Christmas Gift Ideas for Older Adults
Choosing a Christmas gift for an elderly family member or friend can be difficult. Most older people don’t want a lot or they already have most of the things they need for day to day living.
Don’t buy something just for the sake of it. Instead spend time really thinking about the person, their life and interests and use that as a guide.
Top 10 Christmas Gift Ideas
Here are our top 10 Christmas gift Ideas for this year
Photo album or gifts
Create a photo album from old photos so the older person can view them more easily. You could also scan the photos, or if you have more recent digital ones, and use them to create a photo book online. These look very professional and make a great keepsake. If you want something a bit different you could create photo gifts such as a mug or cushion using one or more of the photos.
Books and audio books
Books make a great gift for older readers. Do they have a favourite author with a new book out? Or ask in your local book store for ideas based on what they like reading. If reading is no longer possible consider getting them some audio books that they can listen to on a tablet or mobile, or consider relevant books with lots of pictures.
Adult Colouring Book/s
Adult colouring books make a great Christmas gift to help someone pleasantly pass the time as well as well as helping them to relax (especially good for anxious people). There are so many themes available, you’re sure to find one that matches the interests of your older relative or friend.
Jigsaws & puzzles
Jigsaws and puzzles are fun to do and can help to keep an older person’s mind active. Make sure they are not too hard or the person will lose interest.
Slippers
Slippers may not sound that exciting but they are a practical gift for someone who spends a lot of time in their home. Spoil them a little and buy a luxurious pair that they wouldn’t normally buy themselves. Ensure the slippers have a good grip though, as you don’t want them to slip or trip wearing them.
Winter Woollies
Winter clothes and accessories, that help your older relative stay warm through the colder months, are another useful and practical gift. Items such as scarves, hats, gloves, jumpers and coats are all possibilities. Look for them in their favourite colour or if they have an interest in say birds, see if you can find one that incorporates that in the design, to make it extra special.
Vintage Record Player
Record players are a wonderful nostalgic gift and have made a comeback over the last few years. Add a few records from their favourite artists from the past and you’re sure to see some smiles as it brings back happy memories.
Gift Basket
Gift baskets can make a great gift for an older person rather than just buying one big present. You can buy ones already made up from places such as Marks & Spencer or you can make it more personal and create your own. If you create one of your own, here are some ideas for filling it:
- Biscuits, cake or chocolates
- Condiments such as jam or marmalade
- Their favourite tipple
- Different teas or coffees
- Pamper products such as hand cream
- Jigsaws, puzzle books or colouring books.
Handmade Gifts
If you’re creative or on a budget then why not make your loved one a gift. If you have children, you could also get them involved. The elderly person will appreciate that you’ve spent time and effort making the gift and treasure it all the more. Here are a few ideas:
- Make Christmas biscuits
- Make jam or chutneys
- Make a cross stitch picture
- Knit a scarf
Your Time
Nothing is more precious to an elderly person than your time. Visit a local attraction together or take them out for a meal. You could also create a voucher giving them your time to help with tasks around the house or offering to take them out for lunch or afternoon tea.