27 Fun Gifts for Seniors to Bring Them Joy in 2024
Are you searching for gifts for seniors for a parent, grandparent or special neighbor? Whether it’s Mother’s or Father’s Day, a birthday, an anniversary or another special event (or even no reason at all), we all like to surprise a special person with a gift to bring them joy. But just what makes a good gift for a senior, and how do you choose that gift?
Seniors can be hard to shop for as they likely already have everything they might need. We’ve designed our list to include a wide variety of interests, personalities and price ranges.
From functional, decorative and thoughtful to unique experiences such as cooking, painting and learning new skills. According to the National Institute on Aging, experiences and activities like arts and crafts can improve mental health, stimulate the brain, aid in communication and lead to better health.
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- Creative Gifts for Seniors
- Foodie Gifts for Seniors
- Unique Gifts for Seniors
- DIY Gifts for Seniors
- Useful Gifts for Seniors
Creative Gifts for Seniors
1. Paint and Sip Sessions
Paint and sip classes make excellent experience gifts for seniors with an artistic side. They can choose paint and sip in Denver, paint and sip in Chicago or paint and sip in NYC to learn how to outline, shade and select colors for works of art they’ll be proud to display at home. Look into paint and sip near you to book the most creative and artsy gifts for artists. If you're unsure which class they want to get, get them a Classpop! gift card so they can choose!
2. Pottery Classes
Know a senior who enjoys working with their hands? Pottery classes make wonderful gifts for seniors who enjoy creative hobbies.
With one of the best gifts for crafters and DIYers, they’ll join experienced potters who explain all the techniques needed to throw, shape and hand-form clay into vases, mugs, bowls and figurines.
Consider pottery classes in Boston, pottery classes in Houston, pottery classes in Los Angeles or pottery classes near you to get started.
3. Dance Classes
Dance classes might be just the thing to bring a spark of joy, and a spring in their step, to a favorite senior. Whether it’s dance classes in Las Vegas, dance classes in NYC or dance classes in the Bay Area, this gift for seniors allows them to stay active, connect with others and enjoy a night out.
Learn ballet, salsa, samba or tap. Dance fitness classes are even available. Prefer the comfort of home? Online dance classes are an excellent option.
4. Coloring Books and Art Supplies
Looking for fun gifts for seniors in nursing homes or thoughtful gifts under $50? Coloring books are a fun way to stay artistic and creative. Fill a basket with crayons, colored pencils and markers for a fun and joy-inducing relaxation gift for seniors.
Foodie Gifts for Seniors
5. Cooking Classes
Foodie seniors will love the opportunity to learn new styles of cooking. Whether it’s cooking classes in Houston, cooking classes in Tucson or cooking classes in Portland, they’ll find a wide array of cuisines to choose from in locations around the country.
Under the guidance of gourmet chefs, they’ll learn how to whip up local dishes, regional specialties, or go international with Italian bread, German dumplings and Asian sushi platters. Check out cooking classes near you to find the perfect gift for a senior.
6. Online Cooking Classes
If your favorite senior likes the comfort of their own kitchen, online cooking classes make an excellent gift for seniors. All they need is a mobile device and an internet connection.
Gourmet chefs lead these fun and interactive sessions on culinary topics from French pastries and Italian classics to Tex-Mex, coastal seafood and Mediterranean favorites.
7. Fruit-of-the-Month Gift Subscription
If you’re looking for unusual gifts for elderly ladies or unique gifts for elderly men, fruit-of-the-month gift box subscriptions make terrific gifts for foodies.
They can look forward to a package of fresh fruit — such as peaches, pears, apples or oranges — every month. Choose from three, six, nine or 12-month subscriptions for a gift that keeps giving.
8. Prepare a Favorite Meal
One of the best gifts for seniors is time spent in conversation over a fine meal. A great Italian, French or seafood meal only adds to the occasion.
Find out their favorite meal, gather the ingredients and invite them over (or cook at their place) for a lunch, dinner or brunch date they’ll remember.
9. Personalized Cutting or Charcuterie Board
Personalized gifts let the receiver know you’re thinking of them. Choose a cutting or charcuterie board engraved with their name, anniversary or birthdate for an extra special gift for seniors who love to nibble on cheese, crackers, carpaccio and other charcuterie and crudité platters.
Unique Gifts for Seniors
10. Online Trivia Games
Between online trivia games, virtual game nights and virtual scavenger hunts, your favorite seniors will be able to show off their knowledge of history, movies, sports and pop culture.
They can even participate in virtual escape rooms where they’ll match wits with others to solve riddles and find clues. If you’re searching for 70th birthday party ideas, put this one at the top of your list.
11. Online Mixology Classes
Even seniors enjoy a creative cocktail, mixed beverage or nightcap. With online mixology classes, they’ll learn how to mix margaritas, muddle mojitos, stir a martini or dry shake a gin fizz.
Top-rated bartenders lead sessions on alcohol selection, garnishes, glass selection and much more, making this one of the best gifts for cocktail lovers.
12. Virtual Wine Tastings
Virtual wine tastings make the best gifts for wine lovers who like to learn. Esteemed sommeliers share tips and advice on food pairing, proper pouring and aeration, storage and grape varietals.
