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Christmas Gifts for Older Adults

By
Real Estate Agent with Front Gate Real Estate Broker 11085

My mission the last several years is remembering the elderly in Assisted Living and Retirement Homes. I've volunteered at Bingo and other activities, attended dances, brought snacks, decorated Christmas trees, and brought door prizes throughout the year for various games and activities.

Many older adults are forgotten during the holiday season; I'd like to encourage those with living parents and grandparents to include them in your holiday celebrations, even if it involves a short visit at your home or theirs. A family visit is the most cherished gift!

There are countless opportunities to brighten someone's day by visiting a senior center or nursing home. Not only does it bring them pleasure, it warms the soul  knowing you have made a difference in someone's life. Over the years I have collected warm socks, Find-a-Word books, warm clothes, etc. to deliver to the 3 facilities near my home. My neighborhood has generously contributed to these endeavors.

My personal favorite gift is potted plants! I'm well-known as the plant lady; every few months I take live potted plants as prizes during Bingo games.

Christmas gift plant

potted plant

If you need ideas, following is a partial list of suitable gifts for seniors:

  • Puzzles, large print word-find Books
  • Notebooks and Pens
  • Adult coloring books and colored pencils
  • Stationery, Postage Stamps, Note cards, 
  • Calendars, Devotionals
  • Gloves, hats, gripper socks, non-skid slippers,
  • Lap blankets
  • Sweatpants, sweatshirts
  • Kleenex, Peppermints, small candies and fruit basket
  • Magnifying glass with a light,
  • Small thermos with a straw
  • Combs, handkerchiefs,
  • Chapstick, lotion with easy dispenser

I've learned that Seniors like useful items, particularly when living on a limited budget. Space is also at a premium and who needs more "stuff"?

If you have other ideas for useful gifts for seniors, please let me know. These items never go out of style!

Submitted to the December 2024 ActiveRain Holiday Gift Challenge 

 

Comments(23)

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Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good afternoon Pat,

I love your entry and what a great reminder for us not to forget the many older adults who are forgotten during the holiday season. You have provided a great list and the one I like best just under the gift of time is the pitted plant!

Dec 22, 2024 12:59 PM
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Hello Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty these are very valuable list of Christmas gifts for older adults.

Dec 22, 2024 01:54 PM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty it is great that you do that.  Everyone thinks about the kids, but know one seems to realize that those who are in their second childhood also enjoy to get gifts.

Dec 22, 2024 03:01 PM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Pat and you are a great elf to help out with older people.  I am sure they love you for it, I would.

 

Dec 22, 2024 03:47 PM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Loved your post and funny now Diane and I were talking about what to give to people who have everything and do not need anything more? My suggestion was an Amazon Gift card and they can get what they want, Endre

Dec 22, 2024 09:58 PM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

That is a good thing to remember since I am sure there are quite a few in there who don't have family visiting them often.

Dec 23, 2024 05:33 AM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Pat,
I have a sister-in-law in a long term care facility and your list of gift ideas is excellent. For family members, I suggest a nice card with a note and family pictures. That has been my SIL's favorite thing.

Dec 23, 2024 06:18 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Pat, what a great post, and a reminder our elderly could use an uplift this time of year.

Dec 23, 2024 10:22 AM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty  Many older parents are left out of the celebrations. This is a wonderful list of ideas of gifts 

Dec 23, 2024 12:21 PM
Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty
Front Gate Real Estate - Brandon, MS
601-991-2900 Office; 601-278-4513 Cell

Carol Williams - Family photos make nice gifts. I didn't think of that one but it is the perfect gift for senior family members. That, and a personal visit.

Endre Barath, Jr. - gift cards are high on the list to people who have EVERYTHING. Keep in mind most seniors won't have Internet access or know about Amazon, but us younger adults will, for sure!

Dec 23, 2024 03:29 PM
Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty
Front Gate Real Estate - Brandon, MS
601-991-2900 Office; 601-278-4513 Cell

Will Hamm - I haven't been called an Elf in a while, but I like it! I enjoy dressing in costumes for the holidays to put a smile on people's faces.

Dec 23, 2024 03:32 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Thank you, Elf; I mean Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty

Not only thoughtful gifts but good reminders for others to share.

Dec 23, 2024 03:49 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
Retired Broker/Owner - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

What a great list of ideas Pat!  I've enjoyed doing many fun things for my older family members and friends over the years and it truly does bring a lot of joy to their faces. It takes so little to make such a big difference!  All year round!

Dec 24, 2024 10:09 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thank you very much for sharing some of your gifting experience and advice.

Merry Christmas!

Dec 25, 2024 09:36 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

You are so thoughtful to the elderly in nursing homes!  Your gift of time and other treasures must bring so much happiness.  Good for you!

Dec 27, 2024 11:44 AM
Steffy Hristova
HomeSmart Elite Group Tempe AZ Tel: 602.710.8161 - Tempe, AZ
Tempe AZ Realtor - Your Home Close to Your Work!

That's so noble of you, Pat! Plants are such a great idea - they bring hope, and delight!

Dec 27, 2024 05:20 PM
Patricia Feager
Flower Mound, TX

Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty - you have a good heart and you're very thoughtful and kind. I'm sure those seniors were very happy. Just simply thinking of those who may not have family anymore or they do, and their family doesn't visit has to warm their souls. 

May you be blessed long into your future. 

Dec 28, 2024 08:22 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

How wonderful! Those are great ideas, and you're right - many older people in assisted facilities are lonely. Happy New Year to you!

Dec 31, 2024 05:01 AM
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

I think your support of the Seniors near you is wonderful.

My Mother-in-Law is in an assisted living residence. Of course, she would rather be in her own home, but that option no longer makes sense. The place in which she now lives suites her needs well.

Dec 31, 2024 03:49 PM
Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty
Front Gate Real Estate - Brandon, MS
601-991-2900 Office; 601-278-4513 Cell

John Juarez - those decisions of whether to stay in our homes or move into assisted living are difficult to make, but something we all must consider, especially with aging parents or even one day, with our own situation. As long as I'm able, I will remain independent.

Jan 01, 2025 09:26 PM