20 Great Gift Ideas for Senior Citizens

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Every year I try to compile helpful gift guides for anyone struggling to buy gifts for the elderly. This year's list has plenty of variety.

Whether you are shopping for a close relative or taking an anonymous gift by a nursing home, this list will help give you some inspiration.



But first...

Things to remember when shopping for the elderly:

1. Know Their Age and Generation

Please please don't make the mistake of stereotyping all seniors as having lived through or remember the Depression era. Time moves on, and so do generations.

So if you are choosing nostalgic themed gifts, keep ages and dates in mind. The memories and nostalgia of someone who was a teen in the 50's (think Grease!) will be a lot different than someone who was a teen or young adult in the 30's.

2. Keep General Safety in Mind

Some gifts may be really "neat", but are they appropriate for every circumstance? Some examples of things to consider include:

• Not gifting items that can create tripping hazards (cute rugs, stools, floor baskets, etc.) to someone who has low or poor vision.

• Not giving certain food items to those on a medically restricted diet.

• Not giving items that can cause burns (candles, wax burners, etc.) to someone with cognitive issues or dementia.

3. Everyone is Different!

There is no set list of gifts that are perfect for every elder. Take individuality, living circumstances, personal preferences, health, etc. into account. Find out what they like: do they prefer practical items, or do they like fun stuff? Do they collect anything? What do they like to read or watch on tv? What music do they like? Do they like puzzles or games? What is their favorite color? Do they have hobbies?

Don't assume these things...try to find out. You might be really surprised!
Every gift is better with a little personalization. So even if you are giving something practical like a potholder or flashlight--take the time to find it in their favorite color.

Now, on to the gift ideas: 




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1. Cat Shaped Candle Holder 

Know someone who loves cats? This is a cute and fun gift. The holder can be repurposed after the candle has been enjoyed.


2. White Pineapple Essential Oil Diffuser 

Oil diffusers are great gifts for the elderly. Different scents can be used for relaxation, general health, or just to make rooms smell great. This one is especially nice for several reasons. First, the LED lights! Not only does that mean it can be a nice night light, it also means that it is easy to see (and therefore less likely to be bumped over).

The white glass has a nice, classic-vintage feel that will fit in with just about any decor. That means it would even look good in a nursing home room.

And of course the cool mist is soothing and helps with coughs and congestion.


3. Magnetic Sculpture Fidget Toy


Don't the term "toy" put you off. Fidget toys such as these magnetic balls, fidget spinners and click cubes can be very therapeutic for the elderly, especially for people with dementia. Having a accessible items to "mess with" can help prevent unhealthy fidgeting, such as skin picking.

Anyone can have fun with one of these though. They are a great way to relieve stress, and they look cool on a side table or desk.

4. Felt Letter Board 

While these sign board will probably drop off the "trendy" list soon, they look like a great gift idea for an elder. The letters can be used to create special messages, lovely quotes, favorite Bible passages, or lines from poetry or songs.

As a bonus, working with the letters and words can be therapeutic for those with cognitive issues. And it helps maintain and exercise motor skills.


5. Spaghetti Monster

I have to throw this one in because it is absolutely something my grandmother would have loved. "So ugly that it is cute." as she would say. This can add a fun touch and a pop of color to a kitchen without being too junky and silly. A colander is always useful, after all. Extra idea? Turn it into the container for a gift basket and fill with kitchen goodies and edible treats!



6. Puffer Fish Reusable Dryer Balls 

Help someone save a bit of money on laundry day AND maybe make them smile. These are a gift that are both fun and practical.


7. Puzzle Balls 

Another fidget toy! I actually have one of these and they are really cool. They are multipurpose too.

• They work as a stress/fidget ball. 

• It takes a bit of hand/finger strength to move the balls around, so these would be great for someone who needs hand exercises for dexterity.

• Moving the balls in order to match them to the correct holes requires mental focus. Basically brain exercise--which has been thought to slow down the progression of dementia. 

Also these come in a 3 pack, so your recipient can share with friends. 

8. Gourmet Popcorn Sampler 

Sometimes an edible treat is the way to go, especially for someone living in a small space. This popcorn can be given as-is, or put into smaller containers to create multiple gifts. Would also make a great addition to a food gift basket. 

