With the holiday season fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to show your aging loved ones just how much you care for them. It can be challenging to find the perfect gift that truly expresses how much you care for them. However, finding the perfect gift can often be a daunting task, particularly when your loved one has unique needs and preferences as they age. At Your Nurse Advocate Consulting, we understand the importance of thoughtful and practical gifts for seniors. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of ten great gift idea categories for senior loved ones which range from practical to indulgent, with options suitable for all budgets.
We understand how important it is to show your love and appreciation towards your aging loved one, and that is why we have insights to help you make the right decision. You may want to show them how much you care, but you don’t want to overload them with yet another item that may end up in their cluttered closet. In this blog post, we discuss different present options that you can consider, ranging from practical items to gestures that go beyond material things. Read on to discover gift ideas that will surely put a smile on your loved one’s face this holiday season!
1. Door Dash or Uber Eats Gift Cards: Access to meals from restaurants without leaving the house can be a great way to give seniors a break from cooking and staying home. Door Dash or UberEATS gift cards can be used to order from a wide variety of food options with ease. Access to meals from restaurants without leaving the house can be a great way to give seniors a break from cooking and staying home. Door Dash or UberEATS gift cards can be used to order from a wide variety of food options with ease.
To make it even easier, have family members take turns and actually order the food for them to be delivered to take away any fear of managing the process on their own. We do this often for my mom. 1-2 per week someone in our family will ask mom what she has a taste for. She lets us know, and we order and have it delivered from Door Dash. It’s ordered, paid for, tip is taken care of, and all they have to do is open the door and grab their food. This is a great way for out-of-town family members to help!
2. Home Comforts: Help your older loved one to create a cosy and comfortable space by treating them to items such as a new set of cozy blankets, a comfortable armchair or a new bathrobe.
As seniors age, they require more comfortable shoes to support their feet. A new pair of shoes with proper cushioning and arch support, such as orthopedic shoes, can be an excellent gift idea. Or how about a nice pair of comfy slippers with a shoe or grip bottom to help them feel warm and cozy and safe on their feet as a bonus!
Look for comfortable clothing that is easy for them to put on. Choose items that are stylish and make them feel good about themselves, ones that match their unique sense of style and preferences.
Heated Blanket: As temperatures drop, staying warm is more critical than ever as we age. A heated blanket helps to keep your loved one warm and cozy, and it’s an excellent investment in their health and well-being.
Anti-Fatigue Mat – Many seniors spend a lot of time standing in the kitchen, doing dishes or cooking. Not only is standing for a long-time tiring, but it can also be hard on the feet and the lower back. Anti-fatigue mats can help alleviate any discomfort associated with standing.
A Cozy Chair: Chairs that are comfortable yet stylish can always brighten up someone’s day. Recliners with built-in massager units, lumbar support, and footrests are an excellent way to show that you want your loved one to take care of themselves.
Consider a lift chair for aging loved ones that are having a hard time getting up out of a chair or recliner. This is a great gift, and the cost can be shared with other family members.
Lawn Service: As our loved one’s age, it may be challenging to manage the upkeep of their homes. You can contribute to their safety and well-being by hiring a professional lawn service to maintain their yards. Safe and tidy surroundings can help reduce the risk of falls and improve safety.
Snow Removal: Living in areas with harsh weather can make winter a challenging season for seniors who might lack the strength or mobility to shovel snow out of the driveway. Gifting a snow removal service can help to ensure the seniors’ safety and prevent potential setbacks caused by snow-covered driveways.
3. Technology:
Technology can be intimidating for seniors, but it doesn’t have to be. Consider giving your loved one technology classes to help them stay connected with loved ones and the world around them.
Subscription to an Audiobook App: Offer your loved one the pleasure of listening to their favorite books without having to hold the physical books themselves. Using an audiobook app subscription, they can listen to audiobooks, create a unique experience, and are suitable for all book lovers.
Technology can be intimidating for seniors, but it can also be an excellent way to keep seniors connected and entertained. Consider a tablet device with large buttons and easy-to-use apps, to keep them connected with family members, and entertained with movies, and audiobooks. Tablets like iPads are user-friendly and easy for seniors to use and have all the added advantages of apps for video calls, messaging, and games. These digital tools can be a great way to stay connected with the family while reducing isolation.
E-readers are a great way for seniors to read books without straining their eyes as they age. With an e-reader, you can help them adjust the font size and reading material to their preferences.
Subscription to a Streaming Service: Give your loved one an easy way to access all their favorite TV shows, movies, and documentaries with a subscription to a streaming service. Make sure you get a service that works well with their tech devices.
Medication Dispenser: Medication can be challenging to manage, especially if seniors are taking multiple medications daily. A medication dispenser can help to simplify the process, ensuring that your loved one gets the correct dose. It is an excellent choice for seniors with memory problems or a complicated medication routine.
Personal Emergency Response System: For those living alone, a personal emergency response system can provide peace of mind. The device allows them to call for help in an emergency with just the push of a button.
Robotic Vacuum Cleaner: For seniors with limited mobility or energy, house chores like vacuuming can be a challenge. A robotic vacuum cleaner does the job for them, making their living spaces cleaner and safer. Consider trip hazards when considering this type of gift.
