Gift Ideas
55+ Gifts for Elderly Women That Show How Much You Care
Looking for caring gifts for elderly women you love? This guide brings you the best gifts for a variety of tastes and every type of budget.
Last Updated on January 21, 2023 by Georgi
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This post is all about the best gifts for elderly women!
These are the best, most high-quality products for senior ladies.
As you age and grow, your needs often grow with you. For most older people, this means their body needs more upkeep to stay feeling their best.
Elderly women have been known to prioritize their comfort, which becomes more and more of a necessity throughout one’s life which means that meaningful, thoughtful gifts are some of the best ways to show you care for the older person in your life and are invested in their wellness.
In this compilation of gifts for elderly women, the range of the highest-quality options for all gift givers and receivers is outlined.
No matter your budget, and no matter her individual needs, there is something on this list which will suit her perfectly.
The items have been diligently researched and compared with competitors on the market – this will save you the trouble of wading through the vast amounts of products for seniors on the market, and give you peace of mind – fear not, the best items on the market have been selected for you!
In the article:
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Gifts for elderly women (cozy)
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Gifts to show you care
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Gifts for elderly women who have everything
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Useful gifts for elderly women
Cozy Gifts
The older you get, the more that comfort becomes a priority – elderly women especially are known across cultures to prioritize their comfort, since women in general work hard, and as they age, most learn how they like to take care of themselves.
The thing is, ‘cozy,’ looks different to different people.
I have selected a few alternatives to each of these gifts, so you can find the perfect fit for the older woman in your life.
Of course, most of us would love some warm socks, but this article focuses on the specific gifts that are best for elderly women.
Weighted blanket
Weighted blankets have become all the rage recently, and for good reason. Many people experience anxiety relief and better sleep with these products, myself included.
If you are concerned a weighted blanket could be harmful to elderly women, don’t stress. Weighted blankets have been proven to be not only safe, but beneficial for seniors. In addition to the original perks, these sleeping aids may ease symptoms of conditions common to older people, including:
- Dementia
- Alzheimer’s
- Arthritis
- Parkinson’s
Keep in mind, this is in addition to the regular benefits—maybe she simply has trouble falling asleep, or is feeling more anxious than usual. A weighted blanket is a great way to promote overall wellness.
This gift should be perfectly safe for elderly women to use, provided she does not pull it over her face. If you are especially cautious, or if she is more frail than average, you can use a lightweight weighted blanket.
Weighted blankets do not have to be a ‘one-size-fits-all’ product. They can range from 4 to 50 pounds; especially if you are shopping for an elderly woman with unsteady bones or muscles, it could be helpful to do your research.
A weighted blanket should weigh about 5 to 12 percent of the user’s body weight. This means most options are 10 to 25 pounds but keep in mind the body weight of the person you are shopping for; nobody wants a too-heavy blanket. Some companies suggest you take 10% of your body weight, then add one pound. For reference, you can find a helpful chart here.
Now that you have an idea of what product could make for the best gift, let’s take a look at your options. I have done a little digging, and have compiled a selection of weighted blankets; one of these could be the perfect fit for your loved one!
- ‘Cooling’ weighted blanket
This is how lightweight weighted blankets are often referred to (which could be good to keep in mind while shopping around). The best overall option for this product is the Bearaby Tree Napper, which, unlike other blankets, does not incorporate weights. Instead, the bulk comes from its chunky knit design.
. Handmade Cotton Weighted Blanket
Blankets such as this one are referred to as 'cooling' weighted blankets.
It is a great alternative to the expensive Bearaby blanket and it provides a comparable experience.
. YnM Weighted Blanket
This is a gorgeous choice for a few reasons.
As a student, the friendly price stood out to me, pushing this to the top of our list.
The weight, too, is optimal, at a safe 15 pounds.
YnM offers a few options on Amazon, so if this isn’t quite right, poke around a bit.
This gift is machine washable, and should not need much maintenance to keep it in pristine shape.
One last thing to keep in mind: weighted blankets focus their support on the user’s body.
This means it is not designed to hang off the edge of the bed and may appear smaller than your average blanket.
