Gift-Giving Guide

Don’t let your loved one be among the elderly individuals who complain of boredom or loneliness! Just as important as your visits are the gifts you leave behind. Some ideas:

  • Magazine subscriptions. Keep their favorite stories and photos coming month after month.
  • Stationery, note cards and stamps. You might also want to create a family address book, so that they can keep in touch with family members. Blank note cards can easily be decorated and customized by children, with paints, sponges, brushes, etc.
  • Photo albums. Fill a photo album with pictures of friends and family members young and old, past and present. Be sure to write names near each photo to help your loved one remember each friend and family member. Remember to include old photos of their parents, their childhood friends, their wedding, etc.
  • A padded sheepskin cover for their wheelchair or bed gives them a little hug every time they use it.
  • They may appreciate a magnifying glass for close reading.
  • Large print books or audio books help keep your loved one’s mind engaged and their interests expanding. Many audio books can now be checked out of your public library, providing a free service you can offer your loved one. Give a CD or tape player with large buttons for ease of use.
  • Send postcards when you travel with your family or on business. Jot a few lines about the significance or history of the area.
  • A radio is a great gift. Shop for one with large, visible buttons and the capability of setting favorite stations your loved one can flip to in an instant.
  • Send notes or cards regularly, even if you are a frequent visitor. Receiving mail is joyful for everyone.
  • If your loved one has dementia or another cognitive impairment, they may enjoy a box or differently textured items to experience. Be creative with the items you include: a scrap of fur, sandpaper, a rubber ball, a piece of silk, a square of burlap or velvet. If you find that there is one particular texture they enjoy, you may want to make a pillow or blanket from that material.
  • Aromatherapy. So many products are on the market now. Help them enjoy all their senses. Lavender is especially stress relieving. You may want to choose lotions with aromatherapy qualities, and offer to give them a hand massage with the lotion.
  • Home cooking is always welcome! Bring their favorite cookies, biscuits, pie or cupcakes. They may want to share with roommates or friends, so pack plenty!

Pack a picnic. You may be able to take our loved one to a park or enjoy an outdoor picnic on the center’s lawn. But even if you can only spread the blanket in their room, having a picnic is great, spontaneous fun. Pack their favorites, and do bring a “picnicky” tablecloth or blanket to set the mood. Ask them to tell you about picnics they’ve enjoyed in their past.