Updated November 11, 2022 – Gifts for older parents can be a huge challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re looking for a birthday gift, an anniversary gift or for great Christmas gifts, we’ve got you covered.
We’ve gathered some of the best gifts for your elderly parents or any elderly person on your gift list below, so take a look and see what catches your eye.
With many older people having specific tastes and a lot of stuff, it can be hard to find the perfect gift for them or to come up with some great ideas on what to give them.
One great way to think of useful gifts for older parents is by considering what they can use to make their life easier or more comfortable. For example, an older parent who is starting to have trouble getting around might appreciate a walker or scooter. That can make a great practical gift.
Or, someone who is having difficulty hearing might benefit from a hearing aid. There are all sorts of gadgets and devices that can make life easier for senior citizens, so it’s definitely worth doing some research to see what might be good gifts for your parent.
Another great way to come up with ideas for useful gifts is by thinking about what your older parent enjoys doing. If they love to read, for example, a Kindle could be a great gift. Or, if they enjoy gardening, a nice set of gardening tools would be much appreciated.
Really, anything that your parent enjoys doing can be turned into a gift idea – you just have to use your imagination. And you don’t have to spend much. The inexpensive gifts can bring a lot of joy too.
Of course, sometimes the most useful gifts are the ones that don’t cost any money at all. If your parent is struggling with some aspect of their life, offer to help out. For example, if they’re having trouble getting around, see if you can be their driver to the grocery store.
Or, if they’re finding it difficult to keep up with housework, offer to come over and lend a hand. Just spending time with them and lending a listening ear can be the best gift of all.
No matter what you choose, remember that it’s the thought that counts. So, take your time picking out the perfect present and make sure it comes from the heart. Your parent is sure to appreciate it – no matter what it is.
Coming up with good unique gift ideas for elderly people may seem like an impossible task at times but this list of gifts may help you. Whether it’s for a holiday or any of the special occasions we all celebrate, I’m sure you can find the right gift here that your senior loved ones will enjoy.
One thing to remember when gifting to older adults is that for many, usefulness is more important than sentimentality. Of course, this depends on the person you are giving the gift to but generally speaking, most seniors enjoy gifts that they can use.
Our list of fun and useful gifts are perfect for any event throughout the year. Everything from birthdays to anniversaries to holidays and whatever in between. They can also inspire you for other gift ideas that you may not have thought of.
Whether you are looking for gifts for an elderly dad or mother – you’ll find them here!
41 Of The Best Gifts For Your Elderly Parents
Take a stroll down our list of thoughtful, useful gifts for older parents and find just the right thing to make their day a little brighter.
Water Bottle
One great gift idea is a water bottle, especially useful for someone who is constantly on the go. Whether your older parent stays home or is always on the go, they will appreciate a water bottle that can help them stay hydrated.
Key Finder
I love this gift and have given it to several folks I know and they love it too! It’s a great choice for a gift. This little gadget that you can place on your key chain (or on anything really) and with an app on your phone, you can locate where that item is.
Large Print Password Book
Password books can be a helpful way to keep track of your login information, especially if you have a lot of passwords or security questions. They’re also convenient if you need to share your password with someone else, like a family member or friend. And if you’re an older adult, a password book can be a good way to keep your login info organized and easy to find.
Favorite Books
There are many wonderful books that you can purchase in large print (like the one shown here). Look for your parents’ favorite books or authors! If they are avid readers, they will love you for this special gift.
Compression Socks
Wearing compression socks can help improve blood circulation for older parents. So, these can be a great gift for older parents who are on their feet a lot, travel a lot or have circulation issues. They can help relieve pain and prevent swelling.
Memory Journal
A memory journal is a perfect gift for an older adult. It gives them a chance to reflect on their life and memories, and to share those memories with others. The journal can be used to write down thoughts, feelings, or simply to record events as they happen. This is a gift that will be cherished and enjoyed for many years to come.
Massage Pillow
I don’t know of an older adult (including myself) who doesn’t have general aches and pains on a daily basis somewhere! So being able to use a tool like this massage pillow to soothe those muscles can be a wonderful blessing.