Don’t be alarmed—this is ideal!
. Baloo weighted blanket
If the fact these products run small is a downside, take a look at the Baloo blanket.
This version comes in a range of sizes, and can fit a Queen or King bed, as well as a smaller twin bed.
If you know your loved one would prefer something full-sized, this could be the gift for her.
The cotton on this blanket makes for a lighter, more breathable feel.
This blanket is a more advanced design than many other alternatives you will see; the glass beading on the Baloo blanket is sewed into individual quilted pockets.
This means that the weight is kept where it belongs as time goes on, without weight bunching up in one place.
Related: 40+ Gifts for Older Parents They’ll Actually Appreciate
Cozy slippers
Unfortunately, aging usually means you start experiencing pain and discomfort in new places. An aging body can also be less reliable than it once was; older adults are more likely to fall, and are at greater risk for complications after falling down. Not only are seniors more likely to have a fall, they experience increased cold sensitivity, especially in extremities such as the feet.
This combination of issues can be combated with a gift like slippers especially tailored to elderly women. I am not talking about something you would grab from a five-dollar bin; this is a selection of the best products to show you care about her well-being, safety, and comfort.
. Git-up Women’s Memory Foam Slippers
These slippers are custom-made to suit senior needs.
They are officially advertised as an aid for those with diabetes, an edema, and arthritis.
This means the slippers ease the pain of swollen feet, and feature a wide opening to make slipping on your shoes easier.
The price for these slippers is student-friendly.
. LongBay Women’s Memory Foam Slippers
These are a similar alternative to the slippers above.
They offer similar benefits as the Git-up shoes, but include a non-skid rubber outsole for added traction.
This model is made from quilted jersey knit cotton fabric for a breathable feel.
They can be used indoors or outdoors, and feature long lasting memory foam.
. Urbancolor Women’s Slippers
If your main focus in selecting the perfect slipper is to prevent falls, this is an excellent choice.
Like the two options I covered above, these slippers are made of memory foam for extra cushioning.
They are additionally designed for anti-slip purposes and can be used indoors or outdoors.
. ULTRAIDEAS Women’s Memory Foam Loafers with Warm Fleece Lining
In my research for this article, these slippers popped up a few times as a favorite amongst older women.
If you want to optimize the comfort of your gift, these are the slippers you are looking for.
This model is a multi-layered choice: one layer of high-density memory foam, thickening foam, and a shock-absorbing design make for the ultimate pampered experience.
These shoes hold up well over time; they can be washed in the washing machine and stay both cosy and sturdy.
When looking for footwear for elderly women, be sure to double-check you are ordering the right size. Many people do not realize how much their feet change as they get older; in fact, 83% of seniors wear the wrong size of shoe!
Most footwear is designed for younger feet, so this gift may add quality of life your loved one may not know is available.
Massage therapy is not only relaxing and enjoyable, it comes with a multitude of health benefits for seniors, specifically. This is a gift which encompasses a wide range of options. For the best results, divide your search into: massage chairs, pads, or canes. Don’t feel overwhelmed—I will outline some great options for all of the above.
A massage chair provides a full body treatment, and can be a thoughtful gift for anyone, especially elderly women. My grandmother kept a massaging recliner in her home, which eased her own discomfort. Not only that, her grandkids loved taking turns on the chair as well! This gift is a universal favorite.
You don’t necessarily need to break the bank for a quality product; yes, massage chairs tend toward the more expensive side of things when compared for a massage pad or cane, but I will list a range of options to pick from. This can be a luxury gift for a shopper on a budget!
Related: 70+ Best Retirement Gifts for Women – The Complete Guide
Massagers for seniors
. Full Body Electric Shiatsu Massage Chair
This model of massage chair offers, holistically, the most complete range of benefits. That means it is one of the most pricey items out of our massage appliance picks, but if you can spend the extra dough, it is the most high-quality option.
The full body electric shiatsu massage chair is an advanced piece of tech taken straight from a sci-fi film.
The chair is complete with full body scan technology which can individualize her experience.
