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50 Best Gifts for Seniors: Things You’ve Never Thought Of

By Connie Chow, Founder at DailyCaring
Date published: 2024-11-11

50 fantastic holiday gifts for seniors

If you’re looking for a wonderful gift that your older adult will use and enjoy, we’ve got you covered.

We rounded up 50 of our favorite gift ideas, ranging from products for independent older adults to gifts for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia or greater care needs.

These gifts are thoughtful, helpful, entertaining, comforting, and can improve your older adult’s quality of life.

You’re sure to find something they’ll be thrilled to receive.

 

Browse 8 categories of thoughtful gift ideas for seniors

To make it easier to browse these gift ideas for seniors, click these links below to jump directly to one of the categories on this page or keep scrolling to browse the full list.

 

Senior-friendly technology gifts keep seniors connected and entertained

9 technology gifts keep seniors connected, safe, and entertained

We now rely on technology more than ever to stay connected.

These 10 tech gifts help us stay connected and also help keep seniors safer when we aren’t able to be there in person.

1) ViewClix Smart Frame, from $169
These smart picture frames display digital photos in a 10.1-inch screen size ($169, sale price) or 15.6-inch screen size ($249, sale price).

The frame displays photos beautifully and is hassle-free for older adults to use because the management and settings can be accessed remotely by a family member or trusted friend.

The “smart” feature we love most is video calling for up to 4 people with an auto-answer mode. When auto-answer is enabled, the older adult doesn’t need to do anything to receive the video call.

This is especially helpful for making video calls to someone with dementia or someone who isn’t able to physically answer a call.

A $9.95/month Premium subscription is needed to access most features, including video calling.

We discuss the ViewClix Smart Frame in greater detail here.

2) Amazon Echo Show “Alexa” voice assistant with video calling
The Amazon Echo Show is an Alexa personal voice assistant with a video screen. It’s similar to the Echo or Echo Dot, with the addition of a video screen and better speakers.

To make video calls without your older adult needing to take action to accept the call, use the Echo’s “drop in” feature.

There are 3 sizes of these devices. Prices change frequently so keep checking back for limited time deals.

  • $90 Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen, 2023 release) – 5.5 inch smart display with Alexa and 2 MP camera
  • $150 Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen, 2023 release) – 8 inch HD touchscreen smart display with Alexa, 13 MP camera, and built-in smart home hub
  • $250 Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) – 10.1″ HD smart display with premium sound, 13 MP camera with auto-framing and motion, Alexa, and built-in smart home hub

Tip: When choosing a screen size, think about your family member’s vision: is it poor or starting to decline? If so, go with the largest screen size that your budget allows.

3) $100 Amazon Echo (4th Gen) “Alexa” voice assistant with voice calling
This hands-free, voice-controlled device has a spherical design with rich sound, smart home hub, and Alexa. 

It makes voice calls, plays music, gives weather reports, reads the news, answers questions, tells jokes, reads audiobooks, checks sports scores, and more.

Set up the “drop in” feature to make voice calls to people who aren’t able to actively answer a call. Or, find out more about how Echo can help people with dementia.

4) $50 Amazon Echo Dot (newest model) “Alexa” voice assistant with voice calling
The Echo Dot has vibrant sound and the Alexa voice assistant in a compact smart speaker.

Set up the “drop in” feature to make voice calls to people who aren’t able to actively answer a call. Or, find out more about how Echo can help people with dementia.

5) Lively Easy-To-Use Mobile Phones
These easy-to-use mobile phones are designed especially with older adults in mind.

The phones have large screens, big buttons, loud speakers and have additional health and safety features like app link for families, 5Star Urgent Response, Urgent Care doctors and nurses, live Personal Operators, and connection to Lyft.

