Ten Great Stocking Stuffer Gifts for Nursing Home Residents

A lot of people tend to think of nursing homes and assisted living centers as places where people sit quietly, fading away. On the contrary, many residents are mentally sharp and alert and may have chosen such living arrangements because of physical problems or challenges. Life goes in nursing homes and assisted living centers and the holidays are as important here as anywhere else. It follows that Christmas stockings and the delights they contain also play a major role in the festivities.

If you know someone who lives in a nursing home or assisted living center and who celebrates Christmas, it can be a real joy to fill a stocking for them with things they really appreciate since they may lack a car or convenient access to stores for little things that mean a lot. Here are ten ideas for Christmas stocking stuffer gifts:

A roll of quarters

A book of "Forever" stamps

A couple of Paper Mate Flair Pens

A new deck of cards

A couple pairs of soft white socks, folded up

A new wallet loaded with spending money (or a change purse filled with coins)

Small four-piece boxes of chocolates (many fine sugarless assortments are also available), packages of cookies or small bags of Planters Peanuts

A small flashlight (and a package of batteries)

A small bottle of favorite after-shave, lotion, cologne or fancy soap

A plastic bookmark which doubles as a magnifier for printed text (Border's sells these.)

The Best Things in Life are Free

Most of all, someone who lives in a Nursing Home or Assisted Living Center would enjoy a holiday visit from someone they love. You might be surprised - it could turn out to be a lot of fun.