There is, additionally, a zero gravity feature which elevates the feet to the same level as the heart; she will feel weightless.
Like I said, it’s a science fiction-worthy work of technology.
. AVAWING Recliner
In terms of massage chairs, this is your cheapest option which will still create a restful experience.
This chair features eight massage nodes to focus massage therapy on the most necessary regions.
It also includes a heating function, which can ease a number of maladies targeting elderly women.
This gift has all the key elements of a great massage, for a comparably lower price.
An especially helpful feature of this chair is its smooth tilting feature.
Many older adults begin to struggle to get up from seats as-is; an appliance like a massage chair may be especially complicated to get out of.
The tilt function, however, makes this chair simple to slip in and out of.
. Real Relax Recliner
While this option is up there with the shiatsu chair in terms of price, it is the most suited for the needs of elderly people with arthritis.
The focus on the neck is key: robotic hand rollers create concentrated relief for neck and back stress or tension.
The positioning, also, may be altered to better suit her size.
One potential caveat to this gift may be its depth: for those who struggle especially with getting up, this chair could be complicated to get out of.
If they are less concerned with the depth, however, and more with painful arthritis, this chair’s features (for example, heat control) could make this a meaningful gift.
. Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager
If a chair is not quite the right fit, a neck and back massager could be the perfect alternative.
In terms of quality and pricing, this was the best alternative I found (especially if you are eyeing the first massage chair on this list, but found it a bit pricey).
This is certainly more portable than a chair and is great for an elderly woman on the go.
The therapeutic heat function is great for facilitating blood circulation, and the three strength levels are easy to switch between depending on her individual preference.
This gift is specifically suited to seniors, not purely because of its health benefits, but comes with auto shut-off protection.
Because this product includes a heat function, it turns itself off automatically if left running too long.
It can be shut off manually, of course, but the auto shut-off means memory mishaps will not lead to any complications.
. LiBa Cane Massager
This is the last suggestion for fantastic massage gifts, and it is tailored perfectly to the needs of older women.
I included this model in my compilation, specifically because it is made to ease fibromyalgia, which, while it affects a range of demographics, is especially prominent amongst older women.
Another feature which makes this product perfect for seniors is its unique, smooth function.
There are no hard-to-use knobs on this model, rather, every part of the cane can be used on any part of the body.
That is what makes this product an awesome alternative to the massage chair: while cheap and portable, the cane still provides a full-body massage.
If you have gone through all the options for the gifts above, but still can’t seem to put your finger on exactly what you’re looking for, here are ten more cozy options! I will list just one for each product, but there should be something on the list for everyone.
.Lightweight, Warm Shawl
A blanket or jacket that is warm enough to be comforting may add unnecessary strain.
This shawl is both warm and lightweight, and makes for a stylish piece of comfort wear while on the go.
.High–tech Humidifier
Humidifiers come with a range of benefits, including more peaceful sleep, aromatherapy, and a cooling breeze.
This model is especially handy for older adults, also, because it can be paired with Alexa for voice control benefits.
She can also set an Auto Mode on the app, which will keep the humidity in her room exactly as she prefers it.
.Adaptive Clothing from Silvert’s
Photo by Sven Mieke
Adaptive clothing is fashion designed for the unique needs of seniors. You may take for granted how many aspects of getting dressed are simple for younger, able-bodied people that become complicated with age. Adapted, specialized clothing makes dressing easier for older adults, whether they are getting dressed on their own or with the help of a caregiver.
You can learn more about specialized clothing for seniors here—it could be the right fit for your loved one!
.Jar Opener
This gift is a wonderful aid to help ease the complications of aging.
Rather than adding extra strain to her hands and wrists, this device makes for an easy time opening any jar lid or bottle cap.
.Wireless Charger
This is another gift that will free up her hands and spare her from joint pain.
Wireless chargers can also be a must-have for those with visual impairments; the device eliminates any difficulties wrestling with outlets or tiny bits of technology.
Simply place your device on the charger, and the machine does the rest!
.ComfiLife Gel Enhanced Seat Cushion
Even sitting down can lead to problems for the elderly; bedsores occur after long periods of sitting, and are especially prevalent amongst seniors.
