Inexpensive Gifts Senior Citizens Will Actually Appreciate

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I worked as a CNA for over five years in nursing homes and home health. During that time, I gained insight into things older adults use and appreciate. Something else I learned was the older adults I took care of didn’t care about the cost of the gift. The thoughtfulness behind it is what brought them the most joy. Seeing their big smiles always warmed my heart!

Show the elder you love how much you care with one or more of these inexpensive gifts for senior citizens that are perfect for any occasion, and cost less than $100.

Gifts for Older Adults Who Want to Remain at Home

Older adults often need a little extra help to maintain their independence. If you have an older friend or relative who is having trouble with daily tasks, here are some living aid gift ideas that can help them stay safe and happy at home.

Live Fine 28-Day Automatic Pill Dispenser

This pill dispenser may seem costly, but it’s not your average pill container. It’s more for seniors with dementia or those who get confused.

Caregivers can schedule daily doses, set reminder alarms to prevent missed doses and use the included key (if need be) to lock the container (stop accidental overdoses). A loud alarm sounds and a light flashes to remind senior adults that it’s time to take their medicine.

In case you’re wondering in regards to the lock feature, elders can open the dispenser to take their scheduled dose, but only when the alarm sounds. Additionally, they can only get into the slot with the medication they’re supposed to take at that scheduled time.

One other thing to note about this fancy dispenser is it runs off four AA batteries (not included). If the batteries die, the alarm feature won’t work. That being said, caregivers will want to keep an eye on the battery level located at the top of the digital display.

To save money on batteries, consider buying at least eight rechargeable AA batteries along with a AA battery charger. Yes, I said eight rechargeable batteries, because that will give you extra that you can have already charged and ready to go.

Custom Medical Alert Necklace

This life-saving medical alert necklace makes a terrific gift for an elderly loved one with allergies and/or health conditions. It’s lightweight and provides peace of mind to caregivers. Customize it with up to three lines of engraving with 15 to 20 characters per line.

Life ID Wearable

In some cases, there’s too much important medical information to fit on necklaces. This wearable from Life ID solves that problem. It’s a helpful wearable that fits on a watch and is water resistant, keeps key medical information in one place and can be easily updated when new information is needed. All medical personnel has to do is scan the QR code to see the patient’s medical history and emergency contacts. Plus, by opting in for free GPS texting, listed emergency contacts will be alerted when the wearable is scanned.

MOBI Smart Emergency Alert Button

This life-saving device is simple, easy to set up and can be carried around or worn. It instantly connects seniors to their caregivers with the push of a button. If you and your elderly loved one wants additional peace of mind, there is the option to subscribe for the 24/7 professional monitoring service.

In order for the emergency alert device to work properly, the senior and his/her caregivers must have a mobile phone to use the app. Senior also must a 2.4GHz WiFi network.

A gift like this allows the senior to remain at home and maintain their independence!

Medline Rollator Walker with Seat

Getting around can be difficult for older adults. With the help of a walker, they can feel more confident about going outdoors for leisurely strolls and shopping trips. The seat gives them a place to store their belongings and an opportunity to take a break from walking and rest.

Robo Twist Electric Jar Opener

An electric jar opener is just the gadget senior citizens need to help them open stubborn jars with ease. Whether they have arthritis or just a hard time getting those darn lids off, this electric opener will do the trick in seconds. My mom loved hers!

Arthritis Gloves

Heated therapy mittens are perfect for older adults who need relief from aching hands ! The microwaveable arthritis gloves create a natural heat that increases blood circulation to relieve pain caused by arthritis or Raynaud. They’re also great for easing aches from carpal tunnel.

Vive Foldable Cane

A folding cane is the perfect walking partner for senior citizens! This one locks into place for extra stability on any surface, is light enough to carry around but strong enough to support up to 250 pounds, and it collapses down for easy storage. Because of the soft, rubber hand grip, your loved one shouldn’t have to worry about their hand cramping. Additionally, the slip-resistant rubber tip and adjustable height from 33″ to 37″ will give them a sense of security.

Vive Folding Grabber

This is an ideal gift for senior citizens who are recovering from an injury, surgery or have limited mobility. With a reach of 32″ and a rotating claw that can safely support up to five pounds, grabbing objects from all sorts of positions and angles will be easier for your loved one.

