Present ideas for someone who is dying or terminally ill

We also have advice for families on supporting someone during their last Christmas and advice on preparing for Christmas when you're dying.

Many people who are at the end of their life prefer doing things instead of getting gifts they might not use.

A favourite place, or somewhere they’ve never been. Check if they feel able.

Let them know in advance so they can plan some rest time in the days before and after.

Some places offer wheelchairs or mobility assistance, and this could make the day less tiring for them.

When you’re ill and can’t leave home, hospital or hospice much, a trip out in the car or a bus or train journey might be enjoyable. Be sure to check with them how comfortable they’d find this.

If travelling too far is a challenge, plan something closer to home. Like a games or movie night. Or a picnic in a local park.

Your gift doesn’t have to be complicated to be special. Sometimes, just being with someone is the best gift. Take a day off work or get a babysitter if you need to. Let them know you have a day to spend together.

Family members or friends who become full-time carers for people at the end of their lives often don’t get the chance to chat, laugh and have fun like they used to. You can help by doing some practical tasks for them so they can rest or do something fun together.

If you know someone who is caring for someone at the end of their life, ask if they'd like people close to them to prepare their Christmas meal and deliver it to them. Or perhaps lend your time to put up some decorations. They may not have to spend the day in the kitchen or putting up lights. This may help them feel a bit special during a difficult time.

Even if they won’t have them for long, gifts can help start conversations, give you a reason to spend time together or help them feel entertained and comfortable.

• Photo albums - filled or with space for them to select more photos, of loved ones or memories they cherish
• Family videos – put a compilation of videos in an easily watchable format. Then watch it with them.
• Achievements – Think about what makes them happy and proud of their life. This could be things like photos of their sports teams, their favourite recipes, a picture showing all the places they've travelled to, or a photo with all their children and grandchildren together.

Things that could ease their pain and help them feel comfortable are:

• Comfy socks, pyjamas, pillows.
• Heated blankets and hot water bottles – may be comforting, however some people’s skin may be sensitive to burning so check with carers first.
• Favourite snacks or drinks – someone at the end of life might have a small appetite but a taste of something they love can be really enjoyable.
• Something that offers emotional comfort – for example a collection of loving messages and memories from friends and family.
• Reassurance that they will be remembered - something that makes sure their impact on the world will carry on. You could plant a tree or donate to a cause they believe in.

When someone is not able to move about or go out as much they might like some ideas of how to stay entertained, such as:

• Books, films, TV, music
• Online events or courses
• A subscription to a magazine
• A subscription to a streaming service

Think about interests you share as this will add a bit of extra meaning to your gift. Also think about what they find easiest to use, for example DVDs, CDs, Laptop or tablet.

Many people at the end of their life find it comforting to write or record messages for after they are gone. You could help them do this by giving them:

• A notebook and some nice pens
• A book specially designed for the end of someone’s life that has prompts, sometimes called memory books
• A simple audio or video recorder.
• A box for them to collect important objects to pass on
• An offer of your time to help them

When you’re at the end of your life it can feel comforting to know your impact on the world will carry on after you have gone. Supporting a cause or charity they believe in, or one that has helped care for them, is a good way of doing this.

You could make a one-off donation in their name or commit to a regular monthly donation.

Your love, time and support will likely be what is most appreciated by someone facing the end of their life this Christmas. Take a look at our information on supporting someone during their last Christmas.