Gifts That Bring Holiday Cheer
Shortly after Thanksgiving you start hearing the comments, “what am I going to get Aunt Mary, my hairdresser, or my grandmother for Christmas.” I don’t know what they need or would like. Sure, you can buy the gift card and hope that the recipient remembers where they put it and that it doesn’t have an expiration date. This year, why not start early and get a gift that they will enjoy!
Finding good Christmas gifts for older adults can be a considerable challenge. Many seniors have particular tastes or more “stuff” than they know what to do with. How do you find a gift they’ll appreciate? It can be even harder if they insist, they don’t need anything.
But there are ways you can make them feel special. The key elements of a gift are practicality and functionality. Sentimentality still plays a role in Christmas gifts for parents and grandparents. If you can give them something that will make their lives easier, healthier, or more fun, you can bring a smile to their faces!
Fun and Practical Gift Ideas for Older Adults
Are you stumped for gift ideas for the older adults in your life? Whether you’re searching for a fun present for an older neighbor or a practical gift for an older relative, these suggestions may help you find the perfect gift.
1.) Brain Games
Puzzles and games that engage the brain offer health benefits for older adults. Crossword puzzles, word searches, and sudoku books are great gifts for those who enjoy a mental challenge!
2.) Pill Organizer
Keeping track of medications and when to take them gets increasingly difficult as people age, but pill organizers can help. You can sort out a day’s, week’s, or a month’s worth of medications. Be sure to look for a model that has easy-to-open compartments.
3.) Non-slip Socks
Gripper socks with rubber grips on the bottom can keep an older adult’s feet warm and comfortable while preventing falls. You can choose from a huge range of colors and styles for men and women.
4.) Key Finder
A key finder is one of the most useful gifts for those who constantly misplace their house keys. Ranges vary, but some models work up to 300 feet away. Those with smartphones may appreciate a finder that uses Bluetooth technology.
5.) Sleep Sound Machine
Sleep issues are common among older adults, so a sleep sound machine may be a solution. These devices generate calming white noise or nature sounds to help people relax and fall asleep faster.
6.) Portable Induction Cooktop
Induction cooktops can be good gifts for older adults since they only heat the pot, not the stovetop, which is safer. Remember that only certain kinds of pots will work on these cooktops, so be sure to check into that before you buy.
7.) Light Therapy Lamp
The dark days of winter can be enough to drag anyone down, but a lamp that mimics natural outdoor light can help brighten your loved one’s day. Light therapy lamps can also be ideal for mobility-challenged adults who struggle to get outdoors.
8.) Reusable Non-paper Towels
Reusable non-paper towels are washable and can be used instead of paper towels for napkins, cleaning up spills, and wiping grandchildren’s sticky hands and faces. The unbleached fabric is absorbent, durable, and environmentally friendly.
9.) Light-up Magnifying Mirror
Standing to look in the mirror while taking care of personal grooming can be a challenge. Having a sturdy mirror placed on a desk, table, counter, or dresser can make it much easier to take care of beauty and hygiene. The magnification and light-up features make it easy to see close-up, especially if there are vision difficulties.
10.) Gift Basket
When it comes to gift baskets, older adults often appreciate special treats or useful items that can make their lives more stimulating. Depending on your loved one’s preferences, good things to include might be wine, gourmet snacks, chocolate, puzzle books, or hobby supplies.
Christmas Gifts for Parents
Gift ideas for parents can be hard to come by, particularly when they claim that they don’t want or need anything, but you know that no matter what they say, they will be getting a Christmas gift. Here you will find some suggestions to make your shopping trip easier this holiday season!
1.) Throw Blanket
A soft, cuddly throw blanket for the bed or couch can be just what your parents or grandparents need to stay comfortable while relaxing, reading, or watching TV. Many throw blankets are lightweight and easy to clean, and there are designs to suit every taste.
2.) Weather Monitor
Many people appreciate knowing the weather before going outside, so a device that displays the current conditions and the forecast makes a great gift. Wireless systems require the installation of an outdoor sensor, so consider doing the installation yourself. Look for a monitor with a large display that’s easy to read.
3.) Golf Range Finder
Looking for gifts for an older adult who still likes to play golf? A range finder can be an excellent addition to their golf bag. These handy devices measure the distance to the pin to help the golfer plan the next shot and select the appropriate club.
4.) E-Reader
If your mom or dad likes to relax with a good book, an e-reader might be just the gift for them. E-readers are light and easy to use. You can even preload the devices so that your parents have dozens of titles right at their fingertips.
5.) Wi-Fi Digital Photo Frame
When you set up a Wi-Fi digital photo frames in your parents’ house, you can upload pictures from your phone directly to the frame. Some models even include motion sensors that turn the frame on to display the most recent photos when someone enters the room.
6.) Single-Serve Coffee Maker
Forget digging around for coffee grounds and filters. These single-serve coffee makers make brewing a cup of coffee easy and simple. No need to brew a whole pot if they’re only going to drink a cup or two!
