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Gift Tips for Less Active Seniors and Elderly

Editor's Choice Christmas or Birthday Gifts for Older or Inactive Senior Citizens

Dec 15, 2007 Janienne Jennrich

Best presents for elderly, inactive, or homebound seniors. Good online gift ideas and tips for buying thoughtful gifts for less active, yet alert, older grandparents.

It can be difficult to buy useful and thoughtful gifts for inactive or less active senior citizens. Often grandparents and other elderly family and friends have few needs, few wants, and very little storage space. Here are ideas for good gift ideas for less able loved ones.

The Cozy Cookie from Hart Toys

Actually sold as a children's toy, a Cozy Cookie makes a lovely gift for the elderly. These adorable, warm and cuddly plush gingerbread cookie dolls feel and smell wonderful. Just pop them in the microwave for two minutes and the warmth and the wonderful aroma of gingerbread will delight any senior. Cozy Cookies stay warm up to 30 minutes. Available with girl's or boy's clothing. (pictured below)

Price: $14.95

Senior Sez Game

This game was tested by the author with two seniors - one with an active mind and uncooperative muscular system, and one with some dementia and a low activity level. This game worked quite well with a third person reading the questions and leading the game.

This trivia game designed for seniors can be played alone, with one other person, or in groups. There are only two possible answers to each question, which makes for a simple and non intimidating activity. Using cloth wrist bands to keep score is simple for older people. This game can be played anywhere and is fun for caregivers to play with elderly clients or for children to play with grandparents. (pictured below)

Price: $32.99

Other Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Less Active Senior Citizens

These ideas are dependent upon the older person you have in mind for the present. Consider their strengths and weaknesses, needs and wants, and storage space.

  • A special magnifier, designed for the elderly.
  • Stamped (and perhaps addressed) envelopes with stationery.
  • A stuffed animal of a beloved pet, especially if the senior is no longer able to pet the real thing.
  • Framed photos of family and friends.
  • A personal memory scrapbook.
  • A soft, warm throw or afghan.
  • Small pillows for propping up the head, arms, or various other body parts.
  • A homemade DVD or VHS slide show or home movie.
  • A mixed tape of favorite old tunes, spiritual music, or soft instrumentals.
  • Other gift ideas can be found in Online Senior Citizen Gift Ideas, Fun Activities for Active Seniors, and Fun Visits With Senior Citizens.

Seniors love thoughtful attention, and often do not expect gifts for Christmas, birthdays, or other holidays. Still, it feels good to show them they are loved and remembered.

The copyright of the article Gift Tips for Less Active Seniors and Elderly in Seniors/Grandparents is owned by Janienne Jennrich. Permission to republish Gift Tips for Less Active Seniors and Elderly in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Cozy Cookie Gingerbread Dolls, Photo Courtesy of Hart Toys Cozy Cookie Gingerbread Dolls
Senior Sez Game, Photo Courtesy Senior Sez Senior Sez Game
Good Gift for Grandmother, Photo by click, Pixel Perfect Digital Good Gift for Grandmother
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Sep 16, 2008 9:24 AM
Guest :
I have grandparents who have to wear adult diapers, so what i did was got them a recurring order of adult diapers from a company called yourdiaper.com and they were very happy with that.

I know it seems mean to give a gift like that, but they are on limited income, so this helped them out alot. They were spending alot of money at the grocery store for Depends. I kept telling them I bet they could get them cheaper online, but they don't use the internet.

If you contact yourdiaper.com just tell them you want to setup a subscription plan as a gift.
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