The Pros and Cons of Aging in Place
A complete overview of the good and bad sides of aging in place.
66 Gift Ideas for Seniors - The Ultimate List
A complete list of gifts for seniors that will bring them mental, emotional, and physical joy.
Jump to a Section:
- Introduction
- Art and Music Gifts
- Clothing and Accessories
- Educational Gifts
- Food Gifts
- Fitness Gifts
- Gardening Gifts
- Hearing Enhancement
- Home Comfort Gifts
- Improved Sleep
- Mobility Gifts
- Pain Relief Gifts
- Pet-Related Gifts
- Thoughtful Gifts
- Subscription Boxes and Memberships
- Technology Gifts
- Unusual or Unique Gifts
- Vision Aids
Related ARticles
- The Ultimate Aging in Place Checklist
- Bathroom Safety Products
- Aging in Place Products
Giving someone a gift can be the ultimate way to show them affection. However, choosing the gift can be incredibly challenging, especially for seniors. This ultimate list of gift ideas for the elderly can help you narrow your selection.
How we Chose: When choosing gifts for seniors, we made thoughtful selections considering their unique needs. Understanding that many older adults face physical limitations, we focused on gifts that are usable and enrich their lives. Our goal was to find presents that offer meaningful intellectual, emotional, or physical benefits, ensuring that each gift truly resonates and adds value.
Art and Music Gifts
Art and music are powerful ways for seniors to stay active, healthy, and engaged. And this is not a mere opinion. A 2019 study by the National Institute on Aging found that participating in the arts reduces feelings of loneliness and increases interest in life.
Build Your Own Bluetooth and FM Radio
This is an excellent gift for music and craft lovers alike. This kit lets users build their own radio; no electrical engineer degree is required.
SHOP NOWPersonalized Mixtape Doormat
Nostalgia can be an excellent way for seniors to express themselves. This personalized mixtape doormat empowers seniors to live out their glory days with a customized touch.
SHOP NOWHula Home Stained Glass Mandala Art Kit
This is an elderly gift idea that's perfect for those living in a home with man windows. This kit includes ten suncatchers and coloring markers to create colorful window art.
SHOP NOWLarge Print Adult Coloring Book
Art therapy can be an excellent way for older adults to express themselves and their creativity. This large-print adult coloring book is especially helpful for seniors who might have trouble with vision and dexterity.
SHOP NOWClothing and Accessories
Aging often brings mobility challenges that can make dressing uncomfortable. The apparel list below is specially designed for seniors with mobility issues.
Women's Easy Closure Sandal for Indoors & Outdoors
These sandals feature an adjustable fit, easy-touch closure, and slip resistance. They've been designed with the help of diabetic neuropathy experts to ensure they meet the needs of older women.
SHOP NOWEasy Wear Extra Wide Comfortable Walking Shoes for Men
These men's shoes offer comfortable walking support with an adjustable width, laceless, easy-touch closure, slip-resistant soles, and an extended heel for extra support.
SHOP NOWMen's Magnetic-Zipper Hoodie with Pockets
Standard hoodies can be a nightmare for seniors to put on. This hoodie is designed for seniors to zip up and down with one hand easily. It's been designed for men with decreased dexterity, arthritis, or low vision.
SHOP NOWWomen's Magnetic Button Fleece Cardigan
Traditional cardigans feature buttons that are hard for those with dexterity issues. This cardigan features magnetic buttons for easier use. It offers a stylish yet accessible cardigan for women looking to stay fashionable but functional.
SHOP NOWEducational Gifts
Older adults are at risk of cognitive decline because of their sedentary lifestyle, making these good presents for the elderly.
Duolingo Language Learning
Learning a new language can be an excellent way for seniors to stay cognitively sharp. Duolingo offers a fun and effective way to learn a new language. It uses science-backed, personalized training to keep users engaged and motivated.