Christmas Ideas for Grandparents
Does thinking of gift ideas for your grandparents have you worried? Try these suggestions for gifts that grandparents may appreciate.
1.) Recordable Book from Grandkids
A recordable book is a personalized gift for grandparents that they will cherish forever. Very young children can record a story in their own voices and have it play back when their grandparents open the book.
2.) Adult Coloring Books
Adult coloring books offer older adults a fun way to relax and relieve boredom and stress. Coloring is also an excellent activity for grandparents and grandchildren to do together as a form of family bonding.
3.) Grandparent Talk Game
This game is a great way to bridge the divide between the younger and older generations. There are 100 cards with questions for grandkids to ask their grandparents, such as “What was considered a snack when you were growing up?” The answers give children a sense of what life was like many years ago.
4.) Automatic Card Shuffler
Grandparents who love playing card games may find it easier to enjoy the experience if they don’t have to deal with shuffling the cards themselves. An automatic card shuffler can be a fun and inexpensive gift.
5.) Memory and Keepsake Journal
When starting a memory journal, ideas can be hard to come by. That’s why journals that feature guided prompts to help grandparents record the details of their lives make excellent gifts. Most journals also include pages for documenting the family tree and flaps for storing photos and mementos.
6.) Birthstone Ring
Rings made of the birthstones of children or grandchildren make popular Christmas gifts! Some rings can hold up to six different stones, and some even include space to engrave names.
Christmas Gifts for Health and Fitness
You can show how much you care with a gift that encourages fitness, health, and wellness. Many of these gifts are portable and easy to use, making it simpler for your loved one to improve their quality of life from home. Check out these gift ideas for fitness and health.
1.) Sparkling Water Maker
Carbonating your own water means the final ingredient list of your fizzy beverage is up to you. Fresh sliced fruit, water flavor enhancers, and splashes of fruit juice can be added to sparkling water to make options for keeping hydrated. Since older adults may struggle to drink enough water each day, this can be a way to promote health and hydration.
2.) Resistance Bands and Workout DVDs
Resistance bands are one of the safest ways for seniors to start a strength training and flexibility program. The intensity of the exercise can easily be increased or decreased since it’s all about the thickness of the band you choose and where you hold it for a given exercise. Plus, they are extremely safe and fun to work with.
3.) Exercise bike
An exercise bike can be a low-impact way for seniors to incorporate cardiovascular exercise into their regular routines without the need to leave the house. Upright bikes can provide great workouts for those who can still ride a regular bike with a bike seat. Recumbent bikes are a good option for those who need a wider seat with back support and various degrees of intensity.
4.) Under Desk Bike Pedal Exerciser
Whether you just want to exercise more throughout the day or need a low-impact cardio alternative, these devices are excellent. These pedal machines are developed to be quiet, adjustable, and stable. They fit under a desk or table and can be used while working at a computer, browsing the internet, crafting, or watching TV. They are safe and, used properly, don’t pose risks for falls or injuries.
Gifts for Older Adults with Memory Difficulties
Some of the best Christmas gifts for individuals with memory issues are those that help ease anxiety, soothe agitation, or stimulate their minds. Consider some of these suggestions.
1.) My Life in a Book
Sometimes, the best gift for someone who has everything is a sentimental gift. As people age, they often get the urge to share their memories with those close to them. Instead of scattered stories here and there, “My Life in a Book” can give your parent or grandparent a simple method of sharing memories via interview-style question prompts delivered to them weekly. You get to choose which questions they get. When you have gathered enough information, the stories and photographs they’ve shared are compiled into an attractive, professionally crafted book.
2.) Wheelchair Blanket
One of the most practical gifts for individuals with memory issues who use a wheelchair is a soft blanket that wraps around their legs but doesn’t get caught in the chair’s wheels. These blankets feature Velcro loops to keep them in place; some also include hand warmer pockets.
3.) Jigsaw Puzzle
Consider giving your loved one a gift that engages the brain and promotes relaxation. The nostalgic imagery and large pieces of these jigsaw puzzles are designed to appeal to older adults with dexterity challenges and memory issues.
4.) Fidget Hand Muff or Blanket
Items with a variety of textures can be excellent gifts for someone with memory issues. Having something to fiddle with can soothe restless hands and reduce anxiety. A wide range of designs are available.
5.) Day Clock
Having a clock that displays the date, day of the week, time of day, and hour can be a great way for older adults with memory issues to orient themselves. Most models have extra-large displays for easy viewing, and some also allow you to adjust the dimness level.
Find Gifts that Spread Christmas Joy
Selecting the perfect gifts for older adult friends and family members doesn’t have to be difficult. Use this list of ideas to help you find the perfect present for the older adults in your life this holiday season and spread some cheer!
For more great holiday tips on caring for older adults, The Ohio Masonic Communities is your go to resource. With three locations in Springfield, Waterville, and Medina, OH, their senior living communities offer 24/7 care and support for independent living, assisted living, and memory care. If you and your loved one are interested in senior living, schedule a tour at one of the scenic and beautiful communities. Call (877) 881-1623 today to learn more about their great senior living options.