Cooked Meals
Sometimes, the best present is something that helps on a daily basis. For many older folks, especially the ones who live alone, cooking is just not a priority. So giving the gift of freshly made, cooked meals delivered to your door can be perfect gift ideas.
Old Movies and Comedy
My sweet mom-in-law loves old movies, especially the comedies. They help her (at 100 years old) to bring some memories and laughter into her day and I have to agree! So, a gift like this can be wonderful, especially if you take the time to share it with them. Make it a dinner and a movie event.
Easy To Use Remote Control
An easy to use and program remote control can make all the difference for some seniors. I know a few who have a hard time using their remote. They just end up yelling and walking away frustrated! This might just be a wonderful gift for your elderly parents.
Digital Photo Frame
I just love these digital frames and I’m seeing more and more of them in households that I visit. What’s so great about them is that family members can easily ADD digital photos to the picture frame via their phone or email so the owner of the frame can keep getting new photos!
Cell Phone Screen Magnifier
This great little gadget can turn small cell phone screens into large screens making it much easier to see a movie, a show, a Zoom video chat and much more.
Showcase The Family Tree
I gave this gift to a good friend of mine and she absolutely loved it. What a wonderful way to showcase the photos of the family!
For Their Pets
Taking care of a pet can be costly so why not consider gifting them something from Chewy.com for their pet? After all, the love that your senior loved one gets from their furry friend makes all the difference in the world to them.
Echo Show
Tech gifts like the Echo Show (and other Alexa devices) are always, in my honest opinion, a great gift for older adults. Simply because they can provide so many different services! Everything from making phone calls, (even a video call), setting alarms, remembering important dates and other practical applications to entertainment – it’s just a win-win product.
Single-Serve Coffee Makers
There are so many elderly adults living alone and having a large coffee pot can just be wasteful. So why not gift them a single-serve coffee maker? It’s an easy way for them to make their favorite brew. You can add their favorite coffee to the gift as well.
Engaging Games
This go-anywhere game is a fun way to involve the whole family at your next get-together. It has 100 questions that serve as conversation starters so you can learn a little more about your senior parent or grandparent.
The questions are printed on a deck of cards held together with a clip that can attach to a belt, purse, or backpack., so it’s easily portable. Use this game in the car, at a restaurant, or at your next family dinner.
One reviewer noted that they, “…loved loved loved the conversations we otherwise would probably not have…we laughed and sometimes had tears with memories.”
Showcase The Family Name
This is such a great idea for older adults because it’s something that can be handed down through generations. Basically, it’s a metal wall art that showcases your family name. How cool is that?
Lawn Care
The company Task Rabbit provides helpers for all kinds of services, including lawn care! If your senior loved one needs a little help (or a lot of help) taking care of their yard, this might be a great gift to give them. Consider using Task Rabbit for other tasks as well – makes for some great unique gifts.
Essential Oils and Diffuser
Essential oils and diffusers make lovely gifts, especially for senior women. They can help one’s mental health by lifting their mood and promoting relaxation.
Read more about essential oils for seniors here.
Medical Alert Device
Emergency alert devices are the one “gadget” that I personally believe everyone should have, no matter what age they are. Medical alert devices are perfect for anyone that is older or who has a chronic medical issue. The Life Guardian model shown here is the most popular on Amazon, but there are many other models to choose from as well. Click here for more information.
Motion Activated Lighting
A great little safety device that turns on the light when motion is detected. It’s perfect to set up by the bed, by the doorway to the bathroom or just about anywhere your elderly parent would need some light to move about safely.
A Little Helper To Get Up And Down
I have a few friends with relatives who have a difficult time getting up and down from the sofa or a recliner or chair and this little gadget can be a lifesaver. It gives your elderly loved one the independence to get up and down safely and it comes with a table top with a drink holder so they can enjoy a meal or a game or a book while in their favorite sitting spot.
Battery Operated Jar Opener
If your elderly parents have arthritis in their fingers or hands, they’re going to love this electric jar opener from Besmon! It opens lids from 1.2 inches to 3.5 inches and runs on 2 AA batteries.
