GOLDEN IN UP: What, Oh What, Can I Get For Uncle Joe? Gift Ideas For Seniors

Okay, I know it's a bit early, but you are busy! So, here are some suggestions.

What's a good gift for an elderly person who doesn't need more "stuff" cluttering up the house?  December is the biggest gift-giving season, but all year long we're faced with birthdays, anniversaries and other occasions when we have to find great gift ideas for seniors.  

The best gift for an elderly person is your time and attention:  time to talk, to listen, to do things together. That noted, there's also a great deal to be said for something to unwrap.  Here are some gift ideas for seniors: 

Gift Certificates/Prepaid Cards For Seniors:

To a variety or department store 

To a favorite craft or hobby shop

For a haircut or manicure

From a favorite bookstore

For a home cleaning service

For handyman services

For window washing

For groceries

To a favorite restaurant

For movie rentals

From the pharmacy

For transportation

For exterminator service

For electricity or gas

For the telephone

For the veterinarian

For takeout/delivered food

For car service/wash/detailing

For yard or lawn service

To a movie or the theater

Handy Tools & Equipment Most Seniors Appreciate

Jar opener

Large dial or amplified telephone

Wireless TV headphone

Easy to read watch or clock

Lap board

Attractive night light

Automatic light timer

Weather radio

Rechargeable batteries & charger

Ergonomic kitchen or garden tools

Large dial radio

Seat riser

Large button TV remote

Electric teapot with automatic turn-off

Doorknob extender

Magnifier

Reacher/grabber

Hand-held shower head

Gift Ideas For The "Senior Body":

Bed socks

Cape or poncho for wheelchair users

Slipper socks

Sock or zipper puller

Comfortable pillows

Flannel sheets

Bed jacket or wrap

Cozy lap blanket

Plush bath towels

Extended shoe horn

Heating pad

Basket of manicure tools, lotions, tissues

Non-slip slippers

Just For Fun Senior Gift Ideas:

Subscription to favorite magazine or paper

Large print book or book on tape

Food & treats for the pet

Binoculars

Bird feeder and seeds

Outdoor thermometer

Rain gauge

Oversized playing cards and holder

Stationery and stamps

Disposable camera with developing

Greeting cards for all occasions

Large print calendar

Large print crossword puzzles

Album or frame of family photos

Armchair bag for remote, book, glasses, etc.

Puzzle and mat

Family videos

Large print address book & help transferring information

Favorite candy, nuts & nibbles

Favorite old movie(s) on tape or DVD

Safety Gift Ideas For Seniors:

Emergency response system

Automobile club membership

911 cell phone

Smoke or carbon monoxide detector

Rolling shopping cart

Fire extinguisher

Grab bars installed

First aid kit

Auto emergency kit

Prepaid chimney cleaning

Be sure to think through your choice of gifts.  If Aunt Mary is a full-time caregiver for Uncle Joe, how about offering to stay with him so she can have an afternoon off to shop with her gift certificate or enjoy her movie tickets with a friend? 

If your mother battles a weight problem, will she really appreciate that box of candy? Does anyone really need another box of dusting powder? Your gift will be most appreciated when it's evident that you've made a real effort to choose something really special for that very special person.

For more information about how the caregivers at HeartWarming Care can help your family with your home care needs, call (253) 460-1574. We are a home care agency providing quality and affordable home care in Tacoma WA and the surrounding communities.