Special gifts from loved ones can warm our hearts and make us feel cherished and valued. But picking a gift that your loved one will truly enjoy and use can require some thought and research. This is especially true when it comes to gifts for seniors, whose needs and interests might change over time.
To help make things easier, we’ve gathered 20 thoughtful and unique gift ideas for seniors that are sure to brighten their day. Whether you’re looking for a present for your parent, a dear friend or a special loved one, we’ve got something that will bring a smile to their face.
1. Fitness Tracker
Regular exercise and good sleep are crucial for staying healthy, especially as we grow older. But for many seniors, it can be hard to exercise and keep track of activity. A fitness tracker can be an excellent gift to help a special senior start their fitness journey. Fitness trackers can count steps, check heart rate and even monitor sleep quality. When choosing one for a senior, it can be helpful to prioritize essential features, like a big, easy-to-read screen, emergency alert functions and a long-lasting battery.
Price: $99.00
2. Meal Delivery Subscription
Preparing nutritious meals every day can be a daunting task for some seniors, especially those with mobility issues or who live alone. Cooking and cleaning can become physically challenging, and shopping for groceries can be difficult to manage. Meal delivery services provide delicious, healthy options, reducing the need for shopping and prep.
Blue Apron offers meals designed by nutritionists to meet the specific dietary requirements of older adults, including low-sodium, diabetic-friendly and heart-healthy options.
Price: From $9.99
3. Ergonomic Gardening Tool Set
Gardening can be a rewarding and enjoyable hobby, but it can also be physically challenging, particularly for seniors. Activities like bending, kneeling and handling heavy tools can cause discomfort or injury.
If your loved one is passionate about gardening, an ergonomic gardening tool kit can make gardening more enjoyable and safer for them. When choosing garden tools for a senior, prioritize lightweight options with comfortable grips to help reduce strain on their hands and joints.
Price: $29.99
4. Smart Home Device
Staying connected with loved ones and managing daily tasks can be simplified with smart home devices. However, some seniors may find technology intimidating. Smart home devices, like voice-activated assistants and smart speakers, can help seniors with various tasks, from setting reminders to making phone calls using voice commands. This can be particularly helpful for a senior dealing with mobility issues or vision impairments.
Price: $264.98
5. Drawing Supplies
Engaging in creative activities, like drawing, can have numerous wellness benefits for seniors, including improving mental agility, helping reduce stress and providing a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, art and craft projects can stimulate the brain, improve memory function and enhance hand-eye coordination. But, while many seniors love to enjoy enriching hobbies, finding the right materials for projects can sometimes be challenging.
When shopping for gifts for seniors, prioritize all-in-one art and craft kits, like this one, that include handy items like sketchbooks, paints, brushes and easy-to-follow instructions.
Price: $39.99
6. Audiobook Subscription
Reading can become challenging for some seniors due to the natural effects of aging, but this shouldn’t mean the joy of reading has to be lost. For a family member or friend dealing with vision impairment, an audiobook subscription can be a perfect gift idea. Listening to audiobooks can provide many of the same benefits as reading, such as mental stimulation, entertainment and education. Additionally, audiobooks can be enjoyed with other retirement hobbies, like knitting or gardening.
Audible offers a vast library of books in various genres, all available in audio format. The service also provides exclusive deals and discounts, so keep an eye out for member-exclusive perks and limited-time offers. Audiobooks can be enjoyed on a smartphone, tablet or dedicated audiobook player.
Price: $14.95 per month
7. Language Learning App
If a senior in your life enjoys traveling, learning a new language can be incredibly useful and enriching. It’s also a stimulating and enjoyable activity that can help improve memory skills and delay cognitive decline.
Duolingo offers a fun and interactive way for seniors to learn new languages, making it a great gift for seniors who love learning and exploring new cultures. The app features fun challenges, daily reminders and progress tracking to motivate learners. The free version includes many great features, but you can subscribe to the premium package for additional benefits.
Price: From $6.95
8. Heated Blanket
Staying warm and comfortable is essential for seniors, especially during the colder months. As we age, our bodies can become more sensitive to extreme temperature changes, making it crucial to maintain a warm environment. Heated blankets can be perfect gifts for seniors. They can provide some much-needed warmth and relaxation. They can also help alleviate symptoms of arthritis and muscle pain, as the gentle heat relaxes muscles and improves circulation. This can be particularly beneficial for seniors who experience chronic pain or stiffness.
The SEALY heated blanket is equipped with practical and safety features, such as overheating protection and adjustable heat settings. Available in a variety of tasteful colors, this blanket makes a thoughtful and stylish gift for any senior.
Price: $129.99
9. Massaging Foot Spa
Foot pain and discomfort are common issues for seniors, especially those coping with conditions like arthritis, poor circulation or neuropathy. If you’re looking for thoughtful gifts for seniors, a massaging foot spa is an option worth considering. Regular use of a foot spa can effectively reduce swelling, alleviate pain, improve blood flow and relax tense foot muscles. This can be particularly helpful for individuals who spend a lot of time on their feet or suffer from foot-related conditions.
The Upgrade Collapsible Foot Spa offers soothing heat and gentle massage, specifically designed to ease foot pain and enhance circulation. It features practical elements such as an LED display, temperature control settings and customizable massage functions. Additionally, its collapsible design allows for easy storage, making it convenient when not in use.
Price: $89.97
10. Bathrobe
Comfort and relaxation are essential for seniors, especially those who spend a lot of time at home. Looking for thoughtful and practical gifts for seniors? Consider a luxury bathrobe.
