72+ Top Gifts for Seniors in Assisted Living - 2021 Holiday Update (2024)

Choosing a gift for seniors can be tricky, especially because you just cannot buy them regular gifts like a pair of high heels or a tie. Instead, you must look for something they can use and enjoy.

Some seniors in assisted living may have health complications such as memory loss, which may make some items offered as gifts, either useless or lifesavers.

Gift ideas for seniors are not always at our fingertips. However, worry not because if you are looking to gift a senior in assisted living with a mothers’ day, fathers’ day, or a just-because gift, this article has you covered.

Featured Gift Idea

Looking for a gift to entertain your loved one in assisted living? Give them the musical engagement of Elmer’s Tunes this year!

Host Dennis Elmer streams live, interactive piano bar shows. Your loved one can request songs and sing along to classic hits, providing social interaction and stirring up happy memories.

The best part? They can gather and watch the shows with friends at the facility! It’s a gift the whole community can enjoy.

Give the gift of musical memories this season with Elmer’s Tunes. Let them enjoy live entertainment and companionship without ever leaving home.

Best Gifts for Seniors in Assisted Living

Here are my recommended gifts for seniors in assisted living. Some are fun, some are practical, and some might just make daily life a little easier.

These Podiatrist-approved slippers for men and women feature a roomy and wide toe box with built-in orthotic insoles. Designed to improve the ease of walking and alleviate pain on the heel and ball of the foot from numerous conditions.

These are a great choice for older adults who need arch support while looking good as they stroll around their assisted living building.

Looking for a unique gift idea for a senior or elderly person who lives alone? Here is a great alternative to expensive medical alert systems.

Snug is a free – and friendly – check in service for people living alone. It works via an app on a mobile phone and alerts a senior’s emergency contacts if they don’t check in by their assigned time.

There are free and paid subscription plans available.

The free plan sends text messages to the emergency contacts while the paid Dispatch plan takes additional steps including phone calls to make sure the person is safe. If they can’t reach anyone, they will request a Wellness Check to the cell phone’s last location.

The Dispatch Plan is $9.99 per month but Graying With Grace readers can save 15% by using my discount code GWG15 or the button below.

Weighted blankets seem to have benefits for seniors and I love the Bearaby Cotton Napper Weighted Blanket because it has a soft, homemade feel and appearance with all the benefits of a standard weighted blanket.

The knitted fabric keep you cool when you use it and is also easier to maintain than beaded weighted blankets too. Learn more aboutweighted blankets for seniors here.

The BioSoft line of socks from Orthofeet are specifically designed to address foot pain and increase overall foot comfort.

They are made of super-soft, moisture-wicking, anti-bacterial bamboo fibers and come with padded soles and super stretchy cuffs to better fit swollen feet, ankle, and calves.

The Wonderbly Personalized Books make a special gift for those in assisted living. It’s like a little pocket of memories that they can keep out to remember their family.

Not only is it a special memento, but it’s also a thoughtful way to show that you care. With these books, you can create a personalized book with the recipient’s name, a photo, and a special message.

They’ll be sure to cherish it for years to come. Get them a Wonderbly Personalized Book today and make their day!

Use code GWG20 to save 20% off of 2 books.

Boredom is a frequent complaint of assisted living life so entertainment gifts are always a great idea. This seasonal/quarterly box contains sensory jigsaw puzzles that are designed to use multiple senses: sight, touch, and smell. Plus it’s a fun activity!

There has beenlots of researchin using activities that stimulate the senses with dementia patients for improving memory. But, these activities are good for all seniors and elderly folks.

Who wouldn’t enjoy a puzzle that also has a pleasant aroma and you can actually feel the textures?

These super-fuzzy socks, made of a Chenille blend are luxuriously soft so, of course, they are comfortable enough to wear all day.

Plus, they have the added safety of rubber gripper treads on the bottom to reduce the chance of slipping while wearing them. They are available in 7 different color combinations and are designed to last!

Who doesn’t like snacks? A gift like this is a great option for keeping snacks handy in your loved one’s room.

These artisan scones are backed and shipped the same day for fresh flavor and taste. Plus each is unique because they are hand-scooped too. Each scone is individually packaged so that fresh flavor can be maintained as long as possible.

