So, let’s cut to the chase and settle on what many elderly citizens will be asking Santa for this time around. “What are the best Christmas Gifts for the Elderly?”
Elderly people may have different needs than those of younger persons, and most adults would be very happy if they received a thoughtful gift. Gifts for seniors do not have to be expensive; they only need to show that you care about them.
Gifts in the past few years have been a reflection of technological advances in almost every industry. Gifts for the elderly prove no different with the current trend leaning towards smart devices and home entertainment equipment.
Check out the list below to find out what are the best Christmas Gifts for the Elderly this year.
Gifts For Comfort
Gifts that can help to keep them warm and comfortable are always welcome by seniors with arthritis or just need a little extra padding for warmth. Gifts like a robe, socks, slippers, towel set, blanket, or throw pillow would be nice touches if they’re homebound.
Many senior citizens prefer wool blankets to synthetic ones. Wool tends to be warmer, is well-known for durability, and resists mildew very well. Some elderly people like blankets with pastel or floral designs, while others want solid colors in muted tones. Look for a pattern that reflects the recipient’s passions: such as fishing, gardening, or travel.
Many senior citizens prefer wool blankets to synthetic ones. Wool tends to be warmer, is well-known for durability, and resists mildew very well. Some elderly people like blankets with pastel or floral designs, while others want solid colors in muted tones. Look for a pattern that reflects the recipient’s passions: such as fishing, gardening, or travel.
Robot Vacuum Cleaner – The Electronic Pet
If you know an elderly person who is technologically savvy enough to set up their own smart home, then this list would be incomplete without the addition of a robot vacuum cleaner.
The robot vacuum cleaner is the future of home appliances, and it can free up a lot of time for seniors who are looking to stay young at heart.
They are incredibly easy to use, so you do not have to worry about your parents or grandparents being too tech-savvy or having any prior experience with this sort of device.
Personal Gifts
Gifts that they can use on a day-to-day basis like small kitchen appliances, supplies for hobbies, clocks, some tools if they have home repairs or simple projects they would like to do around the house would be great too.
Personal care items such as reading glasses (if they need them), denture tablets or powder, a premium toothbrush, mouthwash, shampoo, and conditioner in their favorite scent can also be greatly appreciated by seniors who are struggling with dementia or other health issues. Gifts like this can help them stay active and healthy. Create a gift basket filled with personal items.
Shower Chair
Seniors that have mobility issues might find it difficult to bathe, especially if they live alone. A shower chair can provide safety and comfort when bathing and cleaning oneself. It is a useful gift for elderly people who do not have anyone else to help them. When choosing a shower chair check the weight limit and size before purchasing. Consider choosing a chair with arms to help get and down from the chair.
A shower chair is also essential to any senior’s home so they can bathe themselves without having to worry about slipping in the tub or injuring themselves while trying to get out. Since many seniors are still capable of bathing on their own, this gift would be very useful for them and allow them to do every part of their daily routine in the safety of their own homes.
Gift Certificates and Cards
Gifts certificates to their favorite restaurant or spa are always welcome by seniors. This allows them a chance to have some fun and socialize with others, but also get away from the responsibilities of home care.
You could even give somebody a certificate for a visit from an elderly home health care provider; many elderly people would highly enjoy coming home for a visit from elderly care professional.
Gifts cards from stores like Walmart, Target, or their favorite grocery store are always welcome if seniors need to shop for themselves.
Gift credit cards are another great option to use when shopping online. Amazon gift cards are always welcomed.
The Gift of Reading
Seniors may also enjoy receiving books. Gifts of fiction novels offer a temporary escape from the constant problems they face, while nonfiction books allow them to read in their favorite subject areas.
If you are going to give a book as a gift, make sure it is the right size for the person. Some seniors have poor eyesight, and others find it difficult to hold a large book.
Gifts of audiobooks and eBooks are also widely appreciated. Consider a subscription to their favorite magazine. Getting mail throughout the year helps brighten their days.
Gifts for Safety
Gifts that will make the home safer but also more accessible for elderly people include grab bars, handrails for stairs or showers, easy-open door locks, and items to help them feel secure like window alarms or motion detectors.
Another great addition to a shower is a set of grab bars. They can help elderly people keep their balance, and also provide support to those who need it. You can install them yourself or hire a professional to do the job for you.
An emergency call system is also very important for seniors who live in their own homes by themselves. If they have one of these, rescue squads or concerned loved ones will be able to respond faster. Some even have a GPS tracking system.
Fun Gifts for Seniors
Gifts are often given for holidays or birthdays, but they are also welcome as surprises. Gifts that promote mental stimulation are one of the most popular choices. Gifts like digital photo albums, board games, jigsaw puzzles, Legos sets, paint sets, and books on tape are all great options for seniors who are still interested in learning new things.
