Gift Ideas for Older People

Finding gift ideas for older people in your life can be a challenging task. What do you get for the person who has everything? What about your elderly dad who doesn't hear as well as he once did? With just a little time-and the help of this handy gift guide-you may just find something to please everyone.

Gifts That Keep Giving All Year Long

While it is wonderful to celebrate holidays and special occasions, elderly adults often feel the pain of loneliness and isolation throughout the year. A special delivery can brighten their day and make your loved one feel remembered. Shop once and deliver multiple days of happiness with a gift subscription from the following retailers.

1. If your mother enjoys fresh flowers, consider a flower subscription service like Urbanstems. Available in three pricing tiers, prices start at $55 per delivery. Shipping is free and deliveries can be scheduled weekly, bi-weekly or monthly.
2. Bath and shower lovers will delight in receiving a box filled with luxury bath and shower items. Bath Bevy offers shower and tub boxes that can be scheduled as a one-time gift or a subscription of three months, six months or an entire year. Starting price is $43.
3. Sweets lovers will appreciate a decadent chocolate surprise. Jackies Chocolates offers a three-month, six-month, 12-month or 3-year delivery of assorted chocolates, including seasonal and holiday treats. Subscriptions start at $150.
4. Atlas Coffee Club is a great way for coffee lovers to sample a variety of exotic coffees from around the world. Each box comes with a postcard filled with information about the country the beans were grown in, along with the history and culture of the region. A six-month subscription runs approximately $100.
5. Looking for a truly unique gift subscription? Consider Gold Belly ice cream. Orders include five to six pints of ice cream or six to 24 ice cream sandwiches from favorite creameries across the country. Subscriptions are $89.95 per month and include free shipping.

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Gifts for Elderly Women

Everyone enjoys a little pampering now and then. Gifts that bring relaxation and make mom's day-to-day life easier are especially thoughtful.

1. Women who are always cold will appreciate a cozy gift like a hot towel warmer ($112), or for $29 you can choose a relaxing lavender warming pillow. Combine the calming effects of a weighted blanket with the warmth of a fuzzy head-to-toe wrap with a wearable snuggle blanket.
2. Pamper your loved one with L'Occitane's cherry blossom hand cream. Priced at $26, the luxurious French moisturizer is infused with shea butter and is lightly scented.
3. The Conair lighted make-up mirror is a great choice for those whose eyesight isn't as sharp as it once was. Sporting 1X magnification overall, the mirror includes a 10X magnification removable spot mirror for more precision. Current price-$50.
4. What grandmother doesn't want to keep her loved ones close? Help her carry a special memory every day with a beautiful photo locket. The necklace comes in various lengths and a choice of brass or sterling silver. Starting price is $21. Make it even more special by adding a personalized engraved message inside.
5. Bakers will appreciate this 10-piece set of easy to read measuring cups. Made of durable plastic, the set is dishwasher safe and marked with large, contrasting colored measurements for failing eyesight.
6. Pamper Mom with a heated foot massager. Easy to use, it offers multiple massage settings including deep kneading and two intensity levels. The built-in timer shuts off at 15 minutes, and the foot compartment is removable for easy cleaning. Current price - $89.

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Gifts for Elderly Men

Even the man who has everything can appreciate a unique, creative gift. Just because dad wouldn't buy it for himself, it doesn't mean he won't enjoy it.

1. Spread a little sunshine with a light therapy lamp ($109). With 10 adjustable brightness levels, the senior in your life will enjoy receiving the benefits of natural light on those cold winter days when it is not possible to go outside. Light therapy has been shown to energize, improve sleep and boost mood.
2. Weather buffs will appreciate the convenience of an outdoor thermometer that can be read indoors. Priced at $27, the wireless weather station is battery powered and provides an accurate forecast delivered straight to Dad's favorite chair. The large backlit display is easy to view and comes with a one-year warranty.
3. Solo coffee drinkers can enjoy a cup of hot Joe without the worry of wasting a full pot. This single serve coffee maker brews 6 to 14 ounces of coffee without the hassle of buying pods. Simply measure your favorite ground coffee into the reusable ground basket, wait three minutes, and sit back with a mug of freshly brewed java. Price-$27.
4. Never underestimate the power of a great pair of slippers. These stretchable corduroy slippers from Propet have a convenient hook and loop closure making them easy to take on and off, a durable outsole for indoor/outdoor use and washable insoles. Cost ranges from $36 to $83, depending on size and style.
5. If your dad's eyesight isn't as sharp as it once was, he can still enjoy the convenience of a wristwatch without having to strain to see it. This talking watch ($38) from Hearkent announces the time, date and alarm time in a clear, audible voice. There is no need to reset between time zones or for daylight savings time since it does so automatically.
6. Keep the chill away with a cozy fleece cardigan. The brushed inner lining adds to the softness and warmth of this washable, low-pill cardigan, and it is available in assorted sizes and colors for $40.

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Tech Gifts for Seniors

If technology sends the senior in your life running for the hills, it might be time to change that. Some gifts are designed to make life so much easier and enjoyable that it's worth taking a walk on the wild side of high-tech. Just remember to plan a little time to help with set-up and initial assistance.

