Mahatma Gandhi said that the way the disadvantaged are treated is the true measure of a society. This includes the needy elderly.
So, as you are shopping for gifts for seniors and the elderly in your life, think about a needy neighbor, loved one, or friend you can lift up with a thoughtful gift.
Not just during the holidays but all year long!
So, to help you with some ideas, here’s our list of the best gifts for needy seniors.
Helpful and Practical Gifts
This well-made jewelry features a hidden panic button that you can press when you need any kind of assistance from friends, family, or even the authorities.
The jewelry syncs up to an app on your cell phone via Bluetooth and uses the mobile network to send signals.
Then, once the panic button is pressed, your cell phone will notify the people that you designated.
2. Break Resistant Dinnerware
Corelle 18-Piece Service for 6 Dinnerware Set, Triple Layer Glass and Chip Resistant, Lightweight...
Playful and elegant, this stylish dinnerware set from Corelle is sure to please.
Features the triple-layer strong and chip-resistant plates that Corelle is known for.
This 16-piece service for 4 includes a dinner plate, appetizer plate, round bowl, and mug. Other patterns and colors are available if this one doesn’t suit their tastes!
3. Mobile Medical Alert Systems
Lively Mobile Plus All-in-One Medical Alert Device
Needy seniors aren’t likely to spend the money need for a full medical alert system even though it helps keep them safe.
Seniors can get help anytime and anywhere they need it with the small, easy-to-carry Lively Mobile Plus.
Includes a helpful fall-detection feature, too, and automatically summons help!
4. Cable Knitted Throw
A gift like this provides cozy comfort that will keep your loved ones warm and comfortable.
Warm afghans like these make for the perfect senior gift. Prone to cold more than in younger years, elderly people will appreciate the opportunity to wrap up tightly no matter the weather.
We chose this one because it is super soft and large enough to cover up without being hard to manage.
5. SAS Walk Easy Shoes
Women s SAS Walk Easy Sneaker Black 6.5 WW
Having the right shoes is critical to reduce the chance of a senior falling. But, good shoes are often expensive.
This shoe is a comfortable leather sneaker-style shoe with a non-slip rubber sole.
It’s also Medicare-approved for diabetics because it provides a cushioning system that addresses pressure points, contours, and stride support.
Tech Gifts to Make Life Easier
6. Raz Mobility Easy to Use Cell Phone
RAZ Memory Cell Phone (Verizon, AT&T version)
This simple cell phone for seniors uses contact photos for dialing, an emergency button to call for immediate help, and displays the time, remaining battery life, and signal strength.
And that’s it!
Plus, caregivers have complete control over all the phone’s functions using an app on their own smartphone or at an online portal.
This is the safest and easiest way for older adults to use a smartphone – even with dementia.
Does your older loved one seem to be turning their TV up louder and louder each time you visit? It might be time for TV headphones like these.
These headphones are easy to set up and even easier to use – and they work with any TV made in the last 20 years.
You simply plug the transmitter into the back of the TV using one of the included cables and turn the headphones on. There is no syncing or pairing procedure to go through!
A simple charging dock is included, and the batteries last 10 hours. It is also available in a single or dual pack for couples.
8. Daily Check-In Service
Looking for a unique gift idea for a senior or elderly person who lives alone? Here is a great alternative to expensive medical alert systems.
Snug is a free – and friendly – check-in service for people living alone. It works via an app on a mobile phone and alerts a senior’s emergency contacts if they don’t check in by their assigned time.
There are free and paid subscription plans available. The free plan sends text messages to emergency contacts, while the paid Dispatch plan takes additional steps, including phone calls to ensure the person is safe. If they can’t reach anyone, they will request a Wellness Check to the cell phone’s last location.
The Dispatch Plan is $9.99 per month, but Graying With Grace readers can save 15% by using my discount code GWG15.
9. Mach V Fitness Tracker Watch
Fitness Tracker Mach V
This fitness watch from Vive Health is a comprehensive activity and sleep tracker. It even tracks heart rate and blood pressure throughout the day to promote good cardiovascular health.
It has an easy-to-use interface, a bright, clear screen, and is easy for most older adults to read. It lasts seven days between charges and recharges fully in less than 2 hours using a simple magnetic charger.
Finally, it is water-resistant and can be worn in the shower or while washing hands, so you don’t have to worry about it getting misplaced. 2 color options and a 60-day satisfaction guarantee.
Gifts for the Home
10. Nonstick 12-Piece Cookware Set
GreenPan Lima Hard Anodized Healthy Ceramic Nonstick 12 Piece Cookware Pots and Pans Set,...
This lightweight cookware with ergonomic handles is a great choice for seniors who have trouble handling, lifting, and using heavy cookware.
This set Includes 2QT saucepan, 5” egg pan, 3QT skillet with lid, 9. 5” frypan, solid bamboo turner, slotted bamboo turner, and bamboo fork.
Plus, you get your choice of several fun colors in addition to black.
