I don’t know about you, but getting the perfect gift always feels like a bit of a challenge. When I’m looking for a useful gift for one of my grandparents, who have everything they’ve needed for many years at this point, that challenge becomes even more intimidating!
The good news is that I’m apparently not the only one who has run into this issue, and there are many companies creating really useful and amazing gifts that are great for elderly recipients.
Take a look at the following and you’re almost certainly going to find something perfect for the special elderly individuals who are currently in your life.
Some of the Most Useful Gifts for the Elderly
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.
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.
Stylish Adult Bibs and Clothing Protectors for Seniors | Classy Pal
These superior and stylish bibs and clothing protectors for seniors come in all kinds of fun and classy designs. They are extra large for maximum coverage, a strong but easy to open velcro closure, and a pocket/crumb catcher at the bottom.
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.
Zeba – Revolutionary New Hands-Free Sneakers
Zeba’s fashionable sneakers are a great choice for seniors because of their patented no-tie system. Instead of dealing with fasteners, they slip right on even from a standing position. This reduces the chance of you losing your balance because you won’t need to bend over to tie your shoes!
Dignity Pajamas
The open-back gowns and pajama products from Dignity Pajamas are easier to put on for seniors and the elderly who need caregiver assistance because they are open in the back with simple closures like hook and loop fasteners.The best part? They don’t look like hospital gowns either; rather, they look like any other stylish nightgown or pajama set a person would choose for themselves! So, you can give them a practical gift that they will also love!
Stylish & High Quality Reading Glasses from LOOK OPTIC
Look Optic’s reading glasses aren’t your typical drug store readers. They are lightweight, stylish, with crystal-clear prescription quality lenses. I personally have a pair of their “Bond” frames that I use instead of my progressive bifocals when working because I can see better with them. And without the awkward head tilting too.
I personally like their “Cosmo” line best for women and the “Bond” line best for men. But, they have so many styles and color choices you are sure to find a pair that you or your senior gift recipient will love. Their 90 day risk-free trial guarantees it!
Relish Radio for Dementia
This nostalgia-inspired radio is specifically designed to be extremely easy to use. Even for seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s.
If features an easy-to-use control panel with big buttons that are easy to see. The volume never goes completely off so that the user will know it’s still on. it’s lightweight and durable too!
Caregivers can program their favorite stations into the one-touch buttons on top allowing them to still have variety and choice in their music.
WoolFit® Taiga Ankle High Felt Slippers
Looking for a nice pair of supportive slippers that look good too? Take a look at these Taiga wool felt slipper boots from German Slippers.
They sent me a pair to try for myself and I am very happy with them! They have many of the features I recommend in my post about safe slippers for seniors: stretch opening for swollen feet, support for the heel, and non-skid rubber soles.
Plus your feet literally sink into the wool insoles while also giving you good arch support. If you like to keep things “green” they are also sustainably sourced with a zero waste policy. Would you believe they even smell good?!?
Conair Therma+Luxe Massaging Heating Pad | Amazon.com
The massage heating pad by Conair is one of the most practical gifts that you can give a person with arthritis. It is the ideal gift for helping soothe away all the aches and pains. You should buy one for your loved one with arthritis and one for yourself too maybe!
Oster Rechargeable and Cordless Wine Opener with Chiller | Amazon.com
I have found that using a waiter’s corkscrew can be complicated even though I don’t have arthritis. If your loved one loves his/her wine, an automatic wine opener can be the perfect gift. The wine opener is electric and does all the work of opening wine bottles without the need for turning and twisting, which can make it a difficult task for a person with arthritis.
HandyBar Car Transfer Handle by Stander | Arthritis Supplies
If you have arthritis, it can be difficult to get in and out of a vehicle. The car cane featured here provides a non-slip grip as well as the leverage needed to lift themselves up from the car seat. It is capable of supporting up to 350-pounds.
Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Electric Automatic Can Opener
This automatic can opener is my top pick for seniors because it has a large lever that can be pressed with the palm of the hand instead of just the fingers. So, poor finger dexterity or arthritic hand pain are reduced when using it. Personally, I think it looks great too.
Hamilton Beach Open Ease Automatic Jar Opener | Amazon.com
This automatic jar opener is a great choice for seniors because it operated at the touch of a button. It even comes with a video to show seniors how to use it. It even helps reseal jars too!
