The holiday season is the perfect time to spoil the older adults in your life. However, knowing what to buy can be challenging — especially if your loved one says they already have everything they need. Below, we'll share our favorite gift ideas for seniors to provide entertainment and comfort in their assisted living communities.
A life story journal helps your loved one explore treasured memories and create a lovely keepsake to share with younger generations. This My Life Story So Far book from Uncommon Originals features gorgeous fabric and gold binding for an extra-special gift. There's also plenty of space for your friend or family member to document their memories from childhood to the present day in their assisted living community. It contains photo corners for adding treasured photos and engaging prompts to trigger memories about friends and important events.
Nature-loving seniors will adore this large window bird feeder by Nature Anywhere. Described as the "Cadillac of squirrel-proof bird feeders," this model is assembly-free — simply attach the suction cups to any window to get started. The feeder attracts birds to your loved one's window, taking care of local wildlife while ensuring a constant source of entertainment during quieter moments. Add a packet of bird seed to your gift so your loved one can use their feeder right away.
A portable radio allows your loved one to keep up to date with news, discover new music and enjoy their favorite Christian podcasts wherever they like to listen. Battery-powered models are perfect for carrying around their assisted living apartment without having to find an electrical outlet or providing impromptu music at family get-togethers.
This portable radio from Studebaker has an appealing retro look and is affordable enough to use as a stocking stuffer. Alternatively, this chunky radio from Jensen features an emergency flashlight and USB charger, making it an excellent option for seniors who love spending time in the great outdoors. Consider an armband radio if your loved one wants to carry their radio around hands-free. Armband radios attach to a wrist strap or belt and allow seniors to move from room to room without interrupting their favorite radio show.
Trivia games are ideal for rainy days and downtime, and So You Think You Know the Bible from ASM Games is a favorite with Christians of all ages. This pocket trivia game features over 500 questions and action cards to help your loved one explore and extend their scriptural knowledge. The format suits pairs or larger groups, and the questions are accessible for children aged 10 or older and people at any stage of their Bible studies. Therefore, it's a great time-filler for study groups and can help older adults share the Bible with visiting grandkids.
A temperature-controlled Ember Mug could be a worthwhile investment for seniors who always start the day with a hot cup of tea or coffee. These luxury mugs feature an integrated battery and charging coaster, allowing your loved one to set their preferred sipping temperature. The mug then keeps the beverage at its ideal temperature for up to 90 minutes, so they'll never have to throw away a lukewarm brew again. These mugs are available in multiple easy-clean color options, and you can purchase sliding lids to prevent spills.
If your loved one is living with dementia or has trouble sleeping, a weighted blanket could help them relax. Research shows that using a weighted blanket can reduce anxiety, improve sleep duration and quality and increase energy levels during the day. This washable weighted blanket from Walmart comes in multiple weight options and features a super-soft fabric for added comfort. It also includes temperature-balancing technology to keep your loved one cozy in winter and cool in the summer.
Smart displays function similarly to digital photo frames, allowing your loved one to enjoy a continuous slideshow of their favorite photo memories. However, they also include a range of smart features to help older adults connect with friends and family.
The Amazon Echo Show 5 is an affordable option that displays photos in crisp definition. It also includes video call technology, allowing your loved one to enjoy face-to-face time with anyone who has the Alexa app or an Echo device. It enables alarms, reminders and video streaming for straightforward entertainment and time management.
Ensure your loved one always has everything they need on hand with an ultra-organized couch caddy. This sleek remote control holder from Ideas in Motion does more than safeguard the TV remote — it also features pockets for pens, magazines and anything else seniors need while relaxing in their assisted living suite. The unit fits most couches and armchairs and includes an integrated tabletop for drinks and snacks.
