Older family members can be difficult to shop for during the holiday season—they’ll often say they don’t need anything, or they have limited space (or desire for) new “things” in their home. Knick-knacks are out of the question, and they probably don’t need another big box of chocolates. Knowing this, we’ve come up with a list of practical yet enjoyable gift ideas for the seniors in your life. If you have additional recommendations, please feel free to tell us about them in the comments on LinkedIn or Facebook! And if you’re interested in learning more about homecare services in Toronto and the surrounding areas, please visit our website or contact us—we’d be pleased to hear from you.
Heated neck and shoulders pad
If your aging loved one has tension in their neck and shoulders (or simply enjoys being pampered!), consider a gift like this Sunbeam Neck and Shoulder Heated Wrap. It’s soft, washable and easy to use, and the heat lasts for up to two hours. Your older family members will love wearing it as they watch television, read the newspaper or relax in bed. Or, look for a similar product that warms a person’s entire back or their feet. A heated blanket is another nice option.
Cozy winter items
The next time you visit your loved one, check out the condition of their socks, slippers and winter gear. They may appreciate some warm winter socks, a pair of new slippers with a good tread on the bottom (this is to prevent falls), a warm robe, a new winter hat, warm boots that are easy to put on and take off, or a cozy throw blanket. Just be sure not to buy duplicates of things they already have in good condition—if they have a basket full of nice throw blankets, for example, they won’t need another one. While you want this gift to be a treat, you should consider the practicality as well. Remember, a nice set of hand towels to replace an old, worn set is just as nice as a “fancy” gift they may not have space for!
A personalized gift basket
It’s easy to make a homemade gift basket, and a personalized holiday present is always well received. Consider packaging up your loved one’s favourite coffee, tea and jams, some local honey, and any other favourite non-perishable foods and beverages they enjoy. You can also add some of the cozy items suggested above as well as a framed family photo, a book of crossword puzzles, a large print book or a bottle of wine (or sparkling cider, if they don’t consume alcohol). If you’d like to add a “big ticket” item, consider an electric toothbrush or an easy-to-use device that lets them read books, listen to music and follow the news (for example, an iPad or other tablet). A personalized gift basket is a great gift from the whole family that can be made at any price point—just don’t forget to include a heartfelt card!
A photo book
Photo books are a wonderful way to share memories with your aging loved one. Consider a custom photo book filled with family images and stories, or simply fill a photo album with printed photos of different family members and occasions. You can also add drawings from children in the family or short notes from various friends and relatives—a sweet added touch that any senior would love! This makes a great gift from a group of people as you can each add photos, drawings and notes to fill one album or photo book. It takes a bit of work, but it’s worth it!
An experience
If your aging loved one is able to attend events outside the home, consider getting them tickets to a concert or play in the area. Choose something close to home (this is to avoid too much time in the car) with a reasonably short run time. Ensure that the venue is accessible and find something they’ll really enjoy, whether that’s a symphony orchestra, a play or a Motown tribute band. The best part of this gift is that it creates even more memories—a lovely thing for both the giver and the recipient! Thanks for reading and cheers to the upcoming holiday season.