11. Power Lift Recliner
Signature Design by Ashley Ernestine Power Lift Adjustable Oversized Recliner for Elderly, Gray
The Earnestine Bronze Power Lift Recliner is designed for smaller framed seniors and has a short seat height.
This full-featured recliner helps seniors stand and sit more easily. Plus, a quick button press on the wired (no losing it!) remote activates the full recline.
Plus, the causal look blends with your existing furniture. Other sizes and colors are available.
12. SureGrip Utensil Set
Anolon Tools & Gadgets SureGrip Nonstick Kitchen Utensil Set, 6-Piece Nylon | Wayfair 46346
These SureGrip kitchen utensils feature a large but soft handle covering that is easier for aging or arthritic hands to hold onto and grip.
It is available in multiple set configurations and comes in several color choices.
13. Stay Cool Teakettle
Anolon Allume Teakettles Enamel on Steel Teakettle 2 Quart Umber
Nothing can warm you up better than a cup of hot tea. This whistling teakettle for seniors is made of quality steel with cool-to-the-touch plastic handles that are easy to grasp.
The pour spout opens at the touch of a button, and it is easy to hold it open while pouring.
We have more teakettle recommendations for older adults here you might want to look at also.
These lightweight coffee mugs feature a mirrored glaze and large handles that are easy or frail hands to hold onto.
Perfect for tea, coffee, and cocoa but works well for juice, milk, or soup too.
The set includes four mugs that are microwave and dishwasher-safe. Each mug holds 13 ounces.
15. Microwave Meal Mugs with Lids
CorningWare Meal Mug with Vented Lid for Steam, 20-Oz Stoneware Soup Mug, BPA-Free Lid,...
This stoneware mug is made to go from microwave to table and includes a vented, splatter-free lid.
Great for heating up oatmeal, hot chocolate, chilis, and soups and then eating right out of the bowl.
Seniors can warm their belly and their achy hands by holding onto this warm mug/bowl combo.
These mugs are also easy to care for because they are dishwasher, freezer, and microwave safe.
Pampering Gifts
Needy people aren’t going to splurge on fresh flowers – even if they love the smell!
With this gift, your loved one will receive one fresh bouquet of exotic and fragrant flowers from the best growers in the world to brighten their day and surroundings.
Each shipment includes a newsletter and a personalized gift letter from you. Multiple subscription options from two months to twelve months!
17. Heated Throw With Foot Pocket
A good electric heating blanket can bring that extra bit of comforting warmth that overcomes cool weather, bad circulation, or any other reason.
We recommend this one for your older loved ones because it has a foot pocket in it to keep their feet from hanging out of the end!
No one is warm if their feet are cold, right? Just make sure they can get their feet out safely before walking.
This great gift helps provide that nice, comfortable, and toasty relaxing feeling at home.
This subscription-based care package offers monthly and quarterly subscriptions or just a one-time purchase. Each box includes many practical, comfortable items and little treats.
For example, a box might include soaps, socks, a hat, and a full-size jigsaw puzzle. Another box may have hot and cold heat treatment packs, candy, and cookies.
This is a great gift for a needy person living in assisted living or nursing homes that you want to show you care about every month – not just during the holidays.
19. High Quality Orthopedic Slippers
Asheville & Charlotte - Brown
These Podiatrist-approved slippers for men and women feature a roomy and wide toe box with built-in orthotic insoles.
These slippers are specially designed to make walking easier with less pain of the heel and ball of the foot from numerous conditions.
These are a great choice for older adults who need arch support without sacrificing style… or comfort!
Gifts to Entertain
Puzzles help keep the mind active and sharp, improving memory and avoiding boredom.
And many seniors love working on puzzles, so why not provide them with puzzles to work on all year long?
A gift like this helps entertain your senior loved ones, plus solving puzzles exercises their mind and hands.
This seasonal/quarterly box contains sensory jigsaw puzzles that are designed to use multiple senses: sight, touch, and smell. Plus, it’s a fun activity!
There has been lots of research on using activities that stimulate the senses with dementia patients to improve memory. But these activities are good for all seniors and elderly folks.
Who wouldn’t enjoy a puzzle that also has a pleasant aroma and you can actually feel the textures?
This basket is the perfect pick-me-up for that loved one on the mend.
It is packaged in a doctor’s bag gift box and includes include toffee pretzels, Sonoma cheese straws, dried fruit, seasoned almonds, Lipton’s chicken noodle soup, soothing tea, Too Good Gourmet lemon tea cookies, snack mix, a Ghirardelli® chocolate bar, and Beth’s chocolate chip cookies
There is also a crossword puzzle book to give them something to do while they are munching. A gift like this is guaranteed to cheer them up!
Food Gifts
Here is a great gift for any senior who enjoys a great cup of tea.
Adagio Teas offers this surprisingly affordable tea-of-the-month club. Your recipient will receive enough loose tea for 75 cups- shipped two months at a time.
Reviewers also give Adagio a 95% approval score on flavor and service!
Fresh fruit is both delicious and nourishing! But, it can get expensive quickly.
