6 unique gift ideas for older people that won’t break the bank

Beautiful gifts for older people don’t have to break the bank

How to buy gifts for older people that won’t break the bank (and that they’ll actually like)

I get it because I’ve been there myself: how do you come up with a special gift for an older friend or family member that’s not a nightie, slippers or flowers? (Of course, there’s nothing wrong with those gifts - it’s just that sometimes it’s nice to give something a little… different!).

Don’t worry, I’m here to help! I’m very proud to have worked on the front line in aged care for a few years prior to becoming a dementia educator. Over this time I saw first-hand what older people (like my/your grandma and grandpa) really appreciated as gifts. As an aside, it’s partly because of my “inside knowledge” that I was inspired to create my Remember When Art cards – because I realise how important the gift of connection is for people. Without further ado, here’s the list (in no particular order):

Older Person Gift Idea #1: Your time

Guess what? Your present doesn’t have to cost you a cent!

Your company can make such a massive difference for an older person, including those living with dementia. There was nothing better than seeing smiles on faces and a pep-in-step after family and friends visited. And my heart would lift witnessing residents living with dementia feeling calmer. Less agitated.  (And yes – this applies even if they couldn’t remember who you were. Because it is an intrinsic part of us that we still seek connection and kindness. It doesn’t stop with a diagnosis even if people can’t express it outwardly.)

If you’re not used to visiting, these couple of extra tips may help:

• What is the best time of day to visit? When is your friend or family member “freshest” or most alert” Do they have their meals or showers at a certain time? (You may not want to interrupt their routine.)

• If in doubt I’d recommend keeping your visits shorter rather than longer. Residents can sometimes get tired quite quickly.

• If you can, going outside can be really therapeutic for you both (if you can get them to go). Exposure to sunshine can help to regulate melatonin which may help with sleep later. Plus there’s something really lovely about being outside…

• If you’re not sure what to talk about, memories of happy times and funny moments can be wonderful. Or take a baby or a dog (if they’re allowed). You’ll become the star attraction!

• If your friend or family member is living with dementia enter their reality. If they are talking as if it’s 1957 go with them. They will be greatly comforted by your understanding and it’s more than likely you’ll find out some really interesting stories. If it’s a story you’ve before (or many times) remember that it gives your family or friend a great sense of comfort to share it with you. Your words of comfort, understanding and support will mean so much. (This information from Dementia Australia may be of assistance if you would like to read more about this topic.)

• Maybe all that is required is for you to listen. Or sit quietly and hold hands…

Additional strategies if you’re unable to visit in person:

If face-to-face visits aren’t possible, contact the facility and find out if you can do a “face time” with your friend or family member. Perhaps Skype or Zoom. (Here’s an inside secret – many facilities won’t advertise they can do this on their website or social media.  It is likely that they have portable devices like iPads at the facility and will have the ability to assist you with this.)

Another idea is that you could email messages and attach photos and ask that these are then given to your friend/family member. I’d print these out and take them to the resident. If required I’d read them out loud and I’d stick the photos up on their walls for them so they could continue to enjoy them in the future.

Older Person Gift Idea #2: A little “something” to help them look and/or feel nice

Here’s a secret that maybe you’ve haven’t thought about. No matter how old you are, many people still like to “feel nice”. If they love beautiful nails, buy your relative a bottle of nail polish in their favourite colour and paint their nails for them. Buy some hand cream and give them a hand massage. Pay for them to get their hair “done” at the hairdresser. Sometimes there’s a chance for them to have a massage. I’d be careful with body washes, because some products can be drying to the skin. You want to make sure that any products are going to support their skin, rather than strip it dry.

Older Person Gift Idea #3: The gift of a hand-written message

The power of your handwriting is immense. I’ve seen first-hand how residents will read and re-read messages many times. It’s very, very comforting.  So write that letter. Tell that story. Share what makes them so special to you – this is absolutely the time for you to be sentimental! Or, if your friend and family member likes to read, write a dedication in the front of a book. If appropriate, a large-print format book may be easier for them to read. (Just because sometimes the font in novels can be pretty tiny and a challenge for eyes to focus on.)

I’d suggest you write using a larger sized print if you can. Sometimes small writing can be difficult to read. I’d go for maximum colour contrast – so a black pen on white paper. Sometimes different coloured papers can be challenging to read. It doesn’t have to be perfectly neat – it’s more important that it is readable. You know there’s a difference. If you make a mistake – don’t start again! It’s adding character and is likely to make your message all the more endearing.

Here’s a secret about my art cards I haven’t really shared before – this is an important reason why my art cards are printed on such thick cardstock and are single sided. Because sometimes residents live with medical conditions like arthritis or have problems with fine motor skills. Turning pages and opening cards or holding them can be difficult.

Older Person Gift Idea #4: An outing

If you can, take your relative out and about for a small trip. It doesn’t necessarily have to be fancy, although if you’re both up for it – go for it. A drive and a simple ice-cream by the ocean can be wonderful.  Or a trip to a movie. A coffee in a café (even if it’s the onsite shop). These are all moments that are special. If you’re unsure of the policies of the facility in which they live, give them a call first and find out whether it’s possible for you to be able to take your relative out.

Older Person Gift Idea #5: An item to make their room feel inviting

I’m very serious when I say this: nothing would make me sadder than visiting a resident in their room and seeing it look like a clinical setting rather than their home. Would you like to live in a room that was cold and sterile? No? Well neither do they.

Therefore, a household type gift to personalise the space would be wonderful. It may be a new bedspread or a cushion if they need it. It may be a new photo frame with a picture of you and your family in it. Perhaps a weighted blanket in their favourite colour that they can use. A pretty plant for their window. They’ll love it.

Older Person Gift Idea #6: The gift of their favourite music

The power of music is astounding. I have witnessed it first hand – people living with late stage dementia, singing out loud, word perfect, to their favourite tunes. Don’t underestimate the power of music. I can suggest if you have the time, make a play list of your family/friends favourite songs – particularly those from when they were young. Otherwise, give them a gift of a DVD or CD with their favourite songs (if they haven’t got them already). If you can, watch/listen with them. It will make their day even more special.

As a classically trained musician it’s probably no surprise that this gift really resonated with me. If you're interested in finding out more about why music is so powerful, this resource by Arts Institute Health may be of interest to you.

I hope that these ideas give you food for thought and that you are able to help find a special gift. As you can see, it’s not always about the money. If you have a great idea for a gift that I haven’t mentioned here, please let me know.

About Kirstie Page

Kirstie Page is an Australian mixed media artist, classically trained musician and former dementia trainer with experience working on the front line in aged care.

Kirstie creates uplifting artworks that incorporate her understanding of science and dementia with the purpose to bring joy to the eyes and comfort to the heart.