchase with Purpose. A portion of each purchase supports the Alzheimer’s Association’s mission to fund research, provide care and support, and raise awareness.
For tips on how families affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementia can safely enjoy the holidays together, visit alz.org/holidaytips.