The Linum Home Bathrobe is crafted from plush, high-quality Turkish cotton, known for its softness and gentle feel on the skin. It’s also machine-washable and features a secure tie closure that can be adjusted for a perfect fit.
Price: $58.40
11. Aromatherapy Diffusers and Essential Oil Set
The use of essential oils for their therapeutic properties has been practiced for centuries. Aromatherapy has been shown to create a calming and relaxing environment, and modern aromatherapy diffusers make it easy to enjoy these benefits at home.
The InnoGear Aromatherapy Set features a stylish diffuser and comes with a wide variety of essential oils, such as peppermint, orange, lavender and tea tree. It has adjustable settings for mist intensity and timing, allowing your loved one to customize it according to their preferences. The diffuser operates by combining a fine mist of water with essential oils, releasing a pleasant fragrance.
Price: $29.99
12. All-Inclusive Resort Package
Traveling can be a wonderful way for seniors to relax and enjoy new experiences, making vacation packages excellent gifts for senior citizens, especially if several family members want to chip-in on a joint gift! An all-inclusive resort package helps to take care of all the planning, including travel, accommodation, meals and activities, making it a convenient gift for any senior.
Some resorts are specifically designed for older adults and offer accessible accommodations, senior-friendly activities and amenities. If you’re considering treating a special senior to a resort experience, it’s a good idea to check for senior discounts or consider booking during less busy months of the year.
Price: From $2,600
13. Ticket to a Theater, Show or Concert
Live performances can be a great way for seniors to experience immersive, real-time entertainment that stimulates both the mind and emotions. Engaging with storytelling in a way that is social and interactive, allows seniors to connect with the performers, the audience and the energy of the event. For seniors who have a particular interest in music, theater or dance, the chance to enjoy their favorite show can be a deeply appreciated gift.
Ticketmaster offers tickets for a wide range of events, from classical music concerts to Broadway shows, ensuring there’s something for every taste. They frequently offer discounts, so it’s worth visiting their website to find deals in your local area.
Price: *Varies by event
14. Custom Pet Portrait
If you’re considering thoughtful and practical gifts for senior citizens, a custom pet portrait can be a wonderful option. Pets often hold a special place in our hearts, and a beautifully crafted portrait can be a meaningful and cherished gift for any senior.
Price: from $40.00
15. Memory Book
A memory book can serve as a reminder of the joys, challenges and milestones that shaped who we are today, making it one of the most meaningful gifts for seniors. It offers an excellent chance to reflect on past experiences, celebrate achievements and remember loved ones. Crafting a memory book also allows seniors to express themselves through art and storytelling.
Price: $28.89
16. Comfortable Recliner
A comfortable recliner can make a big difference to a senior’s life. The Power Lift Recliner Chair offers plush seating, adjustable reclining positions and built-in support for the back and legs, providing a cozy and supportive sitting experience. It also comes with adjustable reclining positions, allowing your loved one to find an angle that‘s most comfortable for them. This can help reduce strain on their back and joints.
Additionally, a comfortable recliner can provide practical benefits for seniors with mobility issues. Some models also include features like heated seats and massage functions, adding an extra layer of comfort.
Price: $389.99
17. Digital Photo Frame
Staying connected with family and friends is especially important for seniors and can help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation, particularly for individuals who live alone. A digital photo frame allows your loved one to display their favorite memories without needing photo albums or printing new pictures.
The Skylight digital photo frame features a crisp 10-inch display and Wi-Fi connectivity, making the setup seamless. Simply plug it in and connect to Wi-Fi — no subscription or additional apps are required.
Price: $139.99
18. Personalized Memory Game
Personalized memory games offer seniors a fun and interactive way to exercise their minds and enhance cognitive skills, making them excellent gifts for seniors. You can customize Paper Culture’s memory game set to include family photos, your loved one’s personal milestones and more.
This thoughtful gift offers a personalized and nostalgic gaming experience that can help promote cognitive skills, such as pattern recognition, visual memory and concentration. You can customize the designs yourself, or the company’s designers can help you create a personalized gift. The game comes in a beautifully designed compact storage pouch for convenient organization and portability.
Price: $19.99
19. Meditation App
Meditation has been shown to help reduce stress, improve sleep quality and enhance overall well-being. Calm is an app that provides a library of meditation sessions, breathing exercises and mindfulness practices, making it a perfect gift for most seniors. The app features a user-friendly interface and customizable settings to accommodate your loved one’s individual preferences and meditation goals. Users can also download most tracks and meditation sessions on Calm. This way, your loved one can enjoy their mediation sessions whenever they want.
Price: $69.99
20. Online Learning Platform Subscription
Online learning platforms can help your beloved senior access a wide range of courses, tutorials and educational resources from the comfort of home. GetSetUp is specifically designed with older adults in mind and provides courses in subjects such as technology, travel, business, cooking and more. The platform offers flexible subscription plans with unlimited access to thousands of courses taught by expert instructors. While GetSetUp provides several free community courses with their free plan, the paid subscription offers access to even more courses.
Price: From $3.60
Prioritizing Your Loved One’s Happiness With StoryPoint Group
At StoryPoint Group communities, we treat your loved one like family. We are dedicated to providing the best possible care, and we get to know each resident on a deep level to help them shine every day. To see what it’s like to live with us, contact us today or schedule a tour of a StoryPoint Group community near you. We can’t wait to get to know you!
