Seniors can be challenging to buy holiday gifts for—oftentimes, they swear they don’t need (or want) anything at all! You hear the same sentiment on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, their birthdays and of course, at Christmas or Hanukkah.
However difficult shopping for older family members may be, it’s wonderful to find them something special, and they typically enjoy a thoughtful, heartfelt gift. Here are some ideas from the Living Assistance Services team. If you’d like to know more about high quality homecare services in Toronto, Mississauga and the surrounding areas, please contact us. We’d be glad to answer your questions and provide a personalized quote.
Personal care basket
Seniors often appreciate practically, so make them a gift basket of personal care items they’ll use and enjoy. This may include some high quality shampoo and conditioner, a moisturizing body wash, unscented body lotion for those dry winter days, hand cream, new slippers or even a cozy robe, if they don’t already have one. You can also add lip balm and any hair products or cosmetics they use on a regular basis. This gift shows that you care and want to support their wellness, but because all of the items are practical, it’s not adding extra “stuff” to their home.
A festive plant or outdoor planter
A houseplant or holiday planter is simple but lovely holiday gift. Consider what would work well in your aging loved one’s home (indoors or outdoors, if they have a balcony or front porch) and be mindful of how much maintenance is involved. A plant that requires minimal care is ideal! For example: an anthurium is beautiful, colourful and low maintenance, and snake plants are incredibly hardy.
A collection of their favourite foods
Much like the personal care basket, this gift is about giving your loved one something practical yet enjoyable—a collection of thoughtful items that add to their quality of life. Consider including their favourite coffee or tea, a variety of snacks, a jar of high quality jam or honey, some chocolates (low sugar if need be) and a bottle of sparkling cider. If your aging loved one can safely consume a glass of wine (be mindful of medication interactions), you could replace the cider with their favourite white or red.
Thoughtful upgrades
The next time you’re visiting your aging loved one, take a look around. Are their bath or hand towels old and worn? Have their dish cloths seen better days? Could they use a new bath mat, toaster or set of cutlery? You may even want to replace a larger item, like a television set, if you have the budget (or if family members are interested in giving a group gift). Just be aware that change can be difficult for older individuals, so it’s best to replace items with a similar piece in better condition (or ask first). That cool new smart TV might be appealing to you, but if your aging relative finds it difficult to use, it’s not the right gift for them!
Dinner out (or in)
What many seniors really want is quality time with their loved ones. Consider taking them out for a family dinner, cooking dinner for them in your home or theirs, or ordering in their favourite takeout. You can make a night of it by putting on a movie, playing cards or a board game, or watching a sports game together. Time together is a wonderful gift, and a great way to celebrate the season. From all of us at Living Assistance Services in Toronto, happy holidays!