4. Personalized Calendar: Create a personalized calendar featuring photographs of loved ones, friends, and pets, which will remind your senior loved one of happy memories throughout the year. A beautiful, personalized calendar can be a great way to keep your loved one organized. You can add family photos, special dates, and reminders to the calendar, ensuring that they never miss an appointment or important event.
5. Subscription box: Subscription boxes have become increasingly popular, and there are now options available targeted specifically at seniors. From puzzles to hobbies, and art supplies, there are plenty of options. Subscription boxes can be an excellent way to introduce seniors to new hobbies or interests. From books to crafts to cooking, there are many subscription box options to choose from. A monthly gift arrives at their door and also gives them something to look forward to.
6. Personalized Items:
Pillow: Seniors often spend a lot of time sitting or lying down, so why not treat them to a personalized cushion. You can customize the cushion with their name or a photo of loved ones.
Personalized jewelry, such as a pendant or bracelet, can be a special way to remind your loved one how much they mean to you. Engrave their name or a special date on the jewelry to make it truly unique.
Charm bracelet with grandchildren’s names and/or birthstones.
7. Experiences: Many seniors would appreciate spending time with their loved ones, more than a material gift. You might consider taking them to a museum, movie, or concert.
Grocery Gift Certificate: Groceries are an essential daily requirement, and the cost can add up faster than expected, which makes a grocery gift certificate a perfect gift for seniors. It removes the burden of grocery shopping and allows seniors to pick and choose their needed items, and secondly, Grocery Gift Certificates never goes to waste.
Maybe something as simple as grocery shopping with a lunch date.
House Cleaning or Organizing Services: As seniors age, household chores can become overwhelming. Consider gifting your aging loved one house cleaning or organizing services to help them maintain their home and reduce stress. How about a Decluttering Service.
Memory Book: Take the time to collect old photos and place them in a personalized memory book for your aging loved one. Ensure that the quality of the photos and printing is premium and add details like dates and events, making it more personal.
8. Senior-friendly Exercise Equipment: Dumbbells or resistance bands can be excellent equipment that can help seniors maintain or improve their mobility and function.
How about some chair yoga classes or DVD recorded exercise programs.
9. Memory Games: Memory might decline with age, but it can be improved with brain-stimulating activities such as puzzles and memory games. Give your loved one a new game or create a “brain games” basket filled with games, puzzles, and books.
10. Digital picture frame: A digital picture frame that can display an endless stream of favorite photos, loved ones, grandchildren, friends, and their children can be an excellent gift to bring joy daily.
Bonus:
Pets:
If your aging loved one is an animal lover, a pet can be a great way to bring joy and companionship into their lives. A well-behaved and trained pet can provide unconditional love and support to seniors. Consider whether or not an older pet vs. puppy or kitten may be a better choice. There are other pets such as birds that may be easier to care for.
Pets may not be a great choice for some aging loved ones so consider this carefully. You may want to check out our previous blog post that addresses the pros and cons of pets for our seniors. You can check that out HERE.
Memory Journal:
Create those memories and legacy projects. A memory journal is a great way for seniors to record important milestones and memories throughout their lives. This personalized gift can be a way for your loved one to remember their life and the valuable experiences they’ve had.
The Gift of Peace of Mind:
Looking for a way to take your healthcare journey to the next level? Look no further than Your Nurse Advocate Now, our monthly membership program designed to provide you with the high-value resources and support you need to achieve your healthcare goals.
You will receive two check-in calls per month with your dedicated nurse advocate, giving you the opportunity to discuss your challenges or concerns you may be facing and receive expert guidance and advice from a trusted healthcare professional.
In addition to these check-ins, you will have access to the Your Nurse Advocate Now Hub, a comprehensive online resource that includes checklists, videos, courses, and topics by guest speakers. Whether you’re an aging adult looking to take control of your healthcare journey or an adult family member caring for an aging loved one, this hub is your go-to source for all things healthcare and senior care resources.
But the benefits of Your Nurse Advocate Now don’t stop there. This agreement also allows you to add on additional services as needed with purchased blocks of time, giving you the flexibility and peace of mind, you need to navigate even the most challenging healthcare situations.
Conclusion:
The holiday season is an ideal time to show your aging loved ones how much you care for them. We understand the challenges of finding the perfect gift and hope that our ten thoughtful gift ideas have made this process more manageable for you. It’s time to think outside the box and gift something that genuinely brightens their day. A practical and thoughtful present from this list will bring cheer to your loved one and make their holiday season extra special.
From practical items to personalized gifts, there are many options to choose from. The key is to consider your loved one’s unique needs and preferences when making your selection. Whether it’s a subscription box to introduce them to new hobbies or organizing services to reduce stress, any of these thoughtful gifts will show your loved one how much you care. Happy holidays!
Enjoy the holidays and we look forward to seeing your back here soon. For more ideas please check out our resource section at the bottom of our blog post.
Take care,
Pam and Linda
Your Nurse Advocates
“Compassionate Care for Aging Parents, Peace of Mind for Adult Children.”
Resources:
Free Resources from Your Nurse Advocate Consulting, LLC.
Ultimate Resource Guide to Caring for Aging Parents
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/gift-ideas/g44640372/best-gifts-for-seniors/
https://www.greatseniorliving.com/articles/gifts-for-elderly-people
