ALT-2 Thoughtful Inexpensive Gift Ideas for Seniors
Receiving a gift at any age is significant. It indicates that someone cares, and if the gift for a senior friend or relative is thoughtful and original, all the better.
Here are a few suggestions. If you know the recipient well and know how they spend their days, think consumable. Seniors rarely have room for storing more stuff, and things they need are often what they use on a daily basis. More seniors read a daily delivered newspaper than any other age group. The cost has increased and some people find it an optional burden. Consider providing your senior with a subscription to their favorite newspaper. This can often be arranged on-line and the senior no longer has to worry about it. It’s a daily reminder that someone thought it was important. Many seniors still write and mail letters, both for pleasure and business. A gift of stamps will be used and appreciated. If your gift recipient is a reader and many seniors are, make sure they have a library card. In addition to books, seniors can often borrow CDs, DVDs and participate in educational or entertainment programs. It would be a nice extra touch if the gift could include a monthly visit with your senior to the nearest library and throw in lunch together.
Transportation can be a problem, so assistance in getting to do grocery shopping or for medical appointments would be helpful. Seniors are often reluctant to call for help, so perhaps a computer-generated coupon book with “tickets” would be a welcome gift. Another consumable gift is a membership to something your senior enjoys. This can vary from the local gym or seniors’ centre, a senior’s college, or an annual membership in AARP (or CARP in Canada). Memberships often bring benefits to a senior. You will know whether tickets to the theatre, a major sporting event or concert would be appropriate for your senior. Buying an extra ticket for you and providing transportation turns an event into a life highlight. A monthly dinner (or lunch or even breakfast for that matter) with you would be something a senior would look forward to. This could be out, or at your place- who’s at the table is far more important than what’s on the plates. A grocery gift card or a packet of public transit tickets can mean a lot to someone who is on a tight budget. A basket of consumable products shows thoughtfulness- candy, paper products, personal care extra, surprises, the sort of things which might have come in their Christmas stocking in years gone by.
For most seniors, the gift of time has the most cherished value. If you include gift giving with regular visits, your role in the life of the recipient will be rich and fulfilling for both of you.
