Great Gift Ideas for Older Parents Who Live Far Away

Is there anything harder than coming up with the perfect gift ideas for older parents when you live far away from them? Fortunately, there ARE ideas that will make shopping easier for you while making life easier for them.

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Why is it so hard to come up ideas to give your older parents?

For years I struggled with this dilemma. I didn’t see my parents often enough to really have a clue what they wanted or needed. And of course, when I would ask, I would get the typical parental response, “Oh, honey, we don’t need a thing.”

I bet you’ve heard something similar.

Thanks, but that really doesn’t help me out. After all, no one wants to get the “Crummy Daughter” award and not buy her parents anything! So I was left on my own to wonder aimlessly through stores (which I despise at any time of the year) or asking other people, “What are you getting for your parents?”

Finally, after lots of trial and error (and definite gift-flops), I’ve come up with a list of possibilities that will benefit your parents while making your shopping less of a nightmare.

Related Post: 7 Gifts For Men Who Like To Cook

Gifts to help your older parent feel safer

There’s something comforting about knowing who is at the door. The Ring Video Doorbell lets you see who’s there before you ever get to the door.

One thing we’ve worried about a lot since my father-in-law passed away is that hubby’s mom will have a medical issue – or fall – and not have a way to call for help. We’re trying to convince her that a medical alarm system is not only peace of mind for her…but for her family as well.

Gifts to help prevent accidents

Something I worried about a lot was one of my parents taking a fall, especially at night. These outlet cover nightlights help illuminate the path to the bathroom or down the hall so that folks can see where they’re going and obstacles that might be in their path.

Falls are a major concern as our parents age. These socks have a non-skid sole to help prevent slipping on slick floors.

Okay, I know, a grab bar doesn’t sound like the most exciting gift. But bathrooms are the scene of lots of falls and a couple of well placed grab bars (by shower, tub, and toilet) make everyone feel more secure. Bonus points if you take care of installation  as part of the gift. I have taken a fall in the shower (broke my shoulder) and trust me, when you need this…you’d give anything to have it there.

Gifts to make things easier to read and use

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Large Button Universal TV Remote – end that frustration with TV remotes that have tiny buttons that no one can read. This one makes it easier for your parent to read and operate.
            2. Outdoor Thermometer with Large NumbersThis makes it easier for the parent who likes to know what’s going on with the temperature…or who likes to double check the weatherman.
            3. My mother-in-law is having lots of trouble with her eyes. But she loves to read and work puzzles. This floor lamp with light and magnifying glass allows  her to enlarge whatever she’s trying to read or work on. It’s been a life saver!
            4. Sometimes those cute little kitchen timers are too hard to read to set. This timer with large digits allows your parent to put things in the oven and still set the right amount of cooking time.

Gifts to keep your parents warm and cozy

1. This electric foot warmer is perfect for anyone who has cold tootsies. Plug it in, tuck your feet in, and toes are warm and toasty.
2. This lap sized heated throw blanket is 50″ x 60″ – perfect for curling up in a favorite chair on on the couch.
3. Anyone who gets cold in the car, even when the heater is on, will appreciate this heated car blanket. The cord is long enough that it can even be used from the back seat of the car. I may need this myself since hubby and I don’t agree on what temperature the car should be.
4. A portable personal heater can be taken to whatever room someone is in. I used to keep one under my desk at work to keep my feet warm.

Give the gift that allows parents to treat & care for themselves

Who wouldn’t love a gift certificate to allow them to treat themselves. Other gift certificates allow them to take care of personal health needs that arise for all of us. Ideas include:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • massage
                        • manicures/pedicures
                        • haircuts and other salon services
                        • dental services
                        • pharmacy goods and medicine
                        • restaurant gift cards
                        • grocery store

Service gifts make your parent’s lives easier

Lawn care is often a huge responsibility as older adults try to take care of the mowing, weeding, edging, and gardening that is required when they still live in the family home.

