Fun Gifts for Seniors with Alzheimer’s

Sometimes it seems impossible to think of appropriate gifts for seniors or even gifts for elderly parents who we know so well. Most often we think of warm socks, a soft robe, or another pair fuzzy bath slippers.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m a senior myself and I love all of those gifts. And I get at least one of each almost every year. But this year , I’m talking about something different!

This year surprise the senior in your life with some new fun gifts!

The best way to do that is to spend some time with the older folks in your life. Have some deep conversations with the senior in your life. Listen when they talk and HEAR what they have to say.

I have a granddaughter (Ashley), who probably knows me better than anyone else in the family. A couple days ago she said my gift was already chosen and wrapped. She also said her mother (my daughter) didn’t think it was a good gift for me. Ashley said, “It will be her favorite gift. I know Nana.”

And she does! I can tell you… I will be head-over-heels for that gift. My granddaughter knows me. She talks to me and she listens when I talk. For any holiday she brings me the most unique gifts that other family members would never dream of giving to a senior. She spends time with me and she knows me better than anyone else.

There is no age-gap for me and Ashley. I have wonderful and adorable and super sweet grandsons and I love them all to pieces. But hey, they’d rather spend time with Papa than Nana.

The Senior in your life is probably not going to tell you what they really want for a Holiday gift.  What they absolutely don’t want is to hurt your feelings.

You have to hear their words and cultivate a relationship with the seniors in your life. Spend time with them, hear them and get acquainted with your senior family members.  Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt, Uncle, etc.

They might actually be a lot more fun than you think. And if someone in your life has Alzheimer’s or dementia, there is no better time to get to know them than Now. Most folks with dementia can have a normal conversation and they especially love sharing their history with others. Some may not remember everything that was said later, but ohh they will LOVE spending time with someone who is interested in their history.

My Mom and I use to sit and talk for hours. She told me so many stories from her childhood that I had never heard before.

I learned the history of family members who passed decades before my birth. Learn who you are, where you came from. Believe me, you will carry those memories with you forever.

My Mom loved Baby Dolls and Kitty Cats. She especially loved this “Purring Kitty” from Amazon.

You may learn the kind of music they like, a movie they would enjoy, or a favorite TV series that just happens to show re-runs on Netflix. (Okay, I’m speaking for myself again. But goodness gracious I do like Grace and Frankie on Netflix.)

ROKU Can help to bring those memories into their life. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as watching a loved one rolling in a belly laugh!

A new fad for the younger folks Adult Coloring Books has been a much beloved activity/gift for those with Alzheimer’s for many years. My mom could sit and color for hours. You may enjoy my article about my Mom and her heirloom coloring book along with other fun things seniors like to do.

 Adult Coloring Book: Stress Relief Adult Coloring Book: Butterflies AmazaPens Gel Coloring Pens Melissa & Doug Jenna – 12 Melissa & Doug Primary Lacing Beads Yarn Jamie Mardi Gras Click N’ Play 300-piece Jumbo Checker Rug Game Brunswick Pro Bowling – Nintendo Wii Wii – Play WII Bowling Red Wii Mini Console

These are all ideas. Let your conversations with a senior loved one guide you! And have some fun learning about the senior in your life!