Thoughtful Valentine Gifts for Elderly Loved Ones

When selecting an inexpensive Valentine's Day gift for an elderly person you may be clueless as to what to buy. What if you elderly friend or loved one already has everything he (or she) needs? On the other hand, you're, struggling financially, on a budget, yet you want your gift to be special.

Keep in mind that as people grow older, expensive gifts lose their value. What once brought a smile now just doesn't matter once you near the end of your life. That's how I felt when I used to give gifts to my aging parents and in-laws, all of whom have since passed away. Yet, when I selected those special gifts that touched their hearts, I was rewarded with smiling faces, feeling good that my gifts were meaningful to them. Here are a few suggestions when buying thoughtful, inexpensive gifts for your elderly friends and loved ones.

Photo Albums

Gather some recent family pictures of his children and grandchildren, as well as other loved ones and display them creatively in an attractive photograph album, noting who's who and when and where the pictures were taken.

Besides recent pictures, also, dig up old family albums with childhood friends and relative of your senior friend and then review the photos with him. For example, find pictures of him and his family when he was young. I recall how my father-in-law (who struggled with dementia) couldn't tell you what he had for breakfast, but could identify everyone in an old family photography that was at least half a century old.

Personalized Wall Calendars

Select a large wall calendar with print large enough so even seniors with the poorest eyesight can read it. Rather than buy a ready-made calendar, check into calendars that can be made with family pictures featured for each month. Then, circle the days of the year when family members will celebrate birthdays and other special occasions. Alongside each name, include telephone numbers so your senior friend can call them, wishing them well on their birthdays.

Magnifiers

For those elderly folks who are struggling with declining eyesight, give an assortment of magnifiers, so they'll be able to read without straining their eyes. A wide assortment of magnifiers can be found at department stores, as well as craft and eye care stores.

Books on Tape

I can't think of anything more frustrating than someone who loves to read, but isn't able to do so any more. At first when my father lost partial vision, due to a stroke he was devastated. Then, after my mom sent off for some books on tape, his world was expanded, again, as he spent hours on his front porch listening to his favorite biographies and novels.
Check with your local library for books to rent, as well as buy, or go online to find them.

Stationary and Postage Stamps

Having stationary and postage stamps on hand is a good idea, especially if your elderly friend can't drive anymore to get to the store and post office. Also, include an address book, complete with names, addresses and phone numbers of his family members and friends.

Lap Robes

I remember how one Christmas I crocheted a lap robe to my father-in-law (confined to a nursing home), shortly after I learned to do the granny stitch. As older people are sensitive to cold weather, a homemade lap robe is also a practical gift. If you knit or crochet, it would mean even more, knowing you made it yourself. And, it would be inexpensive, as all you'll need is yarn. Present the lap robe with a personalized card in which you write, "As you wrap this around you, know you're wrapped in my prayers and love."

Give of Yourself

Determine to make regular visits to your elderly friend's home where you not only share your life, but also ask him questions about his favorite memories. My late mother's big brown eyes would sparkle whenever I'd ask her to tell me about her courting days when the soldiers came back from the World War 2. And, she was never at a loss for stories about her college days at the University of Texas.

Most of all, homebound, elderly people want your presence more than your gifts. As many older people struggle with loneliness, the gift of your time is far more precious than any costly one you can buy.