The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Gifts for Seniors

Are you always on the look out for special, meaningful holiday gifts for a senior who "has everything" and says they want nothing? Connie Chow offers items and ideas to help you on your quest. Team CareLinx doesn't endorse the companies or products mentioned, but loves the wide range of gift ideas. There is nothing like having a bow-topped package to personally deliver along with food treats, which are great for sharing.Holiday gift season is here! Thanksgiving is over and the holidays have officially begun. If you’re looking for a gift that your older adult will actually use and enjoy, we’ve got you covered! We have dozens of ideas, ranging from products for more independent older adults to gifts for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or greater care needs. Check out these 8 categories full of holiday gifts for seniors: Click the links to go directly to one of the categories or scroll down to browse the full list

1. Make life easier and more comfortable
2. Make it easier to get around
3. Keep them safe
4. Keep special memories close at hand
5. Use technology to stay connected
6. Entertain and engage
7. Are for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia
8. Bring you closer

Gifts that...

1. Make life easier and more comfortable

• Heated blankets keep a body toasty warm and ease aching joints
• Adaptive shoes & slippers are perfect for special foot needs
• These adaptive clothes are stylish and have closures that make independent dressing easier
• Special cushions make sitting for long periods safer and more comfortable

2. Make it easier to get around

• These simple auto aids make driving or riding in cars easier on stiff joints and arthritic hands
• Give the gift of accompanied transportation, fun excursions, and social events from SilverRide
• She’ll be proud to show off this lovely garden-themed cane
• This best-selling “rollator” walker will have them zooming around

3. Keep them safe

• Make simple fixes around their house for big safety benefits -- your time and effort are gifts too!
• Brighten up the house with easy lighting upgrades -- and reduce fall risk at the same time
• Add a “no-install” grab bar and pole where they need a little help to get up
• Actively keep an eye on them with Nest Cam -- it’s not right for everyone, but a welcome solution for some

4. Keep special memories close at hand

• Custom iPhone cases let them show off photos wherever they go
• Turn the fridge into a photo wall with these magnetic frames -- easy to update too!
• Make a custom photo book or calendar with their favorite family photos
• Create a unique custom photo blanket from Shutterfly or Walmart or similar custom photo services.

5. Use technology to stay connected

• This GreatCall smartphone is easy to use and has excellent health & safety features
• Keep in touch through email (without having to own or touch a computer!) with Presto or Celery
• Enjoy photos, video chat, and Internet browsing on this simplified tablet from Claris Companion
• This easy-to-use computer from Telikin has the benefits of a full computer (and tech support!) without maintenance headaches
• There are some interesting new products and services for seniors being cooked up by creative young minds! We watch for them and will share our favorites.

6. Entertain and engage

• Buy music they’re sure to love -- there’s something for every age
• Get a simple CD player to play those albums -- for easy use, put colorful stickers on the power and play buttons
• Mmmm, everyone loves food! Order delicious food gifts from lobster to fruit to authentic southern food
• Coloring is fun for all ages, try these beautiful coloring books
• Jigsaw puzzles are a fun way to exercise the brain at any level -- 500+ piece puzzles or ones for cognitive or vision challenges
• This calendar has a sense of humor about getting older

7. Are for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia

• Keep track of seniors with a tendency to wander with SafeLink’s GPS tracking watch
• Adaptive utensils make mealtime more enjoyable for people with hand tremors, weakness, or struggle with fine motor skills
• This red dining set encourages eating
• Fidget blankets give restless hands something to do
• These specialized clothes for women and men are stylish, comfortable, and prevent spontaneous undressing
• Stuffed animals give comfort and can even become a pet -- we especially love this puppy and this penguin
• Some seniors with dementia love caring for their own baby doll -- this one is quite realistic

8. Bring you closer Holiday gifts that make life easier, safer, or more fun are always appreciated. But if you ask older adults, they’ll often say that what they want most is to spend more time with their loved ones. Sometimes, the best things in life aren’t things at all.

A few suggestions:

• Commit to a standing lunch, dinner, or phone call date where you can spend quality time together, once or twice a month...or more!
• Join them in a favorite activity or hobby
• Take a trip together -- cruise lines offer a variety of packages especially designed for the older traveler.

By Connie Chow, Contributing Writer and Founder of DailyCaringImage: Colorado Gerontological Society