Favorite Things: Holiday Gifts For Seniors

Finding the perfect gift for older loved ones can be a joyful challenge. Many elders say they don’t need or want anything, but that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t appreciate a thoughtful and meaningful present! Here are 12 creative ideas we at TalkElder think your loved ones will enjoy for the holidays and all year long!

Keep Comfy and Cozy

1. Heated Blanket with Safety Features
A snuggly heated blanket designed with safety in mind is a practical and comforting gift, especially for chilly winter days. Look for one with automatic shut-off features and soft, lightweight fabrics, or choose a warm, weighted blanket that can provide some extra comfort for some.  Here is the link to one of our favorites.

2. Slippers with Grippers

Pamper their feet with cozy, supportive slippers. Look for styles with non-slip soles to keep them safe and comfortable. We love these slippers from Bomba.
 

3. Lounging Clothes 

Comfortable, soft, warm clothes for lounging around the house or even a quick errand. Our absolute favorite is a brand called Softies. They are luxurious, lightweight but toasty warm and like the name says “SOFT”. Check out this great line of loungewear from Softies. 

Subscriptions:  Gifts that Keep on Giving

4. Audio Book Subscription
An audiobook subscription like Audible or LibriVox is a wonderful gift for book lovers struggling with traditional print. Pair it with a user-friendly smart speaker or headphones to make access easier.

5. Monthly Treats, Spirits, and Activity Subscriptions
A monthly subscription box is a gift that delivers joy directly to their doorstep with curated items tailored to their tastes and interests long after the holidays. This thoughtful gift surprises them every month and makes them feel remembered and appreciated throughout the year. 

• Snacks and Treats: Choose a subscription featuring unique snacks, teas, or sweets. Options include international flavors for adventurous palates, nostalgic candies to bring back memories, or healthier snacks for those with dietary preferences.
• Flowers: Brighten their home with a fresh flower subscription. Seasonal bouquets delivered monthly add color, fragrance, and cheer to their living space, creating a beautiful, uplifting atmosphere year-round.
• Wine: For wine lovers, consider a wine subscription tailored to their preferences. Many services offer options like handpicked bottles from different regions or pairing meal suggestions. You could add a few festive wine glasses or a bottle opener set to complete the experience. Try this one from Winc.
• Art or Craft Kits: Creative hobbies like painting, knitting, or ceramics can be reinvigorating. Look for kits with clear, easy-to-follow instructions and all the materials included. For vision-impaired elders, consider tactile crafts like clay modeling. We love these ones by We Craft Box, made especially for seniors.

Hobbies and Interests

6. Indoor Gardening Kit

For green-thumbed elders, a countertop herb garden kit can bring nature indoors. Many kits are easy to maintain and include LED lights, making them accessible and rewarding.

7. Puzzle Books with Large Print

Large-print puzzle books are a thoughtful gift for elders who enjoy word searches, Sudoku, or crosswords. Choose holiday-themed options or ones tailored to their interests.

Connecting with Technology

8. RecallCue 
RecallCue Day Clock, which transforms any iPad or Android tablet into a super simple, easy-to-read clock that shows the day, time, and date. Then, there's the RecallCue mobile app that we, the caregivers, can use to send messages, reminders, photos, and even make video calls. It's like being there, even when you're not!  Check out our RecallCue Blog for more information about how it works and how to get started!

What We Love About RecallCue

• Easy-to-Read Display and Customizable Features: The large, clear display is fantastic. It helps our loved ones keep track of time easily. Plus, you can set alarms for all kinds of reminders, like doctor appointments, meals, or wake-up calls.
• Remote Communication and Control: You can send messages, reminders, and photos and make video calls right from your phone. It’s super convenient to manage everything remotely.
• Document Sharing: This feature is a gem! You can upload and display important documents, which is handy in emergencies. Consider the case where you need to get an updated medication list to emergency services. 
• Music & Photo Display Function: You can set up a photo slideshow to play on the clock, which is a lovely way to share memories and keep loved ones up to date with out-of-town family members. Anyone on the network and with the app can send photos so it can be changed and updated often. Playing music remotely can be both enjoyable and stimulating for them. 

9. Smart Home Assistant

A device like an Amazon Echo or Google Nest is a fantastic helper for elders. It can answer questions, play music, set reminders, or even make phone calls—all activated with a simple voice command. Dive into our blog about Aging Safely While Independently at Home for more ideas!

10. Custom Voice Message Keepsake

Record heartfelt voice messages from family members and compile them into a digital or physical device like a talking photo album. Every time they press a button, they hear a loved one's voice sharing a memory, joke, or kind words. Check out this one with two hours of voice recording time.

11. Digital Picture Frame with Remote Updates

A Wi-Fi-enabled digital picture frame allows family members to upload photos directly to the frame. They’ll love seeing new family moments pop up daily without lifting a finger. Aura Frames has a large assortment, so you can find the perfect frame for your loved ones. 

Functional and Helpful

12. Lap Desk with Cushion and Reading Light 
A lap desk with a built-in cushion is perfect for reading, writing, or using a tablet from the comfort of their favorite chair or bed. Many include storage or a cup holder for added convenience. We love this one from Target & this one on Amazon. 

When choosing gifts, focus on what will make your elderly loved ones feel loved and connected. A little creativity goes a long way in brightening their holidays with something special and heartfelt.

What are your go-to gifts for the hard-to-buy-for elders in your life? Let us know at [email protected]!

Happy Holiday Shopping and Together….