8 Worst Gifts for Seniors (and What to Give Instead)

Finding the perfect gift for an older adult can be tricky. What seems thoughtful might be impractical or even frustrating for seniors to use. From overly complicated gadgets to gifts that feel patronizing, some presents miss the mark despite good intentions.

In this article, we reveal the eight worst gifts for seniors (and why they often fall flat), plus suggest better alternatives that are both useful and meaningful. Whether you're shopping for a parent, grandparent, or elderly friend, these tips will help you choose presents that truly enhance their daily life, without collecting dust on a shelf.

The Worst Gifts for Seniors Can Be Well-Intentioned 

We all have the best intentions when choosing a gift for someone.

However, some items may seem like great ideas on the surface, but after further thought, turn out to be some of the worst gifts for seniors.

These worst gifts could inadvertently harm their health, cause frustration or upset, or become household hazards.

To help you avoid these pitfalls, we’ve rounded up the eight worst gifts for seniors and shared plenty of suggestions for what to give instead.

We help you focus on items that suit your older adult’s personality, preferences, lifestyle, and current abilities.

Use this guide to steer clear of presents that end up causing problems and toward something that will bring joy to your older adult.

1. The latest tech gadget

Some older adults are tech-savvy and enjoy learning to use the latest innovations.

But others prefer to keep things simple and stick with what’s familiar. If your older adult falls into this category, then a high-tech gift won’t be a good fit.

For example, the latest and greatest smartphone will have a steep learning curve and too many features for someone who’s never used a mobile phone before. Most likely, they’ll get frustrated and won’t want to learn to use it.

Another example is a gift of a streaming service like Netflix or Hulu. For someone who rarely touches a computer and doesn’t have a smart TV, it will be frustrating to access, and they might not have the type of shows they prefer.

Instead, try these gift ideas:
It's possible to gift a helpful tech item to someone who isn’t tech-savvy. 

The key is to look for something that fits with their lifestyle and current abilities and is designed in a senior-friendly way.

For example:

• A senior-friendly mobile phone like the GreatCall Jitterbug flip phone means they can carry a phone with them at all times, but it’s still straightforward to use
• A dementia-friendly mobile phone like the RAZ Memory Cell Phone is a single-screen, picture-based cell phone that someone with cognitive impairment can actually use
• The Amazon Echo Show 8, Echo Show 5, Echo (newest model) and Echo Dot (newest model) are voice-controlled assistants, so after someone does the initial setup, your older adult can use it by simply saying things like “Alexa, play music” or “Alexa, tell me the news.” Plus, the Amazon Echo Show models have the added benefit of making video calling a breeze.
• A simplified tablet, like the GrandPad or Claris Companion, is excellent for seniors who want a secure and straightforward way to share photos and messages with family and friends.

2. Food or drinks they shouldn’t consume

One of the worst gifts for seniors is food or drinks they should be avoiding due to a serious health condition, no matter how much they used to enjoy them.

For example, don’t give a big box of chocolates to someone with diabetes, a rich meal at a steakhouse to someone with high cholesterol, or a gift basket of preserved meats and salty snacks to someone with high blood pressure.

And since many older adults are taking multiple medications to manage severe health conditions, it’s generally not a good idea to give alcoholic beverages like wine or whiskey.

Instead, try these gift ideas:
Something that makes everyday life pleasant or fun would be a thoughtful, helpful, and safe gift.

For example: 

• Music by artists that they love
• A warm sweater in their favorite color
• A fun jigsaw puzzle, downloadable crosswords, or wordfind books
• A lumbar cushion that boosts the comfort of their favorite chair

3. Gifts that require companionship

Board games might seem like a fun gift for seniors, but ones with complex rules or small pieces are more likely to be frustrating than entertaining.

Plus, after the holiday festivities are over, they could be a sad reminder that nobody is around to play regularly.

Instead, try these gift ideas:
During the holidays, it’s wonderful to bring along games to play as a group.

But for a thoughtful gift to keep, your older adult might want something that helps keep family and friends close, even if they live far away.

For example:

• Paying for long-distance phone calls so they can talk with family and friends more often – something like a Visa gift card could help pay those bills.
• A digital photo frame that automatically scrolls through favorite photos will brighten the room and spark positive memories.

4. Gifts that push them to make a change

Nobody wants a gift that’s a nudge toward changing something that they‘re not ready to change.

For example, most people wouldn’t be pleased to be given a gym membership after gaining weight over the previous year. It would be different if they had clearly expressed interest or asked for such a gift. But it doesn’t feel good to receive it as a “push in the right direction.”

