Beyond Black Friday – Holiday Shopping for Seniors
Posted on 29. Nov, 2008 by Karen in Holidays, Resources
I didn’t go out on Black Friday this year but I remember the many times in the past when I did — running around looking for the latest greatest, must-have, got-to-get-it-now gift for someone on my holiday shopping list. But not once do I recall a Black Friday that included racing around searching frantically for a gift for one of the elders in my family. In fact, they never said “hey I have to have this, that or the other”. They really didn’t ask for anything at all except to hear from me or, better yet, a nice visit. According to the Eldercare Team, this is the best gift of all:
What’s a good gift for an elderly person who doesn’t need more “stuff” cluttering up the house? December is the biggest gift-giving season, but all year long we’re faced with birthdays, anniversaries and other occasions when we have to find great gift ideas for seniors. The best gift for an elderly person is your time and attention: time to talk, to listen, to do things together.
But if you’re like me and want to add a gift that seniors can touch and feel, think about approaching shopping from a different perspective to come up with something that’s appealing and useful – before the last minute. Online shopping has helped me refine that process so I can find the gift that will bring a smile to my 89-year old mother’s face when she opens it on Christmas Day – despite her severe dementia.
Caring.com has put together a well-thought out list with innovative gift ideas including a couple of my favorites – Life Bio, a journaling project to help a loved one in the early stages of Alzheimer’s preserve precious family memories and the Jitterbug, a cell phone easy for the non-techie senior (or anyone else for that matter) to understand and use. To be honest, I’m not quite sure about the Pleo robotic dinosaur on this list as an alternative to a traditional pet, but you may just know the techie senior who’ll love this little fellow. Whether you find what you’ll looking for or not, this list is a good starting point for inspiration.
As I wrote this article, I was reminded how quickly I’m moving down the path to senior hood. So while the elders in my life tend to be in their 80s, the gift items and resources listed here are often appropriate for a variety of ages from the fifties on up. While you’re online there are some interesting websites focused on this broad niche. For instance, Gifts for Seniors and the Senior Emporium are like the supermarkets of great gift ideas. And if you’re in the market for a luxury item, check out Elderluxe. First Street Online is a good shopping venue for the elderly AND for those in midlife.
For more specialized gifts, stop by Guardian Alert 911 and Life Alert for home alert systems for safety and to help preserve personal independence. A big button memory phone or a day date clock are the new “must-haves”. Also Landel, My Celery and Presto offer low-tech email options for the person who wants to stay in touch but not deal with a computer.
One of my recent favorite online sites is The Alzheimer’s Store where I’ve found a myriad of gifts and everyday necessities for the memory-challenged like my mother. Unique offerings here include the wooden Handyman’s Box with its familiar feel and the life-like lavender-scented baby doll we bought earlier this year for Mom. It still brings tears to my eyes as I remember the joy on her face as she took this “baby” into her arms for the first time.
If you want to go the time-honored traditional route of giving sleepwear, I’ve found with my mother that L.L.Bean offers the best selection because they have petite sizes for women. Check out the easy-care, easy-wear Zip Front Women’s Fleece Robe, the Men’s Fleece Robe and the Men’s Flannel PJs.
And for all of us who are feeling the budget crunch as we shop this holiday season, here’s a list of 10 gifts for $50 and under for seniors:
- Pick up a large print keyboard for those who are online but have some vision challenges.
- Make a cozy polar fleece blanket with these easy photo directions – just scroll down the page. My sister and I have made lots of these inexpensive gifts which go over really well in our cold Michigan weather. This and any other crafts made with love are treasured and budget-conscious gifts.
- The Life Bio Memory Journal mentioned is a project where you and your loved one can carve out precious time together as you preserve family memories.
- For the senior who loves to garden, make time outside a little more comfortable with the Garden Hopper.
- Big button phones get double mention in this article – they’re great!
- The unisex Polar Fleece Lap Wrap/Shawl from Janska is a great gift for anyone. I’ve been a Janska fan for years because everything is made out of polar fleece, very practical for people with limited mobility and just plain comfy for the rest of us.
- L.L.Bean’s Women’s Pima Cotton Flannel PJs – these fit women of all sizes very well, are comfortable and warm.
- Cozy Men’s Fleece Scuffs for around the house.
- Activity Lap Pillow - this is what I’m getting my mom for Christmas this year. She needs something to fiddle with instead of her once busy hands lying idle.
- Sentimental Sing-a-long DVDs are a great for a memory boost and a little fun.
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