• Dry-erase calendars and white boards with colorful markers are a perfect way to list reminders or day-to-day activities.
• Label makers can help people with memory challenges stay organized and keep track of everyday household items and belongings.
• Gift cards for ride-sharing services or a favorite activity (movie, restaurant, golf) allowing the person to remain active.
• GPS trackers (bracelets, watches, keyrings) can keep people living with dementia safe while allowing them to stay independent. These devices provide real-time location updates of your family member. Smaller trackers can be used to help keep track of frequently misplaced items including keys, wallets and phones.  
• A “memory” calendar featuring family photos – write in special family occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries. 

• Music playlists that include the person’s favorite artists or songs. 
• Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that is easy to put on, remove and wash, such as sweat suits, slip-on blouses/shirts, non-slip socks, Velcro shoes, wrinkle-free nightgowns, nightshirts or a fluffy bathrobe.
• Framed photographs or a photo collage created specifically for your loved one. Insert the names of the people in the photos to help with identification.   
• Soothing gifts that can help with anxiety like a handheld massage ball or a soft blanket.
• Adaptive dining accessories such as no-spill cups, plate guards and silverware with specifically designed handles that enable greater independence during meals.

• A memory phone that can store pictures with the names and contact information of family and friends.
• Puzzle and activity books are a great way to keep a person living with dementia cognitively engaged. Some books are developed specifically for people with cognitive challenges. Select books that are appropriate for the person’s cognition level and offer fun without being overwhelming.
• Card/Board games offer an opportunity to involve other family members and friends, allowing others to spend time with the person living with dementia. Some games offer various skill levels, which can keep the caregiver, other family members and the care recipient engaged at cognitively appropriate levels.
• An outing to a movie, play or concert, sporting event, museum or possibly an organized holiday shopping trip with friends and family.
• Engage your loved one in making homemade gifts for the family, painting ornaments, decorating stockings, table setting, scrapbooking or other activity gifts.

• Time is the most important gift you can give a dementia caregiver. Spend time with the person living with dementia and allow the caregiver a chance to run errands, go to their own doctor’s appointment, participate in a support group or engage in an activity that helps them recharge. Even one hour could make a big difference in providing the caregiver with some relief.
• Self-made coupons for cleaning the house, cooking a meal, mowing the lawn or shoveling the driveway.
• Gift cards and certificates for restaurants or meal delivery, laundry/dry cleaning services, lawn care services, computer/technology support, house cleaning services, and personal pampering services such as massages and pedicures.
• Books. In addition to giving novels on the caregiver's "must read" list, there are a number of books on caregiving and maintaining self-health.
• Self-care items such as a bundle of personal care items (moisturizers, bath bombs, foot creams, scrubs, soaps).

About the Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.