13. Window Bird Feeder
Seniors who enjoy feathered friends will flip for a window bird feeder that brings the birds up close. The feeder attaches directly to the window, and a clear back allows the action of cardinals, chickadees or goldfinches to be viewed from all sides.
14. Digital Photo Frame
A digital photo frame is an excellent gift for a senior who loves looking at photos of children, grandchildren, pets and travel memories. Digital frames can be loaded via Wi-Fi and set to show a rotating round of photos and videos.
15. Turntable
If they’ve got a killer vinyl collection, a classic turntable may be the perfect gift for a senior who enjoys music. They can bring out their collection of country, rock, blues or disco. Some turntables are compatible with Bluetooth speakers.
16. Ancestry DNA Kit
Ancestry is all the rage these days. It’s the perfect answer to the question, “What gift can be given to seniors?” DNA kits are a fun way to learn about their past. They can connect with the younger generation by sharing information and family stories.
DIY Gifts for Seniors
17. Virtual Flower Arranging Classes
Seniors who have a fondness for flowers will enjoy the gift of virtual flower arranging classes. From the comfort of their own home, they can learn how to make delicate corsages, colorful bouquets, floral crowns and decorative wreaths. Their home will be overflowing with beautiful displays they’ve created themselves.
18. Glass Blowing Classes
Glass blowing classes make a terrific gift for seniors who like to try new things. They’ll learn a new skill while creating beautiful works of art such as vases, paperweights, figurines and ornaments. This unique gift for seniors brings joy and a sense of accomplishment during and after the experience.
19. Raised Gardening Box
If you’re wondering “what do seniors like as gifts?” take a look at their interests and hobbies. Do they have a lot of books on gardening or stacks of seed catalogs? They might enjoy a backyard gardening kit or a raised gardening box.
Gardening boxes are a terrific way for seniors to get out into the outdoors and grow their own vegetables, herbs or flowers. Raised beds come in a variety of sizes and are convenient for those who may not have a lot of space in their yard. They are also easier to care for if a senior has trouble with bending over to partake in planting, weeding and picking.
Useful Gifts for Seniors
20. Sewing Classes
Sewing classes make unique and useful gifts for seniors who like DIY projects. They’ll learn how to make apparel, crafts and home décor items as well as learn helpful skills like mending, hemming and more. If you’re looking for gifts for senior women, this might be just the right thing to bring them a bit of joy.
21. Woodworking Classes
Outdoorsy senior men, and women, can find joy in working with tools and their hands. Woodworking classes allow them to use saws, carving knives, hammers and more to make birdhouses, candlesticks, figurines and other fun wooden projects.
22. Sofa Armrest Organizer
Seniors who keep a lot of items by the sofa will appreciate the function of a sofa armrest organizer. They can tuck books, eyeglasses, pens, a crossword puzzle book, TV remotes and more into a handy place that’s easy to reach and find.
23. Reflexology Slippers
To answer the question of “what items do seniors need most?” look to the categories of comfort. Reflexology slippers are a terrific gift for seniors who experience pain in their feet.
A massaging footbed features stimulating reflex points for improving blood flow and providing all-day comfort. Orthotic arch support helps alleviate pain for seniors who may have fallen arches or flat feet.
24. Echo Dot
Looking for gifts for elderly grandparents who live alone? The Echo Dot is compatible with Alexa and provides a wonderful way for seniors to stay connected and entertained. Alexa tells the best jokes. They can play music, listen to audiobooks, get weather reports, set alarms and more.
The Echo Dot is also compatible with other smart home devices, so they can control the indoor temperature, set automatic lights or turn on a fan. Once you’ve helped them set it up, and provided a lesson or two, they’ll get the hang of it.
25. LED Neck Reading Light
LED neck reading lights make thoughtful and inexpensive gifts for senior citizens who like to read, do crossword puzzles, solve sudoku or work on handcrafts like embroidery, knitting and crochet.
This slender light fits around the neck and sheds light on whatever they need. Several brightness levels, as well as the choice of cool white or amber light colors, allow them to choose just the right amount of light. It's one of the best stocking stuffers for seniors you can give!
26. Electric Jar Opener
Some of the best gifts for seniors include things that make their lives easier and more efficient. Electric jar openers make terrific last-minute gift ideas for any senior on your list who might have weak hands, arthritis or an injury. Simply attach it to the jar and press the button. It rotates to automatically open almost any jar.
27. White Noise or Nature Sounds Machine
If your favorite senior has trouble sleeping, a white noise or nature sounds machine is one of the best gifts for a sound night of sleep. They can choose ocean waves, rainfall, gusty wind, lullabies or other calm sounds to drift off to sleep, all while blocking out the sounds of traffic, neighbors, construction and other unwelcome noise.
We hope this has helped you narrow down some ideas to present to your favorite senior. Whether they’re active and outdoorsy or shut-in, seniors will appreciate gifts that bring ease and convenience or allow them to pursue favorite hobbies such as music, arts and crafts, reading, or cooking. Seniors are bound to appreciate and enjoy any gift you pick out.
For even more fun gift ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
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