It’s not always easy buying gifts for senior loved ones. You may find you are shopping for a person who seemingly “has everything,” has developed very specific tastes and opinions about what they do like and don’t like, and may insist that they don’t need or want anything at all.
Consider these tips to help you discover the best gifts for seniors — ones they will want and appreciate! In addition, we will explore sources for gift ideas, as well as ways to make sure your gift is delivered safely and on time.
How to Find Out What They Want
The primary goal — and the most difficult one to successfully achieve — is to determine what your senior would want. Here are eight tips and tricks for finding the best gifts for seniors:
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Observe and listen – and start early!
Don’t wait a week before you need to purchase a gift to then try and remember what Mom or Dad said they liked or needed. Make notes about things they say they wish they had or could use, even if the occasion isn’t for weeks or months.
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What sorts of items do your seniors buy?
Do they like books? If so, what is their favorite subject? Who is their favorite author? What books have they already read, and which ones have they expressed an interest in reading?
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Use hobbies and interests as inspiration for gifts for senior loved ones.
Does Mom or Dad spend time crafting, or do they enjoy listening to a particular genre of music? If they like to create art, consider art supplies. If they love to cook, buy a cookbook with recipes that interest them. In addition, Creative Bug offers online video arts and crafts workshops and techniques.
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How do they relax?
If they like movies, you may want to set them up with an online streaming service. If they like a glass of wine in the evening, enroll them in an online wine club.
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Do they like to learn new things?
Senior Planet, sponsored by AARP, offers courses on subjects ranging from finance, to writing, to modern technology, and more. And there are many other lifelong learning sites to choose from.
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What have they talked about buying for themselves?
Is there something in the home that needs to be replaced, or have they expressed an interest in an item for themselves?
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Do they have a favorite charity?
Supporting a cause they have contributed to and believe in could be a great gift.
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Practicality may be the answer.
Maybe your senior would prefer everyday items they can use — a gift basket with lotions, shampoos, and soaps could be all they want. If this doesn’t sound like much, remember the gift is about what the recipient wants — which may not be extravagant or expensive. Maybe include some “coupons” your senior can redeem from you for lawn mowing, help with laundry, or delivering meals.
What Gifts Are Out There?
Uncommon Goods offers a unique array of creative gifts for seniors; everything from Major League game-used baseball bats converted to bottle openers, gardener’s tool seats, teas from around the world, and butterfly houses.
Great Senior Living provides 70 gift ideas for seniors which are listed by categories, including fun and practical gifts; gifts for people who are visually, hearing, or cognitively impaired; or who have arthritis. They also have some gift ideas for people who “have everything!”
Getting Gifts Delivered Undamaged and On Time
After all the effort to find and purchase a great gift, you want it to arrive on time and in good condition. Here are some recommendations:
- Ship early. This seems obvious, but the holidays tend to arrive more quickly than we anticipate.
- Pack for impact. If you are shipping the gift, use a sturdy container. Breakable items should be wrapped in bubble wrap. It is recommended that you do not use string, cord, twine, or paper overwrap to secure the outside of your package as they may get caught in package handling equipment.
- Create a duplicate label. You should use a waterproof marker for the sender and recipient information on the outside. A duplicate label on the inside of the package will aid in returning it to you if it is damaged or becomes undeliverable.
- Track your package: Package delivery services like UPS and FedEx offer real-time delivery updates with notifications on the status of your packages and when to expect delivery.
- Online Orders: When ordering online, pay attention to the cut-off dates. Online retailers will publish “purchase by” dates to ensure delivery times. Avoid back ordered items. You could be placed on a waiting list.
Find more tips for a happy, healthy holiday season with your senior loved one on our blog!
