Having familiar objects around can be reassuring and can stimulate memory recollection from the distant past. It's best to begin putting together a memory box as soon as a person has a diagnosis of dementia, that way they can decide what to include. Typical items to put in the box could be photographs of family gatherings, weddings etc. , small toys, pieces of jewellery, tickets/programmes to the cinema/football, tools that were used by the person perhaps in their professional life, items associated with family members like baby shoes/glasses/small items of clothing. There are no limits to what might go into the box, as long as it fits!
Think of putting in something that has an interesting texture like a toy or some fabric or something that can be held and moved around in the hand or a familiar aroma like a favourite perfume. And don't forget how evocative sound can be, so perhaps a tape or cd with favourite music or familiar voices or the sound of a familiar place like the seaside. The choice is yours. Every box will be different and unique. It'll be fun to put together and can be brought out either when the person is on their own or when they have visitors.
