Holiday Gift Ideas for Seniors Who Have It All

The holiday season often means family get-togethers and the exchanging of gifts. Buying for kids can be easy because they love new toys, games, and books. It can be fun to find presents for family members who just got married, moved into a new house, or had a baby as well. But what do you get for seniors who seemingly have it all? They have limited space in their home and have collected everything they need over the years. This can make gift buying tricky.

First and foremost, check in with them to see if there is anything they specifically want or need. Even if it doesn’t seem like much to you, it could be important to them. If they can’t think of anything in particular, it’s time to get creative and think beyond typical gifts. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Make something homemade.
  It is the thought that counts. If you’re crafty, consider knitting, crocheting, or sewing a blanket or quilt. Seniors get chilly easily, so having something special to keep them warm can be very meaningful. You could also throw a piece of pottery, paint a picture, take a beautiful photograph of your family or one of your senior’s favorite things/places, or bake them some homemade goodies.
• Give them an experience.
  Gifts don’t always have to be tangible items. You could surprise your senior with a trip to the movies, the theater, the museum, or a special event. Take them out to dinner at their favorite restaurant or somewhere they’ve wanted to try but haven’t been yet. Plan a day trip to somewhere nearby. They’ll enjoy simply getting to spend time with you and creating memories of what you’re doing together. Memories can be more precious than material possessions.
• Create a scrapbook.
  Pull together a collection of photos that you and others have taken over the years. Add captions or stories throughout to build a scrapbook. This can be especially meaningful if your elderly parent has or is developing dementia. The pictures can help them connect with the past and remember different people and events. You can continue adding new pictures as time goes on. It also gives your loved one something to show and talk about with others.
• Donate to charity.
  Is there a specific charity or organization that your aging parent holds dear? Perhaps they have always volunteered with an animal shelter, a nonprofit that supports children or cancer survivors, or a group that is active in your local community. Make a donation in their honor and let them know that you supported something that is special to them.
• Get them a grocery delivery service.
  Nowadays there are a variety of different companies that deliver meals or groceries. This can actually be a huge benefit to your loved one, especially if they have trouble getting out to the store or are on a limited income. You can arrange to have groceries delivered directly to them so they don’t have to leave their home. This also gives you peace of mind knowing that they have fresh, healthy food available.

An in-home caregiver can help your loved one manage their groceries and get rid of any expired food, plan and prepare meals, and keep them company during mealtime. They can also work with them on doing different tasks around their home, going out on errands, and completing other activities. Helping to pay for senior care can also be a meaningful and thoughtful gift for your aging parent. To learn more about available services and how they can benefit your senior, Contact Always Best Care today at 403-812-0778 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how in-home care can benefit seniors.