53 Thoughtful Gifts for Seniors
Are you looking for some thoughtful gifts for seniors this holiday season? Maybe you know a senior citizen who would enjoy a unique culinary experience, learning a new skill or kicking back and engaging in favorite hobbies such as reading, watching movies or listening to music?
We’ve come up with some unique and heartfelt gift ideas for seniors to make your holiday shopping a little bit easier. Whether you’re shopping for a parent, grandparent or an elderly neighbor, here are 53 thoughtful gifts for seniors that they’re sure to love, appreciate and actually use.
Jump to Section
- Foodie Gifts for Seniors
- Kitchen and Tabletop Gifts for Seniors
- Technology Gifts for Seniors
- Gifts for Elderly Women
- Gifts for Elderly Men
- Entertainment Gifts for Seniors
- Gifts for Elderly People Who Have Everything
- Home Décor Gifts for Seniors
- Health and Wellness Gifts for Seniors
- Nature and Outdoor Gifts for Seniors
- Travel Gifts for Seniors
- Funny Gifts for Seniors
- FAQs
Foodie Gifts for Seniors
1. Private Chef Experiences
A private chef near you is a wonderful gift for older people, giving them the chance to enjoy the company and knowledge of world-class local chefs. Private chefs will do all the shopping, cooking and serving for your favorite senior.
The best part is they don’t even have to venture out and about for this experience. The chef comes right to them, and even provides cleanup at the end. Check out private chefs in San Francisco, private chefs in NYC and beyond today for a truly thoughtful gift for seniors.
Price: Starting from $59
2. Foodie Gift Cards
A foodie gift card is a great experience gift for a senior who enjoys fine dining or loves to cook. These gift cards are available in any amount over $10 and never expire, perfect for online and in-person cooking classes, online mixology classes, virtual wine tastings, food tours, private chef experiences and more.
Price: Starting from $10
3. Online Cooking Classes
Activities like learning to cook like a chef and online cooking classes are an excellent gift for seniors. From online pastry classes to online bread baking classes and more, they’ll get step-by-step instructions and friendly help from chefs all over the world.
Classes are live and interactive, and can be taken from the comfort of their own home. All they need to enjoy this gift for seniors is an internet connection and a tablet or other mobile device.
Price: $19-$39
Kitchen and Tabletop Gifts for Seniors
4. Hand-Crank Pasta Machine
A pasta machine is a essential gift for seniors who love getting their hands dirty in the kitchen, especially those who love homemade Italian food. The Marcato Atlas 150 Pasta Machine is a pasta making tool that's both practical and easy to use, with 10 settings for pasta sheets of every thickness. It's also made of durable anodized aluminum for professional-quality durability that lasts.
Price: $69.95
5. French Press and Latte Glass Set
Who doesn’t enjoy a nice cup of coffee to start their day? The Zwilling Sorrento Double Wall French Press and Latte Glass Set makes the perfect gift for seniors who enjoy their coffee with a side of European flair.
The mouth-blown, double-wall glass of the French press provides extra efficiency in heat retention; likewise the two double-walled latte glasses keep iced drinks cold and hot coffee heated for longer. This gift for coffee lovers will ensure a complex, flavorful experience, cup after cup.
Price: $120
6. Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Can Opener
The Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Can Opener makes a good gift for seniors because it has an easy-opening lever. It also cuts along the side of the can so there aren’t any sharp edges. It opens regular and pop-top cans, making it a great gift for seniors who want to keep their independence in the kitchen, but need a little helping hand.
Price: $39.99
7. Engraved Lazy Susan
Personalized gifts bring an extra-special touch of thoughtfulness to the holiday gift exchange. This personalized lazy Susan can be engraved with a last name, wedding date or other special text. This gift for seniors will bring a smile every time they get it out and use it to host loved ones around the table.
Price: $99.99
8. Moscow Mule Cocktail Mugs
Do you have an older relative who can’t get enough of cocktail hour? As the sun goes down, do they reach for their cocktail shaker and pour something strong as a before-dinner aperitif? Give them the perfect drinks receptacle for their concoction.
With these stylish copper-plated Moscow Mule Mugs, this gift for seniors provides the perfect stay-cool option for iced cocktails (and mocktails). From classic Moscow Mules and Mojitos to iced lemonade, give them a chic, timeless gift they’ll use again and again.
