Holiday Gifting Ideas

Dec 20

We understand that the holiday season can be stressful when trying to shop for loved ones. Even more so, it can be confusing trying to shop for individuals while being mindful to accommodate for diagnoses of dementia or mild cognitive impairments. This month, we asked lab members to provide gifting ideas exclusively for our Newsletter subscribers ranging from stocking stuffers to large gifts.

Many of these ideas can be done at home or (if need be) can be ordered through Amazon Prime for next day delivery! (HINT, HINT)

Photo Album

I would suggest a photo album with happy memories (e.g., family gatherings, vacations) so they can reminisce on past times.

-Isabella Alonso, MSc OT student

Whether you choose to create a handmade photo album or use one of the many websites offering professionally printed photo albums, we think this is a great idea for the whole family to enjoy for many years to come!

If you are looking for websites to browse, here are some ideas! Staples, Vistaprint, Photobook Canada

Colouring Book

A gift suggestion for someone shopping for an individual with dementia/MCI would be an adult colouring book! I think this is a great gift because it engages the individual's mind while also allowing them to be creative and feel like a kid again.

-Nirusa Nadesar, Masters student

Activity Book

Puzzles or activity books are great gifts to keep their mind active and add cognitive stimulation.

-Shane Avila, Co-op student

Finding the right colouring book with large enough pictures and easy-to-see lines can sometimes be a hard task. Amazon has many resources to help you find the right book for your loved one such as this Mandala Book for Seniors. Alternatively, if you have a printer at home you can browse free templates and create a personalized colouring book right at home!

Perhaps they once mentioned a movie that made them nostalgic or reminded them of a special time in their life? Purchasing a DVD copy of their favourite movie is a great way to connect and spark conversation about what the movie means to them!

Don’t have a DVD player, scroll below to find an alternative way to watch movies!

Favourite Movie

Old movie – it may help with reminiscing!

-Shyrose Virani, Lab coordinator

Xbox Kinect

I have to be cliché and say ‘a tablet’ because there are just SO many things you can do with it (including playing recommended games from AcToDementia!). That, or Xbox Kinect bowling…

-Erica Dove, PhD student

PhD student Erica Dove currently uses the Xbox Kinect technology in her thesis and loves to remind us how how versatile this technology is… and she’s right! To learn more about our past/present projects using Kinect technologies and how you can set these up at home, click here!

As Dr. Astell mentions, tablets are incredibly versatile and are a great option if you’re looking for a higher-priced gift this season. They can be adapted to all comfort levels from beginners to advanced users by following our free resources on how to set up an accessible tablet found here.

P.S. You can also load your loved one’s favourite movies and home videos to watch on their iPad!