Kekoy Car Handle Assist for the Elderly

Does the senior citizen you’re shopping for struggle to get in and out of vehicles? Then this would be the ideal gift for him or her! It has a handle with a non-slip grip surface, so they can get a good hold of it without worrying about slipping and falling. Further additions such as the LED flashlight offers better visibility in low light conditions, and they can use it to break a window and cut the seatbelt in an emergency situation.

The device supports up to 400 pounds, is compatible with most vehicles that have a U-shaped door striker or latch, and it’s small enough to be taken with them everywhere they go.

Medline Toilet Seat Riser with Handles & Attachable Light

This affordable gift for senior citizens will help them feel safer when sitting and getting up from the toilet. It supports up to 400 pounds, locks onto the rim of the toilet for a secure fit, adds an additional height of 5″ and the motion-sensing light is great for those late night bathroom trips”. Additionally, the padded handles make it easier for your loved one to stand.

Bidet Attachment for Toilet

Bidet attachments are a win-win. They help older adults who can no longer reach to clean themselves in the bathroom, and they make life easier for caregivers who have to help them.

Vive Handheld Shower Head

A detachable shower head is a perfect gift for senior citizens who want to sit comfortably while bathing. This shower head has adjustable pressure settings that lets seniors adjust the flow of water according to their needs. In addition, the 6 1/2 foot long hose provides plenty of flexibility when it comes time to move around. Plus, thanks to the lever, they don’t have to reach or get up in order to turn off the flow of water, and while paused, it maintains a comfortable temperature.

Vive Button Hook & Zipper Pull Dressing Aid

Getting dressed can be a chore for anyone, but especially for older adults who find it difficult to do on their own. This fun gadget will make the task so much easier. They’ll be much happier knowing they can button and zip shirts, sweaters, boots, pants and more without having to ask for help.

Vive Sock Aid Device & Shoe Horn Kit

Socks, shoes and support hose can be a pain in the butt to put on, especially for elderly men and women. That no longer has to be the case when you gift them this independent living aid kit. The devices will allow them to put on socks, shoes and support hose without having to bend over.

Gifts for Senior Citizens Who Are Always Losing Things

We all have that one older relative or friend who is always losing things. They lose their keys, wallet, purse, glasses … the list goes on and on. Consider getting them something that will help them stay organized and keep track of their belongings.

Key Organizer

With a key organizer, your senior loved one can keep all of his or her keys in one place, so they’ll never lose track of them again. Some come in many styles and colors, so you can choose one that matches your loved one’s style or personality.

KeyRinger Key Finder‎

Keys nowadays cost more than just a dollar or two, which means replacing them can become expensive real quick! And that’s exactly why this KeyRinger set is such an ideal gift for senior citizens who misplace their keys frequently. With this nifty device, they simply push the button to locate their keys up to 300 feet away. The adjustable volume ensures they can easily hear the sound from where they have lost the keys. It’s also worth noting that the KeyRinger was designed in America and require no setup or programming.

Gifts for Senior Citizens Who Can’t See Crap

Seniors who are visually impaired can be a tough group to shop for. The good news is any of these gift ideas are sure to help you both.

Sharp Digital Atomic Alarm Clock

Is the senior you know struggling to see their clock from a distance? Then consider getting them this alarm clock. The Big font and clear indicators of the day, month and year will make it easy for them to read from up close or across the room. They can even set up to two alarms , and nd last but not least, the battery backup automatically resets itself to the correct date and time.

MagniPros 5X Large LED Page Magnifier

It’s amazing how this powerful tool can make a big difference for older adults who have difficulty reading due to vision or age-related problems! Its handy LED lighting, with adjustable brightness, is great for reading at night or in dimly lit conditions. Plus, it doesn’t weigh a lot, so your loved one will be able to comfortably read pill bottles, menus, newspapers, books and more.

Cirbic Talking Watch

How about a watch that offers the visually impaired senior the ability to hear the time and date in a loud, clear voice? It’s as simple as pressing the button located on the side of the watch.

Useful Gifts Senior Citizens Thought They Didn’t Need

Seniors can be set in their ways and uninterested in new things. However, the truth is that even the oldest among us still enjoy receiving gifts from time to time, especially when it makes life easier, helps them live comfortably or makes them feel safe.

Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light

A book-loving older adult will appreciate being able to read in bed with this light that will sit comfortably on their neck. To keep from straining their eyes, they’ll be able to adjust the position, brightness and temperature of the light.

