15 Gift Ideas for Older Adults

When a birthday or the holidays come around, finding the right gift for the parents and grandparents in your life can be challenging. Many older adults never ask for anything and seem to be perfectly content just to have your company's gift. Yet, you still want to find something special to show how much you love them. 

If you are struggling to think of what to gift an older loved one in your life, these fifteen ideas should help guide you to find something that perfectly suits their needs.

Clothing

1. US Navy Cap 

Did your father or mother serve in the Navy? Or maybe one of their parents did in WWII? Treat them to a US navy cap. Customize their hat with a unique navy ship to reflect their unique military history. 

2. Cozy Fleece

It’s much easier to catch a chill as you age. Finding a soft and cozy fleece can help your loved ones stay warm whenever they leave the house. They’ll feel like you’re giving them a warm hug whenever they wear it. 

3. Fresh Slippers

After retirement, older adults tend to spend a lot more time at home; a good pair of house slippers can help them make the most of these days of relaxation. Also, if your parent or grandparent struggles with poor circulation, consider slippers that feature acupressure massage to help relieve tension. 

4. College Gear

Are you heading off to start your collegiate journey this year? Involve your grandparents by gifting them a ball cap, sweater, or jersey. They will love showing off school spirit and using it as an opportunity to share stories of your ambitions with their friends. 

For the Home

5. Aromatherapy Diffuser 

Our memories are deeply tied to our sense of smell. Gift an older family member with an aromatherapy diffuser to help them connect to another time. Choose calming scents that may remind them of their childhood, maybe lilac for your grandmother, who always talks about the giant lilac bush at her childhood home. 

6. Heated Back Massager

Who doesn’t love to relax with a gentle massage? Choose a heated neck massage pad for the loved one in your life and help all their tension melt away. 

7. Coffee Mug Warmer

Whether the older adult in your life drinks coffee or tea, chances are they always have to get up and microwave it every time it gets cold. A coffee mug warmer can sit on the endtable beside them to keep their drink warm all day long. 

Fuel Exploration

8. Binoculars

Binoculars can help older adults in your life enjoy the wildlife around them. Take them birdwatching or try and spot a whale on an ocean cruise. 

9. Around the World Tea Subscription 

Maybe your loved one has difficulty traveling for health reasons. That doesn’t mean they can’t still experience the world. Gift them with a monthly subscription that allows them to sample a variety of teas from around the globe. 

10. Tickets to a Show

Create a memory together by gifting your loved one tickets to a local show. See a band, enjoy a musical, or go to a food festival together. Not only will it be a great gift, but you’ll create a memory together which will last a lifetime. 

11. Take Them to a Paint Night 

Attend a paint night at a local brewery or wine club together. Your parent or grandparent will love that you set aside time to spend with them. Plus, you’ll create something beautiful you can both hang in your homes. 

Personalized Gifts 

12. Wifi Picture Frame

If your parents or grandparents live far away, you can include them in your day-to-day adventures with a wifi picture frame. Most older adults aren’t on social media, but with a wifi frame, you can share all your quick snapshots directly to their home. They will love feeling like they are experiencing life right by your side. 

13. Family Tree Puzzle

A puzzle can be a fun activity to do together, and if it's personalized to include your family lineage, you can display it on the wall when you finish. This could be a DIY project you do yourself by purchasing a blank puzzle, or you could find a company online that can help you design the perfect gift. 

14. Handwritten Recipe Cutting Board

Find an old recipe written in your grandmother's handwriting. Then, have an artisan from Etsy etch this onto the wood of a high-quality cutting board. Your mother or father will love showcasing this piece in their kitchen and the connection it brings them to their past.   

15. Storyworth 

Don’t let your parent or grandparent’s story be forgotten. Storyworth will prompt them to share random stories and photos from their lives for an entire year. Then, at the end of the year, they will receive a book telling their life story.

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