This image shows some Christmas baubles

More Gift Ideas

more gift ideas for people all year round. This image shows wrapped. gifts with lots of red ribbons and bows. There are Christmas baubles for added interest

More Gift Ideas

The clock is ticking with less than 8 weeks until Christmas Day, do you need some help? Are you struggling with gift ideas for someone elderly or someone with dementia? Are you nearly there but some more gift ideas?

What do you buy someone elderly who says they don’t need anything or who is decluttering? What would be a thoughtful present for someone with dementia to enjoy? I think this “Call to Mind” game is wonderful. Ideal for care homes and family homes too. It provides prompts for conversation, so no more awkward silence ! The video explains all…

this image shows the " Call to mind" conversation starting board game

I think foodie gifts are often welcome, and many local Deli’s will make up a hamper to suit your budget and choice. The U.K. produces some amazing cheese and my local Quicke’s Cheese offers a range of ready-made hampers or you can build your own. These are also available online here. The Card Factory have hamper kits this year for £5.99, everything you need to make your own, the basket, cello-wrap, ribbon and label. Did you know you can shop online with the Card Factory? I didn’t until looking for the hampers kits, which ironically I couldn’t find. However, they have plenty of lovely personalised gifts available so my shopping just got easier…..

Plants or Scented Gifts.

Indoor plants add a splash of colour, and seasonal bouquets can make someone feel special. Both ladies and gentlemen like to smell good and appreciate smellies. The National Trust shops offer a lovely array of locally made artisan soaps and smells.

Gardening vouchers, book tokens or a magazine subscription are thoughtful ideas for those who can make use of them.

a set of 4 small images showing the design features of the flexyfoot walking stick

Replace traditional walking sticks with one from Flexyfoot, fashionable, comfortable and safer, on uneven or icy ground. Available online and from selected stockists.

A promise of a meal out in the New Year is always a thoughtful gift, one to look forward to with good food in good company always enjoyed.

For Someone with Dementia.

For someone with dementia, a photo book of memories, a digital photo frame, or a photo cushion are thoughtful ideas. Soft blankets made into dementia blankets (sew-on buttons, ribbons, zips, jingle bells and Velcro) provide comfort, warmth, and relief to agitated hands.

Adult colouring is huge currently and is seen as both therapy and brain-stimulating. For someone with dementia, Aqua Paints are enjoyable and rewarding, I had fun testing them!

this image shows a red MP3 player

Music makes the heart sing.

Music, music and more music! Buy an MP3 player and record all the music someone with dementia likes. I have seen the magic of music for someone with dementia, from agitated to calm and toe-tapping in a matter of notes. Big headphones are more comfortable and work better with hearing aids.

Soft pyjamas are ideal for both men and women. They provide comfort and practicality keeping them warm in bed. For someone in a care home, you can never have too many!

Socks, Glorious socks.

Socks! Who doesn’t appreciate a nice pair of socks? For anyone with swollen ankles Cosyfeet sell socks which fit comfortably, wash well and last. Slippers? Check your loved ones’ slippers. Do they still fit well? Loose slippers are one of the main causes of falls at home.

Unusual but practical gifts.

A high-visibility vest for mobility scooter users, carbon monoxide monitors, smoke alarms, and GPS tracker for someone with dementia. These are really useful ideas. One of my favourites is the electric one-handed can opener from Kenwood. These are safe and easy to use with one hand. A one-cup water boiler makes brewing up safer too with no heavy kettles of boiling water to lift. are available from all major electrical retailers.

A trip to the local nail bar or a visit from a nail technician can brighten anyone’s nails for the festive season—especially for women—but who knows? Choose something festive and fun, and don’t forget the glitter. Additionally, consider adding in local beauty treatments, such as Skincare in Austin, TX, to create a complete pampering experience this holiday season.

Cook a Christmas meal for someone as a gift. I have been doing this with my husband, Paul, for five years, adding more and more people to our list. A delicious meal beats a ready meal on the Day and makes people feel cared for at what is a very lonely time of year for many.

 

This year via  social media platforms we have launched “Operation Christmas Dinner” and managed to engage people all over the U.K. We are all going to cook Christmas meals for elderly people near them who wouldn’t have one otherwise.

Not difficult for most of us to do and there is still time for you to join us doing so. We cook on the 23rd and plate up in foil trays and deliver on the 24th. For more information contact me here. It’s the best gift we give over the Festive season.

Caron

Award-winning blogger and former care columnist for Devon Life magazine. I am passionate about helping elderly people and people with dementia live purposeful and independent lives.
Designer of the Dementia Assistance Card and Points Of Light award recipient, Caron hopes to help carers when resources are limited and demand is ever-increasing. I am here to support you.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.