Hanukkah, Christmas & Holiday Gift Ideas For Parents, Grandparents and Senior Citizens

It is a continuing holiday concern deciding what to give parents, grandparents and senior citizens for a gift. I often hear young people say ... how do you get something for people who seem to have everything.  They always say, "they are down-sizing.  Or things like "you'll only get it back when I pass away." Well there really are all types of gift ideas and tips below for all types of seniors, so trust this blogs is timely for you.

So many of us live a long way off from our Parents, favorite Aunts and Grandparents, so it becomes increasingly difficult to know just what they like anymore.  Our desire to remember them and our budgets have a great deal to do with gift choices. Shopping online with free delivery and reaching them by mail delivery is one of the best methods to send an item.  Most love receiving recent photographs of you and the family.  Most love to talk with you on the phone, Text or Skype or do Face Time with them on the I-phones.  Grandparents are pretty savvy today. Some even check in on Facebook.

Consider their living situation, an apartment, a senior facility, a large home and their income or needs may seem the most important to us, but surprisingly, their desires often stem from their hope to spend time with you.  Seniors often believe "time is the greatest gift". 

So consider a visit. Or if they are able to travel... bus, train or airline tickets to visit you.
Take a few days from work and talk, pull out the photo albums and go down memory lane, cook for them, play some of the games you played as kids with them and enjoy.

Consider their hobby.  Adding to their collections of music, thimbles, books, bells, plates, art, pens ... sports and interests are fun items, but the story of how you found the item, why you thought it would be enjoyed adds to the thought.

We are seeing a growing trend toward gifting a charity in someone's name.  From the Doctor's Without Borders, to the Red Cross and Hunger Programs. Knowing the concerns of the parents/seniors is key to doing this. 

Consider their joy. Performance tickets, sports events, videos, CDs and if possible travel with them. Set appointments for heading to the beach, a round of golf, or autumn colors or a day trip to see another relative.  Send or deliver a holiday wreath to bring cheer and a great aroma to their home.

Consider their health. Warmth items, foods, fruit of the month, favorite confections and fresh veggie deliveries & safety ideas and Apps designed for seniors. A day spa or nail appointment provides great results in lifting spirits.

Many seniors are are limited budgets, and maybe you are too. If you are nearby, give a gift of time.  Set up their computers or phones and teach them to Skype or how to watch Hulu.com for free T.V.  If there are many kids in the family, take turns paying their Power bills.  Emergency food, work on their car, flashlights & safety railings. 

When they are hospitalized during the holidays; consider stopping for their favorite food, flowers, cuddly bears, apply lotion to their feet and hold their hand. You and your time are all vital to their return to health. 

When they have recently lost their spouse, it helps to create a simple book/binder of this person's history with photos, and stories that are fond memories.  While you both may weep a little, you will also laugh with joy!!!

If you wish to purchase items, Our GiftShopping.biz has many wonderful stores
with various Amazon departments and stores with Theater Tickets, Sport Items & ideas for every age.   There is a unique area called "If Only" for people who want to give a "very interesting experience" to someone.

December 2015 Copyright, JR Publications, Santa Rosa, Ca.