The holidays are officially upon us. You are likely looking for the perfect gifts to ensure all your loved ones have a Hallmark-worthy holiday. While some people are easy to shop for, finding gifts for elderly family members who already have everything can be difficult. But it is not impossible, and it is important to encourage them to make the most of this season, too!
At Marcia L. Campbell CPA, our passion is taking care of seniors so that they can make the most of their golden years with their families. Read our blog to discover some of the best presents for seniors to show them how much you care!
What Are Good Gifts for Elderly Family Members Who Have Everything?
For seniors who already have it all, there are plenty of creative gifts you can give them this holiday season that will make it memorable. Ultimately though, the best gift you can give them is quality time. Let’s get into some of our favorite gifts.
A Potted Plant
Especially if your senior loved one lives alone, remember that this can become isolating. Your first thought might be to get them a pet. While this could be a good solution, this is an added responsibility that might become too much to manage.
For example, what if your senior family member wants to go on an impromptu vacation? That’s practically 75% of the fun of being retired. But having a pet requires getting a pet sitter and could limit how much fun they could have.
A potted plant is one of the best gifts for elderly loved ones because it functions as nice home decor and provides them with a living thing to care for.
Nurturing something to grow is rewarding in and of itself, and it is also a symbol of the growth they can still achieve in their old age!
A Custom Recipe Book
Over time, your senior loved one has probably compiled a long, (and we mean long) list of recipes they love to cook and you probably love to eat.
If this is the case, they could probably benefit from a way to consolidate all those recipes, such as a custom cookbook, recipe cards, or a recipe Rolodex. Compiling their beloved recipes into an easy-to-reference cookbook makes a thoughtful gift.
Now, if they are a little protective of their recipes, collecting them may pose a challenge. After all, a delicious, home-cooked meal made with love and a few “secret ingredients” is priceless, so we understand the impulse to defend those recipes.
Even if your loved one declines to share all the details of their cooking secrets, you can always add in a few new recipes for them to try!
It may also help to convince a reluctant recipe sharer to give up the goods if you explain that their personal cookbook could become a family heirloom. Your family will be able to pass it down for generations and preserve their legacy. It’s a gift that keeps on giving.
An Oral History Interview and Photo Album
This is one of the most unique gifts for elderly family members! Your loved one has lived a long life and collected many stories along the way. Who doesn’t like reliving some of their most cherished memories?
One option is to hire an Oral Historian to record all of their best stories. Your family will treasure them for generations to come. It is a thoughtful and rewarding gift for the whole family, especially the lucky senior who will enjoy a trip down memory lane.
For a more affordable alternative, companies like Storyworth offer a similar service with the same emotional punch! As a bonus, you could use old pictures and take new ones.
Consider creating a touching photo album or hiring a company to make a photo album out of digital pictures filled with moments to reminisce on. Turn their stories into a memoir—you’re never too old to feel like a star!
Related Article: Senior-Friendly Activities for the Holidays
Quality Time
This holiday season, remember that the best gifts for elderly loved ones aren’t things. Seniors often just want quality time with you and your family!
Consider spending time planting flowers outside or helping them weed their garden Maybe you can spend an evening watching their favorite film. It’s likely they would also enjoy having you help them repaint that wall in their kitchen that could use a facelift.
“Whatever you choose to do with them, make sure the activities are senior-friendly and that you devote time every week to get some quality time in. Just as importantly, take plenty of pictures throughout the occasion so that they can look back fondly on the memories you create.”
– Marcia L. Campbell, CPA for Seniors
Quality time need not be just a seasonal gift, but one you can give all year round. Your time with your family is the most precious commodity you have and the most valuable gift you can give. But you also want to mention not having to worry about doing administrative work because it takes away from your quality time with them.
With the help of professional fiduciary services, you can get help managing your parents’ affairs so you can focus on what matters most: making the most of your time with them.
Related Article: Top Holiday Activities for Seniors to Try this Year
To Have More Quality Time All Year Long, Hire a Fiduciary for the Elderly Today!
Plenty of gifts for elderly family members can help you fill this holiday season with memories that will last a lifetime. However, what most seniors want is simply quality time with you! If your circumstances make it difficult to carve out this time, resources exist to support you.
Visit our Contact Us page to schedule a consultation for professional fiduciary services so you can dedicate your time and attention to your elderly loved one.