All the user has to do is put the jar opener over the lid of the jar, press the button on top, and stand back to watch the show. The arms close snugly around the jar, the jar opener underneath revolves and – presto! – the jar is open.
This can be an especially good gift for elderly women who are living alone.
Induction Cooktops
It may seem like an extravagant gift to give someone a cooktop but the advantages of an induction cooktop for seniors makes it a GREAT gift! There are entire cooktops of course but there are also individual “hot plate” type of cooktops that can be gifted as well.
Read here about the great advantages of an induction cooktop for seniors.
Portable Battery Charger
This great little gadget can be used to jump start your car, charge your mobile phone, your laptop, etc. It’s a wonderful gift to give and has many great features. Check it out here.
Sleep Machine
I don’t know many seniors who don’t have trouble sleeping (including myself). I personally use my Alexa device as a sound machine to help me sleep but if your elderly parent is not using a smart home device then maybe a sleep machine may be able to do the trick.
Capturing Their Story
I just love these types of books! So many of my friends whose parents have passed away mention how they wish they had known more about the lives their parents led. This book, and others like it are a perfect way to get those memories in writing. It’s a beautiful gift to give (and maybe work on together).
Television Headphones
If one of your elderly parents is driving the other one crazy with the television set on a very high volume then why not give them a gift that both of them can enjoy? These headphones can be used to help the one who can’t hear very well enjoy the show or movie and give the other one just as much enjoyment too!
Rollator For Seniors With Limited Mobility
Okay, so this may not be a funny gift or even something that many seniors want to admit that they need – BUT – if your elderly parent has issues with limited mobility this may be just the thing that can help them to get about easier and safer.
Sweets For The Sweet
Consider getting them a subscription through Candy Club! It’s a fun way to satisfy seniors with a sweet tooth.
Magnifying Glass For Readers
My father in law loved reading the newspaper and his journals. But as he grew older, it was becoming more and more difficult for him so I remember him using a magnifying glass very similar to this one. It gave him the ability to continue enjoying something he truly loved to do.
Tabletop Magnifying Glass With Light
Another good option is also a magnifying glass that can be attached to a tabletop which allows the reader to use it hands free. This would also be great for someone who enjoys needlepoint or any other craft that they may be having trouble doing due to their vision.
Digital Clock and Calendar For Low Vision
This is a great gift for anyone who has trouble with their vision and it may also be helpful for seniors with mild dementia. This digital frame shows in large print the date and the time and also whether it’s morning, afternoon or evening. It also has an alarm clock feature.
Cardigan Sweater
I have admitted before that I just love cardigans. They can make you feel all warm and cuddled and they look great too. So if your elderly loved one lives in a colder climate, consider getting them one of these great sweaters. It comes in many different colors so choose their favorite.
Pill Organizer
There are many different styles of pill organizers available and this particular one is the most popular. These tools are a simple way to keep all the medications that some elders need in check.
Adult Coloring Books
My mother loved these adult coloring books. They helped her to relax and work on a project that didn’t require much exertion, which was perfect for her. There are many different kinds to choose from as you can see here.
Simple Bed Rail
One of the very first things that my mom-in-law purchased for herself when she was in her early 90’s was this bed rail. She uses it to her herself get into and out of bed safely and comfortably. She loves the storage pocket which is a great place for her to put her book in! Such a simple tool that would be so appreciated by anyone who can use it.
Toaster Oven
If your elderly loved one needs a new toaster oven, you may be tempted to get one that can air fry, toast, roast, dehydrate, etc. But I would recommend to go simple because it will be much easier for them to learn (in most cases).
A Funny Little Gift
Many older moms and dads would appreciate this little gift! Just a little humor in the day and a reminder of who gave it to them.
Gift Card
Of course, there’s always the gift card option which allows your loved one to get whatever it is that they would like to get! You can also consider giving a gift certificate to their favorite restaurant!
Giving a gift to someone who is older doesn’t have to be difficult. Just try to think about what they do on a daily basis. And maybe what they aren’t doing because it’s either too difficult for them.
Then base your gift on that. Whether it’s a product or a service or maybe even something as simple as your time with them – they will appreciate it and love you for it.