9. Magnetic Wrist Band 

This is an awesome little gadget. It's designed to hold screws and nuts while you work, but would also be fantastic for needles and pins. It's hard for anyone to locate a dropped nail or needle on the floor, but even more so for those with poor vision and mobility issues.


10. Wood Cheese Board 

Another multi-purpose gift. A nice wooden board can be used for a cutting board or serving board. It also looks nice as a kitchen decoration.


11. Mail Organizer 

Help a loved one stay organized with this really nice organizer. I love that it has plenty of room for mail and outgoing bills, plus things such as a checkbook and book of stamps. Even extra envelopes!
The drawer is a nice touch too for pens and a pad of Post-it Notes.

Idea! Use this as the base container for a gift basket. Fill with envelopes, a new book of stamps, a set of personalized return address labels, a nice pen, a note pad, and a small magnifying glass to make a complete gift set.

It could also be used for organizing or storing other items too.


12. Deep Lazy Susan Storage Bin 

Everyone knows a lazy susan turntable is handy in the pantry or in those hard-to-reach corner cabinets. But what about gifting one to be used to hold medications, toiletry supplies, or other items. What a convenient way to keep a bedside table organized while still allowing easy access to everything!

These could also be handy for storing bathroom supplies, small kitchen gadgets, craft supplies, and so forth, making it easier for the elderly to find things without having to stoop, climb, or dig through cabinets and shelves.

Like the mail organizer, this could be made into the base for a gift basket. Fill with small "stocking stuffer" type items and wrap with pretty cellophane and a bow!


13. Embossed Rolling Pin 

For the elder who still loves to bake, why not a fancy rolling pin? There are several lovely designs to make cookies, crusts, and biscuits. This would be especially nice for someone who likes to take baked goods to bazaars, fundraisers, and potlucks.


14. Candy Dispenser

Gumball machine candy dispensers are ageless and timeless. They have a vintage feel, but can still be presently practical. This one can be used for different candies, nuts or even coffee beans, which makes it a very cool, retro canister!

15. Small Cast Iron Skillet 

A cast iron skillet is a multi-purpose piece of cookware than safely go from stove top to oven. A miniature size, like this one is perfect for eggs or a skillet meal for one.


16. Large Calendar 

A nice wall calendar for the upcoming year is always a winner. This is one of my favorite gift suggestions for residents of nursing homes, especially those with dementia who may feel anxious if they can't remind themselves of the current day/month/year. Calendars with engaging photos or artwork are the most pleasant--especially if the theme matches the interests of the person receiving it.

 (And come on, whether a person's "thing" is hot rods, sewing, flowers, cabins, paintings, or cute kittens, there is a calendar for it!).


17. Movies

In the age of streaming everything, DVDs have aged into being very affordable. If the person you know likes films, and has a player, why not buy a few DVD's and make them a "movie gift basket"? Maybe include a cozy lap throw and some candy or snacks.

Please don't "assume" which movies they might like based on age. Try and find out their favorite genre, actors, etc. We had a lovely 79 year old woman in our nursing home whose favorite movie ever was Back to the Future.

CDs and books also make great gifts and can be turned into creative gift baskets.


18. Personalized Pet Dish

Pets are very therapeutic for the elderly! If you know someone with a beloved dog or cat they adore, they might appreciate a customized pet dish. You could take it to the next level by making a pet themed gift basket. This is a great way to give useful gifts that are actually not boring! Things you can add include: feeding dishes, new collar and leash, pet blanket or sweater, a bag of treats, chew toys, and maybe even a nice framed photo of the pet!


19. Bed Organizer 

This one is just practical...but in a good way! One or more of these allows your loved one to keep everything they need or want at night close at hand, without cluttering up a night stand or ending up on the floor.


20. Polaroid Camera


It's a little bit retro, and a little bit modern. Give a gift that brings back memories while capturing new ones!


Have a wonderful holiday season!

Here are some other gift guides you might enjoy: 

100 + Gift Ideas for Senior Citizens

Ultimate List of Stocking Stuffers For the Elderly