Welcome to our holiday gift guide! If you’re seeking the perfect gifts for senior citizens in your life, look no further. We’ve rounded up 40 of the best gifts for older adults. From technology, to memorabilia, to entertainment, it’s all right here.
SmartCompanion
The voice activated SmartCompanion is one of the best gifts for seniors living alone. It provides easy access to Amazon Alexa technology, makes phone and video calls, and provides a 24/7 emergency response system.
Extra-Large Alarm Clock
An alarm clock with easy to read, extra-large numbers is a great gift for elderly men and women who have trouble seeing, especially in the dark.
This LED digital clock is a simple bedside addition.
For those who are hard of hearing, there are talking and vibrating options, as well.
And this dementia clock has a large digital display which also shows the time of day, day of the week, and a date.
Cell Phone Magnifier
For seniors who have a tough time reading small smartphone screens, try one of these cell phone screen magnifiers.
This smartphone tv screen magnifier runs about $50 from Sharper Image.
There are also many less expensive options, like the 12″ screen magnifier for smartphones, which can be purchased on Amazon.
Password Keeper
Remembering passwords is challenging for even the youngest of tech users. So, if you’re looking for technology gift ideas for senior citizens, consider a password keeper, too.
The Clever Fox Password Book offers password organization in paper form.
While the digital password safe has room for up to 400 passwords, all in one 5”x3.5” device.
Tile
A Tile is a creative gift for seniors and forgetful youngsters, alike. Tile trackers attach to almost anything – keys, wallet, headphones, you name it. Can’t locate the item? Simply open the Tile app, press the “find” button, and follow the sound to locate it. Voila!
Doorbell Camera
Doorbell cameras make great gifts for seniors with mobility concerns. No rushing to the door to see who’s there. Try the Ring doorbell camera and your loved one can answer the door from anywhere.
Cell Phone Lanyard
A low-tech gift for a high-tech gadget. Cell phone lanyards offer a hands-free option for keeping a cell phone close by at all times.
Kindle
A Kindle is a great gift for elderly women and men who love to read, but don’t have the space to store dozens of books or the ability to get to the bookstore as frequently as they’d like.
Medication Reminder
For the senior who has more than a few pills to take each day, there are lots of medication reminder options.
There’s a digital medication reminder alarm.
You could try the MedCenter, which combines an alarm with medication storage.
And of course there are options that even connect to a smartphone like the LiveFine Automatic Pill Dispenser.
Memorabilia
Family mementos of any kind are always among the best gifts for homebound seniors or elderly loved ones who don’t get out as often as they’d like. These are a creative way to share special moments and favorite memories.
Photo Books
There are several online options for building a photo book to give to an elderly loved one. Snapfish offers both hard and soft cover books with plenty of layouts and themes to choose from.
Photo Blanket
A photo blanket pulls double duty as a memento and cozy couch throw.
Digital Home Movies
If your elderly loved one enjoys reliving their favorite memories on video, what could be better than digitizing them, with a service like Legacy Box, for easier viewing.
Family Photo Tree
Family tree displays are a fun and engaging gift idea for elderly family members.
You could try a wall mounted tree with built in frames.
Or you could opt for a tree decal, adding framed photos anyplace you like.
Memory Book
Sometimes good gifts for senior citizens aren’t actually gifts for them at all, but something they create and give to someone special. Consider a book like Memories for my Grandchild, which grandparents can complete at their leisure and gift as a keepsake.
Digital Photo Frames
There are so many options for digital photo frames, which are always a favorite gift for elderly parents and grandparents.
Skylight frames can connect to Wi-Fi and receive photos via email from anyone who wants to contribute.
Others also use a USB drive pre-loaded with photos, like this option, found on Amazon.
Entertainment
When considering gifts for older adults, both interactive and passive entertainment are always a hit.
Bird Feeder
A simple suction cup window bird feeder can provide hours of enjoyment and entertainment for anyone who loves nature, especially if they don’t have the option to get outside like they used to.
Magazine Subscription
Magazines are available for any number of topics. Check out this subscription website to get holiday or birthday gift ideas for the elderly loved one in your life.
Book of the Month Club
Similar to a magazine subscription, a book of the month club means exciting mail at least once a month. Plus, your loved one may find some great reads that he or she never would have chosen on their own.
Alzheimer’s Puzzle
Good gifts for seniors can be both entertaining and serve a purpose. These Alzheimer’s puzzles not only help pass the time, but they are great for stimulating the mind.
Large Print Playing Cards
Large print is great for aging eyes, and card games in general are great for aging minds, making these large print playing cards a thoughtful birthday or Christmas gift for elderly parents.
