There is a reason why seniors tell you that they don’t want or need anything for Christmas. They are tired of mock expressions of delight over boxes of candy, bath powders, robes, colognes and aftershaves lotions. Seriously, who needs that kind of stuff?
This year, if you are a senior; give your loved ones a list of the things you really want. If you are a family member, make your own list and check it two, three, or even four times.
Christmas shopping doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Stop filling your carts with everything on the display tables…use your heart as well as your head when shopping for the senior in your life.
Seniors do have needs. Of course, they want and need stuff; who doesn’t’? It’s up to you to read between the lines.
People on fixed incomes need so many things that it boggles the mind. Food items and gift cards may not sound romantic, glitzy, or particularly awesome, but filling someone’s pantry or freezer may be the most thoughtful gift you will ever give.
Gift cards have a bad reputation, but they can be lifesavers. Use your head; don’t give gift cards that will never be used. Think more along the line of grocery stores, hair salons, taxi scripts, or pharmacies. Consider paying for housekeeping or care giver services, or dog walkers for pet owners. There are so many things to make life easier.
Can’t wrap your mind around that? How about thinking back to the best present you ever received? It was likely something handmade. Better yet, a gift of your time; a car ride, a phone call or trips to the grocery store.
Think. Keep in mind peoples interests or hobbies. Reading, knitting, cooking or gardening. Everyone enjoys something. Look at the huge selection of ergonomic gadgets and tools available. Not a senior alive wouldn’t cherish those. So many ideas, and they are fun to shop for; you may even want to get some of them for yourself.
Aging comes with physical limitations, keep that in mind when looking at everything from electronics to emergency call systems. Shame on you for not thinking of them. Shop with your heart, not just your pocketbook.
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