Are you having trouble finding the perfect Mother’s Day gifts for your elderly mom? Then take a look at these fifteen gift ideas your mom is sure to love!
The older our parents get, the more difficult it becomes to find gifts they will enjoy. Most seniors are at the point in life that they don’t need more stuff. They already have an abundance of decorative and sentimental items filling their homes, so it’s important to give them gifts they can use as well as enjoy.
And that’s why finding the perfect gift for your mom can be so challenging. What will they use? It’s easy to find a cute knick-knack, but finding something they will use can prove to be more difficult.
Because all seniors are different, and so are their physical and mental capabilities. For instance, my mother has Alzheimer’s and lives at home with my dad. My mother-in-law lives, on the other hand, lives in an assisted living community. The gifts I choose this Mother’s Day will need to focus on where they live and what they can do.
And, the presents you choose will depend on your mother’s current situation and abilities.
So, to help you get started, here are some fabulous Mother’s Day gifts your elderly mom is sure to love.
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Practical Mother’s Day Gifts Your Elderly Mom Will Enjoy
Bath and Beauty Items – Soap, Lotions, Body Sprays, Makeup
Bath and beauty products are a practical and much-appreciated gift for the elderly mom.
Discover what items she needs and which brands she likes. You can always ask her or sneak a peek in her bathroom to find out. Or you can choose a new item for your mom to try. Just remember, a light fragrance is always the best choice if you aren’t sure what bath and beauty products she uses. And when choosing makeup, neutral colors work best.
Sleepwear, Robe, Slippers, Sweater, Shawl, Anti-Skid Socks
Super soft pajamas, a fluffy robe, a soft sweater, and some comfortable socks are cozy gifts your mom will enjoy receiving. These are simpler to buy than other clothing because you don’t need to know the exact size. They’re usually loose fitting and come in sizes small, medium, large, etc.
And, since elderly adults easily become cold, they always appreciate clothing that helps keep them warm.
Blanket, Afghan, and Throw
Another way to keep your senior mom warm and cozy is with the gift of a soft, new throw. She can drape it over her while sitting in her recliner, wrap it around her body like a shawl, or fold it and lay it over her lap and legs to keep them warm.
Afghans come in a variety of colors, textures, and thicknesses. Choose one in her favorite color. You may want to choose a lighter throw if she lives in a warmer climate or a thicker material for a colder environment. And, the softer the throw, the more comfortable it will be.
Another option is a weighted blanket. These are excellent for people who have anxiety or trouble sleeping. Weighted blankets provide a feeling and comfort, and security, thus ensuring a good night’s sleep.
Entertaining Gifts For Your Elderly Mom
Books – Large Print Books or Audible Subscription
If your mom enjoys reading, but her vision isn’t what it used to be, choose large print books for her. There are many from which to choose. Or, choose an audible subscription and let her listen to books instead.
Digital Picture Frame
This is my favorite gift to give for Mother’s Day. I gave my mother and mother-in-law digital picture frames one last year, and they loved it.
Digital picture frames constantly run, switching to a new photo every couple of minutes or less. You set the speed at which they cycle. Your mom can also manually switch to new photos if she prefers.
My mother-in-law has macular degeneration, and it’s difficult for her to see photos now. However, with the larger lighted frame, she can view pictures she hasn’t been able to see in years. And the frame holds an enormous number of photos. Plus, you can add more images at any time.
In my mother’s case, she enjoys the picture frame for another reason. The pictures help her remember people and places. These pictures help her recall memories, and she enjoys talking about those memories with us. The digital picture frame also has a calming effect on her and keeps her entertained.
If your mom (or any family member) is going through dementia, I highly recommend you get a Digital Photo frame for them.
Flowers
I know flowers aren’t the most creative idea for a Mother’s Day gift, but there’s just something about them that brightens anyone’s day. If you will be visiting them in person, drop by and pick up a bouquet on your way. Or, you can have it delivered either by a local florist or through Amazon.
