<!–[CDATA[The holidays are usually a joyous time of year when families gather to celebrate together. There is one holiday issue, however, that frequently leaves family members scratching their heads—gift ideas for seniors. For an older loved one who seems to have everything, finding a way to show your love and appreciation can take a little creativity.
An experience gift might be the perfect solution this holiday season.
Holidays and Seniors: Giving the Gift of Time
Unlike typical holiday presents, experience gifts are designed to find ways for families to spend time together. Shared events can be a great way to build bonds and lasting memories. We have a few suggestions you can use to create a meaningful experience gift your aging loved one is sure to enjoy and appreciate:
- Plan a family movie night
Everyone loves a night out at the theater or an evening at home streaming movies. Movie makers often take advantage of school vacations and the desire families have to spend time together over the holidays to release their latest blockbusters. Organize a movie night that includes several generations of your family.
If going out isn’t an option, plan for a movie night at the senior’s home. You can stream holiday classics that are appropriate for all ages, such as Home Alone, Elf, The Polar Express, and The Grinch. Rent an old-fashioned popcorn maker and set up a candy station to make the evening feel more fun.
- Organize a talent show
This is an experience gift that young and old alike can participate in. Think about who in the family would make an entertaining host or emcee. Maybe a team of two or three family members can host together.
Next, encourage everyone in the family to participate in some way. Whether it is helping to plan the “show” or performing in it. Make sure loved ones understand no talent is too small to share! Invite family members who can’t be there in person to send a video of them performing their talent so you can show it during the event.
- Host a family game night
Who doesn’t love a fun night of games and competition? Pick a night and ask everyone in the family to bring their favorite game. Make sure you have options for every age group.
It can be as lighthearted or as competitive as you want the evening to be. Games like charades and Pictionary can be spirited and fun. Scrabble and dominoes make for good competition. Apples to Apples and Candyland are fun for the younger generations.
You might want to set up a photo booth with loads of fun props to commemorate the evening. Your local costume shop or thrift store are good places for finding inexpensive items to use.
- Organize an arts and crafts party
Getting crafty with children and grandchildren is another fun experience gift for a senior. You really don’t have to have any special skills to participate. Local craft stores have easy-to-complete kits ranging from oil painting to clay, stained glass, and mosaics.
You could also opt for one project everyone can participate in. Painting bird houses or making garden stones with each family member’s handprint are a few easy ones.
The bottom line is that spending time making memories with your loved ones may just be the best holiday gift you can give.
Follow the Five Star Blog
If you enjoyed this article, we encourage you to subscribe to our newsletter using the form at the bottom of this page. You’ll receive an email several times a month with interesting and informative articles like this one.
Don’t worry, we will never share or sell your information! The only email you’ll receive is from us!