The Oldish Gift Guide 2020

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For the past several years we’ve been pleased to bring you our Oldish Gift Guide and this year we have 65 suggestions for you. Some are no cost or low cost while others are geared toward having multiple contributors to the cost. Every year we add a few and take away a few but the list continues to grow. For our 2020 Gift Guide, we have stayed conscious of the fact that pandemic restrictions mean visiting isn’t going to be the same nor will shopping. Likewise, the gifts that we give may need to be geared more toward those things people can use in and around their homes.

There is a trend toward minimalist living as we downsize, or watch shows like The Home Edit and come to terms with the amount of stuff we have that we seem to be storing rather than using. Our 2020 Gift Guide reflects this trend and focuses more on things that can be used to increase socialization in these challenging times, sustain hobbies and connections or provide safe, healthy environments while saving our energy for the things that matter.

As always, our very first suggestion is time. While everyone appreciates the thought that goes into choosing that perfect gift, time is the most treasured commodity. As we all live through challenging times, technology is able to assist us by allowing time to be spent while maintaining the distance needed to keep our loved ones safe.

Enjoy!

• Time… the number one thing seniors want is to spend time with you. Make a regular date but be sure to organize small gatherings throughout the holidays. This year will be more challenging in terms of family get-togethers so think about using technology to your benefit. Be creative: using Skype, FaceTime or Facebook Messenger share some holiday cheer from your individual location, eat a meal together, open gifts together, watch movies together or read a book together taking turns reading pages or chapters.
• Digital picture frame loaded with family pictures and holiday memories – be sure that it’s easily operated as complicated things can be terribly frustrating. This item has been on our list for a few years but don’t forget that updating an existing memory stick with new pictures is a welcome gift.
• Favorite music downloaded onto an iPod or CD – for a senior challenged by dementia, music from their youth and courting days can bring back beautiful memories. Don’t forget comfortable headphones.
• Subscription to satellite radio – pre-program favorite music or talk stations as an added help.
• Gift certificate to a favourite restaurant: Many restaurants are providing curbside pickup so choose a favourite and purchase a gift certificate. You’ll help them keep their doors open and enjoy a favourite meal at the same time. Win-win!
• Home assistants such as Alexa, Siri or Hey Google can make chores like turning lighting on or off or adjusting temperatures can save energy for an older adult who now has to physically do such tasks. While getting up and walking is always a good idea, the ability to ask lights to come on in a room one intends to enter can be a trip and fall reducer. Dimming vision can make properly adjusting temperatures challenging so simply being able to ask for the temperature one wants is a great help. Choose the system that is most comfortable and connects with existing tech in the home. As always, make sure to change the default password to guarantee security.
• Low vision playing cards.Playing cardholder.
• Membership to senior’s exercise class – this year many classes have gone online but a subscription may still be required.
• Fidget aprons/lap blankets/pillows are made by many volunteer groups and are a terrific gift for anyone with moderate to advanced stages of dementia. Designed to stimulate the senses and occupy restless fingers various activities such as buttons, ribbons, buckles, pockets, colorful materials and more are sewn onto a base allowing multiple activities for the user. Buy from your local volunteer group – check out libraries and churches, there are many options on Etsy or search the Internet for inspiration and make your own.
• For loved ones who are aging in place, consider pre-paying for services that some find challenging like winter snow removal, window washing, grass cutting, power washing the siding or getting the gardens in shape spring and fall.
• Puzzles – either jigsaw or crossword … both are available in larger sizes to save eye strain. For older adults who are Internet savvy online, multiplayer games like Mahjong or Scrabble are good for engagement and socialization.
• Wander, safety or fall alarms with subscriptions, downloadable apps for caregivers and emergency notification systems.
• Back scrubber for those with a limited range of motion.
• Services such as Instacart are catering to shut-ins by providing grocery and pharmacy deliveries. 
• Cane tip for winter snow and ice.
• Hip protectors for those at risk of a hip fracture – call the toll-free number for assistance in choosing the correct model and options.
• Tablet with apps such as Skype/Facetime, Scrabble, Solitaire and email pre-loaded – don’t forget to teach them how to use the apps.
• Subscription to a favorite magazine – check to see if they have a large print edition
