Holiday Gift Guide for Seniors

Choosing the perfect holiday gift can be difficult enough. But if you’re looking for a gift for a special senior in your life, you can easily overthink it – Is this gadget too complicated? Are the buttons on this shirt too small? Will they be upset that I spent too much? Have no fear, we have some great gift ideas for the elderly that they will actually use and enjoy.

Overall, your best bet is to give gifts and experiences your loved ones wouldn’t normally get for themselves or find items that will make their lives easier. Additionally, seniors in assisted living, memory care or skilled nursing might be dealing with health issues or have needs for everyday items that wouldn’t normally come to mind. Here are some gift ideas, ranging from products for more independent older adults to gifts for seniors with dementia or greater care needs.

Gifts of convenience

Many seniors who still live in their own homes appreciate having someone else take care of the tedious chores – scrubbing floors, cleaning bathrooms, mowing lawns and raking leaves. You could arrange these services for them as a one-time service or on an ongoing basis.

One gift that keeps on giving is the steady delivery of a treat your loved one enjoys. Do they savor that morning cup of coffee? Sign them up for a coffee-of-the-month club. Or maybe it’s wine. Or jams, fruit, flowers… whatever it is, there’s probably a club for it. Each month a delivery to their door will remind them that you’re thinking of them.

Who wouldn’t love a delicious home-cooked meal that doesn’t require making it yourself? Cooking and freezing your loved one’s favorite foods in meal-sized portions that are easy to reheat can be a thoughtful way to brighten up their holidays.

New technology

Seniors aren’t always the technophobes they’re made out to be. Many love tech too, including phones, tablets, and cameras, and any device or app that can make their lives a little easier. Digital voice-activated personal assistants — such as Amazon Echo, Alexa and Google Home — are very popular gifts and can be helpful tools to seniors. They can be used to create shopping lists and reminders, set timers, play music, turn lights on and off, adjust the thermostat, or hear a joke … the list goes on and on. And if your loved one is still using a flip-phone, helping them upgrade to a smart phone is a great gift.

Gifts that celebrate memories

Photos that recall memories of wonderful times are always appreciated and an evergreen gift idea. But maybe you’ve already given a digital photo frame or a custom photo book. You can print photos on tons of other fun items – calendars, puzzles, mugs, magnets, coasters, of course, but now even pillows, blankets, shower curtains and more – so your loved one can always be surrounded by smiling faces.

Also, many senior citizens have beloved photos that may be decades old and in need of a little sprucing up. You can restore these yourself, if you have the software and skills, or simply arrange the restoration through a local photo shop or photo lab in a Costco, Walmart or drugstore. Either way, you’ll be giving a gift that’s sure to be cherished.

Being comfortable

Everyone loves to be comfy and cozy. A heated blanket will keep seniors warm and ease aches and pains. Weighted blankets have been scientifically proven to relieve anxiety. They’re great for any older adult who has trouble sleeping, feels anxious, or would just enjoy feeling more relaxed. If your loved one is in a wheelchair, a wheelchair lap blanket conveniently attaches to the chair and keeps knees warm.

Your time and attention

As always, the number one thing seniors want is to spend time with you. There’s nothing like a visit to lift a parent’s or grandparent’s spirits. And there are so fun ways to spend time together. Visit a museum. Have a manicure/pedicure together. Get your loved one’s creative juices flowing with a  “paint and sip” evening. Or simply treat your loved one to lunch or dinner. The gift of your time is the most important gift of all.

Looking for information about Meadow Ridge or gift ideas for senior citizens this holiday season? Give us a call at (203) 544-1000.