Gift Ideas for the Elderly

It’s that time of year again when we put ourselves aside and think of others instead: holiday season.

Although the holidays bring merriment and cheer, they also can bring a great deal of stress into our lives, especially as we struggle to find the perfect gifts for our loved ones.

In an effort to reduce your stress when shopping for your parents or grandparents, Right at Home has put together a brief guide to gift ideas for the elderly. We’ve taken into account budget, lifestyle and interests. After all, the holidays shouldn’t be about the stress of finding the perfect gift; they should be about the joy you feel when watching someone you love open it.

TECHNOLOGY
Despite a common belief about the elderly, technology and older folks are not mutually exclusive. Many seniors have begun to embrace technology and feel as though their life is better for it.

E-Reader
Kindles or Nooks are both wonderful tools for an avid reader. With user-friendly instructions and the benefit of being highly portable, book lovers will appreciate their new ability to have a whole library at their fingertips.

iPad or Tablet
These portable devices are less overwhelming than laptop computers, but more comprehensive than smartphones.

HOUSE AND HOME
Many people believe that a home is a constant work-in-progress that evolves and grows along with you. It’s hard to not be in need of something for your house or home, as there is always room for improvement!

Throw Blanket
A cozy throw blanket is the perfect addition to any room. Stylish and useful, they are especially appreciated during the winter months.

Caregiving
In-home caregiving can sometimes be the last thing a person will purchase for themselves, as they don’t think they can afford help at home. Right at Home offers many companion care services such as meal planning and preparation, grocery shopping, laundry and light housekeeping. Giving your loved one the gift of help in their home is invaluable.

PERSONAL
Like the holidays of your childhood – where you would fashion gifts for people out of construction paper – personal gifts add a sentimental touch to the often-commercialized holiday season.

IOU
Sometimes the best gift you can give is the gift of time. Does your loved one have many chores to do around the house? Provide them with an IOU, redeemable for your help in the home 

Photo Calendar
Choose 12 of your favorite family photos from the past year and use a website like Snapfish or Shutterfly to easily assemble a professional looking calendar for the upcoming year. It will be sure to keep a smile on your loved one’s face every time he or she checks the day’s schedule. 

Scrapbook
For craftier gift givers, putting together a scrapbook that highlights some of the happiest memories with your loved one or documents the larger family history is a great idea. The project is the ultimate gift; you will have fun in the process of compiling the scrapbook and the person who receives it will cherish it for years to come!

Hilary Young is a writer dedicated to helping older Americans live healthier, more fulfilling lives. She currently blogs for HuffPost50, Fifty Is The New Fifty and BlogHer. You can find her on Twitter as @hyoungcreative.