10 Useful Gift Ideas for Seniors

Coming up with unique and useful gift ideas can be challenging. And in a year when seniors are spending more time at home than ever before, coming up with those ideas can be even more daunting. After all, by this point, the special senior in your life might already have everything they say they need to make life more enjoyable around the house. Well, we’re here to help. Here are 10 gift ideas (in no particular order) that range from heartfelt to practical, all of which are as useful as they are thoughtful.   

1. Personalized Picture Calendar

There are numerous online vendors that will transform your family pictures into attractive wall calendars. In most cases, you simply upload your digital photos, pick a design theme, and they take it from there. A calendar is extremely useful and when it’s filled with pictures of loved ones and good times, it’s sure to bring extra joy and smiles every day of the year. 

2. Masks + Sanitizers

These days, you can’t have too many face coverings and hand sanitizers. Perhaps the ultimate practical gift of the pandemic era, a simple search online will give you multiple options for masks that suit any fashion taste plus hand sanitizers that smell as nice as the disinfection they deliver. There are plenty of holiday versions available to fit a variety of budgets.   

3. Automatic Pill Dispenser 

Remembering when to take pills every day can be a real challenge for seniors who manage multiple prescriptions. An automatic pill dispenser will help make their everyday life easier and ensure they take the medicines they need when they need them so they can maintain their health and quality of life. 

4. Jigsaw Puzzles 

Available in all sorts of sizes, difficulty levels, and designs, jigsaw puzzles are great gifts because not only are they fun, but they can also help keep seniors engaged and mentally stimulated. If you live with a senior, you can work the puzzles together to enjoy some extra quality time.   

5. Weighted Blanket 

These are anxious times. A weighted blanket is a gift that’s as useful as it is comfy. These specially designed blankets are shown to relieve anxiety, reduce stress, and help people sleep more soundly each night. And because sleep is essential to the health and well-being of seniors, it’s a gift that you can feel good about giving.    

6. Pajamas, Robe & Slippers

Sticking with the good night’s sleep theme, how about a new sleep set? Everybody likes to be cozy at home, and a set with new PJs, a robe, and slip-resistant slippers is just the way to do it. If you can’t afford to buy a whole set, just pick the piece you think your loved one will appreciate most. 

7. Mobile Device Tablet or Smartphone

Staying connected is more important than ever before. If you know a senior who doesn’t have a mobile device or is due for an upgrade, this is the gift idea for you. There are devices and plans for practically any price point and there are devices that are specially designed for use by seniors so they can easily keep in touch with loved ones, access online services, and reach out for emergency help if needed.  

8. Digital Media Subscriptions

We all know that watching favorite movies and TV shows or listening to great music are great ways to pass the time at home. This is true at any age. Buying a subscription to digital movie or music services for someone is an investment in their happiness that will pay off all throughout the year. 

9. Household Mobility Upgrades (walker, cane, grab bars)

Safe mobility is a key concern for seniors living at home—independently or with you in your house. Buy your loved one a new walker or cane to help prevent falls or have grab bars installed so they can more confidently and safely get to where they want to go.  

10. In-Home Care   

Well, for anyone who knows us, this suggestion shouldn’t come as a surprise. Having an in-home caregiver help out with companion care or personal care is a very thoughtful gift that can improve quality of life and provide enhanced peace of mind for your loved one and your family. Best of all, in-home care empowers people to do things that bring them joy—activities that perhaps they couldn’t do safely without assistance. This personalized support can be as frequent or infrequent as needed, and there are services to fit practically any budget and lifestyle. Of course, we’d love it if you choose us, but even if you decide to go with another provider, your senior will benefit from this very considerate gift. After all, what better present to give this season than joy?