You have lots of flavor choices and flavors are changed from time to time for some variety. There are gluten-free options as well as cookies and bars too.

Choose the subscription option for monthly or quarterly deliveries of assorted scone boxes right to your loved one’s home.

This nostalgia-inspired radio is specifically designed to be extremely easy to use. Even for seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s.

It features an easy-to-use control panel with big buttons that are easy to see. The volume never goes completely off so that the user will know it’s still on. it’s lightweight and durable too!

Caregivers can program their favorite stations into the one-touch buttons on top allowing them to still have variety and choice in their music.

Looking for a nice pair of supportive slippers that look good too? Take a look at these Taiga wool felt slipper boots from German Slippers.

They sent me a pair to try for myself and I am very happy with them! They have many of the features I recommend in my post about safe slippers for seniors: stretch opening for swollen feet, support for the heel, and non-skid rubber soles.

Plus your feet literally sink into the wool insoles while also giving you good arch support. If you like to keep things “green” they are also sustainably sourced with a zero-waste policy. Would you believe they even smell good?!?

Zeba’s fashionable sneakers are a great choice for seniors because of their patented no-tie system.

Instead of dealing with fasteners, they slip right on even from a standing position. This reduces the chance of you losing your balance because you won’t need to bend over to tie your shoes!

Send Senior Citizens Love Monthly Care Package is a perfect way to show your love and appreciation for senior citizens living in assisted living communities.

Each package contains an array of carefully curated items including comfy socks, fun activities, seasonal gifts, and new themes each month. This product provides meaningful gifts designed to make the recipient feel special while being thoughtfully considered.

With #BoxesofLove, seniors will be sure to appreciate the gesture of kindness and receive a reminder that they are still loved and appreciated despite any physical distance that may exist between them and their family or friends.

Does your older loved one seem to be turning their TV up louder and louder each time you visit? It might be time for TV headphones like these.

These headphones are easy to setup and even easier to use. The work with any TV made in the last 20 years. You simply plug the transmitter into the back of the TV using one of the included cables and turn the headphones on. There is no syncing or pairing procedure to go through!

A simple charging dock is included and the batteries last 10 hours. It is also available in a single or dual pack for couples.

My next recommendation is designed for older adults who want to learn to care for plants and build their confidence in their green thumb. This can also serve as an activity to keep away boredom.

Each box contains a hardy plant along with well-researched instructions on how to care for that month’s selection. They even offer a friendly customer service line to answer your plant growing questions.

There are pet-friendly subscriptions and your recipient receives only one or several plants each month. They even have a plant resurrection guarantee if you lose one!

Like an idea like this? You can see moresubscription box gifts for seniors hereif so.

As we age, many of us begin to wonder where we came from and where our roots begin. AncestryDNA® now offers even more ways for aging adults to discover their family story. Help them begin their journey with an AncestryDNA® Collection Kit.

The LegXercise PRO is a capable and easy-to-use automatic leg exercise machine for seniors and the elderly. It is designed to provide passive movement to the feet and legs to stimulate blood flow which, in turn, reduces leg pain, cramps, and swelling.

So, if your loved one is unable to get out and explore their assisted living facility, a gift like this can keep their legs moving.

This TV Speaker/FM Radio combination is completely wireless, portable and rechargeable. Simple charging by sitting the radio on the included charging dock. Familiar knob-style station dialing with easy-to-use controls. Also works to boost sound from the TV wirelessly

Yep, magazines are still a real thing! And, they are a great gift for seniors in assisted living because they provide entertainment and come on a regular basis.

Magazine subscriptions provide a ton of benefits for seniors: education, entertainment, a way to pass some time. They can also be a great link to the outside world. Look forlarge print magazines like Reader’s Digest for seniorswith vision problems.

The myProtector mattress pad from Sleep & Beyond adds comfort to a senior’s bedding while also protecting it at the same time.

These mattress pads are filled with a washable wool that helps regulate body temperature while sleeping and is a great gift for people who get too hot or too cold when sleeping. It also wicks away moisture to prevent that clammy feeling.

It also protects the mattress from fluid from sweat and spills. If it gets soiled just throw it in the machine for a quick wash.

Many seniors love working puzzles so why not provide them puzzles to work all year long. Puzzles help keep the mind active and sharp which can improve memory and keep away boredom. 9 Issues per year.

