Mahatma Gandhi said that the way the disadvantaged are treated is the true measure of a society. This includes the needy elderly.
Best Gifts for Needy Seniors
CareBoxCo Monthly and Quarterly Care Boxes | Crate Joy
CareBoxCo offers monthly and quarterly subscriptions and includes a range of practical and comfort items as well as little treats.
For example, a box might include soaps, socks, a hat, and a full-size jig saw puzzle. Another box may have hot and cold heat treatment packs as well as candy and cookies.
They even offer the option to personalize the boxes by printing out a personal note or photos that you send them. This is a great way to add a personal touch.
AudioRange TV Headphones
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 setup and even easier to use. The 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.
Snug Safety – Free 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 the emergency contacts while the paid Dispatch plan takes additional steps including phone calls to make sure 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 or the button below.
Raz Mobility Easy-to-use Memory Cell Phone for Seniors
This easy to use cell phone for seniors features photo dialing, an emergency button, and displays the time, remaining batter, and signal strength. And, that’s it! Plus caregivers can manage and control the phone settings through a simple portal.
Vive Health Mach V Fitness Tracker Watch
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 with a screen that is bright, clear and easy for most older adults to read. It last 7 days between charges and recharges in 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.
World of Puzzles & Games Subscription | Magazine Agent
Many seniors love working puzzles so why not provide them puzzles to work all year long. Puzzles help keep the mind active and sharp which can improve memory and keep away boredom. 9 Issues per year.
Orthofeet Asheville & Charlotte Orthopedic Slippers for Men & Women
These Podiatrist-approved slippers for men and women feature a roomy and wide toe box with built-in orthotic insoles. Designed to improve the ease of walking and alleviate pain on 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.
Smart Jewelry with Panic Button | invisaWear
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. Once received, the jewelry syncs up to an app on your cell phone. Then, once the panic button is pressed, your cell phone will notify the people that your designate.
Tea of the Month Club – Adagio Teas
Here is a great gift for any senior who enjoys a great cup of tea. Adagio Teas offers a surprisingly affordable tea-of-the-month club. You’ll receive enough loose tea for 75 cups- shipped two months at a time. Reviewers give Adagio a 95% approval score too.
Fruit Gift of the Month Club | GreatClubs.com
With this gift, the recipient will receive 5 pounds of fresh fruit delivered each month featuring both traditional and exotic varieties. Only the highest quality fruit is selected and it comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. 2,3,4,6, and 12 month options.
Lia 16-piece Dinnerware Set, Service for 4 | Amazon
Playful and elegant, this stylish dinnerware set from Corelle is sure to please. Features the triple layer strongand chip-resistant plates that Corelle is known for. Service for 4 includes dinner plate, appetizer plate, round bowl, and mug. Other patterns available.
SAS Walk Easy Shoes
This is a comfortable leather sneaker-style shoe. It’s Medicare-approved because it provides a cushioning system that addresses pressure points, contours, and stride support.
Love With Food Junk-Free Snack Box | Snack Nation
This affordable subscription box ships internationally and is a good choice for those who have dietary restrictions.
It is a box of treats that includes ‘free from’ goodies. There are lots of options for those who need to avoid wheat, gluten, common allergens, and even dairy products. They offer lots of Organic and All Natural snacks too!
This box is a nice way for someone who has to avoid common snacks for the elderly to treat themselves.
Plus Snack Nation donates a meal to needy families for every box sold!
Ghirardelli Ultimate Collection Box (15pc) | Ghirardelli
This festive red and gold gift box comes filled with 15 pieces of peppermint and caramel chocolate SQUARES. Easy and inexpensive gift for a wide array of occasions.
100 Best Stocking Stuffers for 2020 | GreaterGood
If you need a small gift for a senior, check out these stocking stuffer ideas from Greater Good. Not just for Christmas, these gifts are good to give year round. Plus, every purchase helps save and rescue a pet!
Just Believe Hairbrush & Pocket Mirror Set | GreaterGood
This dragonfly duo hairbrush and mirror set is perfect for touch ups throughout the day or as part of the daily routine. Features a tangle free brush with a small mirror with one magnified side.
