Holiday Shopping Ideas - Gifts for Elderly Women

Whenever a holiday or birthday approaches, it’s time to think about gifts. Shopping for loved ones is lots of fun, but it can also be challenging, especially if you have grandparents or older loved ones to consider.

To help make your search a little easier, we’ve come up with a list of gifts for elderly women. You’ll also find a three-step process for choosing something that aligns with your loved one’s interests, capabilities, and needs.

What should someone consider when buying gifts for an old woman?

 Finding the perfect gift for your grandma or another older woman can be daunting. They might not have the same interests as you, or enjoy using modern technology, like computers and smartphones.

Lara Hartog, writer and editor, at The Best Travel Gifts, says that when choosing gifts for elderly women, there are three things to keep in mind.

1) “First and foremost, remember that gifting isn’t about you, but about the receiver,” Hartog said. “Don’t buy something because you want someone to use it. This applies especially to tech gifts. You can’t force the elderly to use an iPad if they’re not interested.”

2) “Second, remember that every receiver is different,” added Hartog. “There isn’t one gift that works for everyone or one gift that every person over 65 hates. It all depends on your loved one. So, try to put yourself in their shoes.”

3) “Third, think practically. Can you see your loved one actually using the gift? Far too often, we buy something for others but forget it’s not us who will use it in the end,” Hartog said. “Buy something that matches your loved one’s style, something that’s low maintenance and easy to use.”

Now that you have a better idea of where to start, let’s take a closer look at some of our favorite gifts for elderly women.

Gifts that provide comfort and warmth

Increased cold sensitivity is a normal part of the aging process, but it can affect your loved one’s quality of life, particularly during the winter months.

If they regularly ask you to adjust the thermostat, consider a gift that will help keep your loved one cozy, such as:

• Fuzzy house slippers 

• Socks made of wool or other soft materials

• Electric or heated blankets

• A heated foot warmer

• Hooded bathrobes

• Heating pads

• Heated wheelchair cushions

 You can even buy a sweater, sweatshirt, or sweatsuit if you’re familiar with your loved one’s size and style preferences.

The gift of your time

“Sometimes, spending time with elderly friends and family is the best gift you can give them,” said Maria Shriver an award-winning journalist and the co-founder and CEO of MOSH, a mission-driven company that educates people on how their diet impacts their mental and physical health.

“While finding a suitable activity can sometimes be a bit of a challenge due to cognitive or mobility concerns, taking into consideration what you once enjoyed doing together can put you on the right path.”

“And whether that's going to their favorite restaurant, helping them run errands, or simply spending time pouring over treasured photo albums, engaging with your loved one one-on-one enables you to create meaningful moments for them—and you.”

Hartog agrees, noting that “for elderly people, quite often it’s the thought that counts. Many seniors love the fact that you cared about them enough to buy a gift in the first place. So, in that sense, you can hardly go wrong.”

Unsure how to spend the time you have?

“Think of personal favors instead of a physical gift,” Hartog said.  “Write a sweet note in which you promise to mow the lawn or clean the windows; take them for a picnic or teach them how to use a mobile phone.”

Gifts that are nursing home friendly

If your loved one lives at a nursing home or a senior living facility, it’s important to take their living environment into account before going shopping.

“It’s always wise to check the facility’s policies before buying a gift,” Hartog said. “Generally speaking, small gifts that can be used right away are best, including”:

• Books 

• Jigsaw puzzles

• Photo frames

• Personal hygiene products (i.e. soaps, lotions, and shampoos)

• Confectionary (i.e. candy, fruit, or baked goods)

“Remember that most rooms in nursing homes or assisted living facilities are small, so don’t buy anything that takes up a lot of space. Also, don’t buy high-maintenance gifts such as a coffee machine that needs to be cleaned regularly,” said Hartog. 

“The receiver probably won’t be able to do the maintenance and you end up giving the staff more work that they probably won’t have time for.”

Pro tip: “If you buy something that needs to be assembled or unpacked, make sure you help your loved one do that right away,” Hartog said “Otherwise, it might never happen.” 

The gift of an experience

Does your loved one have a hobby or a special interest? 

William Rivers, the founder and senior editor of Senior Strong, a website dedicated to senior health, lifestyles, and fitness, recommends taking an excursion.

“Sometimes, the best gifts are experiences instead of material objects,” Rivers said. “Maybe your loved one would prefer a family outing, crochet lessons, or painting classes.”

Other types of “experiential gifts” include:

• Cooking lessons 

• Food tours

• Museum subscriptions

• Fitness classes

• An annual pass to state or national parks

• Season tickets to a favorite sports team

• Concert tickets

• Theater tickets

Side note: Before buying an “experience” make sure to consider your loved one’s capabilities. Certain activities require a level of mobility, so it’s important to think about whether they use a cane, walker, or wheelchair.

Gifts that encourage creativity 

Many elderly women enjoy crafts like knitting, crocheting, and quilting. These activities encourage creativity and enable artistic expression. Plus, research shows they may stimulate the brain, boosting memory, focus, and concentration.

Here are a few creative gift ideas:

• Paint by numbers kit

• Coloring book with coloring utensils (i.e. crayons, colored pencils, or markers)

• Candle making kit

• Knitting needles and yarn

• Crocheting needles

• Cross stitch patterns for beginners

• Needle felting starter kit

• Tye dye kit

If you also enjoy crafting, set aside a few hours for a family craft excursion. There’s something about hands-on activities that bring people together.

Birthday and Holiday Shopping Ideas - Gifts for Elderly Women - Takeaways

Selecting the perfect gift for a woman who’s 65 or older can be intimidating, but it isn’t impossible. If you consider several basic factors, including your loved one’s interests, physical capabilities, and general health you’re guaranteed to find exactly what your looking for.

“At the end of the day, remember that most older people care more about spending time with their loved ones than receiving gifts,” Hartog said. “So, don’t stress too much about buying the perfect gift. Your visit will probably be valued even more.”