It’s that time of year again when I rack my brain for what to get my parents and loved ones for the holidays. If I ask them what they want. I get the standard reply: “nothing, I have everything I want”. So I decided to do some research on the Internet to find out what’s hot, what’s new, and some standard tried and trues.
I knew that I wanted a gift that would keep them engaged and active. Definitely no dust collectors as our family home is chock full of doo dads and mementos!
- Wii. Who said video games are only for children and teenagers? Wrong! Studies have shown that the Nintendo Wii has been used in assisted living homes quite effectively to keep seniors fit. Games like Wii Sport, Wii Fit and Wii Brain Academy help to keep them physically and mentally in shape, and can
even help treat symptoms of conditions like Parkinson’s. - Telekin computer. Probably the easiest computer on the market for seniors is the Telikin computer, which comes complete with video chat, photo sharing, email and many more popular features into a sleek, touchscreen device. It’s a great way for seniors to stay in touch and not be intimidated by the technology.
- Mobility. Do your parents have problems getting around? There are many dangers you don’t even realize that can result in falls. This website features mobility aides that help seniors to continue enjoying all the activities they have enjoyed throughout their lives.
- Cell phone. Do your parents want a simple cell phone with no contract to tie them up? Try the Jitterbug line of cell phones that have easy to see buttons, a
light screen, a loud speaker, simple menus, a built in camera, and a super long
battery. - Home-made gift certificate. Create a personalized gift certificate where you treat your loved ones to a day of yard work, a top to bottom house cleaning, a home cooked meal or even a drive to anywhere they want.
- Audio books. If your parents have problems seeing, consider getting them an iPad or other tablet and pre-download an assortment of audio books they would like. Or if they still like the comfort of holding a book, a gift certificate to Amazon would be great. That way you are passing on the gift or learning.
- Reading.Have a book worm in your family? Consider a lighted magnifying
glass or a bean bag light lap desk to make it easier to read and see. - Caregiving. Many seniors find it challenging to keep up with the day-to-day activities. Give the gift of caring – have a caregiver come into their home for a few hours a week and help with laundry, bill paying, cooking, etc.
- Cooking. Do you have a chef in the house? Make it easier to prepare day-to-day meals with this six-piece kitchen essentials set from Oxo. Each utensil features
soft, non-slip ergonomic hand grips and durable stainless steel heads. The set
includes a swivel peeler, can opener, grater, 9″ locking tongs, ice cream
scoop and 11″ balloon whisk. - TV Ears. Does your house shake when your parents listen to the
TV? TV ears will cure that! This comfortable headset is lightweight and you’ll actually hear what is being said while others around you set the volume of the television to a pleasant level.
Whatever you do, put some thought and love into your gift … no stale fruitcakes!