Gift giving is a subjective transaction. We put a lot of thought into what the gift will mean to the recipient. We don’t really think about a gift being shareable—a gift that crosses generations and engages everyone.
With family generations closer than ever, staying connected personally and socially is more important than ever. Which is something we may want to keep in mind when buying gifts for older family members. Give your aging or cognitively challenged family members a gift that allows them to take part in the fun and enjoy the gift with family members. Give them a gift that invites them into the family activity circle. Instead of a “comfort” gift, give them a fun, interactive, and engaging one.
No more comfortable slippers and cozy blankets. Find video games grandkids can play with grandparents. Find items that give older and younger family members the opportunity to cook together or paint pictures together—gifts that make it possible for older adults to play along despite their mobility or memory. Give a gift that helps them share their culture, which could be as simple as a book filled with pictures of their homeland or even a photo album.
Gifts that engage and align with an older adult’s physical and mental abilities is important. Also, find group activities that spark creativity and offer options to explore new and old things.
Some suggestions are:
- Indoor golf putting game
- Paint, collage, and vision board kits
- Puzzles for all levels
- Jewelry making materials
- Matching games (I highly recommend OuiSi and Uzzle)
All of these gifts can be shared and experienced with older family members. This holiday make gift giving more personal and targeted to things they can share with you that makes them feel seen and included.
There’s No Aging in Vegas will become The Pat Landaker Show beginning in January 2025. The new show will cover even more topics relevant to older adults and deliver more tips and tools for successful aging. More information is available at PatLandakerAgency.com.