Coloring Books
Adult coloring books can be both relaxing and spark creativity in seniors. Pair with a set of colored pencils or a big box of markers and you’ve got yourself a great gift for elderly family members.
Music
Send your loved one on a walk down memory lane with music from their favorite era, like this set of 100 60’s songs on Amazon.
Kitchen
Here are a few gifts for senior citizens to kick their culinary worlds up a notch.
Electric Kettle
Electric kettles make great gifts for senior citizens who love to sip warm beverages. Add a box of fine teas or gourmet hot chocolates for an extra special touch.
Electric Can Opener
An electric can opener is ideal for seniors who don’t have the dexterity or strength to manage the manual version.
You could go high end with this version from Sharper Image.
And this basic handheld option is reasonably priced and available on Amazon.
Induction Cook Top
Some of the best gifts for seniors are gifts that allow them to maintain independence AND give you peace of mind. Induction cooktops certainly fit the bill.
Williams Sonoma’s Goodful induction top even comes with a remote control.
The NuWave includes all the controls you need right on the cooktop itself.
Custom Apron
A custom apron is the perfect gift for senior citizens who love to bake or cook. You can find them at many online retailers. We love this one we found on Etsy.
Grocery Delivery Service
Another gift that relieves a burden without stripping an elderly loved one of their independence – grocery delivery services. A membership to a service like Instacart, Peapod, or Shipt means fresh groceries without a trip to the store.
Temperature Controlled Mug
A very useful gift for the elderly loved one who enjoys their morning cup of joe while perusing the paper. A temperature controlled mug will keep coffee (or tea!) perfectly warm to the last sip.
Cozy Gifts
Keep your loved one toasty warm with these cozy gifts for senior citizens.
Rubber Soled Slippers
If you’re considering gift ideas for older people, especially those with mobility concerns, make sure you choose a slipper with a secure back and rubber sole. L.L Bean has great quality slippers that make perfect gifts for elderly people.
Lounge Wrap
Wraps keep you cozy from head to toe, making them a great Christmas gift for elderly loved ones, or anyone who tends to be chilly!
Sharper Image sells this plush oversized lounging hoodie.
Or you could always go with the original Snuggie which comes in a variety of patterns and colors.
Fluffy Robe
And speaking of cozy, how about a nice fluffy robe to keep warm on chilly winter mornings?
Electric Blanket
If you want to go big, consider this electric blanket from the Vermont Country Store for maximum warmth.
Towel Warmer
Nobody wants to dry off with a chilly towel after warming up in a nice hot shower. A bucket style towel warmer is the ultimate in luxury.
Lighting
Lighting is a must for both safety and convenience. Here are some lighting gifts for senior citizens that are sure to brighten their day (or night).
Lighted Magnifying Glass
A lighted magnifying glass is one of the handiest gifts you can give to an aging loved one.
From free standing magnifying lights…
To handheld magnifying glasses, there’s something out there for everyone.
Headlamp
For light on the go, (and also great to have on hand for possible power outages) a headlamp is where it’s at. Like most other gifts for senior citizens on our list, there are a range of options and prices. We love this Black Diamond headlamp, available on Amazon.
Toilet Light
This might seem like the silliest gadget but trust us, it will not lead you astray in the middle of the night. Everyone needs a toilet light!
Useful Gifts
And then there the gifts for senior citizens that don’t quite fit in any particular category, but are perfect for our list, nonetheless. Here are some useful gifts to consider this holiday season.
Chair Exercises
If you’re searching for gifts for seniors that will help improve quality of life, why not give the gift of exercise?
The Resistance Chair Rehab Pack includes everything needed for a full body workout, or physical therapy routine.
And this inexpensive, Healthy Seniors Chair Exercise Program is perfect for anyone who wants to keep up their strength and balance as they age.
Eyeglass Stand
An owl eyeglass holder makes a creative gift for seniors. Both functional and decorative, its sure to put a smile on everyone’s face.
Armrest Organizer
An armrest organizer is hands down, one of the best gifts for seniors who don’t have a coffee table or end table within arm’s reach of their favorite spot on the sofa.
Fresh Flowers
A fresh flower delivery subscription will brighten anyone’s day and add some cheer to any home.
Enjoy Peace of Mind this Holiday Season with Veterans Home Care
There’s no better gift than the peace of mind that comes from knowing your elderly loved one is well cared for. Veterans Home Care helps wartime Veterans and their surviving spouses apply for a little known VA benefit to do just that.
The VA Pension with Aid and Attendance provides funding for in-home care to qualified applicants. Once an application is approved by the VA, we can even arrange for caregivers to start right away.
Contact Veterans Home Care at (888) 314-6075 for more information about choosing a home care agency, the VA Pension with Aid and Attendance, and how we can help you get started.