1. Seniors who want to retain their independence but need the assurance they can get help when needed can benefit from a personal emergency response system. Lively direct offers a mobile device that works on a cellular network. This means no installation is required, and you can access help anywhere you have cellular service. With a simple push of the call button, you'll be connected to an Urgent Response Agent. Agents are available 24/7. There is a one-time cost to purchase the equipment, as well as a monthly plan that starts at around $25.
2. Pitch in on housecleaning without lifting a finger when you gift a Roomba Robot vacuum. These robotic wonders use a random pattern to clean the floor, detecting obstacles with their infrared sensors. Once the job is done, the robot returns to its docking station. Roomba works on hardwood, tile and carpet, depending on the model. Options range from a vacuum only robot to the two-in-one vacuum that vacuums and mops simultaneously or the swap and mop options, which alternates between vacuuming and mopping. Prices start at about $350.
3. The Amazon Kindle is a great gift for elderly adults who can't make it to the library. Starting at around $100, your loved one can purchase digital books to be instantly downloaded on the Amazon site, or check with their local library to see if they offer an e-book lending service. Kindle is equipped with adjustable lighting and enlargeable print options.
4. Seniors who take a large number of medications may enjoy the convenience of the Medcenter system. A monthly medication organizer, the system holds up to 64 pills and comes with a talking reminder clock that notifies seniors when it's time to take their medications. Priced around $75, the system can help prevent harmful medication errors.
5. Amazon Echo voice assistant is an easy way for elderly adults to check the weather, make lists, control smart products-such as lights-and listen to music. Echo is user friendly. All that is needed is a Wi-Fi connection and maybe a little help setting it up.
6. Give the gift of entertainment with an Amazon Fire-7 tablet. With 10 hours of battery power, grandma can make video calls to family and friends, read, search the web, watch videos and more. For approximately $60, Fire 7 provides hours of entertainment and is easy to learn.
7. Keeping in touch is manageable even for those who are not tech-savvy with the made for seniors Jitterbug Smart3 smartphone. The large screen and simple menu make it a cinch to use and opens seniors up to texting and video chats. The basic plan starts at $20 a month.

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Gifts for Seniors on the Go

Many elderly adults continue to enjoy travel decades past retirement. Travel aids can enhance the trip by improving safety, comfort and convenience.

1. If the senior in your life is filled with wanderlust, consider gifting a lightweight, wheeled carry-on luggage bag. At just over 5 pounds the Flex Vega carry-on is billed as the world's slimmest collapsible suitcase. Capable of carrying three to five days of clothing, it meets carry-on requirements for most major airlines. When not in use, the unique bag collapses flat to approximately 2 inches thick for easy storage when space is tight.
2. Elderly men and women who need a little assistance exiting the car will appreciate the convenience of the Stander HandyBar Lite. The vehicle support handle inserts into a U-shaped door striker or latch and fits most cars. The lightweight handle supports up to 350 pounds and functions as a window breaker, seat belt cutter and LED flashlight. When not in use, it tucks neatly into a door pocket or glovebox. At less than $20, the HandyBar is a must-have.
3. Whether traveling a short distance or setting off on a cross-country road trip, a swivel seat cushion can make car trips safer and more pleasant. The HealthSmart swivel cushion ($25) swivels a full 360 degrees to prevent twisting, while the high grade foam relieves pressure on the back and tailbone. The removable cover is machine washable, and the non-skid base keeps the cushion in place.
4. Anyone who has navigated airport corridors knows you can log a lot of steps between gates. The Drive medical cane seat doubles as a walking aid and a sturdy seat for those who need a break now and then. The tripod construction supports up to 250 pounds, and the height is adjustable. Priced at under $30, it is a great gift idea for both men and women.

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Senior Gifts for the Home

Making home safer and easier is a gift for any elderly adult. Small conveniences make day-to-day chores less daunting and more enjoyable. Independent living aids are a great way to help seniors remain at home and make tasks more manageable.

1. The Simple Human rechargable soap dispenser delivers soap automatically and keeps germs and smudges to a minimum. The sleek stainless-steel design looks at home in any kitchen or bath. The pump retails for $70.
2. Reachers are a handy tool for the elderly. They prevent bending over to pick up dropped objects, and minimize the need to climb on a step stool for items high in the cabinet or on a shelf. The Vive suction cup grabber has an extra-long handle and is equipped with strong suction cup tips to secure smooth or slippery items such as glass jars. Under $25, it comes with a lifetime guarantee.
3. The Robotwist automatic jar opener lends a helping hand to seniors who suffer from arthritis or a diminished grip. Simply place the tool on the jar and press the button. It works on lids 1.2 to 3.5 inches in diameter, is easy to store and retails for under $20.
4. The Able tray table is an adjustable bamboo swivel TV and laptop table with an ergonomic stand assist safety handle. The tray table is priced at $154 and is perfect for seniors who need a little help getting up and down. The easy-to-assemble tray table includes a cup holder and utensil compartment, swivels 360 degrees and supports up to 30 pounds.

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Small Gift Ideas for Older People

If good things come in small packages, then the older adults in your life will enjoy these special little treats. Seniors who have downsized or who have lost their desire for accumulating will appreciate being remembered with a thoughtful, yet useful, gift item.

1. Don't know what size to buy? Don't worry. This one-size-fits-all polar fleece shawl is perfect for the older women on your gift list. Since there are no sleeves, it isn't necessary to raise the arms-a task some elderly women find difficult. The two pockets come in handy for warming hands or stashing small items. At $29, it is a must-have.
2. Jigsaw puzzles, a deck of cards and dominos are a fun way for older adults to pass the time and help keep their minds sharp. Take them for a stroll down memory lane with Hasbro's Retro Series Scrabble 1949 Edition. Designed to look just like the 1949 edition, the game is outfitted with classic wood tiles and tile racks and is available on Amazon for $22.
3. Never underestimate the power of a good pair of socks. These extra roomy socks by Orthofeet do it all. The non-constricting design promotes blood flow while the special moisture-wicking feature keeps feet dry. The socks also carry antibacterial, anti-odor and anti-blister features and are seam-free. The three-pair packages are available in sizes for men and women and sell for $27.

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The content of this site is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding any medical conditions or treatments.

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