Buying meaningful holiday gifts is really fun, but figuring out just what to buy can be challenging. Choosing from the many holiday gift ideas for children can be overwhelming, and leave seniors feeling more like the Grinch than Santa. This season, think outside the tech and toy box to find meaningful holiday gifts the kids will love and remember for more than 10 minutes.
Make it Personal
Personalized gifts can work for any age group. Personalized books, picture frames, mugs, computer cases, or clothing are both fun and functional. And every time the gift recipient reads, drinks, or opens their computer, they will think of you and be motivated to FaceTime.
One idea that you’ll both love is matching digital photo frames. Choose a digital frame that allows you to upload pictures online, and get two. You keep one, the loved one receives the other, and you can both spend the year uploading photos to each other’s frames! (Warning: Silly face contests may quickly ensue.)
The Gift of Time
Instead of adding more clutter to your loved one’s home, why not give a gift that includes spending time together? The following holiday gift ideas help you create lasting memories.
Take a Class
Find a skill, hobby, or topic your loved one wants to learn about, and enroll the two of you in a class together. The two of you get to interact and learn something new. Taking a class together strengthens your bond and may even lead you to develop a new hobby.
Get on Board
Purchase a board game and schedule a game night. Don't restrict yourself to the classic board games unless the gift recipient has a genuine interest in them (chess had a moment with teenagers a few years ago, and some kids might retain their passion for the game). Younger people have the choice of a host of board games, some competitive and some cooperative. Possible games for two or more players include Boop, an adorable game about kittens jumping on a bed, Sail, a cooperative game about sailing kraken-infested waters, and Crokinole, a dexterity game where you flick discs across a wooden board.
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Take your loved one to a show or concert. Disney on Ice is always a hit with younger kids, while young adults might prefer going to a musical or concert with you (make sure your musical interests align). If you live out of town, schedule the event for your next visit. They will love sharing the experience with you.
Buy a Zoo Pass
Purchase a family zoo pass for younger kids. If you live out of town, buy a pass near your senior living facility so you can use it when they visit. If that's not an option, buy them a pass to a zoo near them, and they can call you afterward to tell you about their visit.
A Day at the Museum
Passes to natural history museums, nature centers, art museums, or botanical gardens are a gift you can enjoy together. If you live out of town, you can share this gift with loved ones on their next visit.
Keepsakes are Special
Instead of agonizing over which hot new “it” thing to purchase, take a trip down memory lane and create a keepsake your loved one will cherish. Thanks to digital platforms like Shutterfly, it’s easy to create photo books that commemorate the past. You might also want to make a collage of your special times together. These are the kinds of holiday gift ideas that genuinely keep on giving.
Seeking Inspiration
Drawing a blank on meaningful holiday gifts? Overture Senior Living and other active living communities are a fantastic resource when you’re stumped for ideas. Ask residents for suggestions and for their most memorable holiday gift ideas. Chances are good someone has given a successful gift in the past that will make you go “perfect!”
Of course, the best way to tap into a senior living community is to live there. And with Overture senior living apartments spread out across the USA, you’ll have no problem finding one that’s ideal for you.