Holiday Gifts for Older Family Members
Posted on 12/16/2006
by Rodger W. Wetzel, MPA/MHA, LSW, Director
Community Health, Development and Eldercare
What to buy an older family member, or friend . . . especially if they have everything, or don’t need any more “stuff” to put in their home? This is a holiday challenge for many of us. Many older adults do not wish for any more things that require space in their home. Others seem to have every material item that they really want. So what can we buy for that older family member, neighbor or friend?
For older adults who live at home:
- Gift certificates to grocery, clothing or drug stores (offer to take them shopping)
- Offer to help them decorate their home for the holidays (offer to bring a few items)
- Offer to help purchase and wrap any gifts (offer to bring wrapping paper/ribbons)
- Offer to help them write their cards and letters (offer to bring stationery and stamps) – a box of assorted (and already stamped) cards for various occasions
- Tickets to ride the Bis-Man Transit or local bus for seniors/handicapped persons
- Tickets for home-delivered meals, or Meals on Wheels (call your local senior center)
- Gift certificate for their favorite barber shop or beauty salon (offer to take them)
- Gift certificate to the movie theater (offer to take them to a favorite movie)
- Magazine/newspaper subscriptions (ask their preferences, e.g. their hometown newspaper)
- Hand/foot lotions (ask if they have a favorite, and offer to put some on them)
- Music box; tape/CD player and tapes (offer to listen with them for a while!)
- Zip-front jogging suits (easier for them to take off)
- Perfumes/aftershave lotion (ask them if they have a favorite scent)
- Slippers and socks; sweaters (with front zippers may be easier to close)
- Green plants (unless they already have too many!)
- Homemade foods (stay and share some with them!) (suggestion: bring one each month)
- A certificate book offering to do one chore of their choice each month (inside/outside)
- Large print books; craft kits (offer to do a craft with them!)
- Offer to drive them to look at Christmas lights (and stop for treats afterwards)
- Electric coffee pot which turns itself off after a time (in case they forget that it’s on)
- A bird feeder and a sack of bird food (attach near a window and resupply each month!)
- Offer to deliver a favorite movie each month (offer to stay and watch with them!)
- Foot spas; bathtub jets; vibrating/heating back pads
- Gift certificate for nails, manicure and/or pedicure (some men also enjoy these)
For older adults in nursing homes, assisted living, or other facility:
(First ask facility staff what the older person needs, or what they suggest for their residents.)
- A box of stamped assorted greeting cards
- Guest book (helps them, staff and family know who was there visiting them)
- Manicure sets; combs; brushes
- Lap robes (must be washable)
- Magazine/newspaper subscriptions (ask about their hometown newspaper)
- Hand/foot lotions (ask staff about suggested types)
- Other personal care items
- Music box
- Tape/CD player (with headphones – so it won’t disturb others) and tapes
- Zip-front jogging suits (easier for staff to remove)
- Perfume/aftershave lotion (ask staff about suggested scents)
- Slippers; velcro-closure shoes; socks
- Sweater (front zip); belt; suspenders for men
- Bathrobe; underwear; pajamas/nightgowns (ask staff about other clothing needs)
- Pretty silk flowers (they won’t have to remember to water them)
- Clock or calendar with large numbers (write the date of your future visits)
- Homemade treats (first ask staff first about special diets, choking risk, etc.)
- Craft kits; puzzles; games (they should be easy to see and use – no sharp edges)
- Seeds (herbs, beans, etc.) and some pots with dirt (help them plant them)
The best gift for many senior adults is a gift of your TIME . . . not only at Christmas, but at other times throughout the year. Consider making a commitment to visit this older person on a regular basis! Wishing you and your families a blessed Christmas and New Year!