If you have an Amazon Prime membership, the flowers are shipped free, saving the cost of a delivery fee. Also, the Amazon flowers tend to be less expensive than your local florist. However, a local florist will deliver your flowers in a vase filled with water and ready to be displayed and enjoyed. In comparison, the Amazon flowers will come in a box with a vase. Your mom will need to place the flowers in the vase and add water. So, it depends on how you wish to present the flowers to your mom, and if she’s able to unpack the box, place the flowers in the vase and then add water.
Whatever way you choose, be sure to pick a bouquet that will fit in the room in which the flowers will go. If your mom lives in an assisted living or a nursing home, she probably won’t have room for a large bouquet. A smaller vase of flowers would be a better choice for her.
Tablet – Kindle Fire
If your senior mom is somewhat tech-savvy, a tablet is a terrific gift for her. There’s so much she can do on a tablet. Depending on the tablet, she can read books or magazines, play games, check her email, message family members and friends, access social media networks, surf the internet, listen to music, view photos, watch movies, and more.
When choosing a tablet, make sure the screen is large enough for her to see and easy enough to use.
The prices of tablets vary but Kindle Fire is one of the more economical choices and is easy to use.
Jigsaw Puzzles
Puzzles – Puzzles can be relaxing and fun while helping to keep your brain engaged. There are a variety of puzzles to choose from in varying degrees of difficulty. They also come in different sizes, so choose a size your mom will have room for and be able to complete.
Puzzle Activity Books
Like Puzzles, puzzle activity books help keep are another excellent choice for seniors. They work well for adults with limited space in their homes because they don’t take up any room. Look for ones that are large print if your mom has vision problems. There are crosswords, word search, Sudoku, to name just a few.
Adult Coloring Books
Adult coloring books are calming and entertaining for senior adults. They provide an outlet for creativity. Again, choose one that will work with their level of vision and capability. And, be sure to include colored pencils in the gift. Watercolor pencils are the smoothest to work with and give a vibrant look to the picture.
Gift Basket Filled with their Favorite Items
Who doesn’t love a basket full of goodies? You can DIY by choosing a basket and filling it with your mom’s favorite things. Some of the items already listed as gifts in this post make excellent additions to a gift basket.
Be sure to choose a basket or container they can use for another purpose later.
Your gift basket can be small with just a few items or larger with more things. Either way, it’s sure to bring a smile to your mom’s face.
For more gift basket ideas, check out this Basket of Sunshine post.
If you like the idea of giving your mother a gift basket but don’t have the time or energy to make one, consider purchasing one instead. Below are some of my favorite choices for Mother’s Day gift baskets.
The Best Mother’s Day Gifts for Moms with Alzheimers or Dementia
Joy for All Realistic and Lifelike Robotic Companion Pets
This is on my list to give my mother this year. My friend gave her mother, who has Alzheimer’s, a Tabby cat. Her mom loves it and carries it with her everywhere. It calms and entertains her. If you have a parent with dementia, check out this video of this wonderful gift idea.If you have a parent with dementia these realistic and lifelike robotic companion pets may be just what they need to brighten their day.
Check out this video and discover why these cute companion pets are so special.
Digital Calendar Alarm Day Clock
It can be hard to keep up with what day it is when you are confined to home, in assisted living, or have dementia. This clock is great for helping someone keep track of the day and the time.
Plus, It’s easy to read and large enough for those who have vision problems to see.
The Most Precious Gift You Can Give Your Mom This Mother’s Day
The Gift of Your Time
If you live near your elderly mom, one of the best gifts you can give her is the gift of your time. Take her out for the day. Take her to a nearby restaurant for lunch. Pamper her with a day at the spa getting a manicure, pedicure, massage, or whatever pampering she would enjoy. Go on a shopping spree.
Or if she’s unable to leave the house, bring her a meal and eat lunch with her. (Don’t forget the dessert 😊) Get a DVD and some popcorn and watch a movie together.
Most of all, take the time to sit and talk. Our mothers won’t be here forever, and we’ll miss them when they are no longer here. Take the opportunity to celebrate your mom this Mother’s Day and let her know how special she is to you.
So, do you have any gifts your elderly mom has enjoyed receiving that aren’t mentioned in the post? Please share them in the comments below.
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