9 Joyful Dementia Ramadan Crafts Ideas

Looking for ideas to incorporate crafts tied to Ramadan traditions for a loved one living with dementia? These 9 Ramadan craft ideas are a great starting point for your loved ones with dementia to stay more involved in Ramadan traditions and festivities. It’s a chance to celebrate the spirit of the holy month and stay connected to their faith and culture, whilst also offering mental stimulation and a sense of accomplishment.

Here are 9 joyful dementia Ramadan crafts ideas to try with your loved one. Each one is simple to follow, deeply meaningful, and sure to bring a smile.

1. Ramadan Moon and Star Garland

The crescent moon and star are powerful symbols of Ramadan, so why not create a beautiful hanging decoration using these symbols?

A lovely way that you & your loved one with dementia can express creativity while celebrating Islamic traditions is by creating a beautiful garland to decorate your home. And you can make it more meaningful by talking about the meaning of the crescent moon and star’s in Islam.

Make This:

• Cut moon and star shapes from coloured paper or lightweight cardboard.
• Decorate these shapes using sequins, glitter, or markers
• Punch holes at the tops of the shapes.
• String them together using ribbon.
• Hang in a prominent area.

Tip: Use textured paper (e.g., glitter or embossed) for sensory stimulation.

2. Paper Lantern Decoration

Brief Introduction to the Craft:
A simple and symbolic craft to bring light and festive vibes into Ramadan evenings, these easy-to-fold lanterns provide both decoration and calming satisfaction. Once the lanterns are complete, display them prominently as a festive reminder of Ramadan’s light and beauty. Imagine sitting next to your loved one reflected by the soft light from these lanterns as you discuss memories of Ramadan past.

Make This:

• Use pre-made paper lanterns 
• or help your loved one fold construction paper in half lengthwise.
• Cut vertical slits along the fold, leaving room at the edges.
• Open and secure into a cylinder with glue or tape.
• Add a paper handle for finishing.
• Decorate them with colourful tapes, large stickers, markers, and ribbons. 

Tip: For a soft glowing effect, add a battery-operated LED candle or string lights inside the lantern

3. Tasbeeh Prayer Beads

This is a delicate craft, that can be mindful and spiritual activity for a loved one with dementia to do together with family.  I know the calming affect of holding prayer beads for my mum. You can create your own beads simply and enjoy time together as you carry out a repetitive, calming activity of bead threading and making your own tasbeeh for prayer.

Make This:

• Gather an assortment of beads, and thread large beads (33) onto an elastic string.
• Add a larger bead to separate sections.
• Tie securely to finish.

Tip: Use a large needle attached to one end of the elastic string to make threading easier .

4. Paint “Blessing Stones” with Ramadan Symbols

Make Ramadan special by painting large pebbles or stones with symbols like crescent moons and stars. This is a great activity for relaxing, using  your imagination and can make great decorative pieces or make beautiful gifts.

Make This:

• Collect or buy pebbles or stones, acrylic paints, brushes, and markers. 
• Let your loved one pick their favourite colours and symbols. 
• Decorate with paints, glue or markers & let them dry

After the stones dry, show them off in your home. It’s a way to remember Ramadan’s blessings and spiritual growth. It also makes your loved one feel part of the community during this time.

5. Crescent Moon Window Clings

It’s lovely to create window decorations that reflect and brighten a room as the sun shines through them. For Ramadan, we can make colourful moon- and star-shaped clings add a sensory element to Ramadan décor, helping to stimulate tactile and visual engagement.

Make This:

• Use plastic page protector and place a printed or hand drawn design 
• Use glue trace the design and coloured glue to fill in your designs e.g moon and star designs.
• Let dry overnight, then peel and stick on windows.

Tip: Use Puffy Paint to create bold outlines that make your designs stand out

6. Ramadan Countdown Calendar

Engage your loved one with dementia in a meaningful Ramadan activity by creating a simple countdown calendar together. This senior-friendly Islamic craft helps track the days of the holy month

Make This:

• gather materials such as a poster board or cardstock, Ramadan-themed stickers, cut-outs, or drawings
• Decorate a poster board with numbers 1-30 in a Ramadan-themed design.
• Affix Velcro or tape under each number for easy removal.
• Create a frame of colour or with stars or crescent moons to highlight todays date.

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Tip: Include a daily memory card, written together, behind each removable number for storytelling.

7. Sadaqah Jar Decorating

Ramadan encourages generosity, and this simple yet powerful activity focuses on the value of giving (sadaqah) by creating a decorated container that will serve as a collection jar for daily charity donations.

Make This:

• Use an empty jar and decorate with stickers, paint, or ribbon, use markers to add Ramadan symbols and words of encouragement..
• Add a small slit in the lid for coins.
• Place the jar in a visible spot.

8. Iftar Plate Painting

Have you tried decorating your own plates? Hand-painted plates for iftar add a personal touch to meal times during Ramadan.

Make This:

• Use dishwasher-safe ceramic paints on plain white plates.
• Decorate however you want, shapes, flowers, islamic symbols, expressions, names etc
• Let the paint dry before sealing in an oven on a low heat for 30 mins

Tip: Opt for stencils to help loved ones with steady-handed designs.

At iftar, your family can enjoys a meal together on beautifully painted plates made proudly together and each time you use them you can admire your handiwork.

9. Pop-Up Mosque Card

This craft combines paper folding and decorating to create a delightful pop-up mosque card. It’s perfect for sharing festive greetings and a sense of achievement.

Make This:

• Fold a piece of cardstock in half to serve as the card base.
• Cut a mosque silhouette into another piece of cardstock.
• Fold and glue the silhouette inside the card to “pop up” when opened.
• Decorate with glitter, stickers, or crayons.
• Write a message like “Ramadan Mubarak” inside the handmade pop-up card

Tip: Use pre-cut mosque templates so individuals can focus on the decorating process.

When doing these crafts, be patient and flexible. Focus on the journey, not just the end result. Celebrate every small success and the joy it brings. This way, Ramadan becomes a special time for your loved one with dementia.

Conclusion

Getting your loved one with dementia involved in Ramadan crafts can help them feel part of the holy month whether they’re fasting or not. You can create special memories and keepsakes and adapt the crafts to fit your loved ones skill level.

Supporting Muslim seniors during Ramadan is key to their well-being. Involving them in crafts helps keep their sense of identity and community ties strong. It’s a way to bond with family, even when challenges arise.