Many of our dads always took care of the family cars. They kept them washed, vacuumed, and maintained. As our parents get older, this may be harder for them. Joints that ache may make vacuuming and cleaning out the car difficult for folks “of a certain age.” And if Dad has already passed away, this may be a chore that Mom is completely unfamiliar with. Finding someone reliable to keep the cars cleaned and serviced can be a lifesaver for either parent.

There are many other outdoor chores that cause problems for your older parents. While it takes a little advance detective work, being able to give Mom or Dad vouchers for services like snow shoveling, tree trimming, and gutter cleaning would make a great gift to be redeemed when they have a need.

If  your parent’s house has a chimney, it’s likely that it’s been a while since it was professionally cleaned. Besides, a good chimney cleaning will help prevent fires and create a safer home environment.

Older parents may be on a limited budget which makes paying for larger home improvements more difficult. Perhaps it’s time to arrange for house painters to refresh the home’s exterior next spring or summer. Knowing now that the house will get a new coat of paint will give them time to anticipate and hopefully enjoy choosing new paint colors.

The services of a good handyman are invaluable. Whether Mom needs a light fixture replaced or Dad needs some repair done in the attic, knowing that they don’t have to worry about working these repair bills in to the budget is a gift that will always be appreciated.

Many older parents don’t have the energy, mobility, or eyesight to keep their house as clean as they used to. Arranging for a maid service to visit their house periodically for deep cleaning tasks, or regularly to take care of the daily and weekly chores, may ease a burden that lots of older people don’t even realize is becoming a problem.

Meal preparation or delivery can help you be sure that your parent is eating healthy dinners. Frequently the older adult loses interest in cooking (especially if they are widowed) and their health suffers as a result.

If making the meals isn’t a problem but getting to the grocery store is, then the ability to order grocery items online from the comfort of home can be a lifesaver for your older parents.  Your parents might appreciate a subscription to Amazon’s unlimited grocery delivery…and you might appreciate the peace of mind that comes from knowing they’re not having to drive so much.

Sometimes it’s hard for an older parent to find someone to come perform those small tasks that they need around the house in the first place. We’ve been up close and personal with the problem of being several hours away but needing to oversee household maintenance. Amazon Home Services lets you search for people to do a variety of tasks for your older parents. You simply go online, search for the service you need provided, and then schedule when it needs to take place at your parent’s house.

I was amazed at the variety of services you can arrange through this system! It’s not available in every area (small towns are a problem) but if it’s available where your parent(s) live it gives you the ability to find, schedule, and pay for the service from wherever you are.

This gives both you and your parent a priceless gift…peace of mind.

Consumable gifts don’t need dusting

Most of our parents have a house full of “stuff”. Many of them have an overabundance of stuff and are trying to downsize. They may be in the process of distributing some of their items already to heirs and the last thing they’re anxious to receive is more physical items that they have to find a place for.

That’s where consumable gifts are sometimes the perfect answer. As long as you give gifts they actually will use, then these gifts can be enjoyed while they last and then they’re not left on a shelf gathering dust.

Ideas might include:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Lotion
                        • bath soaps or body washes
                        • stamps (yes, may older parents still mail their bills and write letters)
                        • stationary and greeting cards for various occasions
                        • their favorite snacks
                        • subscriptions to their favorite newspaper or magazines
                        • puzzle books (Sudoku and Crosswords seem to be favorites among older adults)
                        • ebooks

If your parent’s eyesight is  not what it used to be, a subscription to Amazon Audible lets them listen to a variety of books of their choosing. If eyesight isn’t a problem (yay!) then a subscription to Kindle Unlimited lets them read lots and lots of books as fast as they can devour them.

Holiday shopping doesn’t have to be a chore. Hopefully these suggestions will help you find the perfect gift for the parent who doesn’t live right down the street.

Have you started shopping yet?

1. 1. • If you found this post to be helpful, please share it with your friends on Facebook or pin it to your favorite Pinterest board. And I’d love to hear your suggestions about great gift ideas for older parents.If you need more suggestions, my friend Cathy at My Side of 50 has some great suggestions too:
        1. 1. • Gifts for Elderly Fathers
              • Gifts for Elderly Mothers