Price: $39.50
Technology Gifts for Seniors
9. Digital Picture Frames
Digital picture frames keep loved ones close by, making for a thoughtful gift for seniors who might not be able to see as much of their family as they’d like. The Skylight Frame is 10 inches and features an easy-to-use touchscreen. Images can be sent from a smartphone or via email. It connects to Wi-Fi to receive photos, but they can be viewed without Wi-Fi.
Price: $124.99
10. iRobot Roomba Q0120 Vacuum
The iRobot Roomba vacuum makes a good gift for seniors who may not be able to clean as easily as they once did. It automatically loosens and suctions up dirt, dust, pet hair and more.
It’s self-charging and works on hardwood floors and carpet. What’s really cool is that it works with Google Assistant and Alexa to start cleaning with just the sound of a voice.
Price: $137.08
11. Amazon Echo Show
Speaking of Alexa, cue the Echo Show. Seniors may disagree at first, but once they get the hang of it, they’ll embrace the assistance of Alexa and the Echo device.
Giftees can simply use their voice to play music or watch TV while staying connected with friends, family and even healthcare providers (not to mention the safety aspect of monitoring security cameras and outdoor lighting). The Amazon Echo offers to-do lists, calendars, weather reports, photos and even cooking instructions.
Price: $44.99
12. Samsung Galaxy Tab A
Seniors who are ready to embrace the digital world need devices with larger screens (zoom features are also nice) and a simple interface (at least until they get the hang of it). The Samsung Galaxy Tab A is thin and lightweight with a 10.1-inch screen, a Dolby Atmos Surround sound system and a long charge life. A tablet is a great gift for seniors to stay connected with video chatting as well as playing games, reading and surfing the internet.
Price: $129.95
Gifts for Elderly Women
13. Basket of Beauty Products
There’s no age limit on taking pride in your appearance, so consider make-up as a gift idea for senior ladies. Surprise the cosmetic-loving grandma or mom in your life with a thoughtfully curated basket of bareMinerals makeup, including lipstick, blush, face powder and mascara.
This brand’s clean, clinically proven formulas use the purest ingredients to protect and improve skin every day so that over time it looks better when bare. A pampering, self-care gift for older women is sure to go down a treat for grandma or mom’s next big occasion.
Price: Varies
14. Massage Gift Card
Give the gift of relaxation and pampering with a gift card to a local spa. Add to this an offer to drive your recipient to and from her appointment, and you've got one of the most thoughtful gifts for seniors.
She’ll be able to enjoy the day, receiving some much-deserved care, safe in the knowledge that her whole day is taken care of, door to door. There’s no better gift idea for senior ladies to celebrate a special occasion.
Price: Varies
15. Monthly Flower Subscription
Choose a gift for elderly women that they’ll look forward to every month. The Harry and David Plant of the Month Club is perfect for seniors who enjoy pretty flowers. Each month they’ll receive a package with a 6-inch plant such as gardenias, succulents, begonias or pink and white roses. It’s a gift for seniors that’s sure to brighten their day every time.
Price: $399.99 for 12 months
16. Grandchild Birthstone Necklace
When it comes to gift ideas for elderly women, this is one of the most personal, thoughtful choices you can make. Grandma can keep her grandchildren close to her heart with this Tree of Life Birthstone Necklace.
Each birthstone has an attached tag that’s engraved with the name of the child. You can add more as more grandchildren are born, making this gift for seniors one they’ll cherish forever.
Price: $48
Gifts for Elderly Men
17. Barbecue Accessories
If your grandfather is the grill master of family barbecues, this Weber Premium Tool Set is the way to go. The set includes a heavy-duty stainless steel fork, spatula and pair of tongs, each with a long, soft-touch handle for maximum comfort and grip. In fact, most grilling gifts tend to make great gifts for the senior man in your life!
Price: $38
18. Golf Gloves
If Grandpa likes to hit the links, he could probably use a new pair of golf gloves. These Callaway gloves are made of premium synthetic leather with finger vents and perforations for breathability. This gift is sure to help the senior man in your life feel sharp and suave as he heads onto the green.
Price: $11.99
19. Chess Set
Chess boards are a classic gift for seniors, and the Chess Armory Magnetic Chess Set, made of beautiful inlaid walnut wood, is a top choice. The folding board also doubles as a storage box when not in use, making it easy to transport, with magnets keeping everything in place. The sturdy polished wooden pieces additionally have felt on the bottom to protect the board.