This seat cushion helps lessen the likelihood of bedsores arising, even after sitting for long periods of time.
.Kindle Paperwhite
A kindle paperwhite is the e-reader best suited for older adults.
Products like these are hugely popular with seniors; as smaller text becomes difficult to follow, reading is less and less of an enjoyable pastime.
This device looks and feels more like a book than other alternatives, and offers a customizable reading experience.
.Freshly Food Delivery Service
Photo by micheile dot com
To give her a gift that is thoughtful and convenient, why not eliminate the hassle of regular grocery shopping and meal planning? This subscription still gives you the freedom to choose your own meals, however, they are delivered to you prepared and ready to be enjoyed.
.GoGograndparent Gift Card
Photo by Jan Baborák
This service is similar to Uber or Lyft, but for people who don’t use smartphones. The mission of GoGograndparent is to grant older adults independence, which is difficult to realize when you cannot get where you need to go.
GoGograndparent offers a range of services, from rides, meals and groceries, to prescription delivery—so check them out! They could be right for the older woman in your life.
.CBD Pillow
Photo by Mediamodifier
As we discover more about the benefits of CBD, more and more seniors have begun to embrace CBD products. CBD has been shown to be promising in fighting neurodegenerative diseases, mood disorders, anxiety, heart disease, cancer, and more.
This pillow helps combat all these disorders, and more: it provides a restful night’s sleep. This gift will help her get a good night’s sleep whenever she needs, and does the silent work of disease prevention at the same time.
Related: 80 Most Amazing 50th Birthday Gift Ideas – The Ultimate Guide
Gifts to show you care
As Betty White’s character says in The Proposal: “Grandmothers love to give their stuff to their grandchildren. It makes us feel like we’ll still be part of your lives even after we’re gone.” Whether you are getting a gift for a grandmother or not, the idea that older people are interested in preserving memories has rung true for generations.
The best way to make an elderly person feel loved and special is to show them you cherish your memories with them. These gifts do just that: directly or in a more subtle way, these gifts highlight and conserve the moments which mean the most.
. Scrapbook
Scrapbooking is not only enormously beneficial for aging minds, but the gift itself can be put together on your own, or with a loved one.
This scrapbook is perfect for your favorite crafty family member, or maybe someone with some free time on their hands who would like to channel that energy into something creative and meaningful.
If you are looking for more information on scrapbooking for seniors, specifically on how it can help combat Alzheimer’s or dementia, take a look at this article. Essentially, relaxing activities such as these can help slow memory loss and general cognitive decline.
. Fill-in Recipe Book
When I think of my favorite older woman, my grandmother, one of the first things which comes to mind are her breadsticks.
Soft, warm, and heavenly, they are one of the best parts about visiting grandma’s house.
I tried once, now that I am in college, to recreate her recipe, with disastrous results.
It is simply impossible to recreate the recipes of someone who has spent her life perfecting the perfect method of making something delicious.
This gift is great for preserving family recipes to ensure they are preserved throughout the generations, but may also be a thoughtful present for anyone who loves to cook.
This model is personalizable, and allows you to preserve precious recipes in one place.
The fill-in book holds space for over 80 recipes, as well as a photo album and conversion tables.
This book also includes recipe card templates, which creates an easy guide to follow.
Overall, this gift features a range of ways to show the older woman in your life you love and appreciate her.
. Lovebox
This gift is a personal favorite of mine, and made me the golden grandchild last Christmas.
Many of us are not lucky enough to live close to our loved ones, making this present the perfect way to show someone you love them even when you are far away.
Using the application which comes with the box, you can send a personalized message, drawing, or animation to your loved one.
When a message arrives, the heart on the Lovebox begins to turn, signaling you have something to say.
This gift is simple to use, and adds a touch of thoughtfulness to her everyday routine.
.Guided Journal
This is a gift for both you and your loved one.
Nothing could be more important than preserving the memories and wisdom the older woman in your life has earned over the years; this will open up ways to connect with and honor the person you love.