All-New Echo Dot (4th Gen) | Smart speaker with Alexa | Amazon.com
This is probably one of the most useful gifts for any senior. Alexa Echo will tell them the time, date, weather forecast, play them their favorite songs, and also remind them to have their medicines. However, you may need to set it up for them.
Simplicity Unisex Plush Spa Hotel Kimono Bath Robe Bathrobe | Amazon.com
Everyone gets cold but seniors especially do. If you know a senior living in a cold environment, consider a plush robe. These are always well-received. Try to make their lives a little more comfortable with a bathrobe. Many people suggest that a bathrobe be given with slippers. But, you have to take into consideration safety issues with slippers and the flooring the recipient has.
Microplush Electric Blanket with Foot Pocket | Amazon.com
Don’t you hate it when you are trying to cuddle on your couch and your feet slip outside the blanket? This cool (but warm too) electric throw blanket has a foot pocket at the bottom. Just tuck your feet into the pocket and throw the blanket over the rest of your body and warm on up.
Remedic Medicine Bottle Opener with Magnifier and LED Light
Personally, I love having one tool that does multiple jobs. This living aid from Remedic solves many problems seniors have. First, it helps open medication bottles by fitting tightly on the lid and giving older adults better grip and more leverage. This is a great idea for seniors with weakness or arthritis in their hands especially. Plus, it also has a built-in magnifying glass with an LED light for reading the tiny print on those bottles. This could help prevent a medication mix-up!
Aria Me Personalized Hearing Enhanced Headphones
The best thing about these headphones is that they customize themselves to give you the best hearing experience possible – even for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. Plus, they are comfortable and lightweight which makes them easy to wear for hours and hours. Easily adapted for use with TV, Bluetooth devices, computers, and more.
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.
The 1Password You Need to Remember
This probably seems like an odd choice, but stick with me for a minute. Seniors are using more tech than ever which means tons of passwords to remember! With this service, they only have to remember one. If set-up is a problem, just have one of the grandkids come over.
Good for You Tea Gift Sampler – Adagio Teas
This selection of loose teas was specifically chosen for their anti-inflammatory benefits and are loaded with anti-oxidants. Oh, and they are delicious too. Varieties included: Turmeric Bliss, Happy Belly, Skinny Tea, and Tea-Tox. A great choice for seniors with arthritis or who just enjoy warming themselves with a cup of tea.
Audiobooks.com Monthly Audiobook Club
Many seniors can benefit from an Audiobooks.com subscriptions: from active seniors who like to exercise to elderly people who are homebound or even bedridden. Audiobooks provide hours of entertainment, education and enlightenment. Plus, they keep seniors minds busy as they pass the time.
On The Go Snack Cups
This useful snack cup is a great gift for seniors who are on the go or like to snack throughout the day. The best part? It keeps the wet and dry ingredients separate until you are ready. No soggy cereal or granola! BPA-free and dishwasher safe. Multiple color choices.
Aunty Acid Mini Wall Calendar
Aunty Acid says what we are all thinking. This calendar is entertaining, useful, and sometimes a little shocking. Use as a quick glance tool to remember appointments or other obligations. Measures 7″x7″ when closed and 7″x14″ when open. Wall-mountable.
DEEBOT U2 – ECOVACS
This helpful little home gadget can vacuum AND mop an entire home on one charge. Works well with pet hair and features a hard floor mode. Automatic mode to always keep a home spotless.
Garmin vívofit® 4 | Fitness Activity Tracker
The vivofit 4 fitness tracker is a great choice for active seniors who work hard on their health. Track steps, distance, and calories burned. The always-on color display features large, easy to read numbers. It is easy to operate too!
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.
Chop & Grill Stainless Steel Nonstick Vegetable Knife | Greenpan
This one-piece stainless steel handle and blade kitchen knife is durable and designed to last. The ergonomic grip makes it easy for older hands to control. It’s even dishwasher safe!
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.
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 avaialable.
Magazine Gift Subscriptions That Seniors Will Love
Magazine subscriptions provide a ton of benefits for seniors: education, entertainment, a way to pass some time. They can also be a great link to the outside world. Look for large print magazines like Reader’s Digest for seniors with vision problems.
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.
13-Inch Pizza Crisper | Anolon
This pizza pan is a great way for seniors to heat up frozen pizzas or leftover pizza at home for a crispy delicious crust. Can also be used to make homemade pizzas too. Oven safe to 450 degrees and dishwasher safe.
