It's the most wonderful (and busiest) time of the year!
The hustle and bustle of the holidays can be difficult to keep up with especially for caregivers who already have their hands full or experiencing burnout.
Just like Santa, you probably have a list of people you need to get gifts for. But unlike Santa (and the fact that we're not in the North Pole), you don't have wonderful little elves to help you.
On top of that, the gift for the loved one you're caring for requires special consideration. What do you get someone who has a memory, mobility, vision or hearing impairment?
We've got you covered—like festive wrapping paper on a Christmas present—with this list of thoughtful picks for your loved one to help save you valuable time and effort.
Gifts for loved ones with Parkinson's, arthritis or mobility issues
Tommy Hilfiger Men's Adaptive Polo Shirt with Magnetic Buttons Classic Fit
Rave review: "This shirt is unlike any that I have tried before because of the way the buttons are. I really didn't think about it at the time but this really is a very good idea for people with arthritis or some other challenges (or people that just hate buttons). The fit is very good, I really like the style, and it is comfortable."
12 Pieces Locking Magnetic Jewelry Clasp
Rave review: "So easy to use. I had reached the point years ago with arthritic hands and poor vision that I was completely unable to put on a necklace (in my 40s). I have so many beautiful pendants and hatred that I could no longer wear them. Until I found these! I'm back to wearing necklaces! These are so easy to put on and take off."
Microwavable Therapy Mittens with Flaxseed
Rave review: "My Rheumatoid Arthritis seems to have settled in my hands and wrists over the past few months. The throbbing, aching pain can make performing even simple everyday activities nearly impossible to accomplish. These mitts are wonderful! They warm up quickly to just the right temperature, and they're long enough to include my entire wrist and part-way up my arm. Slipping my aching hand and wrist inside is almost instant relief. I definitely recommend them."
HONEYBULL Walking Cane for Men & Women - Free Standing Cane, Foldable, Pivot Tip, Heavy Duty, with Travel Bag
Rave review: "Ordered this for my 84 year old father. He was starting to get a little unsteady on his feet, he decided to stop moving around as much due to his fear of falling. I sent him this cane and he said, 'now I can walk down the sidewalk again!' The cane is easy to fold and daddy says it is very sturdy. The more he moves, the more he’ll be able to move. This cane has given him a sense of stability and freedom. We both love it!!"
Special Supplies Adaptive Utensils (5-Piece Kitchen Set) Wide, Non-Weighted, Non-Slip Handles for Hand Tremors, Arthritis, Parkinson’s or Elderly Use
Rave review: "My husband is losing strength and ability to grip with his hands. We have tried other adaptive devices but these utensils are the best! They are very light yet durable and dishwasher safe. The grips are wide and resist slipping. Knife is serrated for cutting but not sharp so that he can cut himself. Fork tines are narrow so he doesn’t stab his mouth. *Suggestion: use a beaded chain (like ceiling fan extension chain) through the hole in the handles, attach chain to chair and if utensil is dropped it can be easily retrieved."
The Pencil Grip Original Pencil Gripper, Universal Ergonomic Writing Aid For Righties And Lefties, Colorful Pencil Grippers, Assorted Colors, 6 Count
Rave review: "Purchased this item for elderly family member with arthritic hand. She likes to work puzzle and word books all day at age 87. She was getting swollen painful hand and this has been a wonderful tool for her. She loves the way it feels in her hand vs a thin pen/pencil."
SP Ableware Hole In One Key Holder Red Wide Oversized Handle
Rave review: "My mom is 93 years old and has severe rheumatoid arthritis. Her hands are very deformed and weak. The door and lock were changed in her retirement apartment and she was unable to turn the key in the new lock, even after application of WD-40. I got this key turner for her and she is SO HAPPY that she can now turn the key by herself. In fact, she is telling all her friends and they want to get it too. EXCELLENT product!"
Jar Opener, 5 in 1 Multi Function Can Opener Bottle Opener Kit with Silicone Handle
Rave review: "Having had arthritis in my hands since my teens, I have used many jar/bottle openers out of necessity. The OXO ones work well, but wear out within a year because of the volume of usage. This fabulous opener has yet to find a container that it cannot easily open, even bottles of water with heavily sealed caps. I love it so much I ordered another one to have in 2 drawers on either end of my kitchen. The little extra black one is just as fantastic. This gripper does not exacerbate my carpel tunnel syndrome, either. I would give it more stars if I could."
