Gifts for the Elderly - Focus on Puzzles, Books, Television and Movies

The elderly mind needs stimulation just as we all do so giving the elderly gifts like puzzles, books, movies and fun TV shows is a great way to keep your favorite senior citizen's mind busy.

While I was caring for my elderly Mom, I was frequently in a quandary about choosing the right gifts for the elderly senior citizen. i think I did a pretty good job of keeping her happy and entertained, but that might have had more to do with our wonderful cocktail hours than the gifts I found for my elderly Mom. Maybe not though.

During the years Mom lived with me, I bought (and sold) a lot of items I thought would be good gifts for the elderly but just weren't. Included in this list was a gift basket of nuts (don't do it...), a new 'fangled' television that she (nor I) could figure out how to turn on, a few new telephones when the old ones worked fine...The one thing that I never struck out on was finding nice books, movies and television programs which I've included here in this Squidoo article.

I've sort of carved out a niche with caregiving for the elderly articles, and, for your amusement (or maybe not), I'll sprinkle them throughout this Gifts for the Elderly article.

And, as Christmas 2012 approaches, I'm struck by the fact that my Mom won't physically be here with me this year. She died in February, 2012 at the ripe old age of 95. I do have a lot of things to remind me of her though, like her butterfly hair clip that I wear every once in a while. That was an excellent gift for a senior citizen. She wore it 5 full years, every day and now I wear it when I need to feel especially close to her.

gifts for grandparents / elderly / senior citizens / large piece puzzles / jigsaw puzzles / gifts for grandma / gifts for grandpa

Photo credited to Amazon.com.

As mentioned above, large piece jigsaw puzzles make it easier to see and handle the pieces for elderly folks. The below are all beautiful jigsaw puzzles sure to please any of your favorite senior citizens. And, these are either 300 or 500 pieces so these jigsaw puzzles won't be overwhelming to do.

Ravensburger Rooftop GardenCHECK PRICE

Ravensburger Secret SanctuaryCHECK PRICE

Ravensburger Sunlit ShoresCHECK PRICE

Let the elderly tell their own story.

Why not give your elderly loved one a gift that gives back? These memory books have pages and pages of good questions to provoke thought and leave information about your loved one's daily life 'back in the day.' What a wonderful Valentine's Day present for someone you love.

The Story of a Lifetime: A Keepsake of Personal MemoirsCHECK PRICE

Memories for My GrandchildCHECK PRICE

Memories for my GrandchildCHECK PRICE

Grandparents JournalCHECK PRICE

Grandparents' Memory Book: Did You Really Walk Five Miles to School?CHECK PRICE

Grandmother's Treasures: Reflections and RemembrancesCHECK PRICE

I would sometimes pick up this book and read a short story or two to my Mom while we sat outside during happy hours. Those really were some 'happy hours' and I'm so much richer for having the memories.

Create you own memory with your favorite senior citizen.

Just because they're elderly doesn't mean that your favorite senior citizen shouldn't get a bit of exercise. These DVDs are full of easy, low impact exercises that are perfect for your senior citizen friend.

Another great gift idea for a senior citizen

My Mom loved the old musicals that she grew up with, like Meet Me In St. Louis or Show Boat so, when I saw musical collection DVD sets, I knew I had her Christmas (Hanukkah really...) present ready to go.

Why not set up your own movie night dates with your senior citizen friend? Bring the popcorn, the twizzlers, and pop in a DVD.

Musicals Classics 50 Movie Pack Collection CHECK PRICE

Even at 95 years of age, my Mom loved watching and listening to Dean Martin. I was in agreement with her - he was 'da bomb' and not just to senior citizens (I love him too - wait...am I a senior citizen??).

This is the ultimate collection and it sure is! Includes over 32 hours of classic TV along with a whole host of musical guests (335 performances in all). This Dean Martin collection will be a sure hit under the Christmas tree this year.

The Best of the Dean Martin Variety Show: Dean's Ultimate CollectionCHECK PRICE

You can't beat these three DVD collections if you want to put a smile on a senior citizen's face. All three of these are classics.

The Carol Burnett Show: Carol's FavoritesCHECK PRICE

Dean Martin Variety Show UncutCHECK PRICE

The Jack Paar CollectionCHECK PRICE

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I hope you were able to find that perfect Christmas gift or stocking stuffer for your favorite elderly loved one. I thought about my Mom the whole time I was putting this article together - and I smiled a lot.

If you'd like to read about my 5 years caring for my Mom, come see my blog Gertie's Galavants - Travels with my 95 year old Mom. We had a wonderful ride!