Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Seniors | Brookfield Assisted Living

We owe it to the seniors in our life to make them feel as comfortable and as appreciated as possible. However, it can get difficult to buy them a present when they have spent their life obtaining everything they need and want. These suggestions can help point you in the right direction.

As a token of thanks for the social guidance and upbringing we received from the older generations, we should all make an effort to share our appreciation for the elderly, in nursing homes and elsewhere, with gifts. There are plenty of times to give gifts for senior citizens, such as for birthdays, holidays, and other occasions.

1. Notebook for Passwords

Seniors often struggle to remember the different passwords and PINs to their various online accounts. A small notebook can give seniors a single place to record their passwords for easy reference. They can also use the notebook to write down to-do lists or notes while on a phone call with their doctor.

2. Funny Coffee Mug

If the senior in your life enjoys relaxing with a cup of coffee in the morning, they can always use a new coffee mug. Don't be afraid to incorporate a bit of humor into the purchase with a funny phrase or image on the coffee mug. The print need not necessarily be comical, you can also find mugs with inspirational quotes, floral imagery, sceneries, and sports team logos on them.

3. Screen Magnifier

Eyesight tends to deteriorate with age, which makes reading small screens more and more difficult. However, many seniors rely on their tablets for entertainment. A screen magnifier can make a small screen easier to read, making using the tablet more enjoyable.

4. Puzzle

Puzzles are challenging and are a great way to pass the time. It can also help stimulate the mind, which becomes increasingly important as we get older. You can find puzzles in just about any image and difficulty level you can imagine, allowing you to pick one that's perfect for your loved one.

5. Golf Gear

Many seniors take up golf after they retire. Support their new hobby by getting them some cool gear.

You can splurge on extravagant gifts such as new clubs or a country club membership. However, you can find golfing accessories in moderate price ranges as well. For people on a budget, you can always get golf hats, golf balls, and other accessories.

6. Picture Frame

The most important thing to seniors is their family and the relationships they've developed over the years. Remind the seniors in your life about those special relationships with a picture frame, complete with your favorite family pictures.

You can set up a digital picture frame complete with a rotating montage of family pictures.

For seniors with thebeginning stages of Alzheimer's or dementia, consider picture frames with captions on them like ‘Grandma and Grandson’ to help them remember the people in the pictures.

7. Toilet Bowl Night Light

Everyone wakes up to take a trip to the bathroom from time to time, and the frequency seems to increase with age.

A toilet bowl night light can make late-night visits to the bathroom safe and more convenient. Plus, the gentle light will be easy on their eyes and make it easier for them to get back to bed.

8. Comfortable Shoes

We put a lot of stress on our feet over the years. Provide the gift of comfort with a shoe designed to mold themselves to the user’s feet, while looking great and also providing arch support.

Always be sure to verify the recipient's shoe size before purchasing shoes. In fact, you could take them along and make a shopping trip out of it, so they can try them on before purchasing them!

9. Massage Pillow

A massage pillow is another way to provide them with a gift of comfort. There are a number of options out there designed for different parts of the body. Some pillows focus on the neck, while others focus on the shoulders or upper back.

10. Calendar

Get the senior in your life a gift that they will enjoy looking at every day of the year. If you have most of the important dates in your calendar already, make a point to fill out the dates for them.

11. A Book

Books can take people away from the monotony of this world to a magical place in the past or in the author's imagination. Reading can become a fun hobby for someone reaching their golden years since their wisdom allows them to read books with a different mindset than when they were younger. If you like to read as well, you could read a book together.

12. Amazon Echo

An Amazon Echo device can help with simple tasks such as shutting off the lights or the television. It can also provide entertainment (just ask, "tell me a joke!"). Should you choose to gift them one, you should make it a point to set it up for them and patiently show them how it works.

Pro Tip: Write a simple troubleshooting guide for the simple problems. Offer to help out in person for more complicated ones.

13. Dad Joke Book

Instill some humor into their lives by gifting them a joke book filled specifically with dad jokes. You can also find retirement joke books, if that's more appropriate.

It's a great book to keep on the coffee table as a lighthearted conversation piece when guests come over.

14. Healing Crystals

Nothing can replace modern medicine when someone doesn't feel well. However, a little holistic healing in conjunction with regular treatment won't hurt. Buy some healing crystals for someone who may struggle with pain or an illness. The crystals will let them know that you send them well wishes. They make great tabletop decor items and the positive energy could even manifest into real healing, even if only as an emotional placebo.

15. Pajamas

Everyone loves a good pair of pajamas at absolutely any age. Most importantly, the pajamas must be comfortable and appropriate for the season. They should also be stylish! Just because someone reaches a certain stage in life doesn't mean that they want to wear something that ages them. Keep your selection as modern as possible.

16. Flowers

Flowers are traditional gifts that bring beauty and thoughtfulness into someone's life without giving them something that they need to get rid of later. Keep your eyes and ears open to learn about someone's favorite type of flower. However, you cannot go wrong with orchids, lilies or even roses!

Flowers are not meant for women alone; they make great presents for men too! You can even find a vase in the shape of a football or golf bag to add a masculine flair to them.

17. Gift for the Pet

Pets help keep owners calm and provide them with company. Encourage the bond between pet and senior by gifting the pet something, such as a new toy or an embarrassing-but-cute outfit. You can also volunteer to help care for the pet in small ways, such as taking the dog for a walk or cleaning the litter box, to give the senior a break from doing it themselves.

18. Homemade Meal

Many seniors have spent years cooking for other people. They also probably don't get homemade meals every day like they used to. Take the time to make a homemade meal for the senior in your life. You could make a traditional dish from the old country or one of their very own recipes to add a personal touch to the meal.

19. Memories Book

You probably don't know every story your senior has to tell. However, you should give them a space to write down all of their memorable moments in a book with intriguing prompts. Some prompts may ask about their first car, their first date, and lessons they learned during parenthood. Once the senior fills out the book, they can share some of their favorite memories with you. You may even get to hold on to the book after they pass to remember them and their life.

20. Quality Time

More than anything, most seniors just want to spend quality time with the people they love. The biggest gift you can give anyone is your time. Life gets busy, but it's important to make time for the seniors in your life by doing things together. You don't have to do anything special. You can simply relax and watch TV while eating sandwiches. Whatever you do together will mean more than you could possibly imagine, so give them the gift of time as often as possible.

Even seniors with limited mobility can do more than you might think. Check out thesesummer activities for seniors in wheelchairs!

Do you have questions about if your gift idea is appropriate for an assisted living environment? ContactBrookfield Assisted Living and Memory Care  in Arkansas to ask your questions before you visit.

Whatever you select as a gift, remember that your presence is the greatest one of all.