  • Lively Jitterbug Flip2, $39.99 (50% off) + monthly phone service – flip-style phone with large screen, big buttons, powerful speaker, simple menus, long-lasting battery, one-touch speed dial, urgent response button for help, 24/7, and more.
  • Lively Jitterbug Smart4, $59.99 (50% off) + monthly phone service – the simple smartphone with large 6.7” screen, easy-to-navigate menu, new louder, clearer dual speakers, longer-lasting battery with faster charging, voice typing, video chat, higher-quality camera, new call captioning for real time speech to text, urgent Response button for 24/7 help, and more.

6) Lively Mobile2 Medical Alert Device, $39.99 (50% off) + monthly service
This mobile all-in-one medical alert device gets help at the touch of a button.

It’s waterproof, has a long-lasting battery, and doesn’t require additional equipment or a base station. Plus, it has the fastest call response time, reliable coverage, and enhanced GPS for precise location.

Seniors can go anywhere and just press the button to reach a certified Urgent Response Agent anytime – not just while they’re inside the house.

Plus, built-in fall detection is available (optional, extra fee). The device can automatically call for help if your older adult falls and isn’t able to press the button.

7) RAZ Memory Cell Phone, $349 + monthly service
This dementia-friendly mobile phone is a cell phone that someone with cognitive impairment can actually use.

It has a single screen that never turns off, one-tap calling, allow calls from approved contacts only, video calls, “quiet hours” to prevent calls to specified contacts at certain times, optional auto-answer, optional auto-speaker mode, and so much more.

Plus, Remote Manage provides families with the unprecedented ability to remotely manage ALL aspects of the mobile phone through a simple app or online portal. This can also disable the settings so they can’t accidentally be changed by the person with dementia.

It also has an optional add-on service that answers emergency calls if someone with dementia frequently makes unwanted 911 calls.

8) GrandPad Simple and Safe Tablet, from $65/month
This simple, secure tablet is perfect for older adults who want to video call with family and friends, safely browse the internet, view photos, listen to music, and more.

The simple navigation, large buttons, large text, and “no frills” design makes it easy for seniors without technology experience to start using the tablet immediately.

The GrandPad tablet, stylus, charger, 4G LTE cellular data plan, Companion App, and 24/7 customer care are all included in the monthly fee.

Or you can also buy GrandPad on Amazon.

Top features include:

  • 911 emergency calling to connect in times of need and provide peace of mind
  • GrandPad Companion App connects the Private Family Network
  • Accessible apps for calls, emails, photos, music, news, and games
  • No spam, robocalls, scams, or other unwanted email messages
  • Live customer support 24/7, 365 days a year

9) Claris Companion tablet, from $329 + $29/month
The Claris Companion tablet is designed specifically for older adults with large text, large buttons, voice notifications, no settings (on tablet), and is always on.

The typical Claris Companion user is 80 years old with no computer experience, so you know this is a senior-friendly product.

Older adults can enjoy one-touch video chat, see photos, browse the internet, use email, play games, check weather, and more.

The tablet is managed remotely by family, so older adults never need to worry about any settings or setup. And the alerts and activity dashboard makes sure that family knows their loved one is safe.

Friendly, US-based customer support is available via telephone, chat, and email.

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Seniors enjoy special photos that capture wonderful moments with family and friends

5 keepsake gifts celebrate special memories

1) Custom photo album
Showcase special photos or events so your older adult can reminisce anytime. 

For someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia, create a custom book they’ll love to read by adding simple text to photos or images they enjoy.

2) Custom photo calendar
Help your older adult keep track of days, months, and appointments while seeing smiling family faces.

3) Custom photo blanket
Keep your older adult warm and cozy with familiar faces all around. These photo blankets are especially nice for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

4) Custom photo puzzle
Use family photos or pictures of places with special meaning to create a fun puzzle your older adult can put together again and again.

  • Walmart – from $10, from 30 pieces and up, variety of photo layouts
  • Shutterfly – from $24, from 60 pieces and up, variety of photo layouts (check site for coupon deals)
  • Portrait Puzzles – from $35, variety of sizes & number of pieces

5) Digital photo frames
A digital photo frame is a wonderful way for older adults to easily view family photos. Many allow trusted family and friends to add photos via email or through a mobile app.

Note: You may also want to get a separate, low cost SD memory card or USB stick flash drive to easily transfer or store extra photos.

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Music is a wonderful gift that entertains and engages seniors

7 gifts that entertain and engage

1) Favorite songs and albums
Add to a music lover’s song collection or bring old favorites back into your older adult’s life.

2) Portable cassette/CD music player boombox
A simple portable boombox is a great way for your older adult to enjoy music or news. These play CDs, cassette tapes, and have AM/FM radio too.

Pro tip: To simplify the controls, put colored stickers on important buttons like Play and Stop

3) Beautiful coloring books, from $4
These coloring books have beautiful, frame-worthy images and provide hours of relaxing fun.

4) Jigsaw puzzles

5) Large-print or jumbo playing cards
Use these easy-to-see cards to play a variety of fun card games.

6) Regal Games Deluxe Bingo Game Set, $24
This tabletop bingo game set is perfect for multiple players and can also be played solo.

The set includes a rotary bingo cage, bingo board, bingo balls, 50 large-print bingo cards, and bingo chips.

7) Coogam Wooden Hexagon Puzzle, $10
This colorful puzzle appeals to people of all ages and cognitive abilities. Complete the 60 included brain teaser challenges or simply make your own patterns.

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Gift seniors with a wonderful meal together or enjoying an experience together

2 wonderful experiences

Many older adults enjoy experiences more than material things. Consider giving a gift certificate for something they’ll enjoy or taking them out for a meal or activity.

1. Gift certificate for a favorite restaurant
They can enjoy a wonderful meal from you, or if you’re in the area, set a date where you’ll go out for a special meal together.

2. Gift certificate for personal services like hair styling, manicure, pedicure, or massage

  • If you’re in the area, set a date where you’ll accompany them to their appointment
  • Some spas even offer special geriatric massage!

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Weighted and heated blankets are extra relaxing gifts for seniors

5 gifts that reduce anxiety and promote calm and relaxation

1) Weighted blankets
Weighted blankets have been scientifically proven to relieve distress and anxiety.

They’re especially helpful for people with dementia and also great for anyone who has trouble sleeping, feels anxious, or would just enjoy feeling more relaxed (you might want one for yourself too). Note: These blankets often go on sale.

Note: If you’re feeling crafty, we’ve also got DIY weighted blanket instructions here.

2) $45 Sunbeam Royal Ultra Heated Blanket
This heated blanket has 12 heat settings to keep seniors toasty warm and eases aches and pains. Plus, it has a 12-hour selectable auto shut-off function for peace of mind.

3) $35 Granny Jo Products Heavyweight Wheelchair Blanket
This cozy blanket has a top layer of ultra-soft mink fleece and a bottom layer of soft plush fleece.

It keeps wheelchair users warm and cozy and won’t slip off because it conveniently attaches to the wheelchair.

4) $90 Nekteck Shiatsu Foot Massager Machine with Soothing Heat, Deep Kneading Therapy, Air Compression
This foot massager combines heat, compression, and kneading massage action to bring relief to tired, aching feet.

Note: Check with a doctor to make sure this is safe for your older adult to use.

5) $150 (plus $35 off coupon) Nekteck Shiatsu Foot and Calf Massager with Heat, Remote Control, Deep Kneading, Vibration
This massager has a versatile open design that can massage either the feet or calves.

It combines heat, compression, and kneading massage action to bring relief to tired, aching legs and feet. 

Note: Check with a doctor to make sure this is safe for your older adult to use.

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Adaptive clothing and footwear gifts for seniors improve comfort and quality of life

4 senior-friendly clothing and footwear gifts

1) Adaptive Clothing
Specialized clothing makes life easier for someone with arthritis, limited mobility, incontinence, or other special needs.

2) House slippers for women and men
These slippers have safe non-skid soles and are adjustable, breathable, and comfortable for wearing around the house.

3) Stylish non-slip socks with grip
Some older adults might enjoy wearing socks around the house instead of bare feet or slippers.

To reduce the risk of slips or falls, gift them some comfy, stylish socks with non-slip grip bottoms.

4) Compression Socks
Compression socks improve circulation and reduce swelling from health conditions like congestive heart failure. Many new brands offer stylish and fun patterns.

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Give gifts that make daily life easier, healthier, and more comfortable for seniors

9 gifts that make daily life easier, healthier, and more comfortable

1) $18 AMIR Newest Mini Motion Sensor Light Battery-Powered LED (6 pack, warm white)
These mini stick-on lights reduce fall risk by illuminating places where you aren’t able to add a lamp.

They’re great for automatically lighting stairways, bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen, dark hallways, closets, cabinets, or dark corners.

2) $15 NOVA cup holder for rollator or wheelchair
Help your older adult stay hydrated by making it easy to keep their cup or water bottle within reach.

3) $19 Vive walker caddy / tote bag
A stylish and convenient way to carry essentials while using a walker, available in many colors/patterns.

4) $24 (plus $4 off coupon) Electric Jar Opener
Open any jar without needing a strong grip, no matter how large it is.

5) $33 Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Can Opener
There’s no need to struggle with a manual can opener any longer. This automatic one doesn’t require any finger or hand strength.

6) $40 Oral-B Pro 1000 CrossAction Electric Toothbrush
Make brushing easier to improve dental health, eliminates strain on hands, wrists, and arms.

7) $40 ComfiLife Gel Enhanced Seat Cushion
This gel and memory foam cushion makes it more comfortable to sit for long periods of time and can reduce the risk of pressure sores.

8) $109 Philips SmartSleep Wake-up Light (HF3520/60)
Help older adults wake up more naturally with an alarm clock that simulates the sunrise. This innovative alarm clock is especially useful on dark winter mornings. This model has 20 brightness settings, colored sunrise and sunset simulation, 5 natural wake-up sounds, FM radio, reading lamp, and tap to snooze.

The $50 Philips SmartSleep Wake-up Light (HF3500/60) is another great option. This model features 10 brightness levels, simulated sunrise, and more.

This $39 (plus $5 off coupon) Wake Up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock is a highly-rated, less expensive option.

9) Electric Shaver
Get a comfortable, safe, and clean shave anywhere with a high-quality cordless rechargeable wet/dry electric shaver.

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Gifts that help seniors get around more easily help them enjoy the world

10 mobility and transportation gifts

1) $6 Drive Medical Walker Ski Glides
This great stocking stuffer makes it easier to use a walker, no more catching back legs on carpet.

2) $25 Stander HandyBar Portable Vehicle Support Grab Bar
This simple tool helps older adults get into and out of the car with ease.

3) $31 Hugo Mobility Quadpod Offset Cane
This cane increases stability and reduces fall risk.

4) $57 Drive Medical Four Wheel Rollator Walker with Fold Up Removable Back Support
This rollator walker comes in two colors and is lightweight and easy to maneuver . It also has a handy seat and backrest for rest breaks.

5) $209 Drive Medical Nitro Euro-Style 4-Wheel Rollator Walker With Seat
Review from a family caregiver: “This rollator is really nicely made. I’d compare its frame to a decent road bicycle frame in terms of stiffness, welds, finish, etc. It really looks sharp, too. A far cry from the bare aluminum ones that are wobbly and cheap looking, and also a step above the intermediate ones with painted frames but still are kind of spindly. Gary got a TON of compliments on it.”

6) $179 Stander Security Pole and Curve Grab Bar “No-install” Tension Pole
This sturdy tension pole and grab bar can be installed anywhere to give extra help when getting up from the couch, recliner, or toilet.

