We’ve all asked ourselves the question: “What do you get for the person who has everything?”
As Christmas nears and the shopping season swings into high gear, many of those who shop for senior adults may ask themselves this question often.
Rob Tate, director of sales and marketing for Galleria Woods Retirement Community in Hoover, says the key to buying gifts for senior adults is to listen to the individual who will receive the gift.
“There are all kinds of equipment and utensils on the market that senior adults can utilize to make their lives easier and less of a hassle which make good gifts,” he said.
“Personal mementos such as photographs are always nice,” Tate said. “But as with any good gift, it’s the thought that counts — gifts of the heart are the best.”
Give gift certificates
Tate said that while monetary gifts do not seem very personal, gift certificates to stores where the recipient often shops, such as pharmacies, grocery stores or discount centers, can be very helpful to seniors on tight budgets.
Camilla Wyble, systems director of Senior Services for Baptist Health in Montgomery, said that movie tickets and gift certificates to restaurants are nice gifts because many seniors with limited income don’t treat themselves to extras.
Wyble also suggests giving a gift of two movie tickets or dinner for two so the recipient can take a friend.
“Better yet,” she says, “offer to take them out to eat or to a movie so you can share that time together.”
Here are some additional gift ideas for senior adults:
Collectibles.
If your favorite senior adult has a collection, consider a piece that can be added to the collection.
To prevent last minute gift shopping panic, keep an eye out all year long for items and save them for Christmas gift-giving.
Service Coupons.
Many senior adults need help around the house or with running errands more than they need new clothes or knick-knacks.
Commit your time for transportation to a doctor’s appointment or for an afternoon of cleaning or home repair.
Design a coupon for the gift and follow up to make sure the gift is used.
Convenience products.
As people age, daily tasks often get harder because older hands, eyes and ears don’t work like they used to.
Several companies offer a variety of products designed to help senior adults adapt to their changing needs.
Here are a few gift ideas for adults with mobility concerns:
Kitchen utensils with larger, weighted handles for easier gripping.
Elastic shoelaces that won’t come untied.
Jar openers that rely on leverage rather than strength.
Grabbing tools for reaching items on the floor or on high shelves.
Magnifying lamps for reading or craft work.
Voice-activated telephones or telephones with large, lighted dialing pads.
Doorbell signalers that use lights in addition to sound.
Pill organizers with alarms.
Long-handled combs, brushes and shoehorns.
Book holders.
Larger, easier-to-grip pens.
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