Meaningful Christmas Gifts for Seniors
Consider the 3 Es: Experiences, Expressions and Edibles
’Tis the season of joy and of course, you want to spoil your favourite senior! The question is… what can you give your loved one that they will cherish, without overwhelming them or adding clutter to their simplified living space?
Don’t stress, consider one of the three Es!
Experiences
(1) Together Time
You can never get enough precious moments together. Consider getting tickets to an event they would love, such as the symphony, the ballet, a music concert, a sporting event, or live theatre. Plan the gift of a special lunch out with friends, or an afternoon movie with grandkids. Take them to the zoo or take in a planetarium show at the Science Centre. Visit a museum of interest or an art gallery. If they are well enough for travel, consider a weekend away, or even just a special day exploring a nearby resort town. Just think about the hobbies and activities your senior has enjoyed in life and find an experience that would tickle their fancy!
Wondering where to take your loved one this holiday season? Consider these outing ideas for seniors.
(2) Music
Research shows music is therapeutic treatment for a multitude of conditions, including dementia. Load up an IPod (new or refurbished) with all your loved one’s favourite songs. Find music from their youth and all the different eras of their life. Add a comfy set of head phones and they will enjoy hours of soul-stirring entertainment.
Music can create astonishing connections to memory. Learn more about giving the Gift of Music and other music therapy resources.
(3) Stories
Offer the gift of your time to record and or write some of your loved one’s treasured stories. A legacy of captured life experiences can be deeply enriching for all concerned.
(4) Pictures
Purchase a digital photo frame and load it up with hundreds of family photos. Your loved one will never tire of seeing years of happy moments captured on film
Expressions
Solicit loving sentiments from grandkids, friends and relatives and create a video featuring each person sharing their expression. If family members are far away perhaps create a poster featuring their sentiments of make a scrapbook of loving thoughts and pictures. Any creative expression of love makes a heartwarming gift.
Get inspired with scrapbook ideas by visiting Write, Click, Scrapbook.
Edibles
You can’t go wrong with yummy treats! Make homemade goodies ranging from decadent sweets to savoury snacks and bring a tray for them to share with friends and visitors. Consider a fruit basket or non-perishables like nuts, cookies and crackers. Perhaps they love popcorn or chocolates! Their favourite edibles will satisfy cravings and quickly disappear!
Check out these 10 Edible Gifts for the Holidays.
Ultimately, it’s your love and your time that your aging friend will cherish the most. Finding time to visit and ways to include them in your life at every stage is the greatest gift of all.
