Holiday Gift Giving Ideas for Mom and Dad

With the holiday season already upon us, our lives which are full of the normal hustle and bustle, suddenly gets busier, and often more stressful. We seemingly consume ourselves with what is going on in the moment; work, children, activities, etc.

Take a few moments to pause and reflect on the solitary life that Senior parents experience, especially those that are not blessed with strong family ties.

This time of the year is especially hard on them, where often their days are consumed with thoughts, of what is and, perhaps, of what was. It is vital to their mental health that we not only spend quality time throughout the year, but especially during the holidays.

With the economy continuing to challenge all of us financially, it is still possible to come up with great gift ideas that are affordable, and have meaning for the ones we love. What can you do as able-bodied Baby Boomer when trying to come up with creative ideas on gifts for seniors, that potentially have everything? 

     1. Restaurant Gift Card – While some of you may think giving ‘gift cards’ lack the personal touch. Set a date with your senior loved one to use the gift card. Mom and/or Dad not only get to enjoy their favorite food, but spend quality time with you as well.

     2.  Personalized Calendar – By putting together past memories that can be viewed by your loved ones on a month by month basis, keeps Mom and/or Dad involved with what is going on in your busy life. This would be an especially great gift  for Senior loved ones that  live a great distance away, or are unable to be mobile. There are many sites online that offer this service.

     3.  Magazine or Newspaper Subscription – Depending on your senior loved ones reading preferences, this is a gift that is enjoyable,  reminiscent, stimulates the mind, and keeps them up to date about the world around them.

     4.  Favorite DVD and DVD Player – Our senior loved ones enjoy reminiscing with movies they remember watching when they were younger.  Make this gift extra special and set a date for movie night!

     5.  Miscellaneous Assortment of Cards, Stationery, and Stamps - Snail mail! What better way for our moms and/or dads to stay in the communication loop, espeically with the rising cost of postage.

     5.  Day Excursions – This is a wonderful way to get mom and/or dad out and about. Casinos, Scenic Landmarks, Shopping and Museums are just a few of the many excursion ideas that are available. Check within your community for detailed information.

     6.  Opera, Sporting Events, Plays, Comedy – Depending on your senior loved ones preferences, the choices are endless, and it brings the entire family together for a few hours of wonderful memories.

     7. Prepaid Cell Phone or Phone Card - Since most seniors have land lines and usually PAY for long distance this gift gives them the opportunity to call YOU or other family members.

       While we may feel it is important for us to come up with gift ideas that are new and well thought out. By simply picking up the phone, or sending letter and/or cards throughout the year, can prove to be extrememly beneficial to our senior loved ones general health and mental well-being. Ultimately, it is more about taking the time to continue to involve Mom and/or Dad into our lives on a daily basis. The gift of time is probably one of the best gifts we can give to our loved ones, and time doens't cost us a thing.

Here is wishing you and yours a joyous holiday season!