7) Lyft or Uber gift card
On-demand rides are a safe and convenient way for older adults to get to medical appointments, run errands, and visit family and friends.

8) GoGoGrandparent gift card
This is an on-demand ride and delivery service that’s perfect for older adults who don’t use smartphones. No mobile apps are needed and a live person is always available to help.

9) $399 CAN Go Smart Cane with Built-in Phone
The CAN Go smart cane keeps older adults safe, active, and connected. It looks stylish and holds a wealth of safety and convenience features.

Top features:

  • Make calls and talk directly from the cane without having a mobile phone
  • GPS location means finding your older adult quickly during an emergency – they just press a button to get help. Plus, if the cane gets lost, the GPS locates it.
  • Easy to read clock
  • A bright flashlight
  • Comfortable hand grips, adjustable height, and durable construction
  • Activity tracking and goal setting
  • Health reports

10) $679 Carbon Ultralight Rolling Walker
This innovative, super-light rolling walker is an investment, but it’s a stylish, easy-to-use design that anyone would be proud to use.

Read a caregiver’s review here or reviews on Amazon here. The price is lower on Amazon, but you’ll most likely get better customer support if you buy directly from byACRE’s website (just in case there’s a problem).

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Recommended for you:

 

Author: Connie Chow, founder at DailyCaring, was a hands-on caregiver for her grandmother for 20 years – until grandma was 101 years old! Connie has an MBA from the University of Southern California and has been featured on major news outlets, including WJCL22 Savannah (ABC), KRON4 San Francisco, NBC10 Philadelphia, 23ABC Bakersfield, KAGS Texas (NBC), and KVAL13 Oregon (CBS). She has spoken at Institute on Aging, written for Sixty and Me, and been quoted in top publications, including U.S. News & World Report, HuffPost, and Society of Senior Advisors.

 

Image: Carroll County Comet

 

All prices quoted were checked shortly before publication. Prices and availability change often and might not match what is found online. This article wasn’t sponsored, but does contain affiliate links. If you buy through an affiliate link on our site, we may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you, and we appreciate your support. We never link to products for the sole purpose of making a commission. Product recommendations are based on our honest opinions. For more information, see How We Make Money.

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10 Comments

  • Reply December 11, 2020

    EJ

    The link to safe $16 slippers for women and men does not work. A local community is having a “slipper drive” for seniors which could be a recipe for disaster as many slippers are a fall hazard for the elderly. I wanted to provide them this information so they can be asking people to donate safe slippers only

    • Reply December 11, 2020

      DailyCaring

      It might have been a glitch, because both slipper links are working correctly. It looks like these women’s slippers from Walmart have sold out, but some of the men’s sizes are still available.

      Here are some additional women’s slippers that you might like:
      – Clinic Shoe Women’s Terry Cloth Comfort Slippers, Adjustable Upper https://bit.ly/341emI7
      – Dearfoams Women’s Microfiber Velour Closed Back Slippers https://bit.ly/346V0Bx
      – RockDove Women’s Nordic Slipper with Memory Foam https://bit.ly/3maelIc
      – VONMAY Women’s Fuzzy Slippers Boots Memory Foam Booties https://bit.ly/3oM3oP0

  • Reply December 7, 2020

    Anonymous

    Very helpful list. Lots of good ideas. I also like Pocketful of Cheer (subscription letters) and Grandbox (subscription gift boxes.)

  • Reply October 31, 2020

    Anonymous

    Gostei deste artigo

  • Reply December 19, 2018

    Bar hem

    We were thinking of the Amazon echo! Glad to see it on the list here.

    • Reply December 19, 2018

      DailyCaring

      That’s wonderful! It will make a great gift.

  • Reply November 26, 2018

    Anonymous

    Very helpful

    • Reply November 26, 2018

      DailyCaring

      Thanks! We’re so glad our gift suggestions are useful!

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