It’s always a little tough picking out a gift for someone over the age of maybe 16. But what about someone who is over 65? How do you shop for a retiree or senior? It’s not as if you can just leave them out, but you must consider certain factors. Most older people have some health problems, and some of my gift ideas will account for this. But there is no need to worry, keep reading even if that certain someone doesn’t have ailments. After all, how great can a gift be if it is on good for someone who is older and sick?
I know this sounds so unoriginal, but can you really beat a gift card? I’m not saying it has to be to a vague store like Walmart, but to a store your retiree or senior frequents. If the person receiving the gift cards enjoys reading, consider an Amazon gift card, or possibly Barnes & Noble. Consider where this person likes to eat; many restaurants have gift cards too. As for the amount of money, $20 – $25 should do, but feel free to go higher or lower as you please.
Shoe Horn
Ok, so really everyone should have one. These babies will help slip your feet right into shoes! If the person you are buying for has a bad back or has trouble bending down, get a shoe horn with an extra long handle. My dad has trouble with his hips and back and loved it when my mom got him one.
Crochet / Knitting Supplies
I know this is kind of a specific gift, but I felt like it really deserved to be on the list. My grandmother would knit and crochet and had I been old enough to buy presents, I would have gotten her extra needles and pretty yarn.
Thick-gripped Pens
Thick gripped pens are made for people with arthritis but are also comfortable for the working hand. Consider finding a catalog with customized fountain pens that are refillable. If catalogs aren’t for you, you can go to an office supply store. You could maybe purchase a pack or two of these pens to go along with my next gift idea.
Puzzle Books
Nothing keeps you busy like a good puzzle. You can pick out any kind you want from sudoku, wordoku, crosswords, and word word searches. My grandmother had a lot of time on her hands and when she wasn’t busy making things, she truly enjoyed word searches.
eReader
Alright, so this is on the expensive side. I do recommend this gift, however. With an eReader you can download a digital copy of books, newspapers, and magazines. This is a perfect gift for an avid reader.
Magnifying Bar
This gift will mostly help out those who have trouble reading smaller fonts in books, magazines, newspapers, guides, and manuals. It’s also pretty darn cheap. If you find yourself feeling a little cheap, you can remedy this by combining the magnifying bar with my next gift idea.
Book Light
Ever want to just snuggle up with a good book at night? I know I do. But there always seems to be a down fall; the light situation. If you have a lamp right where you want to read, that is great, however, most of us don’t. No one wants to get up after getting tired from reading a book to turn off the light. Most book lights clip onto the book and even hold your page in the process.
Slippers
Retiring is a time to be comfortable and relax. What better way than to rest your feet? Not only will slippers cushion their feet, but they’ll also keep their feet warm. Walking around in slippers definitely beats walking around barefoot or with just socks on. Of course you’ll probably have to do some hunting for the perfect pair, but the receiver will totally enjoy it.
Normally I don’t like to promote brands but this is different. Under normal circumstances I would recommend a camera with a zillion functions, but this gift idea has age in mind. Kodak Easy Share cameras are extremely easy to use and will be perfect if the person you are giving it to wants to take family pictures or is going on vacation. Surprisingly these cameras are not crazy expensive, maybe $90 for a slightly older model. Kodak cameras are extremely easy to use, basically point and shoot, and will make a great gift.
