Gift ideas for seniors can be perplexing.. Don’t worry, I have 5 tips to help you find the perfect gift for the seniors in your life. Many gift givers have the perception that as we get older, we have accumulated everything we need in life. In some cases that may be the case, but just because we’re getting older doesn’t mean we don’t enjoy or appreciate a thoughtful and meaningful gift.
Tip #1 As we get older, our needs change. Our thoughts focus on our past, what we accomplished, what we wanted to do but put it off because of life’s responsibilities that got in our way. Many fondly remember the dreams, plans, and hopes of their youth. There are many who have things in their lives that they miss or wish they had the opportunity to do. Now, because of their age, they think that this is no longer a possibility. Trust me, there is a gift idea in those postponed dreams and plans. And all you have to do is figure out what they are.
Tip #2 Every older adult has different personalities, lifestyles, interests, financial and health situations. This should be taken into account when exploring gift-giving options.
Take time to consider the senior for whom you want to choose the perfect gift.
Are they active older people, with a lot of ability to move independently?
Are they involved in church, community, or group activities?
They live alone?
Do they have limited access to social functions or activities due to illness or inability to drive? What’s stopping them from getting out a bit?
Do they have hobbies or outside interests?
Have you had any changes in your physical or mental abilities that have affected your lifestyle?
Are they capable of taking care of the environment of their home, garden or pets?
Is your financial situation a problem or is money never a concern?
Are you a person who is open to trying new things? Or are they an individual set in their ways?
Further gift ideas for seniors Does it puzzle you? 5 Tips for Finding the Perfect Gift for Baby Boomers…
Tip #3 To achieve the goal of finding the perfect gift for the aging senior in your life will require some thought and exploration on your part. Take time in your daily conversations to ask questions about past and present interests. Make this a part of your regular conversation. Gift ideas will present themselves.
Feel free to ask “Is there anything you wish you had done?”
“Is there something you miss doing or would like to do one day?”
“Have you ever considered ________ (this could be dance lessons, painting, woodworking, trying out a computer, etc.)?”
Tip #4 If you’ve done your exploring, you should have found some great gift ideas. Or maybe you’re still feeling stuck finding the perfect gift. Now is the time to be creative. If you have assessed the situation of the aging older person, you can determine what is important to them. Would they benefit from a special encounter with you?
Spending uninterrupted, unhurried time doing something your senior will enjoy will not only be appreciated, but will have the benefit of creating a memory for you and your senior.
If they are active older adults, they may be open to trying something new and different. You may want to plan a trip or activity that is fun. Don’t forget that learning is a lifelong activity. Check out local colleges, YMCAs, and online courses that may be of interest to your senior. You may be able to introduce a new hobby or activity that improves or maintains your mind and fitness.
Tip #5 Don’t discount gifts or homemade projects. Plan a family project in which the whole family can participate. You may want to create a family tree, organize family photos. Create a slideshow of old family photos and have your older child incorporate family stories behind those photos. Or create a video of your elder talking about family history. This could be an ongoing project with a family debut planned. Plan a “red carpet” party and event for the whole family to see.
Finding gift ideas for seniors it can give you the opportunity to learn and create a stronger bond between you. Finding a gift for baby boomers is giving something needed, something desired, or something they’ve longed for but never expressed. Given with a lot of love, it will make the “perfect” gift.