Choosing gifts for senior adults doesn’t have to be difficult. What really defines a senior adult? Is it age? At age 50 we can join a national organization for retired people – even if we are not retired! Early retirement for others comes around age 55. Some consider senior adults to be anyone who is old enough to receive Social Security benefits. Goodness, what type of gift can you choose for the senior adults - especially the young at heart? Gift baskets, of course!
Baskets come in all shapes and sizes, lined and unlined, and with or without a handle. A basket with a handle provides the recipient with a way to carry it around. Be sure to pick up some cellophane wrap and lots of ribbon to decorate your basket. Many arts and crafts stores also carry shrink-wrap you can use on gift baskets.
Listed below are a few fun gift basket ideas those that are senior adults or for those who are just young at heart!
MOVIE BASKET
Items for this basket would, of course, include movies! After that, add some microwave popcorn and some chocolate almonds for a special treat. You could even add a couple of tickets to the movies! Pop up some popcorn and place in the bottom of the basket. Set items on top of the popped corn.
COFFEE BASKET
A one or two cup coffee maker for this basket would be great! Items for this basket could include coffee mugs, various flavored coffees, creamer, and sugar cubes. Of course, you could also use a large mug for this idea instead of a basket.
TEA BASKET
Tea for Two is the theme of this basket – so make sure to include two of each item for basket. Two tea cups, two saucers, and two different flavored teas will be the main pieces of this basket. Place these items in basket and add a couple of lemons. A nice touch would be two boxes of shortbread cookies. The recipient of this gift basket is sure to think of you while sipping tea!
FRUIT BASKET
A fruit basket is a healthy and useful basket you can give. Often older adults do not eat properly – this basket will ensure they have some healthy choices! Find the fruits that are currently in season (because they will be the best) and choose two of each for your basket. Be sure to include a couple of exotic or different fruits as an added treat!
EXERCISE/HEALTH BASKET
No matter what age we are, we need to be healthy. The items in this gift basket will assist the recipient in pursuing or maintaining a healthy lifestyle. A basket for those who like to walk could include a pedometer, a walking video, hand weights, and some socks.
BE SURE TO INCLUDE A NOTE TO THE RECIPIENT STATING THAT THEY SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING ANY EXERCISE PROGRAM!
BOOK BASKET
Books, books and more books! Book lovers just can't have too many books! If you are not sure what type of books to include, check out what is on the Top Ten shelf at the local bookstore. Be sure to add some beautiful bookmarks, colored highlighters, magnifying sheets, and a nighttime reading light! You are sure to put a delightful smile on the recipient of this gift.
RELAXATION BASKET
Candles, bath gels, bath salts, shower gels and lots of lotion are some great items for this basket. Add some soothing music to this basket for a special touch. The recipient of this gift is sure to be pampered!
STATIONERY BASKET
The lost art of handwriting a letter isn’t lost because of senior adults. Many people that are old enough to remember practicing penmanship in school are also able to pen beautifully crafted hand-written letters. So, fill this basket with beautiful stationery, envelopes and lots of ink pens. You could also include a variety of note cards. Much appreciated will be the book (or roll) of stamps you have included in this basket!
GARDEN BASKET
How about an indoor garden basket? All you need to put in this basket is a pair of garden gloves, a couple of small clay pots, a little potting soil, and some flower seeds. For a splash of color, add a small fresh flower bouquet!
GAME BASKET
Games are a favorite pastime of many folks. Cards, dominoes, and board games are great gifts. Place colored poker chips in the bottom of the basket; and, add these items to the basket -- two decks of large print cards, a set of dominoes, some dice, pencils, and note pads to keep score on. You will certainly score points with the recipient of this basket!
As we age, we have many age related changes in our bodies and our abilities. So, be sure to take into consideration any difficulties that the recipient of your gift basket might have. For instance, if someone has problems with their eyesight, perhaps they would enjoy a book on tape instead of a book with small print.