• Cash is always a good gift but we suggest that you have some fun with the presentation. An envelope of bills isn’t as much fun as a gift with a ribbon around it. Consideration could be given to prepaying a year of cable tv, adding a fun new channel and then wrapping up something that demonstrates the gift. Or perhaps prepaying the hydro bill and then wrapping up a book to be read by the light that has been ‘gifted.’
• Automatic night lights that react to motion are always a good idea
• LED light strips are cheap and cheerful these days and can be installed wherever a boost of light is needed. Use them to indicate stair treads, provide a bit of extra light under kitchen cabinets or inside medicine cabinets.
• For seniors with early-stage dementia items such as a magnetic whiteboard for the fridge and Post-It notes to label cupboards and drawers.
• Coupons for rides to the doctor, mall or community event are useful provided you can commit to the gift. Getting people out and about to avoid social isolation is key to good health so this is a good one for those who depend on others to get out of the house.
• FireAvert is a device that shuts power off to your stove when the smoke alarm sounds from food left unattended. Invented by a firefighter and featured on Shark Tank, the device is available for electric or gas stoves.
• Slippers, shoes or boots with really good tread to replace the ones that have worn-down tread that are a slip and fall hazard. Hint: don’t forget to make sure the old ones get thrown out.
• Respite time to allow a caregiver to have some personal time away to get their hair done, go out to lunch with friends or just take a walk in the park. Commit to whatever you can give, put it on a coupon card and encourage the caregiver to make an appointment to use the coupon.
• Items that support hobbies are always welcome. Many of us have been exploring new interests as we are spending more time in our homes so online education classes and supplies to either get a hobby off the ground or sustain an existing hobby make a great gift.  
• An account with the local taxi company with pre-paid rides – This is a gift the whole family can contribute to for a senior aging in place who no longer drives. The account can be added to for birthdays, Mother’s/Father’s Day, Easter or any occasion and supports independence.
• Squatty Potty was invented to help people poop from a more natural position. It isn’t uncommon for older adults to become constipated due to inactivity so a little help may be in order. Available in original white plastic as well as bamboo, teak and a model called Moonlight that features a motion-activated light.
• Bidet toilet seats have been all the rage this year as stores run out of bathroom tissue but a bidet toilet is a gentle, sanitary tool for those who have range of motion issues as well. Many are available with optional warm water ability but you’ll need to install an electrical outlet behind the toilet to have this function properly so make that part of the gift.
• Gift boxes continue to be all the rage and it doesn’t matter what your gift recipient is into, there’s guaranteed to be a gift box that will make them happy. The Oldish has used this tea subscription service in Canada but if cheese, coffee, wine, socks, meat, candy, razors, underwear, cocktails, plants, men’s toiletries, eco-friendly cleaning supplies, ties, snacks or, well, you get the drift. There’s a smorgasbord of gift boxes available with deliveries varying from monthly to quarterly to annually so do your homework and match your recipient to the perfect gift.
• A selection of greeting cards to have handy including birthday, anniversary and condolence cards – don’t forget a roll of stamps. Go the extra mile and print off sheets of return address labels and, if you can get your hands on the recipient’s address book you can also consider pre-addressed peel and stick labels.
• Easy Daysies is a task scheduling system for older adults aging in place who need support to continue living independently. Task stickers that fit on magnets remind them to eat, take medication, have a shower, turn the stove off or call someone to check in.
• Frozen single-serving meals with warming instructions written or taped to the cover.
• If you don’t have time to prepare homemade meal gifts, consider one of the many meal delivery services that have popped up. With everything premeasured and handy instructions included, this is a great gift for cooks who want a bit of a hand with the sous chef duties. The Food Network tested four popular services and you can check out their recommendations at this link. This is a gift the whole family can contribute to!
• An early gift of a plate of Christmas goodies would be welcome to many this year. With a prohibition on visiting, many seniors won’t be doing as much holiday baking so sharing the gift of your baking talents gives an older adult some sweet treats – a package of refills would be nice to include.
• Ring Doorbells to allow seniors to answer the door without rushing or perhaps identify door to door salespeople they don’t want to deal with – be sure to get the Ring Pro which is the wired option for use in cold climates. The Oldish tested Ring Pro and found it abundantly helpful for answering doorbells whether we were at home or away.
• Adult coloring book and crayons – very popular and calming not to mention creative.
• Gift cards to favourite online shops are always a good gift. Don’t forget that most grocery stores sell gift cards.