Purple Paw Women’s Comfy Clog Slippers | GreaterGood
Give your feet a break thanks to these clog-style slippers featuring a cable knit upper with a purple paw pet print displayed on the hand-painted side button.
Lima Ceramic Nonstick 12-Piece Cookware Set | Greenpan
This lightweight cookware with ergonomic handles is a great choice for seniors who are having trouble with heavy cookware. Set Includes: 2QT saucepan, 5” egg pan, 3QT skillet with lid, 9. 5” frypan, solid bamboo turner, slotted bamboo turner, and bamboo fork.
Chop & Grill Healthy Ceramic Nonstick Grill Pan, 11” | Greenpan
This indoor grill pan features GreenPan’s signature healthy ceramic nonstick coating. The high grill ridges sear while keeping away the fat. Lightweight, versatile, and dishwasher-safe
Snack and Activity Basket at Amazon
This basket is perfect pick-me-up for that loved one who’s on the mend. Packaged in a doctor’s bag gift box, this basket 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, Ghirardelli® chocolate bar, Beth’s chocolate chip cookies and a crossword puzzle book. Guaranteed to cheer them up!
Margaret Bronze Power Lift Recliner | La-Z-Boy
The Margaret Bronze Power Lift Recliner is designed for smaller framed seniors and has a short seat height. Simply press a button on the wired remote to get in or out, or fully recline. Plus, the causal look blends with your existing furniture. Other sizes and colors available.
6-Piece SureGrip Utensil Set | Anolon
These SureGrip kitchen utensils feature a large but soft handle covering that is easier for aging or arthritic hands to hold onto and grip. This 6 piece set comes in multiple color choices too.
2-Quart Teakettle | Anolon
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. Pour spout opens at the touch of a button.
Belmont Set of 4 Blue Mugs – Mikasa
These stoneware mugs feature a mirrored glaze and no two pieces are exactly alike! Perfect for tea, coffee, and cocoa but works well for juice, milk or soup too. Microwave and dishwasher safe. Set of 4 mugs, each holds 13 ounces.
Sunbeam Microplush Heated Electric Warming Throw | Amazon.com
I have had plenty of times where I just wanted a blanket or wanted to be a little bit warmer, even inside the house. A good electric heating blanket can bring that extra bit of comforting warmth that overcomes cool weather, bad circulation, or any other reason. This is a great gift that helps provide that nice comfortable and toasty relaxing feeling at home.
Senior Home Meal Delivery | Silver Cuisine by bistroMD
This senior meal delivery service send chef-prepared meals from doctor-designed diets straight to the door. Simply select your meals from a menu online or via phone and set your delivery schedule. Rest assured knowing your loved one is easting well.
Monthly Fresh Flower Delivery | Great Clubs
With this gift, your loved one will receive 1 fresh bouquet of exotic and fragrant flowers for the best growers throughout the world. Included in each shipment is a newsletter and a personalized gift letter from you. 2,3,4,6, and 12 month options.
Hello Fresh Meal Kit Delivery Service
Hello Fresh Meal Kits are a great way to provide meals for seniors and the elderly – especially if they enjoy cooking or have a caregiver to help. Choose from a variety of menus and healthy food plans. Weekly meal box deliveries.
Corningware® French White 20-ounce Meal Mug™ with 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. Dishwasher, freezer, and microwave safe.
Sensory Jigsaw Puzzles Subscription Box
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 in using activities that stimulate the senses with dementia patients for improving 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?
Lively Mobile Plus Medical Alert Systems
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.
Home Soft Things Cable Knitted Throw | Amazon.com
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. I chose this one because it is super soft and large enough to cover up without being hard to manage.
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 a variety of different stores. However, a supermarket or store where a wider range of items are 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 to stay in contact with family and friends. A simple cellular phone, smartphone, tablet or notebook can give them the ability 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 in and need of a 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 easily accomplish.
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 keep up with their own personal hygiene and the items they need are 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 of 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 house or take care of their yard while chatting away are both good ways to contribute your time.
Outings to parks or other public areas that are free-of charge 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. However, it is important to keep in mind safety and take the necessary Covid-19 precautions when taking seniors out.
There is a list of safe outdoor activities that can be found on the CDC and WHO websites.
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 on a weekly basis 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.
Wrapping Up
I hope these gift ideas for seniors who are in need was 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.