Another gift would be to keep them busy during the holidays, such as puzzles or board games that will help them spend time playing with family and friends. They can also work on improving their memory skills while having fun!
Gifts For Entertaining
Most elderly people love to spend time conversing with their friends and family members over a cup of coffee or tea. Gifts that encourage this activity include mugs with cartoon characters or funny sayings; teapots shaped like an animal; teacups with matching saucers; coasters depicting flowers or landscapes; and ceramic table-top trays with antique designs on them.
Exercise Equipment – Keeping Fit
Seniors that are in good condition will probably appreciate exercise equipment such as hand weights and elastic bands. Such items allow the person to use small amounts of energy whenever they are sitting or lying down. Going for a walk or doing breathing exercises is also good exercise if that is an option.
Sit and fit videos are a good option for those with limited mobility. Exercise videos allow the elderly person to follow along with the instructor, working muscles without straining joints or getting too tired.
Don’t forget a set of good walking shoes because a lot of seniors these days still like to stay active by exercising and going out for walks so they need comfortable shoes that don’t hurt them when they go on long expeditions.
Comfort Gifts
Seniors may enjoy having their favorite candies, coffee and tea, socks and slippers, baked goods, and other small treats on hand. They may not be able to shop for some things on their own, so such gifts are very welcome.
Consider creating a gift basket filled with their favorite goodies. You can purchase baskets online or make your own. Include small items that are useful to the person, such as hand cream, lip balm, pens, and stationery.
A big wall calendar is a good idea for older people because they sometimes have problems remembering dates and keeping track of which day it is so by having one at hand, things will be easier to remember!
Home Spa Gifts
Gifts that can be used in the bath or shower are always welcome by most seniors. These could include a washcloth, loofah, pumice stone, scrubber sponge, soap dish with lid and handle, hand towel and body towel, and bath mat. Bright colors and designs that are fashionable can be a nice touch on the towels too.
Gifts like personal care items, reading glasses (if they need them), denture tablets or powder, a premium toothbrush, mouthwash, shampoo, and conditioner in their favorite scent can also be greatly appreciated by seniors who are struggling with dementia or other health issues.
Gifts For Independence
Gifts like a photo frame, clock, remote control for their TV and DVD player, or even a telephone handset that attaches to the wall can be great features if they’re homebound and want to stay in touch with friends.
A medication dispenser would be another good idea because sometimes older people have trouble keeping track of which pills they take when and at what time so having this organizer around should make things easier for them!
Subscription Boxes for Elderly People
There are a variety of subscription boxes designed just for the elderly. Gifts like these are much more fun for seniors who enjoy trying new things. Gifts of candy, gardening supplies, cooking utensils, and even coffee or hot chocolate can be personalized with messages or pictures to make them extra special
The Perfect Christmas Gifts for the Elderly
A reading lamp would make an excellent gift as well because seniors like to read but sometimes the light isn’t enough and they need something to help them see the pages a little better.
These are just a few of the many great Christmas Gifts for Seniors. Gifts do not have to be obviously “for the elderly”. Gifts that enhance the lives of seniors are perfect gifts for this holiday season.
Gifts that allow seniors to continue to be their own little island of independence in the sea of aging are wonderful gifts for you to give. Gifts like these can help them feel special and cared about instead of forgotten or taken for granted.
Gifts that encourage mental stimulation, continue an interest/hobby, and provide hours of entertainment work well too. Gifts like photo collage frames for additional family members (children, grandchildren, etc.) placed in a common area or gift cards to restaurants or stores they enjoy visiting are thoughtful ideas as well.
Make This Holiday Season Extraordinary
Other Gifts for Elderly People
Seniors may like items such as religious paintings, indoor lighting (such as nightlights or LED lamps), bathrobes and slippers, framed photographs of loved ones, books on subjects they enjoy, and small picture frames.
You can also send senior citizens greeting cards to let them know that you are thinking of them. Gifts for elderly people should always be chosen with care and respect for their stated desires. Do not worry about spending a large amount of money on your gift; seniors often appreciate the smallest token more than anything else.
Gifts that make life easier on the caregivers may also be appreciated by both parties.
Tip: Wrap Gifts in Light Colored Paper
Gifts wrapped with light-colored paper are much easier to see for seniors with poor eyesight. Dark wrapping paper can be difficult to see, especially if a senior’s eyesight is poor. They often cannot find presents or ribbons on dark paper, so it is best to wrap gifts in light colors.
Gift bags or baskets make wonderful gifts for elderly people. They are very useful when filling with small items that can’t be wrapped, such as hand cream or lip balm. If you buy a gift bag, make sure it is light-colored so the senior can see any markings on the bag clearly.
Now that you know what gifts to get your elderly family and friends, have a Merry Christmas!