5 Gifts Ideas for the Senior in Your Life

Finding the perfect gift for our parents or grandparents isn’t always the easiest of tasks. Most of the time, we’re caught up in our routines and then, at the last moment we have to find a gift for the senior in our lives. Getting a pair of gloves, slippers or even a bouquet of flowers as a gift isn’t really a surprise for seniors…better to see the look of amazement when they open one of our 5 Christmas gift ideas for the senior in your life!
1. Entertainment: when winter rolls around, seniors are more reluctant to go outside and who can blame them!

• Get your loved one an entertaining and stimulating book (travel guide, book about birds, etc.) that matches their interests. A book with pictures and not a lot of text is better for older eyes and is a better bet than a long novel.

• It’s always a good idea to increase cognitive stimulation. Games like puzzles, crosswords, board games and cards are perfect for keeping spirits high.

2. For brining back pleasant memories: personalized gifts are often the ones that are most appreciated.

• Make a photomontage of pictures that your loved one likes best (family portraits, pictures of his/her pet, of his/her spouse, etc.).

• Revive old pictures by using a digital frame. Add photos to a USB key, connect the key to the frame and that’s it! The photos will be displayed one after the other.

3. Pampering: when a person loses his/her autonomy, daily tasks become more challenging.

• Bring your loved one a homemade meal. Try making one of his/her favourite meals or a hearty meal that can be shared with others.

• Offer to clean your parent’s or grandparent’s home. This is always well received, especially for seniors with mobility problems.

4. Something comfortable: winter is synonymous with staying cozy warm.

•  Give your loved one an electric blanket or maybe a high quality orthopedic pillow. These accessories will certainly increase your loved one’s comfort level.

•  Choose some unusual candles. For extra safety, an electric diffuser is a great choice.

5. No more loneliness: everyone knows what makes elderly people the happiest: being around their loved ones.

•  Spend an afternoon with your parent or grandparent offering to do whatever activity they choose.

• Register your loved one for an activity (bingo, knitting, etc.).