Christmas 2022 Wish List for Your Older Loved One

With less than four weeks until Christmas, people up and down the country are searching for the perfect gifts for their loved ones. Whilst shopping for children can be relatively straightforward, it can be quite daunting to know what to buy for an older relative or friend.  After all, older people tend to have what they need and want already, so it is about finding a gift that they will love and appreciate. 

With the darker and colder days, the winter can be rather lonely for many older people, which is why Christmas provides a fantastic opportunity to show how much you care about your elderly loved ones. With the cost-of-living crisis, many of us are feeling the pinch, so in this blog there are many fantastic budget-friendly gift ideas too. A present at Christmas does not need to have a hefty price tag to show how much you care. It is the thought that truly counts.

This Christmas wish list includes fifteen different ideas, from outdoorsy and creative gifts to techy presents and gifts to keep your loved one warm. The ideas below aim to offer inspiration when looking for a gift for older relatives and friends this year.

1.     Heated blanket
Heated blankets are a great investment for keeping older people warm, preventing illness and improving mental health. Additionally, they are cheaper than central heating and can help with aches and pains, arthritis and sciatica.  

2.     Fingerless gloves 
Older people tend to have poorer circulation, which is why they are prone to feeling the cold more. A great way to keep warm indoors is by using fingerless gloves. They insulate the hands, whilst maintaining mobility, making them a practical, yet cosy gift.

3.     Hot water bottle / Microwave heat pad 
Hot water bottles and heat pads provide instant comfort and relief when you’re feeling cold, which makes them a great Christmas gift idea. What’s even better is that there are so many different designs and colours available to choose from, meaning you can find one that matches your loved one’s personality and interests. 

4.     Slippers / Thick socks 
A person’s feet can play a big part in regulating their body temperature. As feet have less heat-producing muscle, it makes them prone to cooling down. This is why gifting a loved one some cosy slippers, or some toasty socks is a great idea. It is worth looking at buying non-slip grip socks to prevent falls.

5.     Indoor activities  
Keeping an active mind is really important as we get older, which is why indoor games are great presents for loved ones. Jigsaw puzzles, board games, sudoku and crossword puzzles are a great source of entertainment. If your older family member or friend is particularly creative, you can get beautiful colouring books for adults, which can be very relaxing and can also relieve anxiety. 

6.     Photo gifts
If your loved one seems to have everything, sentimental gifts are always well-received. You could get a photo printed on a mug, canvas or cushion, or you could make a family photo book. All of these things can be treasured forever. Alternatively, if you’re wanting something that offers practicality as well, creating a customised calendar complete with lots of family photos could be the way to go.

7.     Garden stool / kneeler
Even though gardening has many benefits such as preventing cognitive decline and helping to maintain independence, as we get older, it can be quite hard on our bodies. This is where a garden stool or kneeler could be useful if your older loved one likes to be out in the garden.

8.     National Trust membership
People with a National Trust membership receive free access to over 500 National Trust sites across the UK. If your older loved one is a lover of the great outdoors, this is a gift that will keep on giving. 

9.     Rooba vacuum 
Keeping up with housework as we get older can be somewhat challenging. A robotic vacuum is a worthwhile investment for an elderly relative or friend. However, it is worth considering your loved one’s living environment as they work best when the floor is clutter-free. 
 
10.  Personal alarm 
If you spend your time worrying about your loved one’s safety, a personal alarm could be a great gift to get them this Christmas. There are many reliable alarms available to purchase to suit different lifestyles and requirements. 

11.  Kindle / tablet 
If your loved one is savvy when it comes to technology, a Kindle or tablet would no doubt be well-received. Tablets allow you to play games, access the internet and use social media, providing the opportunity for your older relative or friend to stay connected with others. If however, they are a bit of a bookworm and are running out of space on their shelves to home another best-seller, then a Kindle could be the perfect gift for them.

12.  Magazine subscription
Whilst a Kindle or tablet may be a good idea for some, others may still prefer to hold a physical book, newspaper or magazine. With this in mind, a magazine subscription would make a brilliant gift. With many magazines covering the majority of interests and hobbies, finding the right one to suit your loved one shouldn’t be too tricky.

13.  Hamper with their favourite things
Nothing screams Christmas more than a festive hamper filled with goodies. You can buy them already made up, or if you fancy adding more of a personal touch, why not make up a hamper yourself filled with your loved one’s favourite things?

14.  A homemade gift
This time of year can be particularly stressful when it comes to finances, however, you don’t have to spend a lot to give someone a thoughtful Christmas present. A festive hamper as suggested above is a great gift, but other handmade presents could include, knitting or crocheting a scarf or blanket, painting them a picture, baking a cake, or making some chocolate truffles etc. Your loved one is bound to appreciate the effort and the thought you put into it. 

15.  Flowers
Gifting an older relative or friend a bouquet of flowers is one way to make them happy this Christmas. In fact, exposure to flowers can be really beneficial for our mental health too, making it a win-win! You can buy stunning festive arrangements, making them a great Christmas gift. Alternatively, you could always opt for an artificial bouquet that they could use to brighten up their home forever. 

Shopping for older relatives and friends doesn’t need to be stressful. The aim is to find a gift that will make your loved one smile this Christmas. Happy shopping!