Laughter is the best medicine and there is nothing quite like a gag gift to make an elderly loved one smile.
However, not every senior is going to appreciate the joke as much as others. Some of the older generations have learned to see the fun side of aging and are able to poke fun at themselves. But, there are some senior citizens that have chosen to take a more serious approach to aging.
So it is advisable to determine which type of gag is ideal to get a giggle without causing any offense. So, I put together the following list of gag gifts for seniors and the elderly that range from a mild poke at their age to items that shouldn’t be opened in front of the little ones.
Great Gag Gifts For the Elderly
People of Walmart.com Adult Coloring Book
Adult coloring books are fun but so many of the mainstream ones are boring flower and animal images. This makes a great gift for someone with a warped sense of humor even if they have never visited the site by the same name. If such a person exists that is!
How Not to Become a Crotchety Old Man
Do you know someone who is starting to reach “senior age”? If so, poke fun at them with this quirky paperback. This book is full of joking tips about the characteristics of Crotchety Old Men and how to avoid becoming one of them. Can you see the characteristics of a Crotchety Old Man in your boss, older brother, or parents?
How Not to Become a Little Old Lady
In the interests of equality, there’s a Little Old Lady version of the Crotchety Old Man book. This makes a great reminder that there’s no need to act older than your years. Embrace the fun, and take advantage of all the cool things about being alive in the 21st century. There’s a lot to love if you open your mind to it. Help the senior women in your life stay young with this joking reminder.
Toilet Bowl Night Light with Motion Sensor LED
When nature calls, you sure don’t want to miss it! This toilet bowl light senses movement and turns on automatically. Bathroom injuries are a serious thing so this gag gift for your older loved one also has a useful purpose.
Unforgettable Senior Moments Desk Calendar
This calendar gives a full page to each day with full-color images and humorous examples of real life “senior moments” throughout history. Not for the easily offended! 6″ x 5″ with 365 days.
Older Than Dirt BouTray™
Perfect gag gift for milestone birthdays. Decorated in gray and black icing and can be personalized to include your own message. Available in 5,7, or 12 cookie options.
Pawparazzi 2022 Calendar
These pooches are ready for their close-up! Whether sporting glasses, wearing bows, or dressed for Halloween, these pups do it in style. Javier Retales Botijero’s portraits capture man’s best friend with humor and character. “Chula,” his French bulldog, serves as a source of inspiration. These quirky four-legged friends will entertain you all year long!
Unique Hand Crafted Gag Gifts
If you are looking for a unique and hand-crafted type of gag gift for your senior loved one that might even be a little sentimental, check out the selection of gag gifts from Etsy. Plus, you’ll often be supporting a small business with your purchase!
How to Talk to Your Cat About Gun Safety
Is grandma a cat lady with a good sense of humor and somewhat street savvy? If so, she’ll love this audiobook which covers drugs, satanism, abstinence and guns. It’s a great satire on some of the current challenges in the world and something cat lovers will get a kick out of.
Hillary Clinton Toilet Paper, Novelty Political Gag Gift
If your beloved senior citizen has certain political leanings, then they may enjoy making use of this toilet paper with Hillary Clinton’s portrait on it. There are 250 sheets per roll, and the printing is surprisingly good! For political balance, there are Obama and Trump variations, too.
Awkward Turtle The Word Party Game for Adults
Who says that seniors have to limit themselves to playing bridge or poker?
Awkward turtle is a word party game for adults, and it’s perfect for those evening get togethers. Some of the words are dirty, so this isn’t for those who are more high-brow. Remember that the seniors of today were younger adults not that long ago. They probably loved Weird Al and Co, so you might be surprised at their twisted sense of humor.
Memory Mints 2 Pack For Senior Moments
If you’re looking for something cute and quirky but still safe, then this box of memory mints is a good option. Affordable, funny and safe, this is the sort of gift that you could give as a grandchild or a niece or nephew without worrying about causing offense. After all, who doesn’t like mints? These are extra strong and tasty, and the tin is well made too.
Funny Knitting Gift Knit Happens
PopSockets are one of those little gadgets that are “really handy” but that nobody would ever buy for themselves.If you’ve got a senior relative or friend that loves to knit and that could use a Popsocket for their phone or tablet (perhaps to hold it up while looking at patterns!) then here’s the perfect gift. There are a few designs with yarn patterns to choose from, as well as one for someone who “loves books and knitting”. Take your pick!
Bass Fish Soap on a Rope
Who says soap has to be girly? Or, to be fair, who says that girls can’t go fishing? This set of fish-shaped soap on a rope is ideal for the fisherman (or woman) in your life. It’s fun, quirky, and practical too.
The soap is lovingly carved, and is made with sustainable natural oils. It’s suitable for all skin types, and it will delight anyone who likes fish. There are trout versions too, and there’s even a vanilla and coffee soap if you’re looking for something more serious and luxurious.
Bacon Flavored Mints
They say everyone loves bacon and we bet your grandpa is no exception. Does your Grandma love the bacon OAP meal at iHop? Are you struggling to get your retired parents to stop eating a fry-up for breakfast?
These mint and bacon flavored mints are actually a match made in heaven, punchy but bacony, and in a cute tin too. This is a stocking filler for all ages but seniors will surely appreciate it.
