Find the Perfect Gift With Our Holiday Gift Guide
Do you love giving gifts, or is finding the perfect present a hassle? Some people just have a sixth sense when it comes to gift-giving, but if that doesn't describe you, BrightStar Care has you covered. We know holiday shopping is a challenge, especially when looking for the perfect gift for the seniors in your life. Giving gifts to your aging loved ones is essential for showing you care and can dispel their feelings of loneliness and isolation. Here are a few ideas for excellent gifts to give this holiday season.
Tips for Giving the Best Gift to the Senior in Your Life
Everyone is different, but there are some general guidelines for finding gifts for seniors. As you begin your search for a top-tier present, consider these tips:
Tailor Gifts to Hobbies
This tip works for people of all ages, but seniors will especially appreciate gifts that reflect their interests and hobbies. If they love gardening, a set of gardening tools or a raised garden bed is a great idea. If they enjoy cooking, a new cookbook or kitchen appliance will be greatly appreciated. Consider what your loved one enjoys doing and find a gift that complements their passion. Not only will they get something new, but they'll also know you've paid attention to their interests.
Bring Back Memories
Seniors love reminiscing about their favorite memories. Gifts that remind them of the past, such as a scrapbook or framed photo, can be quite heartwarming. You could also create a playlist of their favorite songs or a video montage of home videos. These types of gifts allow seniors to relive their past, and they will appreciate the effort you put into creating something memorable.
Make New Memories
Our holiday gift guide wouldn't be complete without mentioning gifts that help make new memories! Consider gifting an experience that your loved one wouldn't necessarily think of purchasing for themselves. Some ideas include group cooking classes, painting sessions, the symphony and tickets to a play. These experiences will create new memories to cherish and may even spark a new interest.
Promote Self-Care
Gifts that promote self-care are a great way to show your loved ones that you care about their comfort. Spa or massage gift cards promote stress relief and relaxation, as well as pain relief. Other self-care gifts that might make sense for your loved one include:
- Essential oils
- Heating pads
- Weighted blankets
- Candles or wax warmers
- Books
- Body lotions or soaps
Gifts for Senior Women
The holiday season is the ideal time to show the women in your life that you appreciate them. Try these gift suggestions for senior women:
Photo Album or Digital Frame
Photos are an amazing way to share classic family gatherings with a loved one or remind them of more recent memories. You can create a photo calendar, photo blanket, or photo puzzle for an older adult to enjoy. Digital frames are also a great option—you can send your loved one brand-new picture through an easy-to-use app!
Gift Basket
Depending on your loved one's interests, you can make a personalized basket full of books, puzzle books, specialty teas, lotions, bath soaps, or perfume. If your older loved one is a foodie, you might consider creating a custom food basket chock-full of cheeses, chocolates, or sauces.
Tablet
All-in-one devices such as a Kindle Fire or iPad are great ways for your loved one to listen to their favorite music, watch movies, play games and stay connected with loved ones through video calls. Pair the tablet with a streaming service so they can stay entertained 24/7. Touchscreen devices are especially good for older adults, as they tend to be easier to navigate than traditional personal computers. In any case, be sure to write down simple directions and passwords!
Gifts for Senior Men
Are you at a loss for senior gift ideas for your dad or grandpa? Check out these ideas to get you started:
Playing Cards and Puzzles
Playing cards and puzzles make excellent gifts for aging adults of all genders, but especially men. Games like bridge, rummy, and Kings in the' Corner keep our minds active, boost concentration, and provide a great social outlet. Puzzles are beneficial and fun for people of all ages—all you need to do is find the puzzle type your loved one will enjoy most!
Lounge Chair
Everyone loves to sit back and relax. Why not get the senior man in your life a comfy lounge chair to spend the evenings? You can find chairs of all sizes and at any price point.
Meal Delivery Service
As we age, making fresh-cooked meals becomes significantly more difficult. If you want to show your loved one you care about their nutrition, get them a meal delivery subscription. You might choose from services that send you ingredients or one that delivers full-blown meals ready to heat up.
Affordable and Inexpensive Gifts for Senior Citizens
Gifts for senior citizens don't have to break the bank. If you're on a budget this holiday season, consider these high-value, low-cost options:
Blanket
A soft, cozy throw blanket is fantastic for a loved one to use while they relax, read, or watch TV. Throw blankets are lightweight and easy to clean, and they come in an array of colors and designs to suit every taste. An extra special touch would be having the grandchildren help make a fleece blanket for grandma or grandpa.
Resistance Band
A resistance band is perhaps an out-of-the-box holiday gift for seniors, but it's thoughtful nonetheless. These products are used at home for low-impact exercise and stretching. They promote staying active and provide your loved one with an easy way of maintaining strength and flexibility. Seniors should always consult with their Doctor before starting any new exercise.
Arts and Crafts Kit
Whether your loved one is the creative type or they simply need a way to spend their free time, you can't go wrong with an arts and crafts kit. Many kits work for individuals with mobility issues, and there is a wide range of projects to choose from. Consider things like birdhouse making, jewelry creation, cross stitching or crocheting.
Coupon Book
A coupon book is a simple, inexpensive way to show your loved one you care. Coupon books don't need to have anything to do with money! Just create a few pages outlining tasks you'll do for your loved one when presented with the coupon. Examples include:
- Two hours of housekeeping
- A weekend of yardwork
- One lunch date
- A trip to the movie theater
Happy Holidays From Your Friends at BrightStar Care
At BrightStar Care, we're committed to helping older adults make the most of their golden years, whether that's providing in-home care or offering resources to family caregivers. As the holiday season ramps up, be sure you have gifts in mind that will make it one to remember.
Find a BrightStar Care® Location Near You
Looking for in-home care services or assisted living for your loved one or a reliable medical staffing partner for your organization? Our experienced local care team members are ready to help. Find a location near you, contact us online, or call 866.618.7827 to speak with a local care expert and learn more about how BrightStar Care offers A Higher Standard®.