If you’re putting together a christmas stocking for someone living with dementia, simple is best. Small comforts that will actually get used. Two or three well chosen bits make more difference than a basket full of unfamiliar items
Think warmth, calm, useful, practical or entertaining items that suit the person you love. Here are a few simple Christmas stocking filler ideas for dementia that you can try.
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Warmth And Comfort Gifts
Warm knit socks with grips
Soft against the skin and safer for hard floors. Helpful for night trips to the bathroom, keep feet warm at night and avoid slip accidents at night. Choose breathable fabrics like bamboo to keep feet comfortable.
Non-slip slippers
A firm sole and easy opening make these an everyday staple beside the bed or favourite chair. Check width and sizing so they don’t pinch or rub and avoid tall heels that catch on carpets.
Heated throw
Light warmth without piling on layers. Good for late afternoons when rooms feel chilly. Start on the lowest setting and keep the cable tucked away from feet.
Microwave heat pack
Great for pain relief or to keep you warm without the cables. Lovely over knees or shoulders in late afternoon. There lovely, warming gently but make sure to place over clothing. Keep sessions short on delicate skin.
Warm hat and scarf set
Encourages short winter walks and garden sits. Choose soft seams and a calm colour. If hearing aids are worn, pick a looser knit that does not press.
Reusable hand warmers
Pocket-size heat that eases stiff fingers indoors or outdoors. Careful on thin skin. Wrap in a glove or pocket rather than holding bare.
Soft eye mask
Great to support sleeping especially during lighter months. Choose a smooth lining and a soft strap so it sits lightly.
Related:
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8 Gift Basket Ideas for Loved Ones with Dementia.
Calming Items
Aromatherapy roll on
A faint lavender or gentle citrus roll on can be a calming, relaxing tool. Use a single dab to start and see how it feels. Check for any allergy reactions before using fully. Pocket size are perfect and easy to carry around.
Lap-pad weighted cushion
A small, even weight across the knees can settle fidgeting during TV or reading. Try a few minutes at first. Keep it for seated time rather than naps.
Sound machine
Low rain, waves, or brown noise takes the edge off kitchen clatter and street noise. Helpful in shared living rooms and care-home bedrooms. Keep the volume gentle and cords tidy.
Foot care gift set
A gentle way to look after tired feet at home. Pair with warm socks for a simple evening routine. Choose mild scents and fast absorbing creams.
Personalised mug
Having a favourite mug for that morning tea, made sweeter from personalised mug. You can have family photo or names add to mugs
Things for Busy Hands
Adult fidget muff
Keeps your lap and hands warm as you play with the fidget toys. It gives restless hands something to explore without looking like a toy. Sewn-in details are safer than loose add-ons.
Fidget blanket
A flat surface with tabs, zips, and ribbons for touch and movement. Choose larger features that are easy to find. Learn to make your own fidget blanket here.
Therapy putty or soft stress balls
A steady squeeze can take the edge off pacing and helps with stiff hands. Keep a small pot by the remote. Unscented products are kinder for sensitive noses.
Activity Based Gifts
Large-print puzzle books
Clear type and simple layouts work best for puzzle books like crosswords and word searches. Keep a set nearby with a pen. Skip busy designs that tire the eyes.
Dementia jigsaw puzzle
Meaningful scenes and bigger pieces can make them easier to complete. A tray or mat can keep you from losing pieces
Adult colouring book for dementia
Great for relieving stress and practicing mindfulness. Art therapy allows you to get lost in colouring which can help restore inner peace.
Adult coloring pens set
A colouring pen set for artistic activities. Quick-dry, low-odour pens keep pages clean and comfortable to use.
Adult craft kits
All-in-one packs mean no extra shopping. Just choose the crafts you enjoy or try something new!
Adult travel games
Great for small games to play at home without having to break out the big box of games, fun for everyone at anytime.
Bird identification cards
A small deck by the window adds daily interest. Pair with a notebook to jot visits and dates and a hanging bird feeder outside the window.
Reminiscence and Conversation Helpers
Large-caption photo album
Fill an album with ten to twenty photos with clear labels turn, perfect to pick up for easy conversation starters. Fewer pages means a less bulky album and easier to handle. Make up a seasonal album of fresh new photos of that year! Keep it on the side table.
Digital photo frame with remote upload
Families can add new pictures from anywhere. Place it where it can be seen and setup a slow slideshow.
Conversation cards for dementia
These are great for kind prompts about food, places, music, and everyday life. Useful for family visits when no one knows where to start. Large print helps.
Mini accordion photo wallet
Perfect to have to hand in a pocket size, fold out to hold photos of cherished family and friends
Memory journal
Great for keeping notes, or using short prompts to note down important events and memories. Works well in the morning with tea. One small note is enough.
Practical Items That Help
Day/date orientation clock
A clear display is helpful for orientation, different clocks display not only the date and time but allow you to set reminders, change the colours etc.
Big-button remote control
If TV menus cause confusion, a big-button remote control simplifies TV time and stops accidental settings changes. Keep it on a small tray so it doesn’t slip between cushions.
Jar gripper
A small grippy disc helps open jars without strain. Store it where it will be used. By the kettle or tea caddy works well.
Dementia high contrast placemats
A plain mat helps the plate stand out from the table. Pair with high contrasting plates and adaptive cutlery.
Automatic pill dispenser with alarm
Keeps mornings tidy and on time. Check the tray size and alert volume. Set it up ready so it’s one less job on the day.
Magnifying glass with light
Great for reading or doing intricate crafts that help your loved ones see better.
Quick Stocking Bundles You Can Wrap Tonight
Cosy chair set
Microwave heat pack. Warm knit socks with grips. A favourite mug.
Evening calm
Lap pad weighted cushion. Soft eye mask. Mini white noise machine on low. Use in the hour before bed with lamps turned down.
Hands busy pouch
Adult fidget muff. Therapy putty. Large print puzzle booklet. Keep it all ready nearby or in a zip pouch by the door for car trips and appointments.
Reminiscence mini kit
Mini accordion photo wallet. Conversation cards. Memory journal with a good pen. All can help promote conversation with visitors or when conversation becomes hard.
A few gentle ideas to take advantage of these gifts
Keep new things close to where they will be used. A throw over the arm of the chair. The mug by the kettle. The clock where the eye lands first. When something is easy to see, it is easy to use.
Finally
Think about washing and care. Soft fabrics that wash well. Choose simple controls. Pick the option that looks like it belongs in your life already.
That is the heart of good Christmas stocking fillers. Small things that meet your needs, that are comforting or fun for the people you love.