.Ancestry.com Subscription
Photo by Anne Nygård
Along a similar thread, this subscription could help connect her to her own past. Ancestry.com holds the world’s largest collection of digital family history records, and it is only growing. If your parents are interested in family history, this is the best way to connect them to your family tree.
.Specialized Photo Book
Photo by Rirri
This gift requires a little extra effort, and a little extra love, on your part. This is an inexpensive way to compile precious memories into one place for the older woman in your life to look back on at any time. This is an especially meaningful, long-lasting way to show you care.
.Photo Puzzle
This is another great, customizable gift.
Personalized gifts are always the best way to show your love for somebody, and she is sure to appreciate it.
.Personalized Locket
Jewelry always makes for a classy, elegant present, but this locket’s customization is what makes it such a great gift.
Add a picture of you and your loved one inside, along with an inscription, and you have created the perfect reminder of how much you love the older woman in your life.
.Digital Photo Frame
This is a high-tech option if you are interested in a customizable gift.
With a digital photo frame, she will not be limited to just one picture; this device will cycle through all her favorite photos.
This model features multiple slideshow modes, picture zoom, and 360 degree rotation.
There is also a unique preview function, which makes finding a single picture out of hundreds an easy option.
.Multi-photo clock
This is a small reminder of how much she is loved, which can be incorporated seamlessly into her day-to-day living.
My one warning: this gift requires one AA battery, which is not included, so be sure to have one on-hand!
Photo by martin bennie
Related: 80 Best Gifts for Mom from Daughter – The Complete Guide
Gifts for elderly women who have everything
.Spa gift set
If she already has it all, the one thing you can always give her is some pampering.
This particular set is ocean themed, but they come in all scents—why not buy her favorite?
.Folding garden kneeler and seat
The multifunctional kneeler keeps her protected and clean while down in the dirt.
This same device can also be used as a folding chair for some outside relaxation.
Though aging can make her hobbies more difficult, appliances like these can make them painless again.
.Premium cheese board and knife set
If he does not yet feel quite like an adult, this gift is sure to remedy that.
With a groove circling the edge, it is easy to add as many types of bread, fruit, or nuts as you need.
There are also compartments for knives, labeling slates, and a wine opener.
This board is everything you need to host an incredible soirée, or else a cozy evening for two.
Also, if he wants some tips on how to craft the perfect cheese board, check out this article.
.Flameless LED candles
If she loves the look of candlelight, or is simply passionate about her home decor, this gift could suit her lifestyle perfectly.
Older adults suffering from memory loss can forget a candle is burning, so a product like this preserves the candle light aesthetic, without compromising safety.
.‘I should have known that!’ trivia game
I have included another game, in case your parent is more trivia-oriented.
This game is addictively enjoyable; the 400 questions within contain questions of things one ‘ought to know,’ but are so easy to forget.
More than fun, this is another game which is well-suited to older parents.
Games such as this, which require recall and mental exercise, are invaluable in maintaining a strong memory.
.Bird Feeder
No matter how much she has going on, you can never be too busy to pick up a low-demand, therapeutic hobby like birdwatching.
A birdfeeder is a simple way to add some space for relaxation in her day-to-day life; bring the natural world closer to her doorstep with this thoughtful present.
.Automatic card shuffler
This is for the serious card players out there.
It also works great for anyone who is losing a bit of their dexterity, but still enjoys a good card game.
Most people, I know, would appreciate the efficiency of a product like this; it could make life easier for the woman who has everything.
.Desk needle threader
Similar to the card shuffler, this is a luxury gift to improve the little things in life.
That being said, depending on how her hands are feeling as she ages, this could be an incredibly useful tool.
.TV listening device
Whatever technological appliances she already owns, this is the most efficient product for anyone struggling to hear their favorite shows.
This is the latest version of this device, and it comes with the works: customized volume for each ear, surround-sound awareness, and universal compatibility.
.Wearable Acupressure
This award-winning device is the all-natural, drug-free way to relieve pain.
It is particularly helpful for elderly women who travel often, but offers relief to all demographics.