SHOP NOWGetSetUp Live Classes for Adults
GetSetUp offers a library of live classes for adults, by adults. They offer a variety of classes including cooking, exercise, drawing, technology, and more. This senior-centered platform is an excellent gift for seniors wanting to expand their knowledge.
SHOP NOWCustom Jigsaw Puzzles
For many seniors, jigsaw puzzles are a staple activity that keeps them engaged. Take that activity to the next level with a custom jigsaw puzzle. This puzzle lets you upload your own image to make it both mentally and emotionally rewarding.
SHOP NOWBook Subscription Box
For any senior who loves to read, a book subscription box might be the ultimate gift. CrateJoy offers a wide variety of book subscription boxes, including science fiction, crime, comics, classic books, and more. Each monthly box features a unique design tailored to the book theme and includes extras such as stickers, bookmarks, and more.
SHOP NOWFood Gifts
Whether the senior loves to cook or eat, these gifts will delight their internal love of food.
Gourmet Food Gift Basket
Gourmet Gift Baskets offers a wide selection of gift baskets for grandparents. This tailored collection includes a meat and cheese sampler, red wine, dried fruit and nuts, and even a baked goods gift basket. Regardless of their taste, you're guaranteed to find something they'll love.
SHOP NOWRocker Knife
For seniors with dexterity issues, using a traditional kitchen knife can be a challenge. Rocker knives offer an easier way to cut without causing wrist pain. They modify the cutting motion to reduce pressure on the hand and wrist.
SHOP NOWCut Resistant Gloves
As we age, our skin becomes thinner, putting us at greater risk of cutting ourselves. These cut-resistant gloves are the perfect gift for seniors who love to cook but are prone to cutting themselves.
SHOP NOWThe Healthy Seniors Cookbook
This recipe book features over 190 recipes ideal for those over 60. Each meal is carefully curated to meet the dietary restrictions of seniors. Additionally, it's formatted in an easy-to-read, easy-to-use, senior-friendly format.
SHOP NOWCustomized Recipe Cutting Board
Almost everyone has a grandparent who brags about that old family recipe passed down from generation to generation. This customized recipe cutting board lets you engrave any recipe onto it. Even better, you can upload your own image of their handwriting for a more personal touch.
SHOP NOWFitness Gifts
Fitness is an essential part of being healthy. However, aging tends to make staying fit challenging. These fitness gift ideas for elderly people have been carefully curated to meet the physical needs of seniors.
Three Wheel Bike
Tricycles are an excellent way for seniors to stay active without the risk of falling. Six Three Zero offers a collection of three-wheel bikes for seniors. They even provide a proprietary fitting system to make choosing easier.
SHOP NOWPickleBall Set
Pickleball is a game that's taking the US by storm. This low-impact sport is an excellent way for seniors to stay active. It requires low-entry skills, is easy on joints, and is low-cost.
SHOP NOWCarex Foot Pedal Bike
Pedal bikes are an excellent way for seniors with poor mobility to stay in shape. The Carex Foot Pedal sits on the floor while the user pedals.
SHOP NOWSmartwatch
Smartwatches are great for seniors who want to stay on top of their health. The SOS smartwatch is specifically designed for seniors and features a dedicated SOS button, auto fall detection, and fitness tracker.
SHOP NOWGardening Gifts
Gardening is an excellent way for seniors to stay in shape and engaged. However, it can be hard on joints. These gifts have been carefully curated to make gardening easier and less physically intensive.
Deep Seat Garden Kneeler
This product provides a padded spot to rest your knees while gardening. It even features handles to make getting up and down more manageable. This gift idea is perfect for the avid gardener with weak or arthritic knees. It even doubles as a stool for sitting.
SHOP NOWPitchfork Hose Butler
This unique 2-in-1 device features a pitchfork with a hook attached to hold a 200-foot garden hose. It's great for seniors as it eliminates the need to bend over to get a hose.
SHOP NOWGardener's Cross Body Tool Bag
This is a must-have for seniors with a lot of gardening tools. This tote offers a convenient place for gardeners to store tools they're using while being hands-free. It features numerous pouches for storing seeds, wire, scissors, and more.
