As you’re putting together your holiday gift list and checking it twice to ensure you haven’t forgotten anyone, you’ll want to be sure to include thoughtful gifts for each person that will actually be appreciated and utilized. Although it tends to be really easy to buy gifts for little ones, there are times when you might find it challenging to get just the right present for the older adults on your list.

 

Whether your choosing a present for an elderly uncle who lives by himself or a grandmother who likes to travel, we’ve come up with some helpful hints to get senior-friendly gifts for everyone on your list. We’ve focused on the type of presents that the older adults in your life will enjoy, use and maybe even improve their quality of life.

 

If you’re concerned that the senior in your life lives alone and could have an accident, such as a fall, sudden pain or other unexpected emergency, you might want to consider getting a personal safety alert system. Depending upon their needs, you may want to consider an alert system they wear around their neck or one that is a handheld device. Costs vary based upon the type of package you choose, but the peace of mind is priceless.

 

To help those who have arthritic hands, gadgets that make it easier to perform daily activities, such as opening bottles, jars or packages are very useful. For older adults who have trouble reaching items in high places, a reacher grabber tool is helpful and if bending over is an issue an extra-long handled shoe horn could be just the right fit.

 

For more fun activities, consider a gift to improve brainpower with crossword puzzle books, jigsaw puzzles or Sudoku books. Another option is to stimulate his or her imagination with a new book from a favorite author or preferred subject matter. If your gift recipient has trouble seeing, books with enlarged print or audio books are another great option to take their mind to new places.

 

Adult coloring books, along with a nice set of colored pencils, are also a great option. Even if the older adult you’re shopping for has memory issues, many of the adult coloring books feature familiar themes that they may be able to relate with from times past.

 

More active seniors, might prefer a gift card for yoga classes or even a membership at a gym that provides a variety of specialty classes. Yoga is a great way to reduce stress, improve balance, increase flexibility, build strength and protect your joints. Prices vary depending upon the location you choose, but some places offer gift cards and/or guest passes. Even simple equipment, such as light weights, resistance bands, balance balls, or hand exercisers that can be used at home may be a welcome present.

 

Another fun gift for active seniors is dance lessons. Dance therapy is a fun way to get exercise and stay active, both physically and socially. Many dance studios offer gift certificate options, such as Arthur Murray Dance Centers and Fred Astaire Dance Studios.

 

Family photo gifts are always a favorite and are sometimes known to bring a spark of memory back for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia. If you want the older adult in your life to be able to reminisce any time, then a custom photo album or digital photo frame pre-loaded with lots of great family photos could be the way to go. Oftentimes you will find offers for custom photo books in the $10 to $20 range from places like Walmart, Mixbook and Shutterfly. Digital photo frames tend to be a bit more expensive but also have the ability to easily have the photos updated at any time. A simple switch of a USB thumb drive or SD card with the new photos is all it takes, which will be a great gift idea for a future occasion.

 

Another photo option that will be enjoyed all year long is a custom photo calendar. You can personalize the calendar to include birthdays, anniversaries and other special dates important to the recipient. Maybe you would prefer to keep the older adult in your life cozy and warm all throughout the year with a custom photo blanket in a comfy material, such as fleece, Sherpa, plush or woven blankets. These blankets tend to run from around $30 and up. Much like other photo-related options, blankets are simply found on Walmart, Collage and Shutterfly.

 

For the puzzle lover in your life, you can even get a custom or photo puzzle created by these same sites. There are numerous other photo options available as well, such as coffee cups, travel mugs, tumblers, key chains, ornaments, pillows, wall art, and so much more.

 

Sometimes giving the gift of an experience is a great way to go for someone who seemingly has everything. Some senior-friendly ideas include giving the gift of a day at the spa, massage, manicure, pedicure, or hair styling, and let the recipient get some much-needed pampering.

 

A gift card to a favorite restaurant or a nearby movie theater is also a nice way to give someone a night on the town. For older adults who would rather stay in, but want to minimize the meal prep, senior meal kits are a nice option. Meal kit delivery services like Hello Fresh, EveryPlate and Home Chef Fresh and Easy serve up prepped, portioned and ready-to-cook meals that can be a great way to try new, quicker recipes and enjoy simple, tasty meals.

 

Some of the best gifts have the smallest cost, such as creating a personalized coupon booklet with certificates they can redeem with you. Some ideas for the certificates include to help them clean around the house, take a trip to the park, play a board game, have a tea party, work together in the garden or simply stop by for a chat. The most important gift you can give to your older loved ones is your love, and to spend some time with them in person or over the phone.

 

On behalf of everyone at Greystone Health, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season.