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Unwrapping Gift Giving for Seniors

Finding the Perfect Gift for an Elderly Parent

In my experience, choosing a gift for an elderly parent can be a real challenge.  It requires thoughtfulness of their individual preferences, as with choosing a gift for any person, but also consideration of their living situation.  Many elderly people have or are in the process of downsizing and do not want more “things” to move or clutter their already diminishing living space.  With declines in hearing, vision, and mobility, former go to gifts (a book for an avid reader or a pickle ball set for the athlete) may no longer be welcome options.  Further, if dementia or cognitive decline is present, it is important to factor this in when choosing a gift.   

There is, though, something out there even for the most resistant gift receivers.  I have had hits and misses over the years in choosing gifts for my mother.  A gift I thought she would love, a beautiful National Geographic documentary set about China where she spent a year when she was a child, was found in her TV cabinet years later.  The shrink wrap plastic packaging still intact.  Oh well! That was a miss.  But several years ago I decided to arrange monthly flower delivery with her favorite local florist.  To this day I get a photo of the arrangement and a big thank you every month. 

Some Tips

  • Consider their living situation. How much space do they have?  Are they downsizing?  If they are in a nursing home or assisted living facility, check the guidelines and restrictions on what is allowed.
  • Avoid items that may be difficult to use or maintain. For example, high-maintenance plants or complex electronic devices might not be the best choice.  
  • Know their personality.  I have to continually remind myself when choosing gifts that this is a gift for the individual and not just something I think is clever or cute or useful.  Are they a “practical” person?  Gifts that make daily life easier or more comfortable, such as a cozy blanket or a quality walking cane, are greatly appreciated by some. But others do not appreciate practicality in a gift.
  • Additionally, a heartfelt card expressing your love and appreciation can add a personal touch to any gift and may be the most cherished part of the gift.
  • Check out the New York Times article How to Be an Excellent Gift Giver.

In cases of dementia and cognitive decline there are special considerations

  • Gifts should be stage appropriate.  Many websites dedicated to shopping for those with dementia will have items grouped by stage.
  • Less is more.  Too many packages may be overwhelming.
  • Consider gifts that promote a sense of purpose or independence.

The List

Now for the fun part… Just for you I have combed the internet and talked to friends.  Here are my suggestions.  You may not find the exact gift from my list but I hope it gives you some Ideas to help you to find just the right thing.

Memories and Nostalgia

Nostalgia is a powerful joy-bringer.  Reflect on their life experiences and the things they cherish. A photo album or framed pictures of family and friends, a scrapbook, or a memoir of their life can be wonderful gifts.

  • Collectors box set of a favorite TV show for those that don’t want to deal with a streaming service.
  • Digital photo frame: My mom loves her Skylight frame.  It is easy to use and anyone with the frame’s personal email address can send photos directly to the frame. 
  • Personalized photo calendar:  What grandparent doesn’t love seeing photos of their grandkids! 
  • Personalized jewelry: A piece of jewelry with family names or birthstones can be a wonderful daily reminder of your family love. You can find necklaces, bracelets, and rings in all price ranges and styles. I found a couple of nice examples on the Etsy site. This heart pendant necklace can be personalized with names and comes in gold plate as well as 14k gold to meet all budgets. This birthstone chain necklace be personalized with gemstones to match family birthstones. If they have they have a favorite jeweler you can have something unique created. There are options for grandpa too!  Like this Men’s Braided Leather Bracelet with Stainless Steel Engravable Beads.

Experience Gifts

Instead of physical items, consider giving the gift of an experience. This could be a ticket to a concert, play, or movie, a spa day, or a restaurant gift card for a special meal out.   Time and company are sometimes, the best gifts. Offer to do the activity together and spend some quality time together.

  • Weekly “how to use your iPad or Kindle” lessons
  • Book club for two: Give a book (or audio book or movie) and plan time to get together and discuss it. 
  • If grandkids need a little incentive to spend time, check out the Grandparent Talk game.  Or other fun conversation starters such as the Millennials vs. Boomers Trivia or Millennials vs Zoomers games.

Health and Wellness

Consider gifts that promote their health and well-being, such as a fitness tracker, a massage pillow, or a subscription to a healthy meal delivery service.

  • Specialty soaps and body care products:  Juniper Ridge uses sustainably harvested plants and traditional distillation techniques to handcraft home and body care products in their Oakland, California workshop.
  • Beautiful Mental Health Care Packages such as the boxes from Createjoy.  Each box comes with 4-6 carefully curated products.  Depending on which box you select you’ll receive educational resources for that topic along with natural self-care products.
  • Create a comfy-cozy environment with a new robe and some warm slippers. Remember, get slippers with a non-slip bottom; safety as well as comfort!
  • A cozy blanket doesn’t need to be a blanket, it can be a lovely shawl or poncho. My mom loves her shawl from Urban CoCo.  She can use it at home on a chilly day and wears it out too.
  • Are they spending a lot of time in bed? Nothing says luxury like a silk pillow case!