Heart Ring Holder – Mikasa
This Celebrations by Mikasa® Heart Ring Holder is a safe place to put your rings while washing your hands, the dishes, or sleeping. It’s also a great habit to form to always keep your rings in the same place. Crafted of glass. Heart ring holder measures 3-1/2 inch long.
Pile Lined Hardsole Moccasin Slippers | Minnetonka Moccasin
These traditional moccasins with indoor-outdoor soles are for more than just the house. Ideal for walking the dog or grabbing coffee, your feet will stay warm on chilly days. Thick pile lining cushions every step. Available in Men’s and Women’s styles.
Acorn Women’s Spa Wrap Slipper
The Spa Wrap Slipper from Acorn pampers your feet while providing support and a flexible fit. The soft terry cloth fabric feels like velvet on the feet. But, these slippers also have a contoured footbed with an enhanced arch and heel for support and comfort. For swollen feet, the adjustable strap offers a custom fit and makes them easy to take on/off. Machine washable.
Alvita Ultimate Pedometer | Omron Healthcare
This simple, basic pedometer is a great choice for seniors because of the bold numbers, easy to read screen, and easy to press buttons. Encourage a healthy active lifestyle. Can even be kept in a purse or a pocket for consistent monitoring.
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
Naturewood® Spoon Rest – Pfaltzgraff
This Spoon Rest keeps you from constantly wiping up messy spoon marks. Plus, it’s as decorative as functional! Constructed of stoneware. Dishwasher safe. Spoon rest measures 10-3/4 inch long.
Bath and Body Gift Basket For Women and Men | Amazon.com
Scented gifts like lotions, in their favorite scent, can enhance memory and bring back fond memories. They are also a nice touch to have in the home.
Unless you know of a scent they specifically enjoy, stay away from bold, overpowering smells like heavy floral scents. Light aromatics, vanilla, and food smells are often the best choice. You can find some of my favorite lotions for seniors in this guide.
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.
ASAKUKI Essential Oil Diffuser with Quiet Humidifier
An aromatherapy diffuser is a wonderful way to release a healthful mist into the air. This gift will transmit at various settings, so you can let it run for 6-8 hours with a tank of water. Anyone who lives in a home with a furnace or heating system that dries out the air needs a humidifier to put some moisture back into the air. And what better way to do that than with favorite aromas too.
Beurer 10-piece Professional Manicure & Pedicure Kit | Amazon.com
When the weather is too cold or mobility is a problem, this at-home kit is an ideal solution. Trimming in-grown toenails and calluses can be dealt with from the comfort and privacy of the home. The kit has all of the pieces needed for a manicure or pedicure. Plus, it includes an instructional guide that explains when/where to use each of the attachments. An LED light is built in to see the nails better. Consider adding to this gift with a small set of nail polishes, nail polish remover, and toe separators so that they can paint their nails too.
3X Large Magnifying Glass with Light | Amazon.com
As eyesight goes, this magnifying glass helps seniors read small print on medication, newspapers, maps, and books. The optical glass dome provides obstruction free viewing without any distortion. If reading is a problem all together, think about an easy to use audio book player.
Wooden 7-in-1 Board and Card Game Combo Set | Amazon.com
When the grandkids come to visit, have an engaging activity ready to keep them busy. Playing games is also good for a senior’s memory, mental health, and socialization too. This particular game set is not only beautiful, with two reversible wooden tables, but it has drawers for storage built into it so none of the pieces get lost along the way. Play one of seven different games using just one set.
Ergonomic Gardening Tools Set with Rubber Non-Slip Handle | Amazon.com
Does your loved one have a green thumb? Why not upgrade their gardening tools with a complete set of tools and carrying case? Everything needed to tend to plants, inside or out, is included here. These tools have large ergonomic slip-free handles for people with arthritis or hand or wrist pain. Even if the senior doesn’t have a garden or plants to take care of, why not spark a potential new hobby with this gift?
Story of My Life: A Workbook for Preserving Your Legacy | Amazon.com
Sadly, when our senior loved ones leave us, their stories and history goes with them. This workbook encourages them to share this history with your and provides a place to record memories through a series of questions and prompts. It will quickly become a treasured heirloom for the family.
Leather Journal in Gift Box with Pen | Amazon.com
This stylish journal is packaged in a gift box and has a unique style and look. It’s been said that journaling helps improve memory and mental processing – and it’s a great way to record memories or private thoughts. Would make a good travel or garden diary too.
