Gifts for Loved Ones in a Senior Living Community
December 11, 2024

It’s holiday time, and you know what that means. Time to find the perfect gift for the perfect grandma. Like many older adults, she’s recently downsized and moved into a joyful senior living community. She doesn’t need or want more “stuff.”
What do you give the lady who already has everything she needs in her assisted living apartment? Rather than giving her yet another pair of fuzzy socks, think outside of the proverbial gift box. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to show your love through thoughtful gestures. This year, consider options to enrich their lives in other ways. From donations in their name to experiences, crafts, and activities, there are plenty of thoughtful options to make your loved ones feel treasured.
A favorite treat from a local bakery
If your loved one always made sure there were sweet treats around for you to enjoy, now is the time to return that favor. Place an order for their favorite treats from a local bakery to pick up next time you visit. You may even be able to arrange a delivery with an online service or through the bakery directly. First, check with your loved one’s care team about any dietary restrictions your loved one has.
Jeanette Campini, Community Relations Director of Fieldstone Silverdale, suggests Monica’s Bakery. Monica’s offers not only delicious baked goods, but also cookie subscriptions and “decorate at home” shortbread cookie kits.
Usable art from local artists
Instead of buying them a piece of art, gift your loved ones something beautiful they can use. Greeting cards made by local artists can help them stay in contact with friends and family, which can be especially important if they’ve recently moved. Find cards in craft stores, a local art gallery, or online. Other usable art gifts include journals, address books, and even books written by local authors. Maybe a local artist is taking commissions for an especially unique piece!
Activities and things they can make
While there is no shortage of activities in their senior living community, there may be a special craft they like to do. We know that arts and crafts can be therapeutic and mentally stimulating for older adults, improving both mood and cognition. Support a hobby your loved one enjoys, such as painting or crochet, and find a corresponding craft kit or activity book. A paint-by-number kit would be great for aspiring artists of any age. If they like birding, get them a book about local birds and sit outside together to scout them next time you visit. Or find a kit to build a birdfeeder, a craft that could bring feathered friends around all year long.
“Crocheting is very popular in our facility,” Campini said. “Picking up some good quality yarn might be a great gift.” Check out the selection at Bayshore Yarns, a locally owned yarn shop.
Philanthropic gifts made in their name
Many older adults find meaning and purpose in considering what kind of legacy they will leave. Your gift can help them establish that legacy. Donating money in their name to a cause or organization they care about can help them spread their values and wisdom while they are still here to enjoy it. If they love youth sports, consider gifting your loved one the joy of sponsoring a team. Does your loved one enjoy parks? Their local parks and recreation chapter may enjoy the donation of a new bench or a tree or two in your loved one’s name. Adopt a bird through their local chapter of the Audubon Society. A retired teacher may love the idea of sponsoring a local elementary class through DonorsChoose.org.
“A lot of our residents are veterans,” Campini said. “We also have a lot of cops and firefighters.” Campini suggests making donations to one of the several military museums nearby.
“There’s also the Suquamish Museum,” Campini said. “The tribal community is very present here. If that is something your loved ones have ties to, it might be something to check out.”
Local experiences for a day out
Talk to your loved one’s care team about taking them for a day out. Plan a day on the town visiting art galleries, going to a local theater production, watching a baseball game, or taking a stroll in the park.
“The U.S. Naval Undersea Museum is really cool,” Campini said. “You can go inside submarines and experience what it’s like to be underwater.”
Lastly, give them your time. Time spent together is one of the most valuable gifts you can give to your loved ones. Whether you join us for some of our activities, swing by with a sweet treat, or spend the day walking through the park together, your loved ones will be sure to treasure your time together.
If you’re still looking for a physical gift, Campini suggests a weighted blanket, a digital photoframe loaded with all of their favorite photos (and tons of new ones of the family!), and cozy items like soft pajamas or stuffed animals.