Price: $32.99
20. Monthly Fruit Delivery
Who doesn’t enjoy getting packages in the mail every month (especially when it’s a package of tasty fruit)? Harry and David’s Fruit-of-the-Month Club is the perfect gift for seniors who like to try out different fruit varieties. Pineapples, strawberries, mangoes, plums and peaches are just a few of the fruits they could receive each month.
Price: $469.99 for 12 months
Entertainment Gifts for Seniors
21. Headphones
Even seniors like to turn up the tunes. Bose Soundlink around-ear headphones are wireless for comfort and Bluetooth-enabled for connectivity. This gift for seniors will please music lovers and podcast listeners alike, offering them a more vibrant and enjoyable experience of listening to the things they love.
Price: $185
22. Streaming Subscriptions
It’s something they probably wouldn’t get for themselves, but a Netflix or Hulu subscription makes a wonderful gift for seniors who spend a lot of time watching movies and television. They can watch old favorites and find new binge-worthy shows for entertainment.
Price: $6-$18 per month
23. Craft Kits
Painting kits make fun and entertaining gifts for seniors with a creative streak. This paint-by-numbers kit for adults comes with everything you need to create a masterpiece. Choose from all sorts of scenes, transporting them to exciting locations around the world without having to leave their home.
Price: $11.19
24. Magazine Subscription
Yes, some people do still read magazines. Take a cue from their interests, hobbies or lifestyle to pick a magazine they’ll look forward to reading every month. From gardening and floristry to travel and classic cars: whatever their passion, get a gift for seniors that’s a monthly treat they’ll always find joy in (but would never think to treat themselves to).
Price: Varies
25. Crossword Puzzle, Word Search and Coloring Books
The trend in grown-up coloring books is still going strong. Many consider it a calming and meditative activity that’s great for mental health. A basket full of coloring books, crossword puzzles and other games is sure to be a pleasing gift for seniors who like to use their hands and mind to create beautiful things and solve problems.
Price: $16.97
26. Jigsaw Puzzles
Puzzles are a favorite of young and old alike. Ravensburger is a trusted brand with sturdy pieces that the grandkids can enjoy as well. This makes a thoughtful gift for seniors as you can choose scenes from places they’ve been, cars they’ve driven or animals they adore.
Price: Starting from $29.99
27. Reading Stand
This bamboo reading stand works for books, tablets and more. Seniors can use it in the kitchen to hold cookbooks. The spring-loaded pegs help keep even thick books open and in place. It adjusts to five angle settings, making it a versatile and convenient gift for seniors who may be sitting or standing while using it.
Price: $17.99
28. Sofa Armrest Organizer
Help your favorite senior keep all the remotes, paperbacks, phones, pens and other items organized and easy to reach. The Joywell Sofa Armrest Organizer has six pockets and comes in a wide variety of colors and holiday patterns. The back has a non-slip rubber pad, so it can even be used on a desk.
Price: $25.98
Gifts for Elderly People Who Have Everything
29. AncestryDNA Kit
DNA kits make the perfect gift for seniors who enjoy history and heritage. An AncestryDNA kit will help them explore physical traits, build a family tree and learn about their origins and ethnicity. These kits are often on sale around the holidays, making it an even better bargain for those on your list.
Price: Starting from $39
30. Autobiographical Journals
Seniors who like to write and tell stories will enjoy an autobiographical journal that they can personalize with their own stories and history. It can help rekindle memories and be passed down to future generations.
The Book of Me: A Do-It-Yourself Memoir has hundreds of questions on family history, making a thoughtful gift for seniors. The gold foil and raised embossing on the cover mean it’s a lovely gift to display on the coffee table as well.
Price: $12.32
Home Décor Gifts for Seniors
31. Desktop Sand Art
This desktop sand art frame will look great on Grandma or Grandpa’s desk or coffee table. More than just an artsy gift for seniors, it offers a calming vibe as the sand flows around the frame. Bring a touch of the seaside and their favorite waterside memories to life with a gift that’s just one step away from a trip to the ocean.
Price: $42.99
32. Photo Blanket
A thoughtful, cozy gift for seniors is a soft blanket. Make it even more special by personalizing it with photos of loved ones, pets or a favorite greeting. This unique throw blanket offers a variety of templates to create the perfect collage for your loved one. It’s something they’ll love hanging with pride over their favorite armchair: a thing of comfort and beauty.
Price: Starting from $15.99
33. Monogrammed Throw Pillow
This monogrammed throw pillow can be personalized with a family name or initial. Choose from multiple colors and design set-ups to create the perfect gift for seniors with a love of home décor. Be sure to check their color scheme before you order so you know you’re getting something that will fit with their interiors perfectly!
