Holiday gift ideas for 'older adults'

Kathleen Anderson

Well, the annual monthlong Black Friday sales have come and gone. Giant televisions, all sorts of electronic gadgets, fancy phones, mattresses and more were hawked online and on television. 

And what did they offer us older adults? Hearing aids, motorized go-carts and gift ideas for our grandchildren.

We were reminded to make shopping lists before going to the grocery store to stretch our meager dollars. And of course, to watch out for scammers. 

Ho hum. 

I think we have all heard the common complaint of: “I don’t know what to get mom or dad. Thay have everything they need.”

Ah, but do they have everything they want? 

Never fear, Thurston County, help is on the way. Below are some items and ideas your older population would enjoy getting a price break on, or in a nicely wrapped gift. 

1. How about a day at the spa for mom and grandma? Manis, pedis, facials, haircut or massage? Or you could just light a candle or two, pour a glass of their favorite beverage, and then give them a shampoo or facial yourself at home. Don’t forget clipping toenails can be next to impossible for anyone with flexibility issues. 
2.  How about getting grandpa’s car detailed? And while you are at it, maybe an oil change or help with getting their snow tires on.
3. Or perhaps a nice note letting your parents or grandparents know how much you appreciate everything they do for you, along with an offer to take care of their yard this coming year.
4. Give a gift card for the Painted Plate or any other art class they might enjoy. Better yet, make it two gift cards so they can take a friend.
5. Pay for a year’s membership at their local senior center.
6. Take the whole family to enjoy the holiday lights, parade and Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Take along a thermos or two of hot cocoa (or a little brandy) to help warm up their old bones.
7. Gift tickets to The Washington Center for the Preforming Arts, Olympia Little Theatre or Harlequin Theater.
8. Make a donation to their favorite charity or service club in their name.
9. Pay for their pet(s) to be bathed or have their shots updated.
10. Make a reservation for a tour of one of our local craft breweries or wineries, and include a gift card for Uber.
11. If they are up for it, take them for a ride or on a winter picnic in one of our beautiful parks.
12. Have a multi-generational family portrait done.
13. Give a magazine subscription to something different, like the Smithsonian, birding, gardening or any other interest they enjoy.
14. When making dinner, make some extra. Then freeze and deliver it to your folks for those times when they might be too tired or too busy to whip up something for themselves. 
15. Make arrangements for a cleaning service to come from time to time (or do it yourself) to help with the heavy cleaning, such as windows. ovens and gutters; chores that can be too taxing or dangerous for older folks.

The holiday season should be about the giving of ourselves. Listen, learn, include and acknowledge your older family members, their history and wisdom.  

We may know how much money we have in the bank; how much gas is in the car; and how much food is in the pantry. 

What we don’t know is how much time we will have together.  

Make it count.  

Kathleen Anderson writes this column each week from her home in Olympia. Contact her at kathleen@theJOLTnews.com or post your comments.