Holiday Shopping Ideas - Gifts for Elderly Men

‘Tis the season for holiday shopping!

We’ve posted several gift guides lately, but today we’re focusing our attention on elderly men. No matter your loved one’s interests, there are plenty of amazing gifts to choose from. 

Below, we’ve listed five categories with various recommendations for each. It’ll save you time and make you a hero on Christmas morning.

1) Gifts for old men who enjoy the outdoors

Many men enjoy spending their weekends and vacations in the great outdoors. Hobbies like camping, fishing, and hunting are lots of fun, but they also require a certain level of mobility and independence. 

If your loved one uses a wheelchair, walker, or cane but still reminisces about spending time on the water or at their favorite campsite, bring the outdoors in. After all, it’s possible to enjoy the beauty of nature almost anywhere.

Some of our favorite gift recommendations for outdoor enthusiasts include:

• Window bird feeders

• Hummingbird feeders

• Hanging planters

• Indoor plants (i.e. succulents)

• A monocular or binoculars for birdwatching or wildlife viewing

• A bird bath for the front yard or garden

• Squirrel feeders

• A calendar or a coffee table book with nature or wildlife photos

• Fly-tying kit (for fly fishing enthusiasts)

• An annual pass for state or national parks

• New camping equipment (i.e. a folding chair, cook stove, or hiking stick)

• Waterproof socks

• First-aid kit supplies

If your loved one has limited mobility, offer to take them to their favorite scenic overlook or fishing spot. Go when the weather’s nice and pack a picnic lunch. Spend a few hours chatting, enjoying the fresh air, and basking in the sun.

2) Gifts for older men who are sports fans

A 2019 study found that 76% of sports viewers worldwide are men. 

If the older man in your life is a ride-or-die sports fan, show them your support. Go beyond the high-fives and chest bumps and award your own trophy. Something that will have Dad or Grandpa yelling “TOUCH DOWN” at the top of their lungs. 

Some of our favorite gift recommendations for sports fanatics include:

• A jersey from their favorite team and/or player

• Other game day accessories, such as t-shirts, beanies, gloves, or scarves

• A pickleball, badminton, or croquet set

• Gift certificates for the driving range or a round of golf

• Portable cooler (for tailgating)

• Subscription to ESPN+, the Athletic, or another sports-centric streaming service or publication

If your loved one’s in relatively good health, consider gifting them an experience. Buying tickets for an upcoming game presents an opportunity to root for your favorite team together.

3) The gift of your time and attention

Sometimes, the best gifts are the ones that don’t cost anything.

“So many seniors just want to tell their story. They want to be heard,” said Tim Kay, co-founder of Story, an app specifically for older adults.  “One of the best free gifts possible is the gift of listening. Ask your children or teenagers if they’re willing to do a side project with grandpa.

“Have them write down 5 open questions that they’re interested in about their grandparent’s life. Then, set up a meeting where they ask those questions and record it on your phone. That’s it.”

“The gift is the undivided attention of the grandkids and the extra benefit is a recording that you will treasure for decades. This kind of thing is especially important if you live further away or if your loved one  is in a nursing facility.”

Kay came up with Story after his Dad passed away.

 “My dad was such a thrilling storyteller,” Kay said. “But I probably only remember 10% of the stories he told me and he probably only told me 10% of the stories he had to tell. That means only 1% of his story lives on in my brain. It needs to be easier for everyone to record their life stories in their own voice and share them with family and friends. That’s what we’ve set out to do.”

Story is launching a one-year subscription over the holidays for just $45. You can download the Story app here.

4) Gifts for senior men who are history buffs

History is full of great stories. And, as many people age, they begin to reflect on their lives and the lives of others. If your elderly loved one enjoys watching the History channel, visiting the museum, or reading the work of David McCoullough, these suggestions are for you.

Some of our favorite gift recommendations for history buffs include:

• Board games such as “History of the World” or “Superfight: The History Deck”

• Framed historical maps, paintings, or photo prints

• A globe

• History-themed puzzles or books

• An annual membership to a local museum

• Tickets for a historical tour

• A subscription to National Geographic or American History

• Boxed set of Ken Burns documentaries 

• Subscription to Magellan TV (a streaming service for history lovers)

You might even be able to attend a historic reenactment or another similar event, depending on where you live. A reenactment is like traveling back in time –– no Delorean necessary. They’re family-friendly and lots of fun.

5) Gifts for old men who like to keep their hands busy

 Carpenters, woodworkers, and electricians spend their professional lives tinkering, using tools, and working with their hands. After decades of routine, it can be tough to break the habit.

Does your loved one fondly talk about their time on the job site? Channel those memories into something productive –– a gift that promotes creativity.

Some of our favorite gift recommendations for men who like to keep their hands’ busy include:

• A woodworking or wood burning kit

• Model kits (i.e. scale airplanes, cars, or military equipment)

• Craft supplies, such as colored pencils, markers, or crayons

• A fully loaded Swiss Army knife

• A multitool

• A DIY birdhouse or bat house

• Personal protective equipment, such as work glasses, leather gloves, or noise-canceling headphones

Consider gifting an experience if your loved one’s still independent and in good health. A weekend course in something like furniture making can inspire them for years to come.

Holiday Shopping Ideas - Gifts for Elderly Men - Takeaways

Finding the perfect gift for an older man can be challenging. It’s tough selecting a present that’s thoughtful, age-appropriate, and useful. Keyword –– tough –– not impossible. 

Don’t overthink it. Consider your loved one’s interests, hobbies, and general health. Then, choose something that aligns with all three. We hope you find this gift guide helpful. Good luck and have fun!