Most seniors have everything they need - their houses are filled with photos, nick nacks, clothes, games etc. So it can be hard to give a gift that matters at the holidays or on their birthday or any other occasion.
Give an Experience:
Because time and relationships usually mean more the older people get, giving an experience, preferably shared together, or with your recipient's significant other, best pals, neighbors etc, can be a most memorable and very much appreciated gift!
Put on your thinking cap - the possibilities are many. Here are 10 ideas to get you going:
Hearing Adjusting Headphones:
For watching TV or listening to their favorite music, bring back the gift of hearing like they likely haven't in years. Their site describes them best: "Even’s quick and easy built-in hearing test maps the way you hear different frequencies in each ear and creates your EarPrint - your unique hearing profile. Our hearing is unique, imperfect, and changes over time. Even accentuates musical instruments and sounds that have faded away to help you recover the joy of music." 30 day Money Back Guarantee and a One year warranty. $299 at Whereven.com
FAB Candles (that won't start a fire):
Luminary Pillars are the best I have found. They have a flickering "flame" that is so realistic it causes everyone who comes into my house to do a double-take. Best of all, by simply pushing the on switch one tick further, can be "programmed" to turn on automatically when dusk falls and turn off again within 8 hours. This is very cheery in dark months, and there is ZERO risk of fire from knocking it over, falling asleep with them lit or leaving the house with them on. Made of real wax. In two sizes, $34-39.99. At Bed Bath and Beyond. TIP: They give away 20% off at the drop of a hat - either sign up for text messages to get one - and then sign up online for their newsletter to get a second one.
Craft Basket:
What are they into? Crocheting? Cooking or baking? Building things? Their car? Gardening, reading, painting, being at the beach? Get a very large basket and fill it with all the treats of their craft. If it's not your thing, go to the best store you can find, set a basic budget for yourself (or get other family members to pitch in) and ask an expert at the store to help you build one, taking time to describe the likes/dislikes/quirks of your recipient. You will have fun getting it and they will LOVE it.
Magnetized Clasp:
Give her her jewelry back again! Due to reduced motor skills or arthritis, your mom may have stopped wearing her necklaces and bracelets because they are too hard to close. This is a very strong magnetic clasp that you can attach to all her favorites (one clasp per jewelry piece) that will allow her to easily snap them together or apart. 14 carat gold filled. $9.99 on AMAZON for gold and HERE for silver. (Yes, color matters!)
ZIP IT!
While we're at it - wearing dresses are lovely but the zippers can be harder and harder to reach - especially if living alone. This might be the solution to getting dressed without help: Zip My Dress. Attach the clasp to the zipper before stepping into the garment, grasp the loop and pull! $24.99 on ESTY.com.
Wireless Key Finder:
These are great - and BONUS: they don't require an APP to work! Two receivers come with the key rings. Sounds loudly - approx. 75-90 decibels so hopefully easier to hear for those with a bit of hearing loss. They claim they can be heard through walls or cushions up to 130 ft. Works with wallets as well as keys. $18.99 ON AMAZON.
Reach A Bowl:
Furry companions improve quality of life in immeasurable ways - but feeding them can be a pain in the... back, wrist, etc... This food/water bowl combo has been featured all over the news and in People and Real Simple as a winner. Two bowl sizes, guaranteed for life, ON SALE now for $34-38 at REACHABOWL.COM.
And for the cans of food.... or anything else....
5-in-1 Opener:
For those wide mouth jars and smaller bottle tops, but there's also a hook for lifting flip tops. Any of those can get hard for any one of us. You get increasing discounts on this site for buying more than one and as of publication, get 15% off with code: CHRISTMASISHERE. I got two for me! On sale at half price for $21.97 at EZIStuff.com
Robotic Vacuum Cleaner:
The iRobot Roomba 870 can be programmed to vacuum every day or any amount of times in a 7 day period (you may need to help with that part) or they can just press the Clean button anytime. Designed at only 3.6” high to get under all most all kickboards, furniture, etc., it works on all floor types. You may want to get them more HEPA filters - and there is a replacement power supply for the next gift giving occasion. $550-ish, via various sellers on ON AMAZON. TIP: Google around in case you find a better model or price with a holiday discount.
A Grab and Grip:
The handle is ergonomically designed like pistol with a trigger and handle, which makes it easy and comfortable to use. The body is aluminum which is not only light weight and lasting, with a head that turns 90 degrees, so reaching into awkward places is easier. And the jaws have rubber that claims to grip even a piece of paper or a very small object. You may want to get more than one, so they can stay in each room! Looks like they come in 3 lengths: 16", 34" and 50". Prices vary depending on the lengths from $17-42 ON AMAZON.
