Gift Ideas
40+ Gifts for Older Parents They’ll Actually Appreciate
Wondering what to give your older parents for a special occasion? He is a complete guide to the best gifts for mom and dad for all budgets and tastes.
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Parenting is a tough job to begin with; older parents can face even more challenges, balancing aging with raising children. As a way to give back after all those years of love and care, this compilation showcases the best, most quality gifts for older parents.
Each of these items are ones they will actually cherish and use, and many of them adapt to the changing needs of seniors.
Whether you are shopping for Christmas or are looking for a way to say thank you, or want to make their lives a bit easier as they get older, this is the complete guide to the best gifts for older parents.
This article is divided into eight, specific sections to fit whatever you are searching for.
In this post:
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Gifts (Personalized)
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Gifts for Mom
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Gifts for Dad
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Gifts to Entertain
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Gifts for Pampering and Relaxation
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Gifts to Help Manage ‘Senior Moments’
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Gifts (tech) for Older Folks
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Gifts (Valuable Subscriptions)
Personalized Gifts
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.
Whether you live far away from your parents, or across the street, they are usually thrilled to see their children’s faces. A picture frame key holder like this is a gentle way to keep family members’ faces a part of the home, even after they have left the nest.
Keeping treasured photos in a place where they will be seen every day is a gesture your parents are sure to appreciate. This key holder is made of high-quality MDF, which means it is unlikely to get damp or moldy, no matter where it is placed in the home.
Buyer beware: this particular model is not suited for heavier items like large coats and backpacks, so if you are looking for something more heavy duty I would select an alternative.)
A friend once gifted me a customized mug, and it is the only one I have held onto throughout my travels. A gift made especially for you will always hold that extra sentimental value, and who could appreciate that feeling more than your parents?
Whether they would appreciate an inside joke, a photo, or picture of the family dog, this mug will remind your parents of how much you appreciate them every time they take a sip.
There are a range of customizable mugs available on Amazon—I selected this one because it is especially high-quality, as well as microwave and dishwasher safe. All customization is easy to complete online; you can upload photos, select the font, and write any text you want to add.
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!
Like the Lovebox, this gift combines the personal with technology for a special way to show your appreciation for those you love. This gift can be used with any picture, which is laser-engraved onto a gorgeous crystal frame.
This 3D photo is engraved onto quality glass, which won’t tarnish or fade over time. Next to a frame, this gift stands out; this is an unique and unforgettable way to commemorate a particularly special photo.
Related: 80 Best Gifts for Mom from Daughter – The Complete Guide
Gifts for Mom
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.
Getting older should not mean mom has to give up her style, or the pieces of jewelry which make her feel her best. Unfortunately, aging comes with a range of complications which can make using small appliances like necklace clasps difficult.
The majority of older adults experience at least occasional joint pain, and over half of the same demographic have been told they have some form of arthritis. This can make day-to-day tasks, such as putting on her favorite necklace, painful.
This gift is perhaps one she would not think of for herself; it can be hard to adapt to a changing body. These magnetic clasps make for an easy attach, which will save her time, energy, and discomfort. They can easily replace a pre-existing clasp, and are allergy-free (meaning they won’t turn her skin green).
This gift is perfect for an older parent who treasures her jewelry. As she ages, her valued possessions can be adapted to fit her changing needs. If your parents are beginning to experience joint pain or arthritis, have a look at the ‘gifts to help manage senior moments’ section for more gift ideas.
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.
This gift is a life-saver for anyone who works with their hands. This hand massager combines heat, air pressure, and kneading for an immaculate massage. It is also convenient: rechargeable, portable, and cordless.
It sounds like heaven for most people, but this model was specifically designed to relieve arthritis or carpal tunnel which, as we know, is prominent amongst seniors. A gift like this minimizes finger numbness and joint soreness, and is a thoughtful way to show you care about her well-being.
If you are looking into this as a gift for someone with larger hands, be sure to double-check the size. The reviews on this device point out that this specific model is best suited for women’s hands, but larger options are certainly available!
Gifts for Dad
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.
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.
If you are a shopper on a budget, this may be just beyond the range of affordable. If, however, you are ready to splurge a bit, this is a worthwhile option. The classy look of a vintage bar cart adds a touch of sophistication to any room, making this a terrific gift for a refined dad.
This globe is handcrafted, with hardwood legs and a sepia finish. The design is a replica of a sixteenth-century Toscana globe—perhaps this would be appreciated by a history buff, or an enthusiast of Italy? Whether the connection is personal or not, this gift provides a gentlemanly way to store his liquor.
If your dad is retired, that probably means he finally gets to spend mornings in bed. Whether it’s a lazy day or a full one, having everything you need at arm’s length—from the moment you wake—feels like luxury. Nightstands can also get crazy cluttered, so this is a handy tool for anyone.
This organizer is especially appealing: a fusion of classical and modern style, it won’t make his bedroom look tacky. It is equipped to store electronic devices, reading glasses, keys, or anything else he would like to keep close by.
Be sure to keep the receipt for this gift—this provider offers free replacement for any breaks or mishaps!
I wanted to close out this dad section on a cozy note; after a hard day of work, who wouldn’t need something snug?
Each of these shoes is only six ounces, making it lightweight, comfortable, and perfect to pack while traveling. This gift also supports healthy feet; the shape of the shoes allows for total freedom of movement, and the memory foam cushioning makes for a perfect fit.
These shoes are especially useful for older adults because of their elastic laces; if he experiences joint pain in his fingers, tying shoes can be anything but relaxing. These loafers slip on easily, without compromising their sleek style.
Related: 80 Most Amazing Anniversary Gifts for Parents – The Complete Guide
Gifts to Entertain
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.
Crafting is proven to be beneficial for older adults. A deluxe art set like this is not exclusively for the artistically-minded: anyone with time on their hands and creativity which needs an outlet stands to benefit from this gift.
This set contains the essentials for someone beginning their crafting hobby. It works, however, for beginners and professionals alike.
There are a host of options for a place to put any pent-up creativity; art supplies are just the beginning. For those who prefer a more structured, between-the-lines approach, you could try this adult coloring book.
This is a bit of a specific suggestion, but it has been a favorite of my own family. This is a fun two-player game which can be played with a parent, or involve the whole family.
Mancala is a popular African game in which players aim to collect beads (or, ‘seeds’) on their side of the board.
This is a game which is not only entertaining, but increases hand mobility and can be beneficial to the health of aging adults. It can be played anywhere: the living room, around the table, on a train—mancala is a fun and portable 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.
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.
Gifts for Pampering and Relaxation
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.
Aromatherapy has been all the rage for a while now, and there is no mystery as to why. It is especially beneficial for seniors: improved sleep, digestion, and immunity are just some of the positive results. Whether a health justification is helpful or not, I think we can all agree that it’s nice to smell nice.
These shower steamers target stress relief, and all twelve scents are heavenly. I selected this product specifically for this compilation because these steamers are infused with essential oils, rather than harmful chemicals.
This gift works well for older parents because, aside from the health benefits we talked about earlier, they are non-slip and stain-free.
This is the gift for the parent who’s always cold (in my family, it’s mom). The inability to get warm and stay warm is something that worsens with age, so some extra help goes a long way.
These vests are completely safe, machine washable, and simple to use. They are rechargeable as well: they can be connected to a power bank and quickly reheated.
Especially with December fast approaching, a gift like this could completely turn around your parent’s frosty winter months.
If they just need a little extra warmth, try some rechargeable hand warmers, or maybe a heated blanket.
As we discover more about the oil’s benefits, more and more people (older adults, most notably), have begun to embrace CBD products.
This pillow will give your parent a restful sleep every night. Widely-renowned, it is infused with millions of CBD microcapsules, which release microdoses of CBD all night. If your loved one has difficulty falling asleep, this could be a natural and easy solution.
CBD has been shown to be promising in fighting neurodegenerative diseases, mood disorders, anxiety, heart disease, cancer, and more. These are all maladies which affect aging adults most potently, so it could be worthwhile to look into.