Useful gifts for elderly women
.Pickup tool
I included this gift at the top of the list because my own grandmother never goes anywhere without it.
This appliance ensures nothing is out of reach or difficult to grab, and will make her workload lighter.
.Tile Mate
Even for those with the sharpest memories, a Tile Mate could certainly come in handy.
This device helps keep track of keys, wallets, phones, remotes, and more.
If she is prone to losing the essentials, this is the perfect gift.
This single piece of technology can keep track of them all, whether it is a missing phone or remote stuck in the couch cushion.
.Echo Dot
Amazon’s echo dot can improve the quality of life for seniors, especially those with memory loss or joint pain.
These devices are voice-activated, and are a wonderful assistant for those who find it easier to use their voice than their hands.
For adults with dementia, Alexa is helpful for recalling dates and reminders, and can be a helpful, everyday tool.
.Sofa armrest organizer
If she is retired and finally able to spend some much-earned time relaxing at home, this gift will keep everything she needs at arm’s length.
She has worked hard all her life, so make it easier to get some rest with this gift!
.Neck reading light
Whether she likes to read, knit, or even camp, this gift comes in handy.
Any extra difficulty with seeing can be eased with this tool, and the hands-free aspect makes for easy, efficient use.
.Temperature control smart mug
This is a complete life-changer for anyone who drinks a regular cup of coffee, or enjoys a hot cup of tea.
This appliance will keep a cup hot for an extra eighty minutes, which puts an end to making a hot beverage, only to forget about it until too late.
.LED flashlight gloves
If she likes to craft, garden, or tinker with things around the house, this will make her life all the more simple.
This LED flashlight glove should remedy any visual impairment; this is a flashlight that attaches seamlessly to his hand, and is handy with any home project.
.WTF is My Password Log Book
Even the sharpest of us run into difficulty recalling the occasional password.
This book is a helpful, clearly labeled place to store login info: organized pages with alphabetical tabs make it an easy-to-use log.
Especially for an older mind, this will take away the headache of storing the thousands of passwords and logins we are expected to remember.
.Cup holder for walker or wheelchair
If your loved one uses a walker or wheelchair, this appliance adds a touch of convenience to an often-clunky tool.
It is a universal fit for most walkers, transport chairs, and wheelchairs.
When not in use, the cup holder can be easily folded and re-installed later.
.Magnetic necklace clasps
Getting older should not mean mom has to give up her style, or the pieces of jewelry which make her feel her best.
Thankfully, these clasps can be added onto pieces of jewelry for easy, painless attachment.
Related: 80 Most Amazing Anniversary Gifts for Parents – The Complete Guide
Helpful Questions:
What do elderly people like?
As people get older, many start getting active! Walking, jogging, gardening—these are hugely popular activities among older crowds. If this sounds like the elderly woman in your life, you might want to consider going on a walk or jog with her. It will show you are taking an interest in her hobbies and will give you the chance to spend some quality time with someone you love.
How do you make an elderly person feel loved and special?
It is vital to show the older people in your life just how much you appreciate them. If they are family, perhaps consider organizing something like a family reunion, or community gathering of people to show how much they care. You can also offer practical help: many seniors won’t ask you directly, so try offering a ride, a grocery run, or help around the house.
How do you make an elderly person feel less lonely?
The best way to show an elderly person you care is by spending time with them. Many seniors struggle with loneliness and can feel cut off from society. If you are not able to be there in person for an older loved one, try reaching out over the phone or via email as often as you can. I find many older adults still enjoy sending and receiving letters—to show you care for someone, make time for them!
Final Thoughts on Gifts for Elderly Women
Whatever you end up getting for your beloved elderly women, make sure you do it taking into consideration their health and your precious memories with them. This will all add up to the best gift you can ever give them.
I hope that in this guide you found the answer to the perfect gift for your loved ones which they will love! If you are interested in more gift ideas from BLENDtw, check out these articles:
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40+ Gifts for Older Parents They’ll Actually Appreciate
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65 Amazing Christmas Gifts for College Girls-The Complete 2022 Guide
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70 Best Dorm Gifts For College Students – The Complete 2022 Guide
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