Buying Christmas gifts for the older adults in your life can be a rewarding experience. But it can also be challenging.
When working on your holiday shopping list, think about your loved one’s hobbies, interests and preferences. Remember to also consider their health conditions and any limitations they may have
Here are our top gift suggestions:
Practical items
Seniors often appreciate practical gifts that make their daily lives easier.
- Cozy blankets
- Heated throws
- Comfortable slippers or house shoes
- Reading glasses or magnifying glass
Handmade and personalized
Personalized gifts add a special touch.
- Photobook or memory album
- Framed family photo
- Birdhouse or bird feeder
- Homemade jam, salsa or another tasty treat
- Bookmarks
- A written story, poem or song about the person
- Painted or sculpted pottery or garden stepping stone
- Wall hangings, ornaments, magnets or window suncatcher
- Engraved jewelry
- Monogrammed pieces
- Personalized calendar
Home brighteners
Items that help a senior’s residence feel like home are always a good option.
- A houseplant or potted flowers
- Bath towels
- Decorative throw pillows
- Card games, puzzles or board games
- Materials for a favorite hobby like knitting, reading, music or gardening
- One-cup coffee maker such as a Keurig
Technology
If your loved one is tech-savvy, consider gadgets that will enhance their daily life.
- Tablet/iPad or an e-reader such as a Kindle
- Fitness tracker, such as a Fitbit or Apple Watch
- Smartphone
- Digital photo frame
- Bluetooth speaker
- Headphones
- Doorbell camera system such as Ring
Subscriptions and more
Subscriptions are a gift that keeps on giving the whole year.
- Netflix, Disney+ or Amazon Prime subscription
- Magazine subscription
- Ancestry.com membership
- Flower or book of the month subscription
- Chocolate subscription box
- MasterClass subscription for online learning
- Dollar Shave Club subscription
- Gift cards to restaurants
- Fillable life storybook
- Once-a-month lunch dates
For nursing home residents
Seniors living in a nursing home may have unique needs. Consider both practical and fun items. You can also check out our list of nursing home necessities for additional ideas.
- A basket with their favorite baked goods and treats
- Sudoku, crossword or word search books
- Adult coloring books and colored pencils or pens
- Large-print books or audiobooks
- Lap blanket
- Armchair caddy
- Slipper socks
- Tennis shoes
- Clothing, such as sweaters, sweatshirts, sweatpants and T-shirts
- Lotion or other toiletries
Bonus gift ideas
Consider making a donation to an organization whose mission is important to you and your family. Ask your family members for a list of favorite charities, or research some nonprofit groups you could support.
Whatever gift you give this holiday season, remember that the gift of your time is the best gift of all.
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