Healthy Seniors Complete Nail and Toenail Clipper Set
Rave review: "I originally got this set for my dad, and he was so pleased with it that I’m planning to buy another one for my mom. The tools are sharp and now it’s really easy for my dad to cut his nails. The rotating head clipper is really cool, I have never seen anything like this. Also, the set looks really nice for a gift, it’s perfect for any elderly person! I was always struggling what to get my older relatives for Christmas - this year I know :)"
Gifts for loved ones with Alzheimer's, dementia or memory issues
JOY FOR ALL - Orange Tabby Cat - Interactive Companion Pets - Realistic & Lifelike
Rave review: "My family recently had to place my mom in a nursing home for long term care. It was an incredibly difficult and painful decision to make. She has dementia and my 88 year old father could no longer care for her. We worried about the time she would spend there when no one was visiting or during the periods of time with no activities. Because of his, I got her a joy for all cat. She has always been a nurturer, as a mother and grandmother, and has also loved animals. I am happy to say that this was one of the best purchases I have ever made. She enjoys petting the cat and the reactions she gets from her touch. It is truly remarkable what this cat can do. It is very lifelike and although my mother knows it isn't real she enjoys it nonetheless. The nurses and CNAs are all enamoured with her cat as well! She is the most popular resident on the floor! The 'toy' appeals to all ages. My 10 year old niece spent time visiting with my mom and her cat. The interaction they shared was very special and allowed my niece an opportunity to connect with my mom. After taking my mother back to the nursing home after Thanksgiving dinner, she was reluctant to be there as we entered her room. Thank goodness for the cat, which redirected her thoughts and allowed her to settle in calmly. I am so thankful for this companion for my mom!"
Relish Ocean Life Aquapaint Water Painting Art Pack
Rave review: "I got this product for my mom's 91st birthday. She now has dementia and was an avid gifted artist/painter. The product is simply amazing and instantly sparked her interest. Once we opened the package she was intent on painting the lobster within minutes."
Echo (4th Gen) | Spherical design with rich sound, smart home hub, and Alexa
Rave review: "I got this for my sister who has dementia and loves to sing. She is in an assisted living place and this gives her another dimension."
Adult Coloring Book: 60 Stress Relieving Animals Designs: A Lot of Relaxing and Beautiful Scenes for Adults or Kids by Olympia Soares
Rave review: "Bought for a friend with dementia. She loved the books."
Relish 13 Piece Summer Birds Dementia Jigsaw Puzzle
Rave review: "Bought this for a dementia patient who was feeling depressed and frustrated. She really perked up when she saw this puzzle. It was wonderful to see her face light up as she put the pieces together."
Gifts for loved ones with vision or hearing loss
English Atomic Talking Watch
Rave review: "This watch is my savior! My dad recently had a stroke and lost most of his vision and also has memory issues. He couldn't see a normal clock or watch, and also forgot what the date was. This saved me from having to answer 'what time is it' every 10 mins and also gives my dad a piece of mind. My dad also uses the watch to make sure he takes his meds on time. Its a little confusing setting up, and he already broke one, but I would buy this over and over again. Its really nice to know that someone somewhere thought about the people that could really use one of these and followed through on a decent quality product. My dad is a big guy, and the watch fit nicely. Probably one of the best things I've found on amazon."
3X Large Ultra Bright LED Page Magnifier with 12 Anti-Glare Dimmable LEDs
Rave review: "I bought this for my 98 year old mom who has macular degeneration and other vision problems. We had bought various devices for her over the years and most were too heavy or she couldn’t operate it, or she couldn’t see. She loves this, it works well and it’s lightweight. The first thing she said when I handed it to her was 'oh I can see!' I showed it to my brother in law who also has vision problems with his retina and he immediately asked me to order one for him! I’m considering ordering one for myself!"
ChairSpeaker Voice Enhancing TV Sound Bar Alternative Lets You Hear Clearly Without Blasting Loud Sound, Still Hear Others
Rave review: "I can't believe how well this works! They have made a dramatic difference in the quality of life for everyone, dogs and cats included, in our home. The sound quality is excellent and they are very easy to install. With the speakers located so close to the ears, the volume doesn't have to be very loud for the user to hear it well. Plus the sound is focused in a much smaller area rather than filling up the entire house. I look after my elderly and medically frail mother who watches tv all day long - at a painfully high volume no less. The volume level was so unbearable that even ear plugs and noise canceling headphones couldn't block it out for me. Even the dogs and cats moved out! Headphones proved too uncomfortable to wear all day long, plus mom never could remember how to charge them properly. These couch speakers were very easy to set up, and require no charging or adjusting (other than volume), after that. This is important because mom is too forgetful to be able to use anything that's the least bit complicated."
SIMOLIO Wireless Portable TV Speakers with TV Audio Listening Assistance, Voice Highlighting TV Speakers for Hard of Hearing
Rave review: "My father is 92. He sits in a chair very close to his 60 inch tv because he is visually impaired. Even that close the tv speaker is horrible. He has a hard time making out the dialogue clearly even at high volume. This was easy to setup. He does not have a smart tv but he does have a Roku. He no longer even uses the tv speaker because the sound from this is loud enough and most importantly, the dialogue is so clear! It is so clear that he does not even need to turn it up high at all. It is easier than a sound bar because of the large easy to use volume knob and not another remote he has to manage with his low vision. Seller sent great email to ensure the setup was understood and encouraged that I reach out with any questions."
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