Are you looking for gift ideas for your older parents?

It can be hard to find just-the-right present, one that makes them feel seen and appreciated—and that they’ll actually use. Whether you’re shopping for their birthday or a larger holiday, we’ve got just the gift guide for you.

We’ve grouped these ideas into meaningful categories of gift ideas for your senior loved ones to help you find that perfect present. Let’s jump in. 

Support their brain with a game

What about a gift that’s both fun and supportive of their cognitive health? A great gift idea for older parents is a game to help them stay mentally active and enjoy themselves at the same time.

• To inspire socializing as well, consider giving them a board game that requires more than one player, like Scrabble or checkers.
• For an activity to help fill downtime spent alone, more solo-style activities like a jigsaw puzzle or book of crosswords make great gifts, too.

Make memories last longer

Holidays are full of nostalgia to begin with: why not draw out that magical feeling with a gift to make memories last even longer?

• A traditional scrapbook always always brings smiles, and can be a fun gift to get the kids involved with, too.
• There are also plenty of simple ways to transform family photos into gifts—like a digital picture frame or  these custom photo coasters.

Bring nature to them

There’s no doubt about it: time in the natural world enriches our lives. But of course, as we age it tends to become more challenging to engage as actively in outdoors activities. Bring a little of the outside world to your loved one this holiday with a nature-inspired gift.

• Consider hanging a bird feeder outside a window so they can enjoy the flurry of activity.
• If they like to cook, an indoor herb planter makes a beautiful and functional gift.
• Perhaps the simplest idea on our list, low-maintenance houseplants are lovely ways to breathe a little extra vibrancy into your loved one’s home.

Make their lives better with technology

Depending on your loved one’s lifestyle, there may be just the perfect gadget to make their life a little easier or more fun.

• For example, a tablet with integrated accessibility might make browsing the web more enjoyable.
• If they like to get out and about, a fitness tracking watch could inspire them to track their steps and challenge themselves to keep moving.
• And if your loved one leans more low tech, perhaps something more traditional like a new reading light to support their reading habit makes the most sense.

Subscribe them to something special

What about a gift that keeps on giving? No matter what your older parents enjoys, you can find a subscription they’ll look forward to getting every month, guaranteed.

• Try a niche subscription. From flowers to books to wine to ice cream, you can have just about anything shipped to their doorstep each month.
• Don’t forget about more traditional subscriptions, like that magazine you always see them flipping through at the grocery checkout.

Gift them warmth and comfort 

Don’t sleep on everyone’s favorite gifting category: all things cozy.

• Consider something soft and wearable, like a fleece robe, a pair of plush slippers, or a comfy blanket to wrap up in while they relax on the couch.
• If they have plenty of soft wintry clothes and throws, they’ll be sure to appreciate a more interactive gift, like one of these back massagers or an aromatherapy pad they can warm up in the microwave.

Spend time together

Let’s wrap up with the our favorite gift idea for your older parent: time spent together. And by that we mean time together focused on fun, not caregiving.

Since Isolation and feelings of disconnection pose a serious health risk for older adults, gifts that encourage time together can go a long way in supporting the health of your loved one during the holidays and beyond.

Bonus: Making a meaningful gift of time time together can also be absolutely free.

• Consider something simple and casual, like bringing over a box of pre-made holiday decorations (or DIY seasonal decor supplies) and spending the day together making their home more festive.
• Turn time together into a more formal gift, like a one-time cooking class you can both attend or a series of once-a-week art classes you’d both enjoy.

Next Steps

We hope this list of holiday gift ideas for older parents helps you find just the right present for your senior loved one.

If you could use support in another way with your senior loved one this holiday season, we’d love to help. Feel free to call us at 855-461-2552, or send us a message, anytime.