It can be challenging to find the perfect gift for someone you love. What do you get for someone who has everything, or for someone who wants nothing? Or, in the case of your older parents, what do you get for someone who has received a lifetime of gifts, or may have a different idea of what a “good” gift is?
It seems like finding the right gift for your parent(s) is a challenge every year. You want to give them something that will surprise and delight them, and not end up unused in a box, forgotten about until next year’s spring cleaning.
Brickmont Assisted Living, with senior living communities throughout the Atlanta area, has created this holiday guide with some gift ideas for your older parents that they’ll actually use and appreciate!
An iPad is a classic, go-to gift that’s user-friendly with a simple design and clear display, making it easy for older adults to use. An iPad can provide endless use and benefits - games, recipes, books, photos, and (an especially important feature this year) for FaceTiming and communicating with family and friends.
An Amazon Echo (or Alexa) can be a handy tool for older adults. Not only does it include basic features like playing music or relaying the weather, but it can help older adults with household tasks, like adjusting the lights or temperature, medication reminders, voice calling, and more.
A Note From Brickmont: For both of these gifts, we encourage you to spend some time with your parents and make sure they know how to use them. Setting up these devices and getting them connected properly can create a shared experience with your loved one and ensure they are getting the most out of their gift.
A customized photo book can be a thoughtful gift for older parents who love to walk down memory lane. You can even surprise them by going through old photos that they haven’t seen in a while. Companies like Walmart or Shutterfly make it easy to upload pictures and create a unique photo book that can include captions and various layouts.
Like a photo book, a custom photo calendar will bring joy to your parent(s) every time they look at it by reminding them of special memories and people. You can even customize the calendar to include birthdays, anniversaries, and other important dates like annual appointments or check-ins with physicians.
Smartwatches and wearable technologies aren’t just for the young! According to a study by AARP, 45% of participating adults 50 and over noted increased motivation and healthier living after six weeks of wearing an activity tracker.
Smartwatches not only track your parent’s activity levels but also report other vital data like sleep levels, heart rate, calories, and more, providing them with knowledge and insight into their health and wellness habits.
If your older parent loves to exercise, home exercise equipment can be the perfect gift. It can help them stay motivated and fit without ever leaving the house. Some popular at-home equipment options include a treadmill, an elliptical, or a stationary bike.
Weighted blankets are heavier-than-normal blankets that produce a calming, grounding effect. Weighted blankets have been shown to reduce anxiety levels and can also aid in insomnia and other disorders.
Coloring isn’t just for children. Adult coloring books, which include intricate designs like mandalas and floral patterns, have become popular recently due to their health and wellness benefits. Coloring in these books can help your parent channel their energy and focus on something while also relaxing their mind and body.
If your parent is a reader, a Kindle can be an excellent option for a holiday gift. As its sole purpose is to store books, a Kindle is more basic than an iPad—which may be better for some adults. Kindles are easy-to-use and have unique features that make it great for older adults, like a no-glare screen and waterproof capabilities.
If your parent prefers real books, consider buying them a Book of the Month Club subscription. They’ll get personally recommended books sent right to their doorstep!
From practical to fun to sentimental, those are Brickmont Assisted Living’s top gift ideas for older parents. We hope this guide has given you plenty of ideas for your parents, grandparents, or other family members (and maybe even yourself!).
As we head into the holiday season, it’s important to remember that while gifts are an affectionate way to show someone you care, this is a time for love, family, and togetherness (even if that means celebrating virtually).
From all of us at Brickmont Assisted Living, we wish you and your family a happy holiday season!