Learnings From My Family to Yours: Being Patient’s Holiday Gift Guide

I find the holiday season both joyful and stressful — and I’m often told by my friends and family that they relate to this feeling. As a mom of three I’ve always loved making holidays memorable for my kids. This week, I hosted around 20 family members in New York for Thanksgiving.

As my kids have grown up there’s less things they rely on me for at this time of year, but as my mom’s Alzheimer’s progresses, our family gatherings have become more complicated in other ways. Some days, my mom’s excited to come over for a meal. Other days, she refuses to leave the house. The unpredictability of her mood makes planning large family get-togethers — something that was once a cherished tradition — a little harder each year.

As I was thinking about the upcoming holidays, I started wondering what gifts might bring her joy this season. Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about what to buy her at each stage of the disease — small things that meet her where she is at the given moment. That’s when it struck me: why not share what I’ve learned? This holiday season, my team and I created something special — the Being Patient Dementia Gift Guide.

We curated our favorite finds (through Amazon) for people living with dementia, organized by stage, to help caregivers and families find thoughtful gifts that comfort, engage, and inspire. Everyone’s journey is different, of course, but we hope this list makes the holidays just a little easier — and maybe even more joyful. Caregiving is both a rewarding and demanding role, so we’ve included gifts for caregivers with the hope that if you’re a caregiver, you’re making time to rest and practice self-care too.

If you’re curious what I’m giving my mom this year: a water painting book. Coloring is her favorite hobby right now — she still colors beautifully within the lines, and it relaxes her completely.

And if you shop through our gift guide, there’s a double gift — 100 percent of what we make from the Amazon purchases through the links goes right back to supporting our independent journalism.

Gifts for people living with dementia

Just diagnosed — the best early-stage gifts

Maybe you’re struggling with early signs of forgetfulness, or technology is becoming just a little less intuitive. These gifts could help with that.

• Music player: Streamlined design with large buttons.
• Apple AirTags: Skip the stress of losing your keys or wallet with an AirTag.
• Fitbit Inspire: If you’re recently diagnosed, exercise is one of the best things you can do for your brain. Set new fitness goals in the new year and keep yourself accountable with a Fitbit.

Moderate-stage dementia

More support might be needed at this stage. These gifts are selected with that in mind:

• Bib protector: These bibs are extra long and that they’re machine washable. You never need to worry about spills during meal time.
• Fidget blanket with sensory toys: This is a fun set of different sensory toys and textures. It can provide hours of fun and mental stimulation for someone living with moderate-stage Alzheimer’s. Play together or alone.
• Amazon Echo Dot: Alexa has become a household staple for many people with dementia. You can ask for weather updates, check on Amazon deliveries, and listen to music and podcasts.

Dementia’s later stages

Our picks for gifts that prioritize comfort:

• Adjustable bed:  This bed is complete with a remote that helps you find the most comfortable setting for you – including zero gravity and anti-snore.
• Wheelchair wrap blanket: A plush blanket with a large lap pocket. This comes in bright colors and can be used on a wheelchair, stadium chair, or picnic chair.
• Diffuser:  Instead of candles, diffusers can be a safer option. I love this diffuser for its auto shut-off.

Gifts for caregivers

If you’re a caregiver, don’t put yourself last with Black Friday shopping! Treat yourself with these items

• TheraGun: A handheld massage gun that can relieve any tension and aches in the body. It’s compact and has three speeds.
• Roborock Vacuum: This robot vacuum and mop is the perfect gift for the busy caregiver. Control the cleaning settings through an app and go about your day.
• White board: Keeping track of appointments just got easier with this dry-erase white board. We keep one hanging on our fridge at home so everyone can see the weekly schedule.

Everyday essentials to make life easier

These aren’t impulse buys or filler items. They’re things that actually make everyday life easier. The items that quietly do the heavy lifting in your daily routine.

• Bed sensor: Get notified if your loved one leaves their bed. Never worry about falls and wandering again.
• Shower chair (with arms): Make showering easier with a chair that can rotate 360 degrees. The locking function makes it so convenient to get in and out of the bathtub.

Books we love: For the avid readers in your life

The Problem of Alzheimer’s by Jason Karlawish

My Father’s Brain by Sandeep Jaguar

Still Me by Rebecca Chopp

More ideas

If you’re looking for more ideas, check out last year’s gift guide which has some of my favorite puzzles, a large-display clock and a companion stuffed animal designed to feel like a real pet.

A few years into launching Being Patient, what I’m grateful for continues to shift. Every time my mom laughs wholeheartedly at a joke one of my kids makes, it takes me by surprise, and I’m so grateful she’s still joyful. 

I’m also grateful for the growing community we’ve been able to foster through this site, aware that so many families like mine — and hopefully yours — can feel a little less alone by being connected and sharing our collective stories and wisdom.