Father's Day Gifts for the Elderly Dad

Buying a gift for an elderly father can be a difficult task. Likely he'll say he doesn't need anything. Of course, it is still tempting to go the need route and supply him with ready-made meals, coupons to mow the lawn, slippers or even a basket of toiletry items. While Dad will surely appreciate any of these gestures, on occasion even he enjoys getting the new item he could live without, but definitely will enjoy having.

This Father's Day give your aging Dad a special gift he'll use and enjoy, even if he doesn't need it.

A great choice is a digital picture frame. A few things to consider when making this gift purchase are how technically savvy Dad is and the size of the screen needed. If Dad hasn't caught up with current technology carefully read reviews paying more attention to ease of use than all the bells and whistles. A model with an AC adapter should be given some thought. While special features may be appealing they are of little use if the frame is only gathering dust. Consider the screen size as well. Individuals with low vision will appreciate not having to strain to see the photographs. A special touch is to convert some old photos to digitals displayed in the frame.

Install a bird house or bird feeder near a window. Bird watching is already a hobby for many and could become one for Dad. An unobstructed view and some quite time can be quite peaceful. Add quality bird seed and a bird watching book to complete the gift. A highly recommended book is The Audubon Backyard Birdwatcher: Birdfeeders and Bird Gardens by Robert Burton (available at www.amazon.com and other retailers).

The Ameriphone P300 with 18-dB Amplification and Photo Speed Dial is a fun and useful present. This telephone does provide features that are particularly helpful for many elderly individuals: large buttons, hearing aid compatible and a visual ringer. The fun albeit in some cases needed element that separates this phone from others designed for the elderly, is the nine programmable buttons that allow for photo insertion. This makes using the telephone easier for Dad, but more importantly for the purpose of discussing gifts not "needed" it is fun to have small pictures of family and friends displayed on the telephone and only a call away with one touch of a button. This phone is available both online and in many retail shops.

If Father enjoys watching TV a new remote designed for the elderly, but would be welcome by all, may be the gift most appreciated. The Big and Easy Jumbo Universal Remote -Supersized Universal Remote available at www.giftgadgetgateway.com and www.firststreetonline.com is more than the oversized novelty remotes available in most stores. Its size is quiet impressive at 8 inches long by 5 inches wide making it very difficult to lose. In addition, it features a contour that shapes to the arm of a chair. It has the appearance of a capital letter I which provides for an easy grip. The remote controls auxiliary devices (in addition to this gift, some time for set up could be helpful). Naturally, the buttons are large.

Games and puzzles tailored to Dad's likes and needs may be a treat. A playing card holder may be what helps him get back in the game. Several models can be purchased at www.activeforever.com. Dad may also find a deck of large print playing cards easier to use. Cards and puzzles of many sorts are obtainable from www.seniorstore.com. Plan to spend some time with Dad testing out those cards playing a few hands of his favorite game.

Gifts that are practical and primarily consider his lifestyle needs are much appreciated by an elderly Father. However, everyone likes to be spoiled once in a while and Father's Day is a perfect opportunity to give Dad that special "you shouldn't have" gift. Besides the five items listed above the most precious gift to most Father's as they age is time with their family.

www.activeforever.com.
www.seniorstore.com
www.amazon.com
www.giftgadgetgateway.com
www.firststreetonline.com