By Susan M. Keenan ©2007

How does one decide what to give the senior citizens in his or her life as meaningful, useful, and desirable gifts? Although this is usually a very personal decision, a few helpful tips can make this an easier process.

Tips And Pointers

Try to discover what hobbies the person has as well as whether these are new hobbies or not. You should also find out how serious the hobby is for her. Purchase one or two of the more expensive items to give as a gift or purchase several items in the lower price range and give them together

• See if you can find out if the person has any short-term goals through a conversation her close friends or other relatives. Purchase items that might help the individual realize her goal. For example, if her goal is to get caught up on her bills, consider prepaid credit cards, prepaid phone cards, or gift certificates to a local supermarket.
• Try to find out any of the long-term goals the individual might have through a conversation her close friends or other relatives. Purchase items that might help the individual realize her long-term goal. For example, if her goal is to take a vacation in the near future, purchase tickets to events located at the destination for the dates that she will be visiting there.
• Find out what her favourite foods, snacks, and restaurants are as well as any dietary restrictions that might exist for her. Purchase gift certificates for stores that carry the items or for the restaurants that she frequents.
• If you know what cultural heritage exists for her, look for gifts relating to this. Purchase things that will be useful either for practical reasons or entertainment value.
• Take a trip down memory lane for the person by finding out where her early roots are and where she grew up. Look for books, paintings, or movies about some of the highlights of the location.

Buying gifts for someone is rarely an easy task, unless of course, you have a pre written list given to you by the individual. In many cases, you can take a walk through the person’s home and get an idea of what might make a good gift idea. In other cases, you need to take a closer look by following some of the above suggestions. Whatever you do, include gift receipts whenever possible, just in case she needs to return an item.