Go Away Door Mat
For the crotchety old senior who just wants to be left alone, this “Go Away mat might be just the gift. They can display it with pride as they ignore the doorbell and watch their shows! 18″X30” and vinyl-backed.
Bingo #1 Dauber 6 Pocket Tote Bag
Out of her way because Grandma’s gotta get to her games. This zipper duffle bag is 8 inches tall, 5 inches wide, and 8 inches long – just big enough for snacks and some bingo money! This is another gag gift for seniors that has a practical use too.
Yuanhe Super Jumbo Playing Cards
Serious card players and senior gamers will appreciate the humor of this extra large card set. Each card is 8-1/2″ by 11″ – the size of a standard letter sheet of paper. Includes a full deck and 2 jokers for real play.
MySack Golf Ball Storage Bag
Specially made for senior golfers, this anatomically shaped golf ball storage pad is sure to be a hit. Measures 6 X 2 X 4 inches and may or may not be lifesize! Attaches right to the golf bag and includes 2 balls (of course).
iMagniphy Extra Large Shatterproof Magnifying Glass
Gramps not seeing well anymore? This 5.5 inch extra large magnifying glass might really be needed but is sure to get a laugh too. Includes LED lighting for easy reading in low light conditions.
2022 Pooping Pooches Calendar
This 12 month calendar of pooping dogs will be the most memorable gift you give this year. Talk about a gift that keeps on giving; each month reveals yet another beautiful pooch answering nature’s call.
Amscan “Over The Hill” Hearing Enhancer
This high tech hearing aid is sure to be the favorite gift at the next birthday or holiday party. Includes one black and multi-colored hearing enhancer.
“You’re Kind Of A Big Dill” Pickle Basket
This is one of my favorites. I got a collection of pickles in a handmade gift basket for my grandfather one year. You know what? He laughed but ate every single one. Includes: Spitz Big Bag Dill Pickle Sunflower Seeds, David Jumbo Dill Pickle Sunflower, Bigs Vlasic Dill Pickle Sunflower Seeds, Van Holten Big Papa Dill Pickle, Kettle Dill Pickle Chips, Flavor Mill Creamy Dill Potato Chips and Green re-usable slotted basket.
General Gag Gift Advice for Seniors and the Elderly
Below is a list of gag ideas that might just make the ideal gift:
1. Senior Moments
There are a number of different gifts that poke fun at the forgetfulness that often comes with old age. Senior Moments mints are extra strength and professes to improve memory. The joke is in the fact that the mints don’t actually do anything but burn the mouth. However, if you can get your elderly loved one to believe they do work, the funnier the joke will be.
There is also a board game called Senior Moments that is directly aimed at the elderly. However, anyone can play along and enjoy their own senior moment no matter their age. This is great fun for the family to enjoy with their loved one.
2. The Old And The Hairy
It is a common fact that as you age you lose hair where you want it (on your head) and sprout it from less desirable places (like the nose and ears). Taking the mickey out of your loved one by buying a ear and nose hair trimmer is not only a good way to poke fun at the hairy challenges they face but also provides them with a gift they can actually use.
A wig for the ladies or toupee for men is also a great gag to poke a little fun at their thinning hair and balding scalp. A colorful, sparkly wig will add to the fun especially if you can get your loved one to wear it. Remember to have your camera ready to take lots of memorable pics.
3. A Drinking Problem
There are a few ways that you can use beverages as vehicles for your gags. False teeth ice cubes in a cold drink is sure to get a laugh especially if you have an elderly loved one who misplaces their own teeth on a regular basis. Ink in your drink will leave their lips and tongue blue after sipping but will wash off easily with a little soap and water.
The Prescription Shot Glass is a great gift for the senior who enjoys a drink or two now and again. The prescription bottle comes with some hilarious dosage and other instructions for use of the shot glass. The glass itself is inscribed with a variety of funny sayings. Don’t forget to get them a bottle of their favorite drink to go with the glass.
4. Sights And Sounds
Most seniors are going to start struggling with their vision and hearing as they mature and these can both be good areas to create a gag around. If a senior is always misplacing their glasses, buy a dozen cheap pairs at your local pharmacy and leave them lying around. You can also help out by getting them a magnifying glass to read that really small print. Traditional goggle eyeglasses or fake glasses are old school gags that should be available from any novelty store.
A fake hearing aid or horn is another great gag. Let your senior think that it is going to improve their hearing while it is actually making it worse!
5. The Technologically Challenged
The elderly did not grow up using the multitude of electronic devices that are available to us today and are often extremely tech challenged. Apart from changing the channel on TV, they struggle with how to use even the most user-friendly devices. Buy them a book from the “… For Dummies” collection that is directly aimed at seniors.
Alternatively, if you really want to amp up the joke factor, buy a manual that gives fake instructions or is so technical that even you can’t understand it.
6. Grumpy Old Men (And Women)
For the grumpier seniors, T-shirts, warning signs, not-so-welcome mats and other paraphernalia that makes fun of their grumpiness in their old age is ideal. You may be surprised at how well your elderly takes these gag gifts and although you are probably not going to get the guffaw you were looking for, even the smallest smile at their own grumpiness is a win.
A couple of firm favorites include a sign that you can hang on the gate stating “Never mind the dog, beware of the grumpy old man.” and a welcome mat that says “Go Away!”.
Do you know of an elderly gag gift that didn’t make my list? Please tell me in the comments below. Also, please share this post on social media if you found it helpful!