Foot Switch Extension Cord:
Another practical item, but hey.... Bending over is a hassle - why not be able to turn things on and off with a tap of the toe? Makes turning lights on and off a breeze, as well as holiday lights, charging the computer etc.. $9.97 on Amazon.
Electric Toothbrush:
If they don't have one, it might be a great thing. Better than a regular brush and easier on arthritic hands/wrists. Using a water pik is ideal for gums that are getting more prone to problems but that can be difficult depending on how likely your loved one is to learn to use it (It can shoot all over the place - I can barely manage it! There are ones you can use in the shower but it may be one more hazard depending on someone's age and motor skills). Check out whatever is in your price range - but go for the real deal like Braun, Oral B or Sonicare with a battery charger stand, not one of the new "vibrating" toothbrushes that are sold for $7-12 at CVS. $69-99 Google for options that fit your budget. This Oral B Pro 1000 is offered for a Rollback price + of $15 rebate at $32, down from $65 at Walmart.
Pilot Dr. Grip Pen:
Stuff this pen in their stocking: Ergonomically designed and approved by the Arthritis Foundation, it has a rubber grip that can make writing less painful. And don't forget, older folks prefer pen and paper to any electronic way to write. $9.99 at TARGET.
Telescope Walking Stick:
This is FAB and could be just right for the walker who also likes to look at birds, boats in the distance, etc. $98 at Bellacore.com TIP: At date of this publication, 15% off if you sign up for newsletter.
Comfy Footwear:
These are highly affordable clogs, sandals and flip flops for men and women. These Copenhagen clogs are only $18.99, for example (come in 3 colors)
Or these men's sandals, also for $18.99. Check out the entire site at OGKBASHI.com
Find MORE ideas by clicking HERE for older folks.
Give an Experience:
Because time and relationships usually mean more the older people get, giving an experience, preferably shared together, or with your recipient's significant other, best pals, neighbors etc, can be a most memorable and very much appreciated gift!
Put on your thinking cap - the possibilities are many. Here are 10 ideas to get you going:
- Sports, Opera or Concert Tickets
- Season Passes to their local playhouse or symphony orchestra
- Movie Gift Cards (enough for popcorn and drinks)
- Behind the Scenes at the Zoo or Aquarium - this is where you can visit the places animals stay at night, talk to their trainers or the vet, and have one-on-one interactions with animals like giraffes and elephants. AWESOME for anyone. Just check your local Zoo's website. Worth a drive if it's an hour away
- A year's subscription to an Art or Science Museum
- Membership at the nearby National Park that has screenings, lectures, hikes, etc
- Tickets to a special presentation at a Planetarium
- Art lessons: ceramics, paintings or drawing
- Gift Certificate to sign up for a computer, investing or photography class - whatever they want - at the community college, big university or the local adult education consortium
- If they have beloved animals, how about the gift of grooming or a Gift Certificate to the fancy pet store in towns
Hearing Adjusting Headphones:
For watching TV or listening to their favorite music, bring back the gift of hearing like they likely haven't in years. Their site describes them best: "Even’s quick and easy built-in hearing test maps the way you hear different frequencies in each ear and creates your EarPrint - your unique hearing profile. Our hearing is unique, imperfect, and changes over time. Even accentuates musical instruments and sounds that have faded away to help you recover the joy of music." 30 day Money Back Guarantee and a One year warranty. $299 at Whereven.com
FAB Candles (that won't start a fire):
Luminary Pillars are the best I have found. They have a flickering "flame" that is so realistic it causes everyone who comes into my house to do a double-take. Best of all, by simply pushing the on switch one tick further, can be "programmed" to turn on automatically when dusk falls and turn off again within 8 hours. This is very cheery in dark months, and there is ZERO risk of fire from knocking it over, falling asleep with them lit or leaving the house with them on. Made of real wax. In two sizes, $34-39.99. At Bed Bath and Beyond. TIP: They give away 20% off at the drop of a hat - either sign up for text messages to get one - and then sign up online for their newsletter to get a second one.
Craft Basket:
What are they into? Crocheting? Cooking or baking? Building things? Their car? Gardening, reading, painting, being at the beach? Get a very large basket and fill it with all the treats of their craft. If it's not your thing, go to the best store you can find, set a basic budget for yourself (or get other family members to pitch in) and ask an expert at the store to help you build one, taking time to describe the likes/dislikes/quirks of your recipient. You will have fun getting it and they will LOVE it.
