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 will appreciate the joke as much as others. Some of the older generations have learned to see the fun side of aging and can poke fun at themselves.
But, some senior citizens have taken a more serious approach to their numerical age.
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
This fake ear trumpet prank gift amplifies sounds for hilarious reactions.
The battery-free, old-fashioned hearing aid design makes a perfect over-the-hill gag gift for 40th, 50th, 60th birthdays and more.
Use this reusable prop to play senior pranks and create laughs.
Van Holten's Pickle Characters
This gift box for seniors contains 4 pouches of Van Holten’s Pickles featuring fun character names like Big Papa, Hot Mama, Sour Sis, and Garlic Joe.
The ready-to-eat pickles are gluten-free, kosher, fat-free, and low calorie – the perfect bold, salty on-the-go snack.
Adult coloring books are fun, but many 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!
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?
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.
Here is a gag gift with a purpose, which appeals to people who feel like they are throwing away money when buying gag gifts.
People will giggle when they open it, but I bet they’ll go home and try it out if they haven’t used one before.
So, give your elderly loved one the benefits of the natural elimination position! Plus, this one has a light on the front of it that automatically turns on for those nighttime visits.
When nature calls, you sure don’t want to miss it!
This toilet bowls 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.
This daily calendar features relatable and hilarious quotes, jokes, headlines, and real-life senior moments about memory lapses and absentmindedness.
With a new laugh every day, it celebrates the quirks of aging for anyone of a certain age.
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.
The “Can’t Remember Sh*t” daily planner pad features 60 sheets for jotting down to-do lists, appointments, and errands.
With a humorous design, this 6×9 inch pad aims to add humor to scheduling and reduce stress.
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!
Is grandma a cat lady with good 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.
If your beloved senior citizen has certain political leanings, they may enjoy using this toilet paper with Hillary Clinton’s portrait on it.
There are 240 sheets per roll, and the printing is surprisingly good! For political balance, there are Obama and Trump variations, too.
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.
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.
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 who loves to knit and could use a Popsocket for their phone or tablet (perhaps to hold it up while looking at patterns!), 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!
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 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.
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.
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.
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! (See more bingo gifts for seniors here.)
This is another gag gift for seniors that has practical use too.
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 two jokers for real play.
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).
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.
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.
<a href="https://www.grayingwithgrace.com/elderly-gag-gifts/"><img style="width:100%;" src="https://www.grayingwithgrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Gag-Gifts-for-Elderly-People.png"></a><br>Design by: <a href="https://www.grayingwithgrace.com">Graying With Grace</a>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
Several different gifts 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.
A board game called Senior Moments is also directly aimed at the elderly. However, anyone can play along and enjoy their own senior moment regardless of age. This is great fun for the family to enjoy with their loved ones.
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 an ear and nose hair trimmer is a good way to poke fun at the hairy challenges they face and provide them with a gift they can 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 are sure to get a laugh, especially if you have an elderly loved one who misplaces their own teeth regularly.
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 seniors who enjoy a drink or two now and again.
The prescription bottle comes with some hilarious dosage and other instructions for the 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 will 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 by getting them a magnifying glass to read that 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 will improve their hearing while actually making it worse!
5. The Technologically Challenged
The elderly did not grow up using the many electronic devices 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 make fun of their grumpiness in their old age are ideal.
You may be surprised at how well your elderly take 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!
I love these ideas! I’m going to have to start thinking about some of these for my parents this year.