Diabetic Ankle Socks With Grippers

Maybe your elderly loved one needs socks that aren’t so tight at the top that they cut off circulation. These would be perfect for them! A bonus is the non-slip grippers on the bottom that will keep them from slipping and falling. They don’t have to be a diabetic to enjoy the benefits of these socks.

Granny Jo Products Wheelchair Blanket

How about a soft blanket to keep your loved one’s lap warm when they’re in a wheelchair? The blanket attaches to the chair, which means it won’t get caught in the wheels. In addition, the large pocket at the top can serve as a hand warmer, as well as a place to store items.

Vive Walker, Wheelchair & Rollator Bag

Any senior citizen who uses a walker on a regular basis will be delighted to receive this as a gift! My mom loved her bag so much that she wouldn’t go without it. She liked having a place for her phone, drink, wallet, important medical information and many other treasures. Even the residents I took care of in the nursing home had to have the bags attached to their walkers before they’d leave their rooms.

Non-Slip Bath Mat

A bath mat may not seem like much of a gift to you, but to the elderly, it’s appreciated more than you think. Without a mat in their tub and/or shower, you can imagine how nervous they are due to a fear of slipping and falling. Having this is sure to ease their fears! And trust me when I say, if they don’t already have a good rubber mat, they’ll probably thank you many times for this thoughtful gift.

Tilt Top Overbed/Sofa Table

These tables are just as handy at home as they are in the hospital! Your elder loved one can use the table when they’re bedridden or sitting in their favorite chair. Unlike most tables in a hospital, this one has a tilting feature, which can be useful for many things. It also raises to a maximum height of 41″.

Foldable Garden Kneeler & Seat

There are seniors who are still able and love to garden. The problem, however, is now that they’re older, they probably have a harder time getting up from the ground and/or can no longer stoop, so they don’t garden as often and may even miss that hobby they love so much. With this gift, you can restore their joy! It even includes a tool pouch for easy access to gardening tools!

Slip-on Sketchers shoes

According to a survey by Arielle Avila, seniors like this brand of shoe, and who can blame them, Sketchers does have a reputation for making comfortable shoes.

Other Great Gifts for Seniors That Won’t Break Your Bank Account

You want to give your favorite senior citizen a gift that’s thoughtful and practical, but you also want to make sure it’s not too expensive. These should be perfect!

Jigsaw Puzzles

Help your favorite older adult keep their mind active with jigsaw puzzles. Not only will it keep their mind active, but it gives them something to do so they’re not bored. You could even spend time with them by helping them put it together. A win-win for both of you! 😉

Pavilia Wearable Fleece Blanket

Most older folks do get cold easily, especially the ones who are on blood thinners. You can help your loved one stay warm by gifting them this super soft blanket, which has a variety of colors to choose from. The front pouch, sleeves and foot pockets are sure to keep them warm. It will be perfect for when they’re watching TV or sitting at the computer!

Heated Blanket With Foot Pocket

Do you think your beloved senior would like an upgrade to a heated blanket? This one is also really soft with foot pockets. They can use it when while watching TV or even when sleeping in bed. They’ll think of you every time this great gift is keeping them comfortable and cozy.

Russell Stover Sugar-Free Chocolate

Here’s a yummy gift for older adults with diabetes who still crave something sweet every now and then. Even those without diabetes will enjoy this special treat, especially if they’re chocolate lovers!

Fitbit Inspire 2 Fitness Tracker

Is your elder loved one still active or been talking about needing the motivation to get up and start moving around more? Then this fitness tracker may be just what they need! They can keep track of their steps, how many calories they’ve burned, monitor their heart rate, set fitness goals and much more. They can even wear it in the shower!

Snailax Foot & Back Massager

Your elder friend or family member is sure to love relaxing in their favorite chair while getting a warm foot massage. By removing the cover, they can use it on their back, stomach, leg, thigh or neck as well. It truly is the perfect gift for seniors who suffer from sore muscles, neuropathy, plantar fasciitis and poor circulation.

Leg Air Massager

Replace those hard-to-put-on compression hoses with this. Many hospitals use them on patients, however, I imagine they pay over $100 for the ones they use, but this is a less expensive alternative that many say works just as well.

Instant Pot

The Instant Pot is an awesome gift for older adults who enjoy cooking! It’s one of the most popular kitchen appliances on the market. It’s a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker and steamer all rolled into one. The best thing is your loved one can cook several one-pot meals in less time. I have one of these and can honestly say it has become my best friend!