SHOP NOWGardener's Tool Seat
This garden stool combines the convenience of a tool bag with the comfort of a folding chair. It's perfect for senior gardeners with difficulty standing for extended periods and keeps tools nearby.
SHOP NOWHearing Enhancement
One-third of older adults have hearing loss, making it hard for them to have conversations with family and friends. These hearing devices may be an excellent gift for a family member with trouble hearing.
TV Headphones
These headphones connect wirelessly to any Bluetooth-enabled TV, making it easier for seniors to hear what's being played.
SHOP NOWDoorbell Alarm
The SMPL alert pager makes hearing the doorbell easier for seniors with difficulty hearing. It features a wearable device that notifies them when someone's at the door. This can make it easier for those aging in place who may not be able to hear when someone's at the door.
SHOP NOWWireless Hearing Amplifier & TV Audio Speaker
The Coby Bluetooth Hearing Amplifier & TV Audio Speaker connects wirelessly to any Bluetooth-enabled TV to improve hearing. It delivers audio with zero lag for real-time feedback and comes with a wireless charging dock for added convenience.
SHOP NOWHome Comfort Gifts
Being comfortable at home is vital for any senior who's aging in place. However, aging often brings mobility and accessibility challenges. These gifts for senior citizens are designed to make living at home safer and more comfortable.
Carex Overbed Table
Overbed tables are the perfect aid for seniors who have mobility issues. The Carex Overbed Table sits over most chairs and beds and offers a portable desk to place items.
SHOP NOWCarex Reacher Grabber
The Carex Reacher Grabber adds safety and convenience by offering an extendable way to reach for items. Measuring 26” to 32”, it removes the need to reach for items and features a claw to grip onto items.
SHOP NOWCarex Ultra Grip Grab Bar
80% of senior falls happen in the bathroom, making it the most dangerous room in any home. The Carex Ultra Grip Grab Bar provides safe and convenient bathing support. It attaches to the shower wall via suction cups, and no tools are required.
SHOP NOWCarex Bathroom Safety Rail
The Carex Bathroom Safety Rail doubles as a toilet rail and walker. It offers a safe and secure source of support while using the toilet or walking about the house. It's lightweight and foldable for easy transport and storage.
SHOP NOWImproved Sleep
Nothing is quite like a good night's rest. The following gifts are great for improving sleep quality.
Bed Buddy Weighted Blanket
The Bed Buddy Weighted Blanket improves sleep by mimicking the sensation of being held. This helps reduce anxiety, calms nerves and improves sleep quality. It features a 17 and 7 lbs option, is breathable, and comes with a free sleep mask.
SHOP NOWBed Buddy Full Body Pillow
The Bed Buddy Full Body Pillow offers a universal support surface for sleeping, reading, or watching TV. Its c-shape design offers full body support to improve circulation, relaxation, and sleep.
SHOP NOWBed Buddy Relaxation Mask
Even an ounce of light can hinder sleep quality for light sleepers. The Bed Buddy Relaxation Mask blocks light while doubling as hot/cold therapy for your eyes. It's also infused with essential oils for a therapeutic effect. It's available in four fragrances: lavender, lavender & mint, and lavender & rose.
SHOP NOWMobility Gifts
One in four older adults experience mobility issues. This impairment can significantly hinder their overall quality of life. The perfect mobility aid can be a great gift to empower their health and independence.
Carex Soft Grip Derby Cane
This soft grip derby cane features a padded ergonomic handle and adjustable height to make walking more manageable. Plus, it's available in four colors to match their style.
SHOP NOWCarex Uplift Walker
The Carex Uplift Walker features two levels of support to make sitting and standing more manageable. It folds quickly for easy storage and transportation and is built with durable aluminum to support up to 250 lbs.