Price: $29.99
34. Custom Photo Calendar
Grandparents love looking at photos of their family, especially their grandchildren, from across the year. This Snapfish wall calendar lets you add photos to create a year full of fun memories for your favorite grandparent, parent or elderly neighbor. Try to choose photos that will raise a smile as they turn each page, sparking joy with each new month.
Price: Starting from $9.90
Health and Wellness Gifts for Seniors
35. White Noise Machine
Quality sleep is important at all ages. White noise machines make excellent gifts for seniors who have trouble sleeping or live in noisy areas.
This white noise machine features 16 sounds that include soothing white noise and nature sounds like the ocean, dolphins and the rain. Compact in size, it has volume control and 10 speed settings. It can also be used for relaxation, meditation and yoga practice.
Price: $32.99
36. Weighted Blanket
A cozy weighted blanket is a thoughtful gift for seniors. Weighted blankets help reduce anxiety, promote calmness and improve sleep. The Brookstone Calming Weighted Blanket comes in several weights, including 15, 18 and 20 pounds. It’s moisture-wicking and machine-washable, promoting great hygiene and convenience.
Price: Starting from $89.99
37. Memory Foam Seat Cushion
Seniors who have sciatica, lower back time or spend a lot of time sitting will appreciate the comfort of this memory foam and gel seat cushion gift for seniors. It has an ergonomic contoured design that supports the tailbone and relieves pressure. It’s also discrete and easy for them to pop on their usual chair to let it soothe them as they do their daily activities.
Price: $44.99
38. Tote Bag for Walker
Seniors who use a walker will appreciate the extra storage and convenience of a tote bag designed specifically for a walker. The RMS Walker Bag is made of water-resistant canvas and has zippered pockets, adjustable clip fasteners and an insulated compartment for snacks and drinks. With interior, front and back storage, it’s the perfect gift for seniors who use walkers.
Price: $19.99
39. Fitbit Fitness Tracker
The Fitbit Inspire 2 is a heart rate and fitness tracker that makes a thoughtful and practical gift for seniors. It monitors sleep and tracks steps, distance, calories, resting heart rate and more. The active senior can record their walks, bike rides and workouts with ease, giving themselves achievable targets to reach and setting health goals.
Price: $88.92
40. Nightlight Outlet Covers
Safety devices always make a good gift for seniors. This LED nightlight outlet cover helps light the way as a handy safety feature and alternative to the traditional nightlight. It’s energy-efficient, easy to install and doesn’t take up extra outlets like a regular night light. Giving your senior the gift of a clearer, safer journey through the dark is guaranteed to be appreciated.
Price: $104.98
41. Eyeglass Stand
The best gifts for seniors are sometimes the simplest and most useful. This pack of two eyeglass stands is a great idea for those who lose their glasses in different rooms of the house or need a place to store them. The two-pack allows seniors to store them in multiple rooms around the house. They have a soft lining to prevent scratches and are easy to spot when glasses alone have gone missing.
Price: $11.99
Nature and Outdoor Gifts for Seniors
42. Digital Weather Station
Digital weather stations are excellent gifts for seniors who like to stay on top of the weather. This AcuRite digital weather station displays time, temperature and the 24-hour forecast. It shows incoming weather conditions such as sunny, cloudy and rainy as well as humidity and air pressure.
Price: $44.99
43. Window Bird Feeder
A great gift for seniors who love birds is a window bird feeder. It makes it easy to watch their favorite feathered friends from indoors, without scaring them away. Nature’s Hangout Window Bird Feeder is made from transparent acrylic with super-strong suction cups that attach to the window.
Price: $27.95
44. Cornhole Lawn Game
Lawn games make excellent gifts for seniors who like to get outdoors with family and friends. Cornhole is played by tossing corn-filled bean bags into holes in a raised wooden platform. Choose one decked out in their favorite sports team or college colors for a personal touch, then encourage them to challenge you to a match next time you visit.
Price: $79.99
45. Folding Gardening Seat with Tool Set
A folding gardening seat with a detachable tote makes a great gift for seniors who like to garden. This one comes with 10 garden tools that fit into a zippered detachable tote.
The backrest is supportive and comfortable for seniors with back issues. It has a lightweight aluminum frame that’s easy to carry around the yard, meaning they can carry on with their gardening passion without the next-day aches and pains.
