Best Holiday Gifts For Elderly Seniors
Categories: Medication, Senior Care, Tips and Ideas |
Posted: 12/5/2011 |
Views: 744
Gift giving for our elderly loved ones is often difficult. Looking back I think of the things that meant the most to mother. As a lot of the elderly who went through the depression, she was a person of little need or want of anything, therefore making it difficult for her children and grandchildren to come up the right gift. In their senior years, things they once desired no longer have the same importance.
Even if you have the means to purchase expensive gifts, these are often not the ones that mean the most. I remember some that hung on walls for many, many years. A copy of grandma’s favorite hymn framed and distressed to look old. That hymn was the "Old Rugged Cross" and inside the frame is a cross, constructed of brown construction paper that adds even more meaning to the gift. Use your imagination. Another grandchild facing financially lean times used one of his talents and painted a picture of his grandfather’s beloved dog. "Doggie heaven" accepted “Brown Dog” years before that picture came down off the wall. Another beloved gift came from a niece who, for her grandparent’s anniversary, took a pumpkin and pasted pictures of her children on it. Any time you can personalize a gift, the more it will go straight to the heart.
Although these thoughtful ideas have so much meaning, I think the perfect gift is not material at all. A gift of our time is the perfect gift – and not just during the holidays, but all year long. Senior citizens often do not have the means to socialize and may be lonely. There is no price tag- the time you spend with the elderly is priceless. For both the giver and the receiver.
Some activities you could do.
- Visit fiends or relatives.
- Have a Game night- Some favorites: Scrabble, Boggle or any old card game. (Note: Keeping the mind active and the body strong are important)
- Watch a favorite movie together or bring out some home movies.
- If they are in a retirement home- visiting children and pets can be a great uplift to all residents. Be sure to create some activity that will keep everyone entertained. Check in with the facility to be sure your activity is permitted.
- Organize a sing along- If you are organizing this before the holiday, use Christmas songs. Otherwise, just use some old time favorites such as: In the Good Ol’ Summertime, When the Saints Go Marching In, You Are My Sunshine, Take Me Out to the Ball Game, Doggie in the Window. No musical instrument available? Record the songs ahead of time. For even more meaning, bring along other friends and relatives.
- Seniors love talking about the good old days. Set up an interview and include questions such as: What games did you play as a child? What is your favorite childhood memory? Who was your best friend? What was the best birthday? Did you have a childhood nickname? You can take it a few steps further than just a conversation. Record the conversation and create a book or memory album.
- Attend a school or church program.
- Go for a drive to check out the neighborhood Christmas lights
- Bring them to your home for dinner or take them out to their favorite restaurant.
- Create a Journal of Gratitude- Write down some things that person did for you that you are grateful for.
Cards can go a long way also. Create your own card or let the grandchildren create it. Add additional meaning by including some pictures. Or simply write a note on the back of a picture and send it out. Mom always enjoyed the cards that made her laugh. On her birthday she knew who would be sending the funny ones and looked forward to them. Include an IOU for that personal visit. Then follow up in a few days, to set a date for that visit or fun activity.
Of course, actual material gifts are often a tradition - or you may need to send a gift long distance and you want something special – Here are some suggestions:
Great Gift Items For Seniors:
Books: Books or reading material: remember to purchase large print if necessary. Remember any visual impairments and purchase large print if necessary.
Comfort:
Personal:
Puzzles:
Making Life Easier: