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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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gifts for older parents

This article was updated on 12/04/2023.

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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:

Personalized Gifts

Lovebox Black & White | Love Note Messenger | Meaningful Gift for Mom, Dad, Wife, Husband, Grandma, Grandpa, Kids, Couple Gift, Long Distance Relationship Gift

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.


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Lavish Home Wall Shelf and Picture Collage with Ledge and 3 Hanging Hooks Frame Decor Shelving with Modern Look, Holds 3 Photos (Black)

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.)

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Personalized Coffee Mug with Custom Photo, Text, Logo or Design, 15oz, White Ceramic, Tazas Personalizadas, custom front and back options, Great Gifts for Mom, Dad, vaso personalizado para hombre, Dye

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.

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Make Your Own 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!

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STRONGUS 3D Crystal Photo - Customizable Laser Engraved Holographic Custom Picture Glass - Personalized Christmas Gift Ideas for Father Day, Mother's Day, Valentines, Christmas, & Wedding - L...

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. 

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Related: 80 Best Gifts for Mom from Daughter – The Complete Guide

Gifts for Mom

Suck UK Recipe Book To Write In Your Own Recipes | Blank Recipe Book & Cookbooks To Write In | Hardcover Recipe Notebook | Blank Cookbook & Recipe Journal | Make Your Own Cookbook | DIY Cook.....

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.


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Qulltk Necklace Clasps and Closures 18K Gold and Silver Plated Bracelet Converter Clasp,Suitable for Necklaces Chain Extender

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.

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VEVOR Folding Garden Kneeler and Seat Heavy Duty, Widened 8" EVA Foam Pad, Portable Garden Stool with Tool Bags, Gardening Bench to Relieve Knee & Back Pain, Great Gifts for Seniors, Women, P...

 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.

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CINCOM Hand Massager - Cordless Hand Massager with Heat and Compression for Arthritis and Carpal Tunnel - Gifts for Women(A-WH)

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!

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Gifts for Dad

Wood Phone Docking Station, Gifts for Father, Nightstand Organizer, Husband Birthday Gifts, Phone Docking Station for Men Wood Nightstand Organizer (Brown)

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!

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Hey Dude Men's Wally Sox Micro Total Black Size 11 | Men s Shoes | Men's Lace Up Loafers | Comfortable & Light-Weight

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.

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Related: 80 Most Amazing Anniversary Gifts for Parents – The Complete Guide

Gifts to Entertain

Avantree HT381 Wireless TV Earbuds Headphones for Seniors and Hard of Hearing, Voice Clarification, L/R Balance Volume Control, Ambient Mode, Connect Both Digital & Analog Televisions

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.

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175 Piece Deluxe Art Set with 2 Drawing Pads, Acrylic Paints,Crayons,Colored Pencils,Paint Set in Wooden Case,Professional Art Kit,Art Supplies for Adults,Teens and Artist,Paint Supplies

From seasoned artists to a dabbler just starting out, this craft set is the best option for those of all experience levels.

All the essentials are here, including acrylic paints, oil pastels, watercolors, and more! 

His thirties could be the decade he taps into his inner artist, and there is no better place to start than here.

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Classic Mancala - Fun Board Game for Friends and Family - Timeless Strategy Game

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!

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Hygge Games I should have known that! Trivia Game Green

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.

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SZBJSMF Card Shuffler 2 Deck, Automatic Card Shuffler with 4 AA Battery for Deck of Playing Card, UNO, Texas Hold em, Poker, Home Card Games, Blackjack

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.

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Gifts for Pampering and Relaxation

Bambüsi Premium Bamboo Cheese Board Wood Charcuterie Board Serving Platter and Knife Set with Hidden Slid-Out Drawer Ideal Gift for Fathers Day, Housewarming, Bridal Shower, Wedding,

If he does not feel like an adult, this gift will remedy that. With a groove circling the edge, adding as many types of bread, fruit, or nuts as you need is easy.

There are also compartments for knives, labeling slates, and a wine opener.

This board is everything you need to host an incredible soirée or a cozy evening for two.

Also, if he wants some tips on how to craft the perfect cheese board, check out this article.

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ZenTyme Moments Shower Steamers Aromatherapy Gifts for Women Who Has Everything, Shower Bombs with Essential Oils for Stress Relief, Unique Relaxation Gifts for Moms Birthday, Great Spa Gift for Women

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.

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Heated Vest Windproof and waterproof Heated Waistcoat Vest for Men Winter Outwork Skiing

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.

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Cbdpillow

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)

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Pinch Me Therapy Dough - Holistic Aromatherapy Stress Relieving Putty (Ocean)

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.

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Gifts to Help Manage ‘Senior Moments’

The Grip Jar Opener | Original Under Cabinet Jar Lid & Bottle Opener, Made in USA Effortless Jar Opener for Weak Hands & Seniors with Arthritis - Open Any Size Jar & Can Kitchen Ga...

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.

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NOVA Cup Holder for Walker, Rollator, Transport Chair, Wheelchairs Universal Fit on Round Tube Only, Adjustable & Foldable Drink Holder

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.

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Echo Dot (5th Gen, 2022 release) | With bigger vibrant sound, helpful routines and Alexa | Charcoal

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.

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Related: 100 Most Awesome Christmas Gifts for Dad – The Ultimate Guide

Tech Gifts for Older Folks

Yootech Wireless Charger, Qi-Certified 10W Max Fast Wireless Charging Pad Compatible with iPhone 12/12 Mini/12 Pro Max/SE 2020/11 Pro Max,Samsung Galaxy S21/S20/Note 10/S10,AirPods Pro(No AC Adapter)

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!

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Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB) Now with a larger display, adjustable warm light, increased battery life, and faster page turns Agave Green

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.


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Tile Mate Essentials (2022) 4-Pack (2 Mate, 1 Slim, 1 Sticker)- Bluetooth Trackers & Item Locators for Keys, Wallets, Remotes & More; Easily Find All Your Things

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.

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iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum-Wi-Fi Connectivity, Personalized Cleaning Recommendations, Works with Alexa, Good for Pet Hair, Carpets, Hard Floors, Self-Charging, Roomba 694

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.

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FITVII Slim Fitness Tracker with Blood Oxygen SpO2, Blood Pressure, 24/7 Heart Rate and Sleep Tracking, IP68 Waterproof Activity Trackers and Smart Watches with Step Tracker, Pedometer for Women Kids

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.

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Valuable Subscriptions

Ancestry

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.

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Oldtimecandy

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.

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MasterClass Subscription

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.

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Monthly book subscription box | Book of the Month

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.

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Meal Delivery Service Across The U.S. | Freshly

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.

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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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