Finding the perfect gift for your senior loved ones can be a challenge. They often have limited space and will tell you they already have everything they need.
But thoughtful gifts will reflect that. There are ways to find great gifts to show them how much you care and that you have been paying attention to their needs. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Gift Ideas for Seniors
Finding a great gift for someone doesn’t have to cost you much. In fact, the thought that counts rings true in these cases. Think about getting them something that will make their lives easier and more enjoyable.
Photo Albums
Putting together a photo album of your whole family throughout the years is a great gift. It is something they can enjoy for ages, and return to often. It’s perfect for someone who may be living with memory loss.
It’s also nice because you made it yourself. Find pictures of everyone in their family, old friends, pictures of past holidays, and milestone events. You can make a physical album or a digital one.
Books for Seniors
This doesn’t refer to the content. You can get books with large print so they are easier to read. You can also find books on tape, so they can listen to them rather than have to read them.
Failing that, get a few regular books by authors they like or find a few new ones and read to your loved one yourself. It’s a great way to spend quality time together, even on a daily basis.
Subscriptions and Memberships
Getting your loved one a subscription to something is often something they would never buy themselves. There are many ways you can go with this, so gauge it to suit your loved one.
This could include:
- Magazine subscription
- Weekly flower delivery
- Regular food deliveries
- Spa days
- Streaming channels
- Movie passes
- Gym membership
- Weekly social functions
- Museum passes
- Rideshare passes
- Salon visits
Choose something appropriate for your loved one, keeping in mind their abilities and possible limitations.
Personal Coupons
Make them up a little booklet of coupons they can cash in for various events and functions. It could be a lunch date at their favorite place, a shopping trip, a coupon for someone to clean their house, or a trip together to the spa.
Keep in mind what they enjoy and don’t make them something they will take advantage of or make your own life complicated. It could be a visit with the grandkids or a coupon for you to cook for them.
Puzzles and Crafts
If your loved one lives in care, they may appreciate some types of games and puzzles to occupy their time. Jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, board games, and other types of crafts.
Perhaps they always loved to paint or sew. Get them an embroidery kit, items to let them paint, knitting or crocheting materials, or even a deck of cards. Base these decisions on their likes and needs, as well as their abilities.
Herb Garden
If your mom has a sunny kitchen window, get her some starter plants. Various herbs and other plants will grow well with little attention, and they can enjoy the fruits of their labor.
Basil, parsley, thyme, plus green onions, garlic, and even flowering plants will add a lot of beauty to the place and give them something to tend to and care for. They can clip off a few leaves to use on an almost daily basis.
Electronics
For people who have mobility issues or are unable to get around, tablets and laptops can be a great way to entertain them and also connect. They can watch their favorite shows and movies, chat, and connect with friends and family.
You can engage with them even if you live far away. Challenge them to daily games, video chat and text, send pictures or videos for them to watch, and even set up coffee or breakfast dates with each other online.
Include headsets for them to wear so they don’t disturb anyone else and you can add a subscription to a streaming service for shows and movies, download some of their favorite games, and even include a printer so they can save recipes and pictures.
Often, if someone is on their own, they can feel lonely and isolated. Keeping in touch is a great way to let them know you are thinking of them and also check in on how they are coping.
For you and your loved ones peace of mind, consider a medical alert system. That way, you know that if anything happens, they have fast access to help, and Trained Response Specialist will send the help they need.