This cool gift box features 2 lbs of candy that was popular in your selected decade packed into a gift box. Decade options include the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and the 1990s.

For the true candy lover, there is a 4 lb choice as well as a monthly subscription box option to keep the candy coming on a regular basis.

Even on my best days I’m not always on top of what day of the week it is or what the date is. That effect seems to be compounded for folks in assisted living.

That’s not likely to get better as I continue to age over the next several decades. Thislarge clock/calendaris perfect as it shows the date, day of the week, time, and year all there at once to make it very handy.

Mahabis Curve slippers feature a flexible and grippy rubber sole with a luxurious Italian wool lining. They are made to be durable and easy to care for.

Plus, they have the neoprene heel cup to make sure they say secure on your feet reducing the chance of a fall. Available in multiple colors and men’s and women’s sizing.

Sadly, when our senior loved ones leave us, their stories and history goes with them.

This workbook encourages them to share this history with your and provides a place to record memories through a series of questions and prompts. It will quickly become a treasured heirloom for the family.

This selection of loose teas was specifically chosen for their anti-inflammatory benefits and are loaded with anti-oxidants.

Oh, and they are delicious too. Varieties included: Turmeric Bliss, Happy Belly, Skinny Tea, and Tea-Tox. A great choice for seniors with arthritis or who just enjoy warming themselves with a cup of tea.

Many seniors can benefit from an Audiobooks.com subscriptions: from active seniors who like to exercise to elderly people who are homebound or even bedridden.

Audiobooks provide hours of entertainment, education and enlightenment. Plus, they keep seniors minds busy as they pass the time.

With this gift, the recipient will receive 5 pounds of fresh fruit delivered each month featuring both traditional and exotic varieties. Only the highest quality fruit is selected and it comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. 2,3,4,6, and 12-month options.

This gift includes 32 bite sized gourmet cookies in assorted flavors. Wrapped in packages of 8 to preserve the freshness. Available with and without nuts too!

The Craft and Tea Box is the perfect way for seniors living in assisted living communities to enjoy some relaxation time. The box contains high-quality craft kits from independent businesses, as well as enough tea for up to 15-20 cups.

With a different craft kit every month, seniors can explore their creativity with projects such as embroidery, string art, macrame, and painting.

Not only are these activities fun and engaging, but they also provide an opportunity to warm up with delicious teas while connecting with others or having a cozy night in.

These superior and stylish bibs and clothing protectors for seniors come in all kinds of fun and classy designs. They are extra large for maximum coverage, a strong but easy to open velcro closure, and a pocket/crumb catcher at the bottom.

This stoneware mug is made to go from microwave to table and includes a vented, splatter-free lid. Great for heating up oatmeal, hot chocolate, chilis, and soups and then eating right out of the bowl.

Seniors can warm their belly and their achy hands by holding onto this warm mug/bowl combo. Dishwasher, freezer, and microwave safe.

This Handcrafted Wooden Spectacle Eyeglasses Holder is an ideal solution for seniors who live in assisted living communities, providing a convenient and safe place to keep their glasses at their bedside.

Crafted with passion and attention to detail from durable Mango Wood, this unique modern design features an Owl-shaped holder that securely holds the spectacles in place.

This quirky utility can add fun to any office or home desk while keeping your eyewear safe. It also makes for a wonderful gift idea for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, festivals, and more.

The Deadbolt Mystery Society Monthly Box is the perfect gift for seniors living in assisted living! This box provides an immersive and engaging experience with intriguing characters, compelling stories, and mind-boggling puzzles.

With a new standalone investigation every month, it’s easy to start and stop at any time – no knowledge of prior boxes necessary! Plus, your senior can enjoy alone or with up to 4 friends.

Whether they want to feel like Sherlock Holmes or just want to be entertained, this box has something special for everyone.

So give them the gift of mystery, belonging, and entertainment with The Deadbolt Mystery Society Monthly Box!

The MCombo Electric Power Lift Recliner Chair offers an incredibly innovative solution for seniors living in assisted living communities.

It features a counter-balanced lift mechanism that gently assists users to stand up without added stress on the back and knees, while two lighted buttons on the remote control allow them to adjust the chair to their desired lift or reclining position.

