What do you give the person who seems to have everything, insists they don’t need anything, and stubbornly doesn’t want you to spend money on them?
Tis the season for once again scratching your head as you try to find a thoughtful Christmas present for the older parent, grandparent, relative or friend in your life.
Luckily, we’re here to help! We’ve gathered 25 creative gift ideas for an older person to enjoy this festive season — from the practical to purely enjoyable.
Happy shopping!
Our favourite Christmas gifts for older people
1. Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Mentioned in our recent 10 handy gadgets for senior living blog, a robot vacuum can be a smart and thoughtful gift for an older person who finds household chores increasingly tricky.
2. A Local Food & Drink Hamper
Is your older friend or relative finding it harder to get out and about? Bring the best local food and drink to their doorstep with a homemade hamper. Select local cheeses, baked goods, sweets, treats, and more to make it extra special.
3. White Noise Machine
Some older people find it difficult to drift off at night. A white noise machine can generate a soothing sound to help people relax and fall asleep faster.
4. E-Reader
Do you have an avid reader in the family? Help them switch from heavy hardbacks to a nice and light e-reader. You can even preload it with some of their favourite books!
5. Digital Photo Frame
A Wi-Fi-enabled photo frame lets you upload pictures from your phone directly to the frame, no matter where you are in the world. The perfect gift for older people in nursing homes. Brighten up their day by sharing your favourite snaps of their grandchildren with just a few taps of your phone.
6. Adult Colouring Books
Colouring has become very popular among adults in the last few years, and with good reason. It’s a fun way to relax, relieve boredom, and work on fine motor skills. Pair it with some nice colouring pencils or watercolour paints.
7. Automatic Card Shuffler
If your older relative enjoys playing card games, but they find shuffling tricky due to arthritis, an automatic card shuffler could be a nifty gift.
8. Personalised Jigsaw Puzzles
Older people dealing with dexterity or memory issues may enjoy the challenge of a jigsaw puzzle — especially if the image means something to them. There are plenty of companies out there offering bespoke puzzles based on a high-quality uploaded image.
9. Large Display Digital Clock
Seniors living with dementia may find it confusing to not know the time, date, or day of the week. A large display digital clock can help them orient themselves.
10. Audible Subscription
If your loved one enjoys a good book, but finds it hard to sit with one in front of them, an Audible subscription could help them reconnect with the stories they love. They can pop on their headphones and enjoy an audiobook via their smartphone or tablet device.
11. Video Doorbell
For many elderly people, living at home alone can feel scary. Give the gift of peace of mind with a video doorbell. When rung, it sends an alert to their smartphone, so they can see who’s standing at the door before answering. They can even speak to the person and record their interaction.
12. Automatic Jar Opener
This Christmas, why not solve a small, everyday problem? Many people find opening jars harder as they get older due to a weakened grip and arthritis. Help them get back to cooking the food they love with an automatic jar opener.
13. Monthly Subscriptions
Whether your relative loves chocolate, cheese, wine, flowers, or topical news stories, there’s a subscription to suit all tastes. Give them a year-round gift of the things they enjoy the most.
14. Electric Blanket
The cost of living and energy crises can’t be overlooked this Christmas. An electric blanket can be a great (and cost-effective) way to combat cold winter nights.
15. Experience Gift Cards
Can’t think of a “thing” to give your loved one? Then give them an experience. From spa days to cinema trips, you’re bound to find a gift card that’ll make them smile.
16. Gig or Match Tickets
In a similar vein, tickets to a show, concert, or sporting event will go down a treat with a fan!
17. Professional House Cleaning
If your loved one lives at home alone, take the weight off their shoulders by paying for a professional to deep clean their home. The perfect way to start a new year.
18. Vinyl Record Player
Does your older relative boast a vast vinyl record collection? Is it gathering dust up the loft? Help them rediscover their passion with a trendy new record player.
19. A Personalised Calendar
A Christmas gift classic among children and grandchildren, a personalised calendar is a sweet and thoughtful daily reminder of friends and family.
20. Photo Albums (and Your Time)
Nowadays, most photos sit on our phones and in the cloud. But many older people have amassed a considerable collection of physical pictures over the years. If your loved one has photos stuffed in boxes and bags, help them organise them into albums and reminisce together.
21. A Memory Journal
Encourage your older relative to record their most cherished and meaningful experiences with a memory journal. Each page has prompts to help them get started. This could then be passed on to a grandchild later in life.
22. A Restaurant Gift Certificate (and You)
Not every gift needs to be complicated or elaborate. Simply treat your loved one to a nice meal and your company in their favourite restaurant.
23. A Holiday
Whether it’s a staycation or somewhere a little warmer, getting away for a few days (or weeks) is always welcome.
24. Gifts for the Garden
There’s a range of gifts for a green-fingered older relative. From weeding mats and gardening chairs to utility aprons and seed subscriptions, help them get back into the garden once spring has sprung.
25. Socks!
Finally, no list of Christmas gifts is complete without the all-time classic: socks. Combine fashion and function by gifting cosy socks with rubber grips to help prevent falls at home.
Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year from Fulford!
From our home to yours, the staff and residents of Fulford wish you a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year.