Looking for thoughtful gifts for a senior loved one or family member? There are so many gift options that will work for senior recipients, from gifts that are tailored to the recipient’s favorite food, activities, or hobbies, as well as gifts that promote health, safety, and security, especially if the recipient is living independently and alone.
Read on to know about thoughtful and creative gift ideas for seniors that could be perfect for the senior in your life.
Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Senior Citizens
Subscription to an Essential Service
Senior citizens have specific needs that are met by providers that specialize in these services. You can buy a subscription for a grocery shopping service, a medical alert service, or a home security service. A popular subscription idea is a meal subscription plan, especially for independent seniors who may not have the time to prepare their own food. Meal subscription plans can be customized to meet the nutrition needs of the client which is even better for seniors who have specific dietary needs. Another equally practical idea is home-based salon services to keep your senior loved one looking sharp and well-coiffed. There are also ride-hailing services designed specifically for seniors who don’t use smartphones. These are useful and practical gifts especially since many senior citizens need these services but are often unable to arrange these services for themselves.
Home security
You can buy a home security system and have it installed in the home of the senior citizen in your life. There are systems that have features advantageous for senior users, such as emergency alerts and fall monitors that are coupled with the basic security system installed in the house. In case of an emergency, the system automatically connects to the local health service or police station so they can provide assistance. This is a thoughtful gift idea for seniors who are still very independent and prefer to live alone. Senior homeowners may be vulnerable to break-ins, theft, or burglaries. Having a reliable security system to cover the house is one layer of protection that may come in handy.
Experiences
Trips, whether roadtrips or cruises can be some of the most memorable gifts you can buy for the senior citizen in your life. Cruises are perfect for senior citizen parents, especially for those who are fairly active and love to explore the country. There are numerous trip packages that can be customized to fit the specific needs and health conditions of travelers. Other experiences work well as thoughtful gifts. Wine tastings for seniors who appreciate fine wines or a gift card for a posh restaurant in town are easy to set up and will surely be appreciated.
Gift Baskets
Gift baskets are a thoughtful gift, especially for homebound seniors. You can opt for a variety of gift baskets that can meet the needs of your senior loved one. From baskets of toiletries to groceries, board games, gourmet meals, and wine, or even a family portrait painting that will transform your cherished memories into a timeless work of art you can also give gift baskets of electronic gadgets and accessories, gift baskets offer a great opportunity to give different items in one package.
Membership in a bookstore or library
For book-loving senior citizens, there is no better gift than a membership or a gift card for a bookstore. A membership or a gift card is so easy to procure. Just head to the shop’s information or cashier’s desk and you will see a row of cards that you can buy just like any other item for sale. If possible, choose a bookstore that offers special discounts and activities for seniors. There are many local bookstores that offer senior discounts or hold special events for senior customers. This is a great way to support a senior loved one’s love for reading while encouraging socialization outside of the house.
Digital Photo Album
Want your senior loved one to stay in the loop when you upload new photos on social media? You can buy electronic picture frames that you can link to Facebook or Instagram so that any photo you upload on these platforms is automatically shown on the frame. This is perfect for seniors who may not be active on social media but still appreciate looking at photos of the kids or grandkids as these are uploaded online.
Weighted blankets
Seniors appreciate products that can help promote relaxation and better sleep especially since conditions like insomnia can worsen with old age. A weighted blanket is one of the most common answers for better sleep and has been scientifically proven to reduce stress and anxiety among users of any age. You can opt for weighted blankets with additional features such as heated pockets that are perfect for seniors who suffer from joint aches and muscle pains. Available in most stores all year round, weighted blankets are great gifts on birthdays or as stocking stuffers during the holidays.
Granny pods
Most seniors appreciate being able to spend quality time with their loved ones at home. At the same time, they may want to keep their privacy, especially when visiting family members with small kids. A good solution is a granny pod or shed, structures that are small enough to install in any backyard and will serve as a temporary home for a visiting senior family member. Granny pods are gaining widespread popularity because they are affordable and allow families to spend time with senior loved ones for several days or weeks. This is a great option for families with small homes but still want their senior family members living with them when they visit. Granny pods are also a good idea if the senior family member needs to move in for a longer period but still wants to maintain his or her privacy or independence.
Paying for a regular caretaker
For smaller towns or cities where subscription services are not available, family members can show their thoughtfulness by hiring a part-time caretaker to help out around the house. Having someone else around the house can help stave off loneliness, keep a senior homeowner busy and help him or her form social connections that are outside of the immediate family.
There are many ways to show the senior family member in your life that you think about them. Keep the ideas above in mind if you are looking for new and unique ways to give thoughtful gifts to your loved one.