1. Emergency tire repair kit: Kits include all of the items you need to patch a tire. With one of these handy kits, there is no need to call for help. You can fix your own tire on the spot. Price range: $20 - $50.
2. Car care kits: Whether your gift recipient owns a collection of classic cars or just wants to keep his everyday ride shiny and clean, a car care kit is just the thing. They can be purchased in a variety of combinations for different types of washing, waxing and buffing. Price range: $20 - $300.
3. Auto accessories: For the guy or gal who really loves their car, consider purchasing custom plates or license plate holders, window deflectors, a trunk organizer, steering wheel covers, floor mats and more. Prices vary.
4. Roof racks (ski, bicycle, luggage): There are dozens of roof rack storage items on the market including the familiar ski, bicycle and luggage racks as well as roof storage, kayak racks and surfboard carriers. Prices vary.
5. Garage storage: In terms of garage storage, the possibilities are endless. Storage options include everything from hanging tool storage and portable tool boxes to storage racks, shelves and cabinets. The sky's the limit and, of course, so are the prices so shop accordingly.
6. Specialty tools: Who doesn't love a new toy? Check your favorite retailer or online store for a wide variety of specialty tools like a funnel system, digital torque wrench, electronic heat gun or socket set. There's something to please everyone. Prices vary.
7. Global positioning system (GPS): They say that men don't stop to ask directions. With a GPS, he doesn't have to. A good GPS system will help him find his way no matter where he is. Portable, lightweight and handy. Prices: $200 to $800. Garmin is one of the more well-known brands.
8. Vehicle service packages (car wash, detailing, etc.): Give your guy the gift of time by purchasing him a package of car wash & waxes from your local car wash, or treat him to a full detail at his favorite body shop. Prices vary.
9. Vehicle battery tester: Test your own car or truck battery with a battery & system tester. Price: about $100 (Griot's Garage)
10. Curb ramps: If your favorite guy or gal has roll-over curbs (you know the kind where your vehicle scrapes the driveway when you enter or exit?), give him a set of curb ramps to ease the transition from street to driveway and vice versa. Ideal for cars, trucks, vans, RVs, boats, golf carts and more. Price: about $300.
Many of these can be purchased at local automotive retailers (AutoZone, Napa, Schuck's) large discount retailers (Wal-Mart, Target, Costco), and local detail and body shops. If you are hoping to save time and money, many of the above products can also be ordered online and shipped to you or directly to your recipient for gift-giving. Act quickly though. Each business will have its own holiday delivery cut-off dates. Happy Holidays and enjoy your creative gifts!
Copyright (c) 2008 John Curry
First on the list of gifts is a book by Susan Berg called: Adorable Photographs of Our Baby - Meaningful, Mind-Stimulating Activities and More for the Memory Challenged, Their Loved Ones and Involved Professionals. This book features baby photographs that men with dementia will love. This book shares a plethora of ideas and resources for you, the gift-giver. Men with dementia do love babies.
Another gift a dementia dad will fancy is a classic musical video or DVD. He will enjoy watching something from the good old days and singing the songs played throughout the picture. Here are a few suggestions: Top Hat, Swing Time, Follow the Fleet, or Shall We Dance.
Other good videos include those about puppies and kittens
Next is a sing a long CD or audio cassette of his favorite songs. One with Mitch Miller is a wonderful choice. You may want to get a sing a long video where loved ones can see and hear performers singing songs they love. A good seies is the Sing Along with Frank Woehrle series.
Was your father a handyman? Make a handyman box for him. Fill it with safe items, like a tape measure, a small level, shop rags, goggles, and a shop apron. Of course you know what special things your father liked to do. Just make sure the items included are safe. Then you can enjoy talking about the items. You can recount stories of fix it successes. After you leave, your father can examine the items over and over again.
Here is another idea. Give him hand lotion, a manly scent, of course. Just be aware of any allergies or pain issues he might have. Give him a relaxing hand massage talking about how good the hand massage feels and maybe about the good old days, as well. Yes, men love hand massages.
Another idea for the lower functioning dementia man is a Touch Quilt which is a quilt that is soft and colorful The man with dementia will love stroking it. Often doing this has a calming effect on a dementia person. He can keep the quilt on his lap, favorite chair, or his bed.
If you cannot afford or do not have time to get these gifts, give the gift of yourself. No matter how hard it is for you to visit, he will appreciate your company even though he may not be able to express it. Take him for a walk. Sing some favorite songs together. Give him a hand massage. Just share some quality time with him. You will both feel better.
Do remember to be upbeat animated and excited about visiting. No arguing, please.
A phone call or a card will do if there is no way you can visit in person. At least he will know you are thinking of him. Then visit on another day and call it his day
These gifts are simple, inexpensive or free, and can be enjoyed by all.
Both John Curry & Ben Needles are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
John Curry has sinced written about articles on various topics from Gift Ideas, Fathers Day. If you are ready to reduce the "jar to your car," check out Bridjit Curb Ramps, a low-cost, low-impact solution to those annoying and damaging rollover curbs. Our ramps are affordable, easy to install and environmentally friendly. Made from recycled mater. John Curry's top article generates over 1900 views. to your Favourites.
Ben Needles has sinced written about articles on various topics from Business Credit Cards, Anger Control and Business Credit Cards. About the Author (text)Author, Susan Berg, has been a healthcare professional and educator for over 20 years. Berg is the author of Adorable Photographs of Our Baby, a book for those with dementia and an excellent resource for caregive. Ben Needles's top article generates over 550000 views. to your Favourites.