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Simple for Seniors
Practical, Economical Gifts Most Popular
When shopping for seniors this holiday season, "simple" is the buzzword, according to representatives from the international caregiving company Home Instead Senior Care and the Mall of America.
"Based on our experience, seniors most often gravitate toward the practical in gift requests, but those preferences will become even more relevant this holiday season as budgets tighten for shoppers and senior gift recipients alike," said Home Instead Senior Care Co-Founder and CEO Paul Hogan. "We expect that many seniors will want gift cards to grocery stores, discount stores, restaurants and, if they're still driving, gas cards."
Personal items are popular as well, according to Dan Jasper, spokesman for the Mall of America. "We see seniors frequenting book stores and shops that sell candles, homemade soaps and personal pampering items such as lotions and robes," said Jasper, whose world-renowned Mall is host to 17 million shoppers between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day.
Another popular item is a gift basket, which can be purchased at most any discount store, Jasper said. "I see people shopping the Mall putting together baskets for their grandparents. Maybe grandma loves to knit or sew so those tools are included in the basket along with candy and a nice scented candle," he noted. Scrapbook stores and suppliers draw many who are looking to customize a gift for seniors, and photo and family albums are popular as well, according to Jasper.
Hogan agreed that his company's analysis of seniors' gift requests is consistent with those popular gifts mentioned by Jasper. "Also, we've found that care community residents often like slippers, lap blankets, and puzzles. Men, in particular, seem to enjoy crackers, chocolates, and candies. Clothing items such as socks, pajamas, and loose sweatpants also are favorites. Sometimes seniors have the need for even more basic items such as soap and toothpaste, pencils, stationery, and stamps.
Much like older adults themselves, there is always the unique gift request, such as the senior who asked for nose-hair trimmers. "My understanding is that the gift made it under that senior's tree at Christmas," Hogan said.