Not only that, but it is also equipped with 8 vibrating points around the chair and 1 lumbar heating point, both of which can be turned off after 10/20/30 minutes.

Plus, it even has dual USB outlets for low-power devices such as iPhones and iPads, and dual side pockets and cup holders for convenience.

The faux leather upholstery makes cleaning easy and effortless, and assembling the product requires no tools – taking only about 15 minutes for even a novice!

The Dulton Small Aluminum Tray is like a sturdy keykeeper for those living in assisted living communities. Crafted from a solid piece of metal, this tray measures 8.75-inch long by 6-inch wide by 1-inch high and has no coating applied to it.

Its sturdy design ensures that it will not break, crack, or chip under normal usage and its capacity is enough for an 8-inches Bread. It can be used to store keys and small items, as well as serve snacks and desserts.

Furthermore, being made out of 100% recycled aluminum alloy makes it both environmentally friendly and timelessly stylish.

These traditional moccasins with indoor-outdoor soles are for more than just the house. Ideal for walking the dog or grabbing coffee, your feet will stay warm on chilly days. Thick pile lining cushions every step. Available in Men’s and Women’s styles.

Get fresh cut seasonal bouquets that were cut just days before they arrive. Only top quality blooms and greens. Shipped overnight for ultimate freshness. Includes a monthly newsletter that highlights the flower’s history and source.

Every senior seems to love having snacks and sweet treats on hand. Did you know that personalized M&M candies are a real thing? And, they make a great gift that is truly unique. Choose the message, the color, and even the graphics on the bag.

Don’t you hate it when you are trying to cuddle on your couch and your feet slip outside the blanket?

This cool (but warm too) electric throw blanket has a foot pocket at the bottom. Just tuck your feet into the pocket and throw the blanket over the rest of your body and warm on up.

The Spa Wrap Slipper from Acorn pampers your feet while providing support and a flexible fit. The soft terry cloth fabric feels like velvet on the feet.

But, these slippers also have a contoured footbed with an enhanced arch and heel for support and comfort. For swollen feet, the adjustable strap offers a custom fit and makes them easy to take on/off. Machine washable!

The HeartGuide is the first accurate wearable blood pressure monitor. Tracks heart data, activity level, sleep, and more. Accompanying app analyzes data for personal health recommendations.

This garden includes green sedum succulents, a large green echeveria succulent, small green echeveria succulents, and small natural river rocks packaged in a round slate pot. Easy to care for and admire.

This basket is a snacker’s dream and loaded up with chocolates, pecan cookies, peanut brittle, chocolate popcorn, white frosted pretzels, toffee coated peanuts. All packaged in a decorative gift box.

This Shindawn Scrapbook Photo Album is an ideal choice for seniors living in assisted living communities, providing them with the perfect way to store and enjoy memorable moments.

This hardcover scrapbook features 80 Pages (40 Sheets) of black craft paper, which is thick and free from acid, lignin and PVC; allowing it to easily hold over 150 photos without damaging them.

It also includes 3 self-adhesive corner stickers, 10 metallic marker pens, 5 painting stencils, 1 scrapbook photo album, 3 corner sticker, 2 colorful stickers, 2 scrapbooking tape, making it easy for seniors to personalize their scrapbook in any style they choose.

Scented gifts like lotions, in their favorite scent, can enhance memory and bring back fond memories. They are also a nice touch to have in the home.

Unless you know of a scent they specifically enjoy, stay away from bold, overpowering smells like heavy floral scents. Light aromatics, vanilla, and food smells are often the best choice. You can find some of my favorite lotions for seniorsin this guide.

A gift like this provides cozy comfort that willkeep your loved ones warmand comfortable. Warm afghans like these make for the perfect senior gift.

Prone to cold more than in younger years, elderly people will appreciate the opportunity to wrap up tightly no matter the weather. I chose this one because it is super soft and large enough to cover up without being hard to manage.

An aromatherapy diffuser is a wonderful way to release a healthful mist into the air. This gift will transmit at various settings, so you can let it run for 6-8 hours with a tank of water.

Anyone who lives in a home with a furnace or heating system that dries out the air needs a humidifier to put some moisture back into the air. And what better way to do that than with favorite aromas too.

