When shopping for seniors, one gift doesn’t ‘fit all’

By Carol Higgins Taylor

    “Ho, ho, ho and mistletoe and presents for pretty girls.” Sound familiar? It’s my favorite line from “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” a show that can’t help but jump-start your holiday spirit.
    And speaking of presents, everyone likes surprises in brightly-colored wrapping or buried under tissue paper in a festive gift bag.

    Gift giving is ageless; so if you have a senior on your list, keep reading.
    Perfectly good holiday cheer can be zapped simply by contemplating just the right gift for an older person, who clearly doesn’t need more knick-knacks or dusting powder; which, by the way, may be dangerous if used on a bare floor.
    While ideas abound, keep in mind that this is not a “one-gift-fits-all” situation. If you don’t know the person well, but really want to remember them with something, it is best to ask them if there is anything they would like or need. Let them make suggestions.
    And when shopping for seniors, consider their living situations. If they have downsized from a house to a small apartment, there may not be room for more “collectibles,” no matter how pretty.
    Practical is the word of the day. For instance, think stamps. How often have you run out of stamps just when you needed them most? I got a roll from my mother last year and thought of her every time I used one.
    It really all comes down to knowing your senior. Homemade treats are a good choice if the person has no dietary restrictions. Gift certificates are popular as well. And nicely wrapped gift baskets filled with special treats that the person is partial to, such as crackers and fruit cups, show thoughtfulness but would also be useful.
    Many seniors enjoy wraps and shawls that can be worn while watching TV or reading. As the temperature drops, there’s nothing quite like fleece to keep one warm.
    Another good thought is an electric blanket. Just be very careful and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
    Subscriptions to newspapers, magazines, even video rentals or a Netflix subscription are gifts that continue to give.
    Does the senior need some things done around the house? Window washing, snow shoveling, grocery shopping in the event of bad weather can all be much appreciated gifts.
    Coupons for “work days” at the person’s home can bring much needed peace of mind or an outing, such as lunch at a favorite restaurant, can give the senior something to look forward to and anticipate.
    Baskets of necessities to someone who is homebound might be a welcomed gift. Paper towels and pretty boxes of tissues, perhaps the kind with lotion which is gentler on a senior’s delicate skin, are good choices.
    Flashlights are a great idea, too. We have had power outages of late and more will surely come so helping someone be prepared is a great gift. The lantern types would be very useful so they could just be set down and not have to be carried around.
    There are also emergency blankets, sometimes called Mylar or space blankets, which reflect body heat and can help keep a senior warm in a power outage.
    There is so much we take for granted that would be so useful for some seniors. Large print puzzle books or playing cards, individually packaged snacks, personal care items such as shampoo and shower gel — maybe in the scent of their favorite flower — would mean the world to someone who can’t hop in the car and head to the store.
    But as always, the best gift is you. Your time is certainly valuable but to a senior it is invaluable.
    Carol Higgins Taylor is an advocate for seniors and owns a public relations firm in Bangor.  Email: 4chtaylor@gmail.com.