7 Gift Ideas for the Elderly This Holiday Season

Whoever believed that presents were just for little kids was clearly mistaken. As we grow up, getting presents for the holidays can become even more exciting as it is often less expected.

If you are looking for a gift for an elderly person in a nursing home or a present for an elderly parent or grandparent living at home this holiday season, here are some unique gift ideas for them divided by where in the house they would be used.

1. For the family room: Perfect Petzzz

"If you are thinking about what to buy someone for Christmas who is elderly, a Perfect Petzzz dog or cat could be a perfect solution."

These synthetic cats and dogs breathe like real animals as well as:

•  Give comfort to lonely people 
•  Help to reduce stress, anxiety, and even depression
•  Provide a number of other benefits that a real pet might provide 

Perfect Petzzz such as this Beagle Bundle Alaskan Husky Bundle, or this Grey Tabby Bundle provide real cuddles and companionship to the elderly and people with dementia. 

Another reason to choose this gift is that Perfect Petzzz provides a great way for the elderly to bond with other members of their family, which is even more important during the holiday season and summer holidays.

2. For the bedroom: Large Display Clock

As people age, eyesight often deteriorates making it more important to have devices such as clocks around the house with larger numbers or digital displays. 

Some clocks such as the Analogue Calendar Clock have enhanced functionality including a calendar with a function that self-adjusts for leap years and a display that can still be seen under fluorescent lighting. 

Another option such as this Automatic Calendar with Clock is a very popular choice for gifts for elderly women and can be placed on a table or hung on a wall.

3. For the outdoors: GPS Pendants

Unlike in much of the Northern Hemisphere where the holidays season is all about snow, our holiday season in Australia is connected with sunshine and summer and lots of opportunities to spend time outdoors. 

For people with dementia, a present like a GPS pendant allows you to know where your loved one is while giving them the independence to explore while knowing you are available and easily contacted. 

The Mind Me Pro has a built-in phone and GPS that allows you to contact your loved one in case of emergency. As well, when the device detects if the wearer has fallen. 

If they push the button to indicate an emergency, the device automatically calls or texts the emergency contacts providing you with the gift of peace of mind that you will receive a notification right away. 

If the person prefers wearable technology, the Mind Me Watch with GPS alarm is a slick device that functions as a watch as well as a GPS tracker. During an emergency, it calls through the person’s phone contact list until someone answers the call.

4. For the bathroom: Helpful Brushes and Combs

If you are seeking a practical gift for an elderly person, these brushes and combs allow someone to:

• Shower independently 
• Reach areas on their head and neck that can be difficult to reach
• Wash with complete control

As an inexpensive gift for senior citizens, this beauty hairbrush is shaped with a very long handle and a curved edge making hair easier to brush for people who have difficulty reaching the back of their head. 

There is a similar beauty body washer that has a long handle with a washcloth attached to the end. Washing difficult to reach places and continuing to shower independently are some of the main benefits of this gift.

5. For the kitchen: Kitchen Workstation

When searching for gifts for an elderly woman for Hanukkah (Chanukah), look no further than this kitchen workstation. 

This item provides a strong grip on popular kitchen utensils, allowing people who have less strength or grip to continue pottering around in their kitchen. Among other fun gadgets, it contains spikes to hold food in place while it is being cut as well as a grater with a base that collects food in order to minimize cleanup and messiness. 

Or, for a smaller gift, individual kitchen utensils that are easy to grip and therefore easier to use are another great idea. This jar opener to help open tight lids and a can opener that allows someone to open a tin with the touch of a button are popular choices for people who enjoy cooking.

6. For the kitchen: Kettle Tippers

Everyone likes to enjoy a nice cup of tea after dinner, but for elderly or disabled people, preparing tea can become dangerous with tremors or low vision. 

Kettle tippers:

• Provide a sturdy base that mounts the kettle
• Have a handle that can be easily turned in order to tip the hot water into a mug
• Can be used with most standard-sized kettles

They are available in either cordless or universal models and can be used with most standard-sized kettles. If you are trying to decide what to buy someone for Christmas, this is a great choice.

Thinking about these types of devices in the kitchen is one way to ensure safety in and around the home.

7. As a stocking stuffer: GripSox

We couldn’t complete our list without including a pair of socks as a recommended stocking stuffer Christmas gift. These GripSox come in either red or black and are sold in a number of sizes for the perfect fit. As an inexpensive gift for senior citizens, these socks prevent falls and are perfect for a number of other activities including yoga, paddleboarding, or pilates.

Do you have any good ideas for seniors gifts for the holidays? Get in touch to share them with us. 

Wishing you and your family and happy and healthy holiday season and the opportunity to share special moments and memories with your loved ones.