Gift Ideas For Senior Citizens Perplexing You? 5 Tips to Finding the Perfect Gift For Baby Boomers

Gift ideas for senior citizens can be perplexing. Not to worry, I have 5 tips to help you find the perfect gift for seniors citizens in your life. Many gift givers have the perception that as we age, we have accumulated everything we need in life. In some case that may be so, but, just because we are getting older, does not mean we don't enjoy or appreciate a meaningful and well thought out gift.

Tip #1 As we age, our needs change. Our thoughts focus on our past, what we accomplished, what we wanted to do, but postponed due to life's responsibilities that came our way. Many fondly recall the dreams, plans and hopes of their youth. There are many that have things in their life that they miss or wish they had a chance to do. Now, because of their age, they think that this is no longer a possibility. Trust me, there is a gift giving idea in those postponed dreams and plans. And all you have to do is discover what they are.

Tip # 2 Every aging senior has different personalities, lifestyles, interests, financial and health situations. This should be considered when exploring gift giving options.

Take time to consider the senior adult for whom you want to choose the perfect gift.

Are they an active senior, with lots of ability to get around independently?
Are they involved in church, community or group activities?
Do they live alone?
Do they have limited access to social functions or activities due to illness or inability to drive? What keeps them from getting out an about?
Do they have hobbies or outside interests?
Have they had a change in their physical or mental abilities that has affected their lifestyle?
Are they able to take care of their home environment, yard or pets?
Is their financial situation a problem or is money never a concern?
Are they an individual that is open to trying new things? Or are they an individual set in their ways?

More Gift Ideas for Senior Citizens Perplexing You? 5 Tips to Finding the Perfect Gift for Baby Boomers...

Tip #3 To accomplish the goal of finding the perfect gift for the aging senior in your life will take a little thought and exploration on your part. Take time in your everyday conversations to ask questions about the past and the present interests. Make this a part of your regular conversation. Gift ideas will present themselves.
Don't hesitate to ask "Is there any thing that you wished you had done?"
"Is there any thing that you miss doing or would like to do some day?"
"Have you ever considered ________(this may be dancing lessons, painting, doing wood working, trying a computer etc) ?"

Tip # 4 If you have done your exploration, you should have come up with some great gift ideas. Or maybe you still feel stuck on finding the perfect gift. Now it is time to be creative. If you have assessed the aging senior's situation, you can determine what is important to them. Would they benefit from some special one on one time with you?
Spending uninterrupted and unrushed time, to do something that your aging senior will enjoy, not only will be appreciated, but will have the benefit of creating a memory for you and your aging senior.
If they are an active senior, they may be open to trying something new and different. You may want to plan a trip or activity that would be fun. Don't forget that learning is a lifelong activity. Check out the local colleges, YMCA's and online courses that may be of interest to your aging senior. You may be able to introduce a new hobby or activity that will improve or maintain mind and physical fitness.

Tip #5 Do not discount home made gifts or projects. Plan a family project where the entire family can get involved. You may want to create a family tree, organize family pictures. Create a slide show with old family pictures and have your senior incorporate family stories behind those pictures. Or create a video of your aging senior talk about the family history. This could be an on going project with a planned family debut. Plan a party and 'red carpet' event for the entire family to view.

Finding gift ideas for seniors can give you an opportunity to learn and create a stronger bond between you. Finding a gift for baby boomers is giving something needed, something wanted or something they have longed for, but never expressed. Given with lots of love, will make it the "perfect" gift.