Subscription Services

Gift subscriptions to magazines, streaming services, or meal kit deliveries can provide ongoing entertainment and convenience.   

  • Monthly flowers!  As I said above, my mother loves her monthly floral subscription. Consider a local florist so that you can work with them to customize the size and types of flowers as well as the delivery times and options.  A shout out to Bunches in Los Gatos, they worked with us to provide just the right size arrangements, rotate the vases, and know her delivery preference.
  • Book of the Month is a great option for book lovers.  For your book lover with vision problems, there is  Audibles.  Even if vision is not a problem some may be too active to have time to sit and read!  My mother-in-law loves her Audibles subscription.  She listens to books while she is working on her ranch property.
  • For more ideas, this site,  Monthly Clubs  is dedicated to all sorts of subscription options.

Technology

Technology gifts can be tricky.  You need to consider the tech friendliness of the device as well and the receptiveness of your loved one.

  • Record player with bluetooth speakers:  Has mom or dad still not given up their vinyl? This record player might just be the perfect gift.
  • Noise canceling head phones for privacy when living in a communal situation
  • Roomba vacuum for help with housecleaning
  • White noise sleep sound machine for those with difficulty sleeping
  • Personal weather station for those obsessed by the weather
  • Amazon Echo Dot is a Wi-Fi-connected, voice-operated device that can perform a huge range of tasks. The Amazon Echo can play music, give the weather forecast, offer alarms and reminders, and even control the lights in a home. This makes it a great gift for older parents, particularly those with mobility challenges. You may want to include a cheat sheet of verbal commands. 
  • Raz Mobility cell phone is an easy-to-use cell phone for people with memory loss or for seniors who prefer a simpler experience.
  • GrandPad is an easy to use tablet.  It has built-in 911 emergency calling capability to connect in times of need and provide peace of mind and your own Private Family Network.
  • Claris Companion Tablet is designed specifically for older adults with large text, large buttons, voice notifications, no confusing settings (on tablet), and is always on.
  • Telikin Computer is a highly rated simple and easy to use computer that combines features like video chat, photo sharing, and email into a touch screen device that is easy for seniors to use.

Food Gifts

Treats such as gourmet snacks, chocolates, or fruit baskets can be enjoyable and don’t add to clutter. Keep in mind dietary restrictions or food  allergies.

  • Taste of New York from Katz’s Delicatessen delivers the true New York deli experience.
  • See’s sugar free candy  will satisfy your diabetic with a sweet tooth.
  • The Atlas Coffee Club curates micro-lot coffees from around the world. Each delivery features 12 ounces of freshly-roasted coffee, flavor notes, a postcard, and coffee history. 
  • Authentic Japanese snacks: Bokksu delivers the experience of tasting authentic Japanese snacks, candies, and teas sourced directly from centuries-old family makers. Every box you purchase supports these family-run businesses in Japan and helps keep their traditions alive.
  • or other food basket options check out The 11 Best Fruit Baskets for Gifting in 2023 from Food & Wine Magazine.

Handmade Gifts

Homemade items, like knitted scarves, handcrafted jewelry, or baked goods, can be a beloved gift. 

The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.

Pablo Picasso

What is your gift? How about a homemade gift certificate:

  • Yard work, house cleaning, or decluttering
  •  A hand and foot massage

Donations

Many seniors have everything they want and need.  Consider making a donation in their name to a favorite charity or non-profit.

Gifts for People with Dementia

Remember here to be aware of the extent of the cognitive decline and be respectful of the individual’s feelings about the decline.  A gift that feels “too childish” will not be well received.  Below are a few items that are highly rated.  Also check out the lists provided by Alzheimer’s and dementia organizations listed below. 

A Heartfelt Message

Don’t forget that an expression of your love and caring may be the most important gift.  I saw this comment on the Hallmark Cards website when doing my research for this blog:

If you don’t consider yourself the most eloquent and have trouble getting started, below are just a couple of the many websites that can help you. 

Happy Gift Giving!

Be Active Be Well

Joanne Bedwell, PT is the Resident Blogger at Be Active Be Well. She lives and works in San Francisco with her husband and two (almost) grown daughters.  Having over 25 years of experience as a PT, she sees clients in their homes and teaches fitness classes in person and virtually. 

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