SHOP NOWCarex Trio Rolling Walker
The Trio Rolling Walker features three wheels for easy maneuvering in and out of tight spaces. Its built-in hand brakes lock it in place for added convenience, while its storage pouch keeps personal items close by.
SHOP NOWCarex Classics Transport Chair
This is the ultimate mobility aid for seniors who need a caregiver. This transport chair features a lightweight design, folding capability, and large 8" wheels for easy maneuvering.
SHOP NOWCarex Wheelchair with Large 18" Padded Seat
This Carex Wheelchair features a luxurious large 18" padded seat for comfortable sitting. It weighs 40 lbs and folds up to 13" wide for easy storage and transportation.
SHOP NOWPain Relief Gifts
Did you know that 94.9% of those 60+ have a chronic health condition? Pain and aging, unfortunately, go hand-in-hand. These pain relief gifts are perfect for any senior experiencing discomfort.
Bed Buddy Body Wrap
This hot and cold therapy wrap is filled with natural grains and can be placed in the microwave for heat therapy or the freezer for a cold compress. Its flexible, form-fitting design conforms to the target area for a closer and more comfortable treatment.
SHOP NOWTENS 7000 2nd Edition Digital TENS Unit
The TENS 7000 has been the go-to TENS unit for healthcare professionals since 2008. It delivers clinical-grade TENS therapy to block the pain sensation, making movement more manageable. It features customizable settings and comes with everything needed to get started.
SHOP NOWBed Buddy Foot Warmers
These foot warmers can be placed in the microwave for moist heat for your feet. They're great for any senior with foot pain and come in four essential oil-infused fragrances: lavender, lavender & mint, and eucalyptus, clove, & cinnamon.
SHOP NOWDPL Clinical Handheld Light Therapy for Pain Relief
The DPL Clinical delivers red and infrared light to penetrate deep into the skin to reduce pain, relieve inflammation, and aid healing. Its universal design allows it to target any body part. It's easy to use: turn the device on and place it over the target area for 20 minutes.
SHOP NOWSub Zero Pain Relief Gel
Sub Zero gel combines natural ingredients to deliver cooling and long-lasting pain relief. It uses menthol and Cat's Claw to relieve deep-penetrating pain from conditions such as muscle, joint, and arthritis.
SHOP NOWPet-Related Gifts
Any pet-related gift is perfect for pet lovers. These pet gifts were selected to make having a pet easier for seniors.
Automatic Pet Feeder
This pet feeder makes feeding any pet easier. It can feed pets up to 50 portions and six meals per day on a schedule.
SHOP NOWPooper Scooper
Picking up after dogs can be a challenge for seniors. This pooper scooper removes the need to bend over, making taking them out safer and more manageable.
SHOP NOWPersonalized Pet Gifts
Almost nothing is better than a personalized gift involving a senior's pet. Personal Creations offers customized pet gifts, including socks, blankets, portraits, and more.
SHOP NOWDog Ball Launcher
Throwing a ball can be tricky for seniors with a limited range of motion. This launcher removes the need to throw, empowering seniors to enjoy the classic game of fetch with their pooch.
SHOP NOWThoughtful Gifts
Thoughtful gifts for the elderly can be the ultimate way to earn extra kudos (and make family and friends jealous). These gifts offer a more personalized approach for those you love most.
WiFi Digital Photo Frame
A digital photo frame can be a great way to share memorable photos with loved ones. This photo frame holds 32 GB of images that can be uploaded from your phone.
SHOP NOWRecordable Keepsake Board Book
This recordable book, "Grandma Wishes," lets grandmas record their voices while reading it to their grandkids. It's the perfect way to make unforgettable memories that last a lifetime.
SHOP NOWMy Life in a Book
My Life in a Book creates a customized book based on a person's life. They send your loved one a series of questions to answer for a year and then create a custom book based on their life. This is the perfect gift to create a timeless keepsake.
SHOP NOWA Donation to Their Favorite Charity
Sometimes, the perfect gift is selfless. Consider donating in their name to a charity they love.