Teabloom Stovetop & Microwave Safe Glass Teapot | Amazon.com
If your gift recipient’s a tea lover, get them a high quality set of tea accessories including a beautiful, but functional, teapot, a tea infuser, and a set of flavors you think she’ll enjoy. She may have been using the same teapot for decades now, so she’ll appreciate the upgrade.
ASUTRA Weighted Silk Eye Pillow for Sleep | Amazon.com
For comfort and pampering, this therapeutic eye pillow is infused with lavender (one of the most relaxing essential oils),and adds a level of calm and relaxation to your loved one’s life. Having a weighted pillow rest on your eyes can provide a lot of relief, especially in this age of screens. This is an especially thoughtful gift for seniors with sleeping problems.
TIMMKOO Easy to Use MP3 Player | Amazon.com
A great gift for an older adult who is a lover of great music, or even a tech-savvy relative, will truly appreciate a senior friendly MP3 player. Music can bring back positive memories, increase stimulation, and provide a chance to interact with those around them. Load it up with their favorite music before giving it to them. This easy to use model has simple instructions and a large easy to read screen.
PhotoShare Smart Frame | Send Pics from Phone to Frame | Amazon.com
A digital photo album is a fun way to load up and display family, vacation, and travel photos. Rather than having space for just one or two happy photos, you can add or change the pictures by uploading them from your phone to the frame when you come to visit. It can also be updated via WiFi too! For fun the senior could even use a camera to take some of the photos themselves.
Fire HD 8 Tablet and E-Reader | Amazon.com
Amazon Kindle is a reliable electronic reader that is available in many sizes and weights plus the fonts can be enlarged for easier reading. Set it up to have some of their favorite books ahead of time. Take it one step further and load an app like Skype onto a newer Kindle version so that they can sign in and chat with family when you are apart.
Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Noise Cancelling Headphones | Amazon.com
Wireless headphones will let your loved one enjoy their TV viewing, audiobook listening experience, or just shut the world out for a little while. These headphones fit right over the ear and cancel out the noise around them in an otherwise noisy common area. This model has a 30 hour battery life and can be synced to a wide range of devices via Bluetooth. Check out my guide to buying headphones for seniors and the elderly in this article.
Burt’s Bees Hand Repair Gift Set | Amazon.com
Everyone loves Burt’s Bees hand care products – from young to the old. It’s a great gift for senior men and women who suffer from dry, cracked, and painful hands including gardeners and travelers. This gift set includes 2 hand creams, a cuticle cream and a set of cotton gloves.
Dynotag SuperAlert Medical ID Tags | Dynotag
With these medical tags, it’s easy for first responders to get essential information about a patient. The tags are laminated and completely weatherproof, which means they’ll be in great shape for years. The set includes both a keychain tag and a wallet card. It’s a wonderful way to protect the people you love most.
Single Serve Coffee Maker for K Cup Pods and Ground Coffee | Amazon
No matter how old some of us get, that morning cup of coffee is a mandatory start to the day. This single serve coffee maker is a great gift to provide that single cup of coffee – quickly and easily. No waste, no hassle, just a simple and strong cup of caffeine to get going in the morning.
Esky Wireless Key Finder | Amazon.com
Featuring a transmitter kept at one location and six receivers that can be attached to car keys, house keys, remote controls, phones, or whatever else you might frequently lose or misplace. Hit the button, hear the loud beeps, and find what you’re missing!
Vive Neck and Back Shiatsu Massager with Heat
Perfect for heating, massaging, and relaxing sore back and neck muscles, this is a great gift that can provide much needed relief to muscle soreness, muscle tightness, or even pain resulting from these issues. All without having to book an appointment, go across town, and deal with the uncomfortable aspects of getting a massage from a professional.
Lightweight Folding Step Stool | Amazon.com
Whether needing a sturdy non-slick step stool to reach the top of the shelves in the bathroom, the kitchen, or the basement, a reliable folding step stool is an incredibly practical and extremely useful gift. This encourages that all-important sense of independence and self-reliance while helping to reduce the chances of preventable accidents. See more step stools for seniors here.