Research shows that memory games are for everyone. Games like these improve memory and recall – even if the senior you are buying a gift for is sharp as a tack. This game is fit for anyone ages 6 and older so it is a fun game to break out when family or friends visit too.

As eyesight goes, this magnifying glass helps seniors read the small print on medication, newspapers, maps, and books. The optical glass dome provides obstruction-free viewing without any distortion. You can see more of my favorite magnifying glasses for seniors here.

When the grandkids come to visit, have an engaging activity ready to keep them busy. Playing games is also good for a senior’s memory, mental health, and socialization too.

This particular game set is not only beautiful, with two reversible wooden tables, but it has drawers for storage built into it so none of the pieces get lost along the way. Play one of seven different games using just one set.

Bird feeders are great for when people are bored or frustrated. Sitting by the window or on a porch and watching the birds can help to calm people down.

Place the birdhouse where seniors in nursing homes, assisted living or who are bedbound can see it out their window. Do some research about local birds in the area where they live so that you can also include some bird seed that attracts neighborhood guests.

If there isn’t room for a full garden, a planter is a great little gift to put some life into the living space. Look for fun, quirky styles, like these little elephant-themed terrariums. Include some seeds, soil, or some low-maintenance succulents for a complete gift.

For comfort and pampering, this therapeutic eye pillow is infused with lavender (one of the most relaxing essential oils), and adds a level of calm and relaxation to your loved one’s life.

Having a weighted pillow rest on your eyes can provide a lot of relief, especially in this age of screens. This is an especiallythoughtful giftfor seniors with sleeping problems.

A great gift for an older adult who is a lover of great music, or even a tech-savvy relative, will truly appreciate asenior friendly MP3 player. Music can bring back positive memories, increase stimulation, and provide a chance to interact with those around them.

Load it up with their favorite music before giving it to them. This easy to use model has simple instructions and a large easy-to-read screen.

A digital photo album is a fun way to load up and display family, vacation, and travel photos.

Rather than having space for just one or two happy photos, you can add or change the pictures by uploading them from your phone to the frame when you come to visit.

It can also be updated via WiFi too! For fun the senior could evenuse a camerato take some of the photos themselves.

Amazon Kindle is a reliable electronic reader that is available in many sizes and weights plus the fonts can be enlarged for easier reading.

Set it up to have some of their favorite books ahead of time. Take it one step further and load an app like Skype onto a newer Kindle version so that they can sign in and chat with family when you are apart.

Wireless headphones will let your loved one enjoy their TV viewing,audiobook listeningexperience, or just shut the world out for a little while. These headphones fit right over the ear and cancel out the noise around them in an otherwise noisy common area.

This model has a 30 hour battery life and can be synced to a wide range of devices via Bluetooth. Check out my guide to buying headphones for seniors and the elderly inthis article.

This gift idea is a fun way to keep track of visitors and get some great stories along the way. Having a sign-in journal in their room encourages guests, family, and friends to leave notes, stories, and other keepsakes.

I chose this one because it looks great and will lay flat and is made from natural walnut.

This set of greeting cards prepares your loved ones or friend for any and all upcoming events. They can write out cards for holidays, send letters of appreciation, condolences, or congratulations.

Throw in a set of lifetime stamps while you are at it so that they can mail their cards when it’s time. For forgetful seniors or those with dementia, fill them out in advance and hold onto them until it’s time to mail them.

This book reading light charges in a USB port so it can be plugged right into a tablet or kindle device while elderly owners are reading or working.

There are multiple color modes and brightness levels includinga night light setting. The best part is that it slips easily around the neck – no difficult to use clamps to cause pain for arthritic hands.

No matter how old some of us get, that morning cup of coffee is a mandatory start to the day. This single serve coffee maker is a great gift to provide that single cup of coffee – quickly and easily. No waste, no hassle, just a simple and strong cup of caffeine to get going in the morning.

Featuring a transmitter kept at one location and six receivers that can be attached to car keys, house keys,remote controls, phones, or whatever else you might frequently lose or misplace. Hit the button, hear the loud beeps, and find what you’re missing!

This basicallysimple radio for seniorshas a very easy and intuitive interface. Large, easy to press buttons are perfect for seniors with arthritis in their hands. Scan for local stations with one touch.