Subscription Boxes and Memberships
Subscription boxes and memberships can be great gifts that keep on giving...and giving...and giving.
Ancestry.com
This unique gift is perfect for seniors interested in exploring their family history. Ancestry.com allows you to pay in advance for a full six —or twelve-month membership.
SHOP NOWSilver Swag Box
This senior-centric monthly subscription box is perfect for children living away from their senior parents. It sends out a uniquely themed box filled with activities, snacks, and personal care items each month. Each box also includes a stay-connected card to inspire conversations and deeper connections.
SHOP NOWBloomsyBox
BloomsyBox is a floral subscription box that sends out a monthly floral decoration. Each box includes a unique handpicked bouquet that changes with the seasons.
SHOP NOWGrandbox
The Grandbox is a monthly box that grandkids send to their grandparents. Each box is personalized with a message and photos of your choosing and includes snacks and a unique gift.
SHOP NOWTechnology Gifts
When selected carefully, technology can be a great life enhancer for seniors. These devices have been chosen based on their ease of use.
Amazon Echo Dot
Smart speakers can be an excellent way for seniors to ask questions, set timers, and create reminders. The Echo Dot is a voice-only smart speaker that is very senior-friendly.
SHOP NOWGrandPad Senior-Friendly Tablet
The GrandPad is a tablet that replaces your cell phone, landline, and desktop computer. It features built-in 911 emergency calling, an LTE data plan, a stylus, and 24/7 customer support. This tablet empowers seniors to embrace technology while preventing common issues such as fraud.
SHOP NOWRing Video Doorbell
A ring video doorbell can be a great gift to keep seniors safe and connected. The doorbell can be connected to multiple phones so loved ones can keep an eye on their home.
SHOP NOWLively Jitterbug Smart3
The Lively Jitterbug Smart3 is a smartphone designed to be senior-friendly. It features a large 6.2" screen, large text for easy viewing, and even an urgent response button for 24/7 help.
SHOP NOWUnusual or Unique Gifts
If you're looking for something typical, these gifts are for you. We've crafted these items with those looking for anything but ordinary in mind.
The Washington Post Custom Birthday Book
This custom book features the person's name on the cover and newspaper headlines from their birthdays back to the day they were born. This gift is perfect for anyone looking to provide something meaningful.
SHOP NOWGrandparent Talk Game
The Grandparent Talk Game is an interactive game that sparks conversation between grandparents and loved ones. It is the perfect way to break barriers and connect generations through conversation.
SHOP NOWI Wrote You a Book - Fill in the Blank Book
This fill-in-the-blank book features prompts to fill in and give to your loved one. The playful prompts empower you to create a personalized gift for any occasion.
SHOP NOWVision Aids
20% of adults 85+ experience vision loss, making vision-related gifts incredibly useful.
Wireless Motion Sensing Night Light
Nighttime accidents can be a recipe for disaster. These motion-activated night lights provide light for seniors at night.
SHOP NOWMagnifying Glass
Reading can be difficult for seniors with vision loss. This ultra-bright LED page magnifier magnifies text and provides an evenly lit page to make reading easier.
SHOP NOWRelated Resources
About the Author
Brandon Landgraf is the Digital Marketing Manager for Carex Health Brands. He finds passion and fulfillment in creating content that enhances, improves, and enlivens others' quality of life. All of his written work is formulated to not only offer essential advice and tips but back it with proven studies and experts. His mission is to connect with readers and provide steps to make their lives better.
You can connect with him on LinkedIn here.
About Carex Health Brands
Carex is your one-stop shop for home medical equipment and for products that assist caregivers with providing the best possible support and care for their loved ones. Carex Health Brands has been the branded leader in in-home, self-care medical products for over 35 years. Our goal is to improve the lives of our customers by bring them quality products that bring dignity back to their lives. With our three nationally distributed brands, Carex Health Brands serves national, regional and independent food, drug and mass retailers along with wholesalers, distributors and medical dealers.