We’ve all asked ourselves the question: “What do you get for the person who has everything?” When shopping for senior adults, answering this question can be especially difficult.
Karyn Yerbey, assistant manager at LifeWay Christian Store in Florence, said she believes the best gifts for grandparents and other senior adults are gifts that will be both used and treasured by the recipient.
“People shopping for gifts for senior adults are usually looking for something a little different, but finding that ‘perfect’ gift is not easy,” Yerbey said.
She added that buying a gift for a grandparent or other senior adult is just like buying a gift for anyone else — the giver should think about the interests and needs of the person who will receive the gift.
“For example, a great gift for people of all ages is a Bible, but many older adults already have their own Bible,” Yerbey said. “So there are many devotional Bibles and study materials that an older adult might enjoy using in their personal Bible study.”
For senior adults with vision loss or other physical limitations that might make reading difficult, there are Bibles available in large print and extra-large print, said Shirley Baughn, sales floor leader at Family Christian Store in Oxford. There are also electronic Bibles and audio Bibles that are popular with older readers.
“With the audio versions of the Bible, you can put in the CD or cassette and listen to the Bible being read,” Baughn said. “There are also devotions on audio, as well as books from popular authors like Max Lucado and series like the ‘Left Behind’ books.”
Since grandparents often receive lots of photographs during the year, photo albums and picture frames make good gifts.
“As a mother, I treasure anything that can be personalized with a photograph,” Yerbey said. “Our pictures represent our family and how wonderful and special those relationships are.”
Yerbey said there are many gifts in addition to traditional photo frames and albums that can be used with photographs, including tote bags with picture pockets and bracelets that can be personalized with photos.
“These items make it easy for grandparents to show photos of their family members to their friends while they’re out and about,” Yerbey said.
For senior adults who enjoy corresponding by mail, an assortment of greeting cards, self-sealing envelopes and stamps makes a great gift, said John Matson, public information manager for the Alabama Department of Senior Services. Pens with large grips and easy-flow ink also make writing easier.
“Many senior adults enjoy sending cards and letters through the mail, so anything that makes it easier to handle their correspondence is a good gift,” Matson said.
While items like socks, bedroom shoes, hats and personal care items remain popular and useful gifts, Matson said shoppers should think about gifts that will be entertaining as well.
“Crossword puzzle books and other activity books are great because they are fun but they also keep our minds sharp,” Matson said.
If the senior adult in your life has a collection, consider adding a piece to the collection. Another idea, Yerbey said, is to purchase pieces from a collection that represents the giver and the receiver. For example, Willow Tree has figurines representing grandmothers and grandfathers that could stand alone or begin a new collection.
Gift certificates to utilities and stores where the recipient often shops, like pharmacies, grocery stores or discount centers, make useful gifts. Though some people think gift certificates are too impersonal, seniors on a tight budget often appreciate the opportunity to enjoy a treat. Movie tickets and gift certificates to favorite restaurants are also good. If the recipient lives alone, consider making the gift dinner for two so the recipient can take a friend.
If a gift certificate feels too impersonal, Matson said, give a basket filled with ingredients for a meal that is easy to prepare at home and add some healthy snacks like fresh or canned fruit. Add a personally designed service coupon with the promise of an afternoon of cleaning or home repair or a trip to the store, and make sure the recipient cashes in the coupon after the holidays.
Whatever the gift, Yerbey said the giver should remember it is the thought that counts.
“Gifts of the heart are best, no matter the occasion,” she said. “The memories of the holiday will last longer than any gift, and they are the most important thing anyway.”
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