The holiday season is now in full swing, and odds are high that you are still on the hunt for great gifts for everyone on your list. While some folks might be easier to shop for than others, if you have a senior loved one you need to grab a gift for, you might be feeling stuck. If your parents or other elderly senior loved one resides in senior living in Bountiful, Utah, we have some great ideas for what to put under their tree!
The most important thing to keep in mind is that you want to buy something that will make their life easier, or bring about more convenience to their everyday lives. So while it may seem like your senior loved one ‘has it all’, we still think there might be a few suggestions you’ll like. Keep reading to review our list!
1.) Family Photos / Scrapbook
Sentimental gifts are always the best ones. If your senior just transitioned into senior living in Bountiful, Utah, they will want memories to keep close by. A scrapbook or a family photo album will be perfect for this! As an added bonus, they can always show off the book to their new friends and share details of trips and family members.
2.) Coloring Books
Did you know that coloring actually has many therapeutic benefits for people of all ages, but especially seniors? Not only does it have a calming effect on the brain and can help with anxiety, but it also is great for hand-eye coordination and occupational therapy. If you senior has arthritis or dementia, it might be best to opt for large crayons and less detailed pages.
3.) Back and Neck Massager
This is a very practical gift idea for the senior on your list who suffers from arthritis or other aches and pains. The winter time can cause sore and stiff joints and muscles, but a portable massager is a great tool. There are many available on the market, but for added convenience, try to pick one that is rechargeable and doesn’t require replacing batteries.
4.) Slippers
Here is another classic but practical gift, especially for those who stay in assisted living. Slippers are a wonderful choice and there are many styles to choose from. For safety, find a pair that has grippers on the bottom to help prevent slipping and falling, especially on tile or hard surfaces.
5.) Electric Toothbrush
For a senior loved one who struggles with mobility issues, an electric toothbrush is a great option. Dental health is important to maintain, and the inability to brush properly can cause tooth decay, gum disease, as well as other oral hygiene concerns. So grab an electric toothbrush and one-handed flosser to add to your senior’s stocking this year.
6.) Custom Jigsaw Puzzle
Jigsaw puzzles are good for the brain and help keep the mind active. While you can choose to purchase a puzzle online, giving the gift of a customized puzzle will be more sentimental. There are many services available, such as Shutterfly, that allow you to make puzzles featuring a custom image. This would be especially fun to complete with a grandchild!
7.) Memory Foam Seat
Does your senior loved one have a favorite chair or spot in their home that they tend to spend most of the time in? If so, then getting them a memory foam seat cushion will be a great gift. A memory foam cushion will not only provide comfort, but may even help with back pain and circulation. These cushions are lightweight and portable for added convenience.
8.) Essential Oil Diffuser
Aromatherapy is on the rise and is becoming an increasingly popular option for helping those with issues such as anxiety or restlessness. Essential oil diffusers are affordable, and you can purchase a wide array of oils with varying health benefits. For example, if your senior has trouble sleeping at night, try some lavender oil. Or if they deal with anxiety, go for bergamot orange. The added bonus is that it will make their room smell amazing, too!
9.) White Noise Machine
For your senior loved one who stays in assisted living in Bountiful, Utah, looking into giving them a white noise machine. This is especially helpful for someone who struggles with sleeping at night, as research shows that it can actually help with insomnia. These machines give off soothing, ambient noise, and oftentimes, you can choose which sound theme you like. For example, if your senior grew up in a coastal community, they might enjoy ambient ocean noises.
10.) Virtual Assistant
It is not a secret that virtual assistants, such as an Amazon Alexa or a Google Home, are helpful to seniors. These products come with so many helpful features that are available at a simple voice command. Your loved one can ask the device to read them the news, play their favorite song, make a grocery list, and can even be synched up to other devices, such as thermostats. Giving a senior the gift of an electronic device might seem like a bad idea because older people may be resistant to technology, but since they are voice controlled, virtual assistants are easy!
11.) Weighted or Electric Blanket
Blankets, and other comfort items, are always thoughtful gift ideas. However, you can step up your gift-giving game by choosing a weighted or electric blanket. This is a wonderful idea if your senior loved one is cold frequently or struggles with poor circulation. Plus, the heat can go on to help sore or stiff joints and muscles. Weighted blankets also use deep pressure simulation and offer the same health benefits as giving a hug or cuddling.
The Takeaway
Don’t let shopping for your senior loved one fall by the wayside. This holiday season, give them a gift that they will not only love, but will benefit their health and wellbeing, too. They are sure to feel thought of and will appreciate the gesture long after the holiday decorations have come down and been packed away.
