The holiday giving season is upon us! When asked about what they want for a Christmas gift, most aging adults will respond with, “Don’t get me anything. I already have everything I need!”
We still like to express appreciation for the older adults in our lives, whether it be a family member, friend, or neighbor. Here are some suggestions to keep in mind as you consider gift-giving options this year.
The most important gift that most seniors want is time with family. Visits are treasured, whether they be in-person or virtual. The senior’s health and preferences should be taken into consideration when determining what type of visit is best.
When visiting in person, sharing a holiday meal with the young and old together can be a favorite family tradition. Some additional suggestions include the following:
– Look through family photos or slides to reminisce about past holidays and share memories.
– Listen to their favorite holiday music together, and if it creates an impromptu sing-along, go with it!
– Do a fun activity together, such as baking holiday treats using a favorite family recipe or decorating the Christmas tree. Have young children color holiday pictures or make decorative paper snowflakes or chains to hang in the grandparent’s home.
– Have everyone read a favorite holiday story together, especially if young children are part of the visit.
– Play a simple game they enjoy, such as a card game that both young and old can play.
– Have grandchildren bring something to show and tell, such as a holiday project they worked on at school or a lesson from church.
– Does your loved one have a favorite holiday movie? Plan a movie night with friends or family. Classics like “White Christmas,” “Miracle on 34th Street,” “It’s a Wonderful Life,” and “A Christmas Story” are some ideas.
– Make sure to capture the holiday together with a group family photo that can be displayed in the senior’s home as a reminder of how much they are loved.
Some gift ideas to consider for older adults include:
– Pamper your loved one with a manicure, hairstyle session, shave, or grooming. It’s a great way to leave them feeling appreciated and looking their best for the holidays.
– Consider fleece or fuzzy slippers with rubber grippers on the bottom. Socks with grippers are another choice to keep feet warm while helping to reduce the potential for falls or slips.
– Many seniors still enjoy writing and receiving letters, so gifts of stationary, an assorted box of greeting cards, pens, and stamps are a great gift. And when you receive one of these lovely cards, it is a great gift to mail a letter back in return!
– If your loved one has a favorite scent, assemble a small basket filled with their favorite shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion. Dry skin is often a problem for older adults, so check out what might work best for their skin type.
– Large print books and magazines are favorites for those who still enjoy reading, as are pen-and-paper Sudoku, crossword puzzles, activity books, brain games, word searches, and adult coloring books.
– Games with large print and pieces are great for passing the time. Large-piece jigsaw puzzles are also a great hit with older adults.
– Gift cards to a favorite store, such as a local grocery store, restaurant, or coffee shop, are always well-liked.
– Give the gift of time! Take your neighbor out for a meal, and then drive them around town to their appointments or help them do their errands. An extra person to take care of the driving and parking, reach items high on the grocery shelf, and load heavy or bulky items into the car and house can make all the difference, especially in inclement weather. Shoveling a neighbor’s driveway or walk is an excellent way for older children to learn about the importance of helping others.
A recent poll shows that what seniors want most is to stay connected with friends and family. Next on the list are gifts that are practical and functional, and sometimes sentimental. Take these measures into consideration, and your gift will surely be appreciated.
Happy Holidays to you and yours from all of us at Benedictine Living Community Crookston!
