Celebrating our mom’s birthday this summer reminded me of how challenging it can be to find the perfect gift as her Alzheimer’s progresses. But plenty of thoughtful ways exist to bring joy and create meaningful moments.
Here are some of our favorite gift ideas that we recommend to family and friends:
Gift Card for a Manicure
Our mom loves getting her nails done. It’s a special outing for her, a chance to enjoy some pampering and girl time at her favorite salon
Bird Feeder and Stand
Note: Refilling the feeder when it’s hanging on a stand rather than in a tree is more manageable.
Watching birds at the feeder during breakfast is one of our mom’s simple pleasures. This gift brings her joy and gives her a sense of purpose as she watches over the birds to ensure they’re well-fed
Flowers for Arranging
Our mom has always loved arranging flowers; even seven years into her Alzheimer’s journey, she still enjoys it. A selection of fresh flowers from Trader Joe’s, the supermarket, or your garden makes her day and brings her creativity.
Age and Interest-Appropriate Activities
Three activities she particularly loves are:
- Relish’s Reusable Water Painting Activities: These are mess-free and portable, keeping her mind engaged while letting her express creativity.
- GoodDay Puzzles: The puzzles are designed for different stages of Alzheimer’s, offering a satisfying challenge without being overwhelming.
- Adult Coloring Books and Crayons: Simple yet effective, these books bring out her creative side and are a comforting activity.
Note: If you haven’t bought crayons in a while, we recommend the twistable kind—they don’t require a sharpener.
Pajamas
Our mom loves a new set of pajamas in her favorite color. Soft fabrics, pretty designs, and bright colors are essential.
Gift of Time
Spending time together is the best gift of all whether it’s baking, visiting a public garden, or watching a movie (don’t forget the subtitles!), these shared moments mean the world to her.
Even though Alzheimer’s has changed many things, our mom still loves celebrating special occasions. These gifts brighten her day and provide beautiful ways for friends and family to connect with her. We hope these ideas inspire you to pick the perfect gift for your loved one.
