2022 Holiday Gift Guide for Older Adults
By Julie Brown, OTR/L, BCG
Occupational Therapist
AOTA Board Certification in Gerontology
Central Pennsylvania 3
We often struggle to find the perfect gift for the older adults in our lives — parents, grandparents, great grandparents. We want something meaningful or functional; something the older adult will enjoy and not tuck away in a closet, never to be seen again. Finding this perfect gift for the holidays can be stressful, time-consuming, and often unsuccessful.
But worry no more! The following list will help you with your older adult holiday gift-giving needs. You should always consider the abilities and needs of your loved one prior to purchasing anything that may require specific training.
Wi-Fi Digital Photo Frame
You can upload photos from anywhere for your loved ones viewing pleasure. See various options here.
Large Print Digital Clock
Clocks like these provide time, day, date, time of day, etc. They’re always correct and update automatically with Daylight Savings time.
Personalized Family Photo Collage Blanket
You can send in your photos that are turned into a comfy blanket. A family hug for them every time they wrap it around themselves.
Storyworth Subscription
Each month your loved one will receive an email from Storyworth with a question (related to family history, favorites memories, etc) to fill out and send back. Once all questions have been answered a book is generated and sent to the person chronicling their history to share with their family.
Medical Alert System/Bracelet
One can never be too safe. There are many systems on the market. Choose what best meets your and your older adult’s needs and desires.
Window Bird Feeder
Many window bird feeders stick right onto the window with suction cups. These easy-to-install feeders provide up close and personal viewing from the comfort of inside the home.
Arm Chair Caddy
For their favorite seat! An armchair caddy can hold phones, remotes, tablets, glasses, etc., all in one place and is easy to reach.
Mini Exercise Bike
These mini exercise bikes can be used on the floor for legs or on a table for arms. They’re a great way to keep active and exercise — especially on cold and poor weather days.
Hands-Free Shoes
These are tie shoes that you just step into! No bending down is required. The back pops up into place. There are a variety of brands like Kizik, Skechers, or Zebas, with plenty of styles to choose from.
Adult Coloring Books, Word Searches, Brain Games
The brain needs exercise too! Great way to keep someone engaged and thinking throughout the day. There are adult coloring books for every interest and difficulty level.
Illuminated Magnifying Glass
This handy gadget makes it easier to read the small print on pill bottles, directions, the newspaper, or a favorite book.
Auto Cane Mobility Aid
Installing an auto cane provides a little extra help to get in and especially out of the car.
Multi Bottle Opener
An all-in-one tool, a multi-bottle opener works a variety of sized bottle lids and many put less stress on hands and fingers.
Modified Household Items
Things like a long-handled shoe horn, reacher/grabber tool, or extended-handle nail clippers make it easier to reach down and remain independent with daily activities.
Adaptive Equipment for the Bathroom/Shower
These are great gifts for safety and independence and there are many options. Ask your loved one’s doctor for a referral for Occupational Therapy for a home safety assessment to determine what is best for the individual.
Quality Time
This is often the best gift of all! Take them out to their favorite restaurant, make a meal together at home, go to the movies or an event/experience they would enjoy, watch a movie or their favorite sports team play. It can even be something as simple as spending an evening reminiscing through old photo albums or playing board games. Make sure you take pictures to forever remember the moment.
Any of the items included above make great holiday gift ideas for the older adult.
Happy holidays, and happy shopping!