Price: $39.95
46. Walking Stick
Even if your favorite senior is more active than you are, hiking poles are a nice thing to have when out traversing the trails or trekking around the neighborhood. Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles come as a set of two for a convenient gift for seniors. They’re made from lightweight aluminum, fold for easy storage and have adjustable locks.
Price: $24.99
47. Wildlife Conservation Donation
A thoughtful gift for seniors who love animals is a donation to a charitable cause in their name. Are they a fan of manatees? Consider “adopting” a manatee in their name from Save the Manatee. They’ll receive a certificate, a newsletter and photos of “their” manatee, keeping them up to date with important ecological matters they care about.
Price: Starting from $25
Travel Gifts for Seniors
48. Scratch Off Travel Map
The traveling senior will have a blast reminiscing and marking off the places they’ve been to on this scratch-off map. The large size (23x33 inches) makes it a good gift for seniors who may have poor eyesight and creates a centerpiece for their home that they’ll love revisiting for years to come (while hopefully scratching more places off).
Price: $28.49
49. Coffee Table Travel Books
National Geographic’s "Destinations of a Lifetime" features 225 of the world’s most beautiful places. Along with stunning photos, it lists where to stay, where to eat and what to do in each location. Travel buff seniors can check off where they’ve been and make a list of where they want to go.
Price: $20
50. Moleskine Traveller’s Journal
Present this Moleskine journal as a gift for seniors who like to plan. They can record before and after accounts of all of their journeys, ready to reminisce back on at a later date.
It has an eight-year calendar and timeline for the serious travel planner, as well as checklists, budgeting, to-do lists and places to store mementos like tickets, photos and maps. This is undoubtedly the best gift for seniors who have big travel aspirations!
Price: $34.95
51. Digital Camera
The Olympus PEN E-PL9 is a compact, lightweight and easy-to-use digital camera. It has comprehensive and easy-to-use functions like 16 MP, a 3-inch screen flip-down touch screen and 4K video. This gift for seniors lets them enjoy a new or old hobby and share professional-quality photos with their family and friends.
Price: $578
Funny Gifts for Seniors
52. Senior’s Texting Code Mug
This Seniors’ Texting Code Mug comes complete with all the hilarious text codes a senior will ever need. LMDO: Laughing My Dentures Out will have them, well, laughing their dentures out. Make sure you only get this gift for seniors who have a sense of humor!
Price: $18.99
53. Foxy Grandpa Hat
This trucker-style Foxy Grandpa Hat will remind the ladies that Grandpa may be foxy, but he’s taken. A humorous gift for seniors, especially the cheeky patriarch in your family, not only will this present make him laugh but it’s practical to help protect him from the sun during his outdoor pursuits.
Price: $14.63
FAQ
What is the best gift for seniors?
Some of the best choices include things like robes, puzzles and games, digital photo frames, coffee makers and even foodie gift cards. Think about their interests and hobbies, and choose things that might make their lives easier when shopping for gifts for seniors.
What do seniors buy?
In addition to the necessities like groceries, medication and clothing, senior citizens buy gardening supplies and entertainment items such as books, music and board games. Treating them to a gift they would never buy themselves, such as a magazine or streaming service subscription, will feel like a real luxury.
What is a good gift for an older woman?
Good gift ideas for older women range from personalized products like family trees and DNA kits to cookbook stands, grandchild birthstone necklaces, digital photo frames and a subscription flower delivery service. Anything that feels like real thought and attention has gone into it, such as personalization elements and things none of their friends will have, is always a hit.
What is a good gift for an older man?
If you’re looking for a good gift for an older man, consider things like fitness gear, a universal remote, armrest organizers or a useful foodie gift card. Depending on what his interests are, he will appreciate gifts that take the toil out of everyday tasks, or that help keep him fit and active for longer.
What do you put in an elderly gift basket?
Gift baskets make perfect gifts for senior citizens. Fill up a basket with crossword puzzles, word searches, sudoku and a pack of large-print playing cards. Stick some pens and pencils in there as well. Another great gift basket for seniors is one filled with muffins, fresh fruit, coffee or tea and a cute mug.
Shopping for gifts for seniors doesn’t have to break the bank or be a difficult experience. This gift guide was designed to provide a wide array of choices to help you find the perfect gift for your favorite senior citizen whether they’re shut-in, an active outdoor enthusiast or somewhere in between.
From hobbies, nature and home décor to cooking, baking and health and wellness, there’s a wealth of great gift ideas to get you started. You might even find a little something for yourself, and you’ll definitely make their day.
For even more great gift ideas, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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