This automatic jar opener is a great choice for seniors because it operated at the touch of a button. It even comes with a video to show seniors how to use it. It even helps reseal jars too!

The Amazon Echo Dot with Alexa lets seniors enjoy their favorite music, podcasts and audiobooks from streaming services such as Apple Music, Spotify and Amazon Music. Also, Alexa is available for help whenever you need it.

Seniors living in assisted living communities have access to hands-free timers, weather updates, answers to questions, jokes, and control of compatible smart home devices.

For seniors who are looking for an easy way to connect with family members, listen to music or get help around the house, the Amazon Echo Dot with Alexa could be the perfect solution.

Help revive asenior’s old hobby or passiongive your loved one the tools to take up a new one with this artistic kit.

Doing creative tasks like this is good for better developing the more creative part of the brain. While challenging, it will help to teach a new skill, occupy their time, and give them something to be proud of.

Everyone getscold but seniors especially do. If you know a senior living in a cold environment, consider a plush robe. These are always well-received.

Try to make their lives a little more comfortable with a bathrobe. Many people suggest that a bathrobe be given with slippers. But, you have to take into considerationsafety issues with slippersandthe flooringthe recipient has.

When people have limited mobility, many basic tasks, like tying shoelaces, can be a challenge. Thankfully, with these shoelaces from Xpand, it’s possible to avoid tying your shoes.

These laces can be used with all kinds of shoes and consistently provide a great fit. A present like this could make for a great stocking stuffer.

With this gift, it’s possible to use laptops, write letters, and even engage in crafts while sitting in a wheelchair. This lapdesk is comfortable to use thanks to the built-in cushion, which conforms to the shape of the user’s lap.

It’s available in a range of styles and colors, allowing you to select the perfect style for the person you’re shopping for.

General Gift Advice for Seniors and the Elderly in Assisted Living Homes

1. Personal Gifts

The best way to show affection and care to seniors in assisted living communities is to gift them with personalized gifts. This shows that you put some thought and heart into choosing the gift, which makes it more meaningful.

Sending a bouquet of their favorite flowers wrapped in a thoughtful message is a sure way to cheer a senior up. You can also simply give them a call and talk about their favorite topics and memories.

Putting a balloon and a card outside their door is a great way to brighten their day, especially when they find your gift first thing in the morning.

You can also write them a personal letter or paint a picture for them. If you still need more gift ideas, you can choose to video call them and include their favorite pets and family members.

Not only do these personal gifts cheer them up, but they also make them feel remembered and treasured.

RELATED READING: How to Get Your Parents into Assisted Living

2. Music and game gifts

Seniors in assisted living communities have a lot of free time, and buying games and music for them is an excellent way of engaging them.

If they love music, buy them musical merchandise from their favorite artist. Record players and the traditional music box is an amazing way of helping seniors enjoy their time.

You can also purchase board games for seniors and even play with them when you visit. Not only does it make their mind active, but it also provides a bonding platform with the loved ones.

Crossword puzzles, playing a game of cards, video games, and large print coloring books are amazing games gift ideas for the elderly.

3. Recreation of Memories Gifts

All seniors have a list of memorable times of their lives. It could be a place they visited or a sport they used to play when they were younger.

A great gift idea would be to recreate such precious memories to help them feel young again. If your loved one’s favorite memory was their visit to France, you could order them some French cuisine to help them recreate their fond memories.

You can also decorate their room with photos of France to keep their special memories alive.

If your grandpa loved and played baseball when he was younger, spend time with him watching an old baseball series together and bring his favorite ballpark snack.

When seniors relive their old memories, they feel alive and young again. In fact, a recreation of memories is a less costly gift that could mean so much to a senior.

4. Pampering Gifts

One way to make seniors feel loved and appreciated is by pampering them physically. The best way to do so would be to spend a day with them at the salon or spa. They can get their hair done or enjoy a massage altogether.

Spa and salon activities such as manicure, pedicure, haircutting, coloring, facials, and eyebrow treatments are all bonding opportunities for you and your loved one.

Wrapping Up

There is no end to the list of gift ideas for seniors in assisted living. The secret to a good gift is making sure it is useful and applicable to the senior’s lifestyle. Also, to make it special, thoughtful, and personalized, always remember that handwritten messages are more memorable than typed ones.