• Car handles come in several varieties including handles that slip into the car door latch or are attached to the top of the car window frame and are intended to give extra support to seniors upon entering or exiting a car. Brands like CarCaddie, Stander or Emson Car Cane can be found in stores and online.
• Audiobooks are useful in so many ways. They don’t strain the eyes, they can be listened to anywhere and they don’t take up physical space. Pick your recipient’s favourite service whether it’s iTunes, Audible, Kindle or something else and load them up on gift cards. Another thing the whole family can contribute to and keep going for other occasions like Mother’s Day or birthdays.
• A Podcast library is a wonderful gift that is low cost yet passes time while it educates and amuses the listener. Most news organizations have podcasts and no matter your interest you’ll be able to find lots of them to pass the time. The good news is that new episodes load automatically. Simply make a list, choose a player such as iTunes, Stitcher or Spotify and then subscribe to the ones you’ve chosen. A few of my personal favourite podcasts are Clear + Vivid (Alan Alda), Armchair Expert (Dax Shepard – language warning), We Regret to Inform You (you’d be amazed at the things that have been rejected), The Way I Heard It (Mike Rowe), Under the Influence (Terry O’Reilly – fascinating view of advertising) and White Coat Black Art (medical focus).
• Tickets to an upcoming concert are still a good gift even though they aren’t being done in person at this point. Artists like Josh Groban have offered paid concerts through their social platforms and the good news is that online concerts aren’t nearly as expensive as those that take place in concert venues.
• Non-breakable water bottle with an attachment for a wheelchair or walker – the more colorful, the better but make sure the grip is good for the person who will be using it.
• Large button TV remote.
• Window bird feeders are sure to provide hours of pleasure. Make sure to include your own service of refilling the birdseed throughout the season!
• Calendar for the upcoming year with family/friend birthdays, anniversaries and events noted.
• Warm, cozy blanket and for those who need calming due to anxiety, consider a weighted blanket.
• Cell phone with large keys specifically for seniors, prepaid if you can manage it.
• New winter coat, scarf, hat or mittens.
• A memory journal is a great gift for the whole family! Several are available through booksellers but most feature guided questions that help aging seniors remember stories and life events from days gone by. Over time questions can be asked and journaled as they are answered providing a keepsake that details family history.
• Chore calendar: for seniors who are aging in place some of the most difficult tasks because of low vision, inability to smell or challenges with getting around are things like house cleaning, food shopping, laundry, yard work and getting to appointments so if you have a few family members living close by, make a calendar assigning rotating duties to each member … don’t forget to add changing batteries in things like smoke detectors and remote controls.
• Grab bars installed in bathrooms, along hallways or by the bed or favourite chairs. Not all grab bars are institutional in appearance. There are some beautiful ones out there so do a bit of research. Proper installation is a must so include that in the gift.
• Light therapy lamps are popular for people who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or just feel a bit sluggish as they miss the summer sunshine. The Oldish has tested the Circadian Optics Lumos 2.0 Light Therapy Lamp after seeing it on Shark Tank – love it! – and it can be purchased through Amazon.
• Medication organizer 
• Garden kneeler Many are reversible, meaning that in an upright position they are seating platforms while turned over they are kneelers with bars to aid in getting up and down.
• Long Shoehorn to aid with getting shoes and boots on.
• Non-slip socks are great for those who prefer to walk around the house shoeless or get up in the middle of the night and can never find their slippers.
• One cup coffee or tea brewer.
• Comfy new sweatpants or bathrobe. Consider sweatpants with built-in hip protection.
• For later-stage dementia patients, a stuffed doll to cuddle.
• Nordic Walking Poles for active seniors who enjoy fitness walks
• Homemade gift baskets are so personal and sweet. Fill them up with favourite candy, some silly socks, a few gift cards, a new t-shirt with a great saying or picture and maybe a few things from the list above. Spend as much or as little as you want for a basket that is the perfect size.
• Travellers will appreciate the ability to continue their explorations through programs like Amazon’s Explore which takes viewers on adventures from the comfort of their homes. Once travel feels comfortable again, this great research will help in choosing travel destinations.
• For those with a bit more of a budget, think about backyard sheds which have made a huge comeback in the age of COVID-19. We may love our family but a place to call our own is welcome as a refuge for that yoga practice, working on a hobby or just a quiet place to sit and read. There are lots of ready-built versions but there are some that ship ready for assembly or for those with some knowledge, plans and drawings are available online.

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