Sometimes it’s hard to choose the right gift for an aging parent, grandparent or loved one. After all, they’ve had a lifetime of gifts and often have a different perspective on life than you may have. Here are some great holiday gift ideas to help get you started.
Blankets or throws: While this may sound obvious, you can’t go wrong with a cozy blanket or throw — and there are so many custom options available these days! Whether you’re a talented quilter who can create a homemade masterpiece, or you prefer to customize with a heartfelt photo throw, this is a gift option that will warm the soul along with the aging body.
Custom gift basket: Gift baskets add the personal touch to practical products. So whether you create a care basket that includes slippers with your loved ones’ favorite lotions, bath soaps, cologne or perfume; or would rather create a custom food basket of your loved one’s favorite meats, cheeses, chocolates or sauces; a gift basket balances practicality with custom personality and love.
Electronic tablet: These all-in-one devices are in many ways tailored for seniors with their touch-screen technology and large-print options. The social connection is important for elders, and you might be surprised how savvy your senior loved one can be with a quick tutorial. Good for entertainment, medication management, and brain-exercising fun, this impressive technology is an excellent option for aging loved ones. Just be sure you take the time to help them become acquainted with it.
Kitchen and bath towels: Everyone can use new kitchen and bath towels as these items are such a necessity of every day. Adding monogrammed initials or patterns that complement the home or apartment will only enhance this gift.
Gift certificates to grocery stores and favorite dining venues: If your loved one is still independent, gift certificates to grocery stores and dining venues allow the senior to not only cut expenses grocery shopping, but also allows them an entertaining lunch or evening out for a special dining experience. This is also a great gift to help prevent senior malnutrition — an epidemic that many are unaware of in the aging population.
Clothes: While this may sound like a dull option, just think about it — when was the last time your senior loved one bought new clothes for him or herself? Chances are it has been years, especially with many seniors’ limited resources. Buying sweat pants, sweaters, socks or nice shirts and pants (whatever the senior in your life needs!) will assure a gift that won’t go unused.
Kitchen essentials set: For seniors who struggle with arthritis or limited hand strength, custom kitchen sets that cater to these conditions can make a perfect gift.
Photobook, scrapbook, or custom video: Compiling memory books, scrapbooks, or custom videos are nostalgic gift options that are sure to please. By gathering cherished photos, newspaper clippings, travel souvenirs, and other mementos and compiling them into a chronological art form, the senior in your life will have a tangible piece of his or her own heritage to hold onto and savor. Videos are great because you can customize music with their favorite tunes.
Health management and fitness options: It’s important to stay fit in all seasons of life, but especially crucial for seniors to help prevent stroke, heart conditions, and other common ailments that come with age. Meeting with a nutritionist, dietitian, or naturopathic physician who specializes in senior health is an excellent idea to customize your loved ones’ health, nutrition and fitness plan. Often times these experts have excellent ideas to make food more enjoyable for seniors, helping to keep them both healthy and happy.
Medication management device: Living independently for as long as possible is the goal for many seniors. Now, more than ever, there are tech gadgets that help seniors remain safe while aiding their independence and mobility. Medication management systems such as digital pill dispensers make sure your senior is taking the right medication on time.
Personal emergency response system: Personal emergency response systems (PERS) are getting more sophisticated. Medical alert pendants and wristbands can be pressed during emergencies to alert professionals and/or family members.
And for those who have family members or friends living at Advent Christian Village, here are three ACV-specific items to consider:
As most people reach “seniorhood,” gifts of practicality and sentimentality tend to win over other “stuff.” Since most are thinking more about downsizing than gathering and looking for ways to make their lives easier rather than more busy, it’s important to carefully consider your gifting options.
Source: A Place for Mom.
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