Magnetized Clasp:
Give her her jewelry back again! Due to reduced motor skills or arthritis, your mom may have stopped wearing her necklaces and bracelets because they are too hard to close. This is a very strong magnetic clasp that you can attach to all her favorites (one clasp per jewelry piece) that will allow her to easily snap them together or apart. 14 carat gold filled. $9.99 on AMAZON for gold and HERE for silver. (Yes, color matters!)
ZIP IT!
While we're at it - wearing dresses are lovely but the zippers can be harder and harder to reach - especially if living alone. This might be the solution to getting dressed without help: Zip My Dress. Attach the clasp to the zipper before stepping into the garment, grasp the loop and pull! $24.99 on ESTY.com.
Wireless Key Finder:
These are great - and BONUS: they don't require an APP to work! Two receivers come with the key rings. Sounds loudly - approx. 75-90 decibels so hopefully easier to hear for those with a bit of hearing loss. They claim they can be heard through walls or cushions up to 130 ft. Works with wallets as well as keys. $18.99 ON AMAZON.
Reach A Bowl:
Furry companions improve quality of life in immeasurable ways - but feeding them can be a pain in the... back, wrist, etc... This food/water bowl combo has been featured all over the news and in People and Real Simple as a winner. Two bowl sizes, guaranteed for life, ON SALE now for $34-38 at REACHABOWL.COM.
And for the cans of food.... or anything else....
5-in-1 Opener:
For those wide mouth jars and smaller bottle tops, but there's also a hook for lifting flip tops. Any of those can get hard for any one of us. You get increasing discounts on this site for buying more than one and as of publication, get 15% off with code: CHRISTMASISHERE. I got two for me! On sale at half price for $21.97 at EZIStuff.com
Robotic Vacuum Cleaner:
The iRobot Roomba 870 can be programmed to vacuum every day or any amount of times in a 7 day period (you may need to help with that part) or they can just press the Clean button anytime. Designed at only 3.6” high to get under all most all kickboards, furniture, etc., it works on all floor types. You may want to get them more HEPA filters - and there is a replacement power supply for the next gift giving occasion. $550-ish, via various sellers on ON AMAZON. TIP: Google around in case you find a better model or price with a holiday discount.
A Grab and Grip:
The handle is ergonomically designed like pistol with a trigger and handle, which makes it easy and comfortable to use. The body is aluminum which is not only light weight and lasting, with a head that turns 90 degrees, so reaching into awkward places is easier. And the jaws have rubber that claims to grip even a piece of paper or a very small object. You may want to get more than one, so they can stay in each room! Looks like they come in 3 lengths: 16", 34" and 50". Prices vary depending on the lengths from $17-42 ON AMAZON.
Foot Switch Extension Cord:
Another practical item, but hey.... Bending over is a hassle - why not be able to turn things on and off with a tap of the toe? Makes turning lights on and off a breeze, as well as holiday lights, charging the computer etc.. $9.97 on Amazon.
Electric Toothbrush:
If they don't have one, it might be a great thing. Better than a regular brush and easier on arthritic hands/wrists. Using a water pik is ideal for gums that are getting more prone to problems but that can be difficult depending on how likely your loved one is to learn to use it (It can shoot all over the place - I can barely manage it! There are ones you can use in the shower but it may be one more hazard depending on someone's age and motor skills). Check out whatever is in your price range - but go for the real deal like Braun, Oral B or Sonicare with a battery charger stand, not one of the new "vibrating" toothbrushes that are sold for $7-12 at CVS. $69-99 Google for options that fit your budget. This Oral B Pro 1000 is offered for a Rollback price + of $15 rebate at $32, down from $65 at Walmart.
Pilot Dr. Grip Pen:
Stuff this pen in their stocking: Ergonomically designed and approved by the Arthritis Foundation, it has a rubber grip that can make writing less painful. And don't forget, older folks prefer pen and paper to any electronic way to write. $9.99 at TARGET.
Telescope Walking Stick:
This is FAB and could be just right for the walker who also likes to look at birds, boats in the distance, etc. $98 at Bellacore.com TIP: At date of this publication, 15% off if you sign up for newsletter.
Comfy Footwear:
These are highly affordable clogs, sandals and flip flops for men and women. These Copenhagen clogs are only $18.99, for example (come in 3 colors)
Or these men's sandals, also for $18.99. Check out the entire site at OGKBASHI.com
Find MORE ideas by clicking HERE for older folks.
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