So, with this gift, you can send five pounds of fresh fruit each month -featuring both traditional and exotic varieties.
Only the highest quality fruit is selected for optimal flavor and nutrition.
It comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee and flexible subscription options.
High-quality, gourmet chocolates are another item that your recipient probably enjoys but won’t buy for themselves.
This festive red and gold gift box comes filled with 15 pieces of peppermint and caramel chocolate squares.
It is an easy and inexpensive gift for a wide array of occasions.
Hello Fresh Meal Kits are a great way to provide meals for seniors and the elderly who enjoy great food and experimenting with new recipes.
They will love a gift like this, especially if they enjoy cooking (or have a caregiver to help).
Choose from various menus and healthy food plans delivered to their home each week.
This senior meal delivery service sends chef-prepared meals from doctor-designed diets straight to the door.
Your recipient gets to choose their meals with this service which is an excellent option for picky eaters. They simply select which meals they want from a menu online or via phone if they prefer.
It’s a gift for you, too, because you can rest assured knowing your loved one is eating well.
Inexpensive Gifts
28. Small Stocking Stuffers
If you need a small gift for a senior, check out these stocking stuffer ideas from Greater Good.
And, they aren’t just for Christmas, any of these gifts are good to give year-round.
Plus, every purchase helps save and rescue a pet!
Experts say that boar hairbrushes are the best choice for aging hair.
So, consider this travel mini boar bristle brush set for the senior who is on the go but always wants to look sharp.
It folds and stores quickly and can be easily stashed in a purse or jacket pocket.
Give your feet a break thanks to these clog-style slippers.
On the outside, they have a sturdy rubber sole for safety and a stretchy, open mouth, so they are easy to put on also.
Inside is a soft, stretchy mesh that is removable and easy to clean.
General Gift Ideas for Needy Seniors
Some resourceful and thoughtful gifts for needy seniors that they can actually use include:
1. Gift Certificates Or Cards
Giving a gift certificate may seem like the least thoughtless gift that there is, but it is very useful to seniors in need. The gift certificate can be used to buy what they really need and not simply receive a gift that they won’t actually use.
You can choose whether to gift a certificate from various stores. However, a supermarket or store where a wider range of items is available for sale is the best option. A gift certificate for a grocery store is also not a bad idea for seniors who are struggling to put food on the table.
A gift card that you can add to regularly is ideal.
2. Communication
In a day and age where communication has become so simple, it is amazing how many seniors struggle to stay in contact with family and friends. A simple cellular phone, smartphone, tablet, or notebook can allow them to communicate better with those they love and feel less lonely in the digital world they have grown old in.
Keep in mind devices that are extremely user-friendly, low-tech, or designed specifically for the elderly, who may not be that tech-savvy.
This is an especially thoughtful gift during the Covid-19 pandemic. Seniors are at the highest risk of contracting the disease and suffering fatal consequences. They are, therefore, more homebound than ever before and need the means to communicate with the outside world.
Remember that a device can also be used to do online shopping, banking, and other tasks that a senior citizen may no longer be able to accomplish easily.
3. Personal Hygiene Products
This is another one of those gifts that may not seem all that appropriate but will be gratefully received by needy seniors. Most seniors struggle to maintain their personal hygiene, and the items they need often last on their shopping list.
Gifting a basket of tastefully packaged and arranged soaps, loofahs, sponges, lotions, shampoo, and other items may make the perfect gift. This is also a good low-cost alternative for those who are on a tight budget.
4. No-Cost Gifts
Giving your time can be one of the most precious gifts that any senior can receive. It costs you nothing while it provides them with companionship and perhaps even assistance in achieving the most basic tasks.
Helping your elderly neighbors clean the house or take care of their yard while chatting away are both good ways to contribute your time.
Outings to parks or other free-of-charge public areas will also be of great value to a needy senior and cost you nothing. A day out can lift the mood of any person but especially a lonely elderly person.
RELATED: Inexpensive Gifts for Older Adults
5. Food
As mentioned above, many needy seniors struggle to put food on the table. To compound the issue, seniors also struggle to cook for themselves and keep up with their daily nutritional requirements.
Cooking meals that can be frozen for seniors and delivering them every few days or every week can help ensure that they are eating a healthy diet. You can also buy or subscribe to a delivery service offering ready-made nutritious meals to gift to the elderly.
Also, don’t forget treats. Needy seniors may not spend their own money on decadent treats, but that doesn’t mean they won’t appreciate receiving them as gifts.
<a href="https://www.grayingwithgrace.com/gifts-for-needy-seniors/"><img style="width:100%;" src="https://www.grayingwithgrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Gifts-for-Needy-Seniors.png"></a><br>Design by: <a href="https://www.grayingwithgrace.com">Graying With Grace</a>Wrapping Up
I hope these gift ideas for seniors who are in need were helpful. Remember, many of these gifts can be given anonymously if you worry about embarrassment or awkward exchanges. The best part is you’ll be doing some good for people who need the help.
If you have more ideas of gifts for needy seniors, please let us know in the comments below!