SnapPower GuideLight Outlet Night Lights | Amazon.com
These are easily put over electrical outlets and provide natural nightlights that give enough light to help elderly individuals make their way around the house but not so much as to be a nuisance. These guidelights are a very nice addition to any house and a very useful and practical gift. See More Nightlights for Seniors
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
MedCenter 31 Day Pill Organizer with Reminder System
Makes organizing the pills needed for the day easy as an entire month can be planned out with this organizer. That makes it easier to plan out various medications, make sure they’re all stored in one place, and a handy alarm can bring your attention back to it if things slip your mind.
BEDSURE Sherpa Soft and Fuzzy Fleece Blanket Throw | Amazon.com
If you’ve never spent the money on a truly special luxury blanket or quilt, you’re missing out. This one is a truly outstanding blanket that is comfortable, warm, cozy, and really will change the entire experience whether getting a good night’s sleep or just taking a little nap. See More Warm Blankets for the Elderly
399 Games, Puzzles & Trivia Challenges | Amazon.com
There are many options when it comes to good brain games. Crossword power, Sudoku books, word searches, or something else entirely, brain games are important. This book is a great option among many for creating and interacting with games that not only pass time and keep you entertained, but also keeps the mind firing on all cylinders!
PRUNUS Portable Radio | Amazon.com
This basically simple radio for seniors has a very easy and intuitive interface. Large, easy to press buttons are perfect for seniors with arthritis in their hands. Scan for local stations with one touch.
AncestryDNA
As we age, many of us begin to wonder where we came from and where our roots begin. AncestryDNA® now offers even more ways for aging adults to discover their family story. Help them begin their journey with an AncestryDNA® Collection Kit.
Ring Video Doorbell – Satin Nickel with Ring | Amazon.com
This HD video doorbell makes it possible to see who’s at your door from a phone or tablet. It can also record video footage of your porch. It’s a lovely gift for someone that might struggle to answer their door or for anyone that has concerns about how security. If the user authorizes you to use their account, you can also use Ring to check in on them throughout the day.
ProGlide Shield™ Shaving Starter Kit | Gillette®
Did you know you can gift quality Gillette razors and shaving products to seniors? And, you can have them delivered on a schedule that you prefer.
This starter kit includes the Gillette FlexxBall raxor handle, five blade refills and a travel-size sensitive shave gel. Sign up for their subscription service and get refills delivered every month, 3 months, or 6 months.
Stackable Weekly Pill Organizer – Great for Travel | Amazon
It seems that taking medication becomes a routine part of life as we age. Sometimes, it can be difficult to keep track of it all too! This stackable pill organizer holds a weeks worth of medication in convenient daily drawers. Simply pull the current day out of the bottom of the dispenser and the other days slide down a notch to replace it. Each drawer has 4 different slots for the time of the day the pill should be taken. It also comes with stickers so you can label the drawers in 22 different languages. The small, compact size is great for travelers too!
The Negg Boiled Egg Peeler | Amazon.com
Peeling eggs can even frustrate people who don’t have arthritis. This simple egg peeler helps break up the egg shell with a few simple shakes and a little bit of water. Then, the shell slips right off – often in one piece!
LOCK LACES No-Tie Elastic Shoe Laces | Amazon.com
Tying shoes is often impossible impossible with arthritic hands. These elastic no-tie shoe laces are so much easier on arthritic hands. Just slip your feet in your shoes and lock the laces with one simple pull.
Mahabis Curve Supportive Slippers for Men and Women
Mahabis Curve slippers feature a flexible and grippy rubber sole with a luxurious Italian wool lining. They are made to be durable and easy to care for. Plus, they have the neoprene heel cup to make sure they say secure on your feet reducing the chance of a fall. Available in multiple colors and men’s and women’s sizing.
Kelsyus Original Canopy Chair | Amazon.com
Does the senior in your life love to read books while sitting in the backyard? Maybe they come to the ball park frequently to watch the grandkids play.
These foldable chairs are incredibly lightweight and highly durable. The adjustable canopy on top keeps them out of the sun too.
American Lifetime Day Clock
Even on my best days I’m not always on top of what day of the week it is or what the date is. That’s not likely to get better as I continue to age over the next several decades. This large clock/calendar is perfect as it shows the date, day of the week, time, and year all there at once to make it very handy.
Always from the Heart
There you have it!
The best gifts are always going to be from the heart. However, if you can also make the gift useful, practical, and helpful, you’ll truly be hitting a home run when it comes to the gift giving department.
Do you know of other useful gifts for the elderly? Please tell me your ideas in the comments below. Also, I’d appreciate a social share if you found this gift guide helpful!
