Everyone has someone on their holiday shopping list that is impossible to buy for, and for many, it’s an elderly parent or grandparent. In fact, they’ve probably already told you they don’t need or want anything this year, right?
Luckily, we know a lot about seniors, including what they both need and want. If you’re struggling with your holiday shopping, check out this list of meaningful, thoughtful and practical gifts for the seniors in your life. From brain puzzles to video chat devices, there’s truly something for everyone.
Games & Fun
Not only do games add fun to a senior’s daily life, but they can help keep their mind sharp, improve dexterity, and prevent social isolation. Word search, crossword puzzles and Sudoku are all great for the mind, as is the book, “399 Games, Puzzles & Trivia Challenges Specially Designed to Keep Your Brain Young”. On the other hand, jigsaw puzzles and games like Jenga are good for dexterity. If your parent or grandparent lives in a senior community, dominoes, a poker set and multi-player board games (chess, backgammon, Mahjong) can help encourage your loved one to get out of their apartment and make new friends.
Arts & Crafts
Arts and crafts also help to keep the mind active and the hands nimble. Tap into a senior’s creative side with a gift of paints or clay and all the necessary supplies, or pick up some colored pencils and adult coloring books. If your loved one likes to build, perhaps a model airplane set or a fairy garden kit would be a better fit. For seniors who want to write a memoir, The Book of Me Autobiographical Journal is a great do-it-yourself tool for organizing and recording a lifetime of memories.
Health & Wellness
Whether it’s a yoga mat for attending fitness classes at the wellness center, or a Fitbit to help them track their daily steps, items that promote health make great gifts for seniors. Even if mobility is an issue, you can still give the gift of wellness. Consider an aromatherapy diffuser, meditation CDs or a white noise machine to help with sleep. And who wouldn’t enjoy a back and neck massager, or a gift certificate to a local spa?
Tech-Savvy Gifts
Make it easy for seniors to stay connected to family and friends all year long with video chatting devices that are specifically designed with seniors in mind. One of the simplest video calling devices for seniors is the grandPad. The 8-inch touchscreen custom tablet includes big colorful icons and large text, one-touch access to make and receive video and phone calls, view photos and videos, listen to music, check the weather, play games and more, but it does not offer Web browsing. For video chatting devices that offer additional features, including voice-activation and web connectivity, consider the Amazon Echo Show, Facebook Portal and Google Nest.
Creature Comforts
Seniors have definitely earned a little R&R, so spoil them with plush blankets and throws, fuzzy bathrobes, cozy socks and non-slip slippers. Show them how much they are loved with personalized gifts, such as a grandchild’s artwork on a mug, framed family photos, or a scrapbook. For seniors on a fixed income, even just simple everyday items are often welcome gifts. Consider making a basket of their favorite snacks, or fill a decorative box with scented soaps, lotions and other toiletries.
Looking for More Holiday Tips for Seniors?
Read our blog on Seniors Staying Healthy During the Holidays and find out How to Treat Seasonal Affective Disorder in Seniors.
Eddy Senior Living provides seniors with the full continuum of care at five beautiful senior living communities in Niskayuna, Queensbury, Troy, Slingerlands and East Greenbush. To learn more about our independent senior living, enriched housing & assisted living communities, or to inquire about skilled nursing and memory care, please call (877) 748-3339 to speak with a senior living specialist.