(Note: CBD can interact with medications such as blood thinners, so please verify with a doctor before gifting this)
If a CBD pillow is not what you are looking for, here is another anxiety-relieving idea. This squishy putty channels calm through multiple senses; its ocean aroma, soft texture, and soothing blue color contribute to its stress-relieving powers.
In addition to increased hand mobility, the calming properties of therapy dough come with numerous positive side-effects. It functions as a soothing mechanism or fidget toy, and is an excellent outlet for a high-strung parent.
Gifts to Help Manage ‘Senior Moments’
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.
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.
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.
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.
Related: 100 Most Awesome Christmas Gifts for Dad – The Ultimate Guide
Tech Gifts for Older Folks
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!
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.
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.
Vacuuming can be a pain in the butt. Therefore, consider gifting your favorite coworker a new Roomba.
This handy robot vacuum works on carpet and hard floors, has a 3-stage cleaning power, and has advanced sensors to ensure it doesn’t roll down the stairs or bang into walls.
Especially for parents who prefer to stay independent, this device is a great way to self-monitor health. This Fitbit tracks blood pressure, oxygen, and heart rate, as well as sleep activity.
This is an excellent gift for someone interested in staying active, or a parent who would like to keep track of any fluctuations in their health. It can also be helpful for those who have trouble sleeping, as light and deep sleep are recorded to help understand the quality of rest they are getting.
Valuable Subscriptions
As you get older, it seems you become more interested in the lives of ancestors and grandparents.
I have seen my own grandmother spend hours scrapbooking forgotten family memories, and my grandfather never let us go to bed before hearing a story about some great-great-grandmother or other.
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.
This subscription is best gifted to the parent with a sweet tooth.
Old Time Candy offers a huge selection of sweets, from retro to modern, which can be delivered as often as you would like.
If your parent is fond of candy, likes to keep a stash of treats for when the kids come around, or misses the sugary assortments they enjoyed as a child, this subscription is the perfect gift.
This is a versatile gift that will last a lifetime. A MasterClass subscription will give him access to hundreds of videos taught by the world’s experts on virtually any skill. Whether he is interested in science, writing, sports, or photography, these classes are the best of the best.
This is a subscription for the book lovers, whether they be new or experienced. The idea behind this program is to allow people to read more while having to do less research. 5-7 books are featured a month, and subscribers decide which they would like to read.
There is an option to skip a month if that particular selection is not of interest, as well as the choice to select multiple books a month.
This subscription is a cheaper choice than buying off the shelf, and eliminates the need to head out to the library or bookstore when you just don’t have the energy. If your parent is a reader who would rather stay curled up inside, this program was designed for them.
Speaking of convenience, this food delivery service makes regular grocery shopping and meal planning unnecessary. This subscription still gives you the freedom to choose your own meals, however, they are delivered to you, cooked and delicious.
Freshly operates throughout the United States. However, if your parents live in Europe, feel free to check out this list of food delivery options across the continent.
You can find similar services across the world, including Southeast Asia, Africa, and Southern America.
Related Questions:
What do elderly people need the most?
Especially if they are your parents, it can be embarrassing to ask for help. Seniors usually need extra care, but are unlikely to ask for it. Instead of an item, the gift they may need is an offer for transportation, somebody to make them dinner, or help with an everyday task.
What to buy an older mom who has everything?
When shopping for someone who seems to have it all, it is best to opt for things she would not normally buy herself. This means luxury and comfort goods: try a weighted or heated blanket, some cozy slippers, or a fancy face mask. People don’t always think to invest in their own comfort, so why not do it for your mom?
Final Thought on Gifts for Older Parents
Whatever you end up getting for your parents, make sure you do it taking into consideration their hobbies and their personal taste. That would make the gift extra special.
I hope you found inspiration for something your loved ones will use and enjoy. If you are interested in more gift ideas from BLENDtw, check out these articles:
- 62 Amazing Gifts for College Guys
- 100 Best Christmas Gifts for Boyfriend’s Parents
- 80+ Best Gifts for Coworkers
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