When buying gifts for seniors in our family, we hit a roadblock because they are opposed to having more stuff in their homes and cite downsizing and age as reasons to refuse newer items. While we are mindful of their tastes and wishes, we would also like to show our token of love through gifts.
Indeed, many of us experience this dilemma when we holiday in a different state or country and wish to bring back memorabilia for our near and dear ones. We end up racking our brains when we think of what we can buy for our aged parents or grandparents. It is no use asking them, for they will wave us off and say that we shouldn't bother with gifts because they have everything they need.
We give you practical and useful gifting ideas to make special occasions memorable for your senior loved ones.
1. Digital clock
Are your parents one of those senior couples who squabble over paper calendars- one loves to hang the good old calendars around the home for a quick reminder of the day and date, and the other finds them a decor disaster? Digital clocks are the perfect answer that can keep both happy. The large display makes for easy viewing. It also makes for a handy gift for seniors who face memory lapses.
2. Kindle
Seniors who love to read would highly appreciate an E-reader or Kindle to indulge in their literary pursuits. A Kindle is convenient for older adults because of its features. One can adjust the backlight and font according to vision and comfort. It is easy to bookmark the page you're reading and even highlight words and paragraphs for references- a feature most senior adults would love to use.
3. Chocolate hampers
Yes, senior adults love a good, melt-in-the-mouth chocolate treat. Chocolates are great mood boosters and give a rush of energy. A hamper of their favorite flavors will be a delightful gift. You could include dark chocolates for those who have higher sugar levels.
4. Pill organizer box
This beautiful organizer is a fantastic way to remind our senior family members about the medication they are supposed to take at different times of the day. The box is color coded for the days of the week and has separate slots for morning, evening, and night.
5. Robotic vacuum cleaner
Roomba or similar brands of robotic vacuum cleaner, is a blessing on days when the house help goes on a holiday. During the lockdown, it was the savior of many households. If your parents are comfortable using technology, they would love this gadget to free up their time and save backache.
6. Coffee maker
Filter coffee lovers will not trade their traditional coffee filters with anything modern. Yet, an electric filter coffee maker that even grinds the beans for that authentic and freshly brewed flavor will be hard to resist. It's perfect for those who like to brew just a single or double serve at a moment's notice.
7. Keepsake journal
Older adults love the old-fashioned way of safeguarding print photos and memories. A journal that can hold photos of grandchildren when they were young, or family pictures from trips and special occasions, and a space to record details from these moments is a gift they will cherish.
8. OTT subscription
In the age of digital entertainment, a yearly subscription to OTT platforms can be a delightful gift for parents or grandparents. Online channels, such as Amazon Prime, Netflix, Zee5, and Sony Liv, offer great content in the form of movies and web series. Senior adults can binge-watch their favorite web series or re-live old times by watching films of their era on these platforms.
9. Cleaning services
Who doesn't like a squeaky-clean house? However, as we age, maintaining our homes as we did in our younger days becomes stressful and overwhelming. Deep cleaning services from companies like Urban Company are a boon for senior citizens managing their households. From sofa fabric shampooing to carpet vacuuming to deep cleaning bathrooms and kitchens, they offer a wide range of services. A yearly subscription with scheduled visits every quarter or a one-time service during festivals or special occasions will be a thoughtful gift.
10. Anti-slip socks/slippers
Senior adults fear slipping while walking on smooth surfaces like vitrified tiles. Anti-skid socks or slippers are handy when the floor is cold in winter, and they don't wish to wear regular slippers or socks for fear of having a fall. Anti-skid slippers offer comfort to those suffering from orthopedic problems. They come in trendy colors and can be used outdoors too.