Similarly, older adults who are getting a bit unsteady, but have been resistant to the idea of using a cane or walker, probably wouldn’t appreciate getting one as a gift.

Reserve those for someone who already uses a mobility aid and would appreciate one with new features, a different color, or an innovative design.

Another example is to gift an older adult who’s been showing signs of mild cognitive impairment with brain games or cognitive exercises. They might be offended or get upset at the reminder.

Instead, try these gift ideas:
The holidays are a time to give gifts that fit your older adult’s interests, rather than something that’s “good for them.”

For example:

• A sketchpad and colored pencils for someone who loves to express themselves through art
• Beautiful coloring books for someone who finds coloring to be an enjoyable and relaxing activity
• A soft, warm throw blanket that will keep them cozy in their favorite seat
• New gardening tools for someone who enjoys working in the garden

5. Monitoring systems

To ensure your older adult is safe, one solution is to install cameras or passive monitoring systems throughout their home. 

These systems tend to be expensive. They might seem like a generous holiday gift, but think hard about this one.

But if being watched 24/7 isn’t something your older loved one wants, this well-intentioned gift could feel like you’re using the holiday as an opportunity to be overbearing or controlling.

Instead, try these gift ideas:
If the goal is to improve their safety at home, you might consider upgrading often-used items to make life easier and safer.

For example:

• A new toaster or toaster oven that's safer and easier to use
• A new lamp with a bright LED bulb and USB charging outlet and easy-to-use touch control is a lovely gift that also improves room lighting, which reduces fall risk
• A pod style coffee maker makes it easier and faster to enjoy their daily cup of coffee, and you could include auto delivery of their favorite coffee pods, too.

6. Exercise routines that don’t suit their current activity level

In general, doctors recommend regular exercise, which helps improve and maintain health in all people.

But seniors need to take a careful approach to find exercises that are suitable for their current physical condition.

A well-meaning family member might give an older adult a popular exercise DVD as a gift. But suppose they’re not familiar with the older adult’s health condition and physical abilities. In that case, they won’t realize that the routine is too strenuous and could cause dizziness, falls, injury, or worse.

Instead, try these gift ideas:
If the older adult enjoys exercise and is open to trying new routines, it’s best to speak with the primary caregiver to determine what would be appropriate.

If that’s not possible, it’s best to focus on simple, gentle exercise routines that are safe for most older adults.

For example:

• Chair yoga is an excellent way to get the benefits of yoga without the risk of losing balance
• Chair-based stretching and strength exercises are much safer since they eliminate the risk of falling
• Seated tai chi is another safe exercise that’s great for the body and mind.

7. Pets

Pets are wonderful companions, and pet therapy has proven to be very helpful for people with a variety of health conditions.

So, you might think that a pet would make a great gift for an older adult.

Unfortunately, a pet needs attention, feeding, cleaning, grooming, toys, accessories, and medical care. This all costs money and takes significant time and energy.

Some pets could even become tripping hazards if they like to run around people’s feet while they’re walking.

Instead, try these gift ideas:
Your older adult could still spend time with animals or find enjoyment in a substitute.

For example:

• Find a family member, neighbor, or friend with a calm pet and arrange for regular visits with your older adult
• Pet therapy programs exist all over the country. Search online for programs in your area, or call local animal organizations to arrange pet visits.
• For seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia, a specially designed Joy for All Pet Companion robotic cat, puppy, or bird that moves in realistic ways and responds to touch may be a great substitute for a pet. Learn more about these robotic pets in our review here.

8. Common household hazards

Another one of the worst gifts for seniors is something that could easily become a household hazard. A top risk is a flammable item, such as a candle.

A scented candle may seem like a wonderful gift that creates a relaxing, spa-like atmosphere. But candles are easy to forget about, which can quickly lead to a fire.

Instead, try these gift ideas:
Many safe gift items also help create a relaxing and comfortable environment.

For example:

• A luxurious heated blanket keeps your older adult warm and has an auto-shutoff feature for safety
• Pair their favorite essential oil scent with a ceramic essential oil diffuser that gently scents the air and doesn't require any heat or power – we like this mountain, succulent, and flower.
• Tranquil music that creates a calming environment

Recommended for you:

• 50 Best Gifts for Seniors: Things You’ve Never Thought Of
• 34 Wonderful Gifts for Senior Women
• 48 Amazing Gifts for Seniors with Alzheimer’s or Dementia

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About the Author

Connie Chow

Connie was a hands-on caregiver for her grandmother for 20 years. (Grandma made it to 101 years old!) She knows how challenging, overwhelming, and all-consuming caring for an older adult can be. She also knows how important support is — especially in the form of practical solutions, valuable resources, and self-care tips.