Gift shopping for a senior who seems to have everything is a challenge many adult children and family members face during the holidays. Seniors often downsize their homes and belongings during retirement and aren’t interested in acquiring more “stuff.” Spending time with loved ones is what usually becomes more valued with age.

This holiday season, the gift of your time and undivided attention can mean more than anything money can buy. These are often referred to as “experience” gifts. Experience gifts promote family bonding and provide an opportunity to create memories.

Here are a few ideas that might help you come up with an experience gift your senior loved one will enjoy receiving.

Experience Gifts for Older Adults

Think about the hobbies and interests your senior loved one has always enjoyed. Maybe a hobby they haven’t participated in for years, such as enjoying an afternoon at the ballpark or a painting class at a local art school. Create an intergenerational family outing that reunites the senior with an activity they enjoy.

Another experience gift could be to organize a family night out. Maybe it’s a night at the theater to see a local production of A Christmas Carol or The Nutcracker. Some zoos and art museums also host community holiday events such as light shows or holiday movie nights. Most of these locations are also accessible for adults with mobility challenges.

Here are a few other ideas for experience gifts a senior loved one might enjoy this holiday season:

• Spa day with the ladies in the family complete with a manicure, pedicure, and pampering facial.
• Family night with different games and activities for several generations to enjoy together.
• Talent show put on by and starring family members.

You might also want to consider experience gifts that keep giving all year:

• Season tickets to the theater, to the ballet, or for a local sports team. If you buy a pair of tickets, your loved one can alternate who they bring with them each time.
• Coupon book where family members each create a coupon for the senior to trade in. For example, the grandchildren could contribute a session of computer tutoring or help baking cookies. The idea is to find meaningful opportunities to spend time together.

The bottom line is to think about creating ways for loved ones to come together during the holidays and all year long.

Home for the Holidays

If you are helping an older adult in your family decorate for the holidays, it’s important to be aware of the fire safety risks the season creates. “Seniors, Fire Safety, and the Holidays: What Families Should Know” has good information on holiday fire prevention. We encourage you to review it and share it with friends and colleagues.

Source: Sunrise Senior Living