Just about everybody loves receiving gifts from time to time, yet our loved ones appreciate gifts more than anyone. It can be hard to understand exactly what gift you should get an elderly parent or family member, even if you know them quite well. That makes picking out gifts for senior citizens challenging. In order to help you, we have assembled a list of the top 10 gifts for seniors so you can get a better idea of what to choose from when it comes time to give a gift.
What Makes Gift Giving for Seniors Special
As seniors, your loved ones may have special needs—and in this time of their life, everything takes on an added significance. They have worked hard their whole lives and deserve something special when possible. Gifts for senior citizens from family or friends take on a whole new meaning. When you are elderly, even the smallest things can be very important to you. Even the simplest gifts can improve mood and even health, as they feel better about themselves simply because of your care and love.
The Top 10 Gifts for Seniors
In order to give you a better idea of the gifts that are available, this list of the top 10 gifts for seniors will show you some choices that you can make when it comes to gift-giving time. We looked around carefully all over the internet and scoured different sources to find the best available gifts. All of these gifts are relatively inexpensive and within reach for most people with a modest budget. Let’s take a look at the top 10 gifts you could give a truly deserving senior here:
1. Audible Books
As we age, vision can begin to fade. For those that may no longer prefer reading, audiobooks are a great alternative. There are many audible books available, some of which the author actually reads themselves. These wonderful books are an easy way to read the book of your choice. Whether you purchase a CD version of a book, or use Amazon’s Audible app, there are many easy and affordable ways to get your hands on these books.
2. Devices to Listen to
Music is a wonderful and beautiful thing and has the power to lift senior citizens out of the doldrums or when they are feeling blue or sad. An MP3 player with a subscription to a radio channel is a great idea. Springing for an iTunes card or other music service will allow your loved one to choose the music of their choice, including the oldies that they grew up with. Don’t underestimate the power of music.
3. Jigsaw Puzzles
Jigsaw puzzles are a time-honored favorite, and these puzzles will keep the mind sharp and the senses working, which can even greatly help those with Alzheimer’s or other conditions such as dementia. Jigsaw puzzles don’t cost a lot of money either, so you can pick one up on a regular basis when the old one gets solved.
4. Custom Photo Albums
Getting a custom photo album for your loved one is a wonderful way to show your appreciation and love. Photo albums are a great way to reflect on and cherish the past. Get one that is as simple as inserting their favorite photographs. Photo albums are relatively inexpensive, and can still be so valuable to the person you have gifted it to.
5. Be My Eyes
There’s a smartphone app that is designed for anyone who has lost their vision. It can be entertaining and fulfill any special needs they may have. On the other end of the smartphone app is a volunteer who will describe what they see through the camera of the smartphone. In this way, senior citizens can understand their surroundings and feel better about where they are and what’s going on. The best part about the Be My Eyes smartphone app is that the volunteer service and app are completely free. Just download the “Be My Eyes” app on your smartphone to get started.
6. Perfume or Cologne
One of the very best gifts for senior citizens is a relatively inexpensive perfume or cologne. Having a good perfume or cologne to wear may make a senior citizen feel a bit younger and better about themselves. While there are expensive perfumes and colognes, there are many very wonderful scents that don’t cost a lot of money available.
7. The Book of Me Autobiographical Journal
There’s a wonderful personalized journal that is making the rounds in senior centers. One of the best gifts for seniors is the Book of Me Autobiographical Journal, which allows your loved one to write out the story of their lives for the world to understand and appreciate. People who work with the senior can read it as well as family and friends. This special treasure does not cost a lot of money either. Many of us may not really realize how much we don’t know about our older family members. This option is a great way for both you, and your children, to learn about a loved one.
8. Vibrating Alarm Clock
A vibrating alarm clock is a great gift for anyone who is hard of hearing. Since a traditional alarm clock may not wake them up, a vibrating alarm clock is both an easy and thoughtful solution.
9. Custom TV Remotes
For those that spend time watching television, catching up on their favorite movies, shows, and the news, a remove can make a great gift. If the setup is complicated, switching channels can be kind of difficult using several remotes, so if your senior is struggling with this issue getting them a custom universal TV remote will allow them to control everything on their television with one device. Universal remotes are available in many areas or online at affordable prices. Don’t forget the batteries.
10. Succulent Plants
One of the coolest gifts for senior citizens is giving them a succulent plant. These are ideal for people who love plants but don’t like to take care of them very much. They require very little upkeep or maintenance and are available just about anywhere plants are sold. Succulent plants are usually quite inexpensive and easy to find in stores in your area.
When Shopping for Gifts for Senior Citizens
Now that you have some great gift ideas for your loved ones, consider their particular needs, and wants. If you can find something out about what seniors enjoy by asking them questions or through a friend or family member, all the better. The gifts in this guide are all relatively inexpensive, so you should be able to find something that isn’t going to break the bank.
11. The Greatest Gift of All: Your Time
As they age, gifts are a great way of reminding your loved ones that you care. But, never forget having friends and family around is the best gift you can give. Don’t forget to set aside time for your loved ones, whether they still live at home, or are living in a senior care facility. Even the shortest of visits will make all the difference in how they feel for days or weeks at a time and will make a big difference.
