While it’s important to check in with elderly relatives, neighbours, or friends all year long, it’s particularly important during the winter months.
Some elderly people may have a companion to enjoy cosy nights in with, but an extra visitor, or special treat is bound to brighten anyone’s day.
However, gifting someone older, who may live on their own, may just make their year, and if we can spread extra joy and happiness, why wouldn’t we?
There are plenty of gifts to buy elderly people, from puzzles, to candles, cosy knitwear, and the classic present ideas, such as food-filled hampers, or slippers, but ultimately the thought and conversation you'll bring when you gift them a special something counts for more.
LOVE SHOPPING? Sign up to the HELLO! Edit newsletter
Gifts for elderly women
A chic scarf
When it comes to shopping for elderly people, a gift to keep them warm in winter is essential and often top of our list.
This stunning, and super soft cashmere scarf, is ideal for anyone, and the wooden gift box makes it even more luxe looking. Plus it comes with an affordable price tag, which is a bonus.
Cashmere Blend Scarf In A Wooden Gift Box, £25.60, NotOnTheHighStreet
SHOP NOW
Hand warmers
Some say elderly people feel the cold more, so why not help them stay snug this winter with these rechargeable handwarmers?
Simply press a button and hold them in your hands or keep them in your pockets to beat the chill. Plus, Amazon shoppers could get this delivered ASAP with Amazon Prime, which is ideal for last minute gifts.
Hand Warmers, £25.99, Amazon
SHOP NOW
Slippers catered for elderly women
Slippers are another failsafe gift idea for any occasion.
Not only do slippers keep your feet warm and dry, but this particular design has grips on the sole to ensure your elderly pal doesn’t have any accidents.
Suede Bow Faux Fur Lined Moccasin Slippers, £22.50, M&S
SHOP NOW
Sentimental jewellery
For those who like to give a sentimental gift, a locket is a great purchase and one that will certainly touch the recipient’s heart.
This locket in particular can fit four photographs inside, which means the special elderly person in your life can keep those nearest and dearest to them close at heart at all times.
Friends And Family Personalised Locket With Photographs, £38, NotOnTheHighStreet
SHOP NOW
Afternoon tea hamper any elderly woman would love
We know the oldies love a cuppa, so why not go all out and treat them to an iconic Fortnum & Mason Cream Tea Selection hamper?
This bundle can be shared between two people, so whether they choose to dive into the selection of teas and treats with you, or their loved ones, is up to them.
The Cream Tea Selection, £100, Fortnum & Mason
SHOP NOW
Candles
Candles also make for a great treat, as they make the home extra cosy.
With that in mind we have selected a Yankee Candle’s Gift Set, which includes some of the favourite scented candles many know and love, which makes for the perfect affordable gesture.
Yankee Candle Gift, £26.50, Boots
SHOP NOW
Bedjacket for the elderly
Everyone loves to be snuggled up when it comes to bedtime - no matter your age.
One firm favourite, and bestselling item, includes this Fleece BedJacket, which can be worn when getting ready for bed, or layered over a set of pyjamas or a night dress, to keep the wearer warm at all hours.
Suzy & Me Ladies Cosy Fleece Bedjacket, £18, Etsy
SHOP NOW
Shortbread
Who doesn’t love shortbread? We can wait.
This selection tin is ideal for elderly people, especially with a hot pot of tea to wash them down.
Shortbread House of Edinburgh Shortbread Selection Tin, £15, John Lewis
SHOP NOW
Photo jigsaw puzzle
With a little extra time on their hands, elderly people tend to love a jigsaw puzzle, sudoku, or crossword - at least, we know someone who does.
Why not help someone who is slightly older while away the hours with a puzzle of their own? Plus, you can personalise this creation too.
Ravensburger Photo Jigsaw Puzzle, £12.99 (WAS £17.99), Photobox
SHOP NOW
Jar Opener for elderly relatives who struggle
Sometimes we can all struggle with certain tasks, no matter our age, so if you know someone who is on their own, nifty gadgets to make tasks a breeze is always a great gift idea.
Take this jar and bottle opener for example, which is great for those who may suffer from arthritis, or need a little extra hand when it comes to opening stubborn lids.
Jar Opener Bottle Opener, £7.25, Amazon
SHOP NOW
Photo frame
The White Company is always a great shopping destination whatever the occasion.
For those looking to gift an elderly woman a special something you are guaranteed to find the perfect gift at The White Company. While it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the impressive products on offer, we recommend a stunning photo frame.
Fine Silver Triple Aperture Hinged Photo Frame 3x3”, £35, The White Company
SHOP NOW
Gifts for elderly men
Knitted beanie hat for elderly men
When doing the daily newspaper run in winter, it is paramount to stay warm and protect yourself from the elements - no matter how old or young you are.
The solution? A cosy beanie hat, and this luxe feel cashmere design is just the ticket.
Cashmere Knitted Beanie, £14, John Lewis
SHOP NOW
Belt or braces
Elderly men still cut a dapper shape, and if you know a stylish senior then a belt or braces may be the perfect gift for them.
This leather belt is the perfect gift, or stocking filler for any male, and completes any outfit if you ask us.
35mm Roller Buckle Leather Belt, £25, John Lewis
SHOP NOW
Sofa Caddy for the elderly
We all know someone who loves nothing more than sifting through the TV programme and marking their favourite shows and films to see them through the day.
This caddy is ideal for those who need a safe space to house any papers, notes, clippings, as well as glasses, even snacks, while also protecting the arm of their sofa or armchair when it is TV time.
Timeless Faux Linen Sofa Caddy, £5 (WAS £10), Dunelm
SHOP NOW
Foot Warmer with Massage
We’ve mentioned hand warmers, but foot warmers are another hugely popular purchase for the older recipient, especially in the winter.
But this is not just a foot warmer, but massager too, perfect for those who spend hours on their feet, and want a home pamper.
It is super simple to use. All you have to do is plus in, turn up the heat and sit your tootsies inside to warm up. It’s a dream and the perfect winter comfort.
Foot Warmer with Massage, £35.69 (WAS £47.99), Amazon
SHOP NOW
Fleece Button-Up Pullover for elderly men
You can never go wrong with buying fleeces, knitwear, or sweatshirts for anyone.
Uniqlo pride itself on top quality, and insulating garments, which are both affordable and stylish, so this gift gets our seal of approval.
Fleece Button-Up Pullover, £24.90, Uniqlo
SHOP NOW
Bird Feeder
If your elderly neighbour loves nothing more than bird watching, or the outdoors, you may have struck gold with this Bird Feeder.
It can be fitted close to their window, which makes for easy observations, as well as a sort of pet for the recipient - a double whammy of a gift if you ask us.
Dewdrop Window Bird Feeder, £17.99, Debenhams
SHOP NOW
Item Finder
If you know someone who may be a little clumsy, with a tendency to misplace certain items, such as wallet, keys, glasses or phone, Tile’s item finder is a genius purchase to lend a helping hand and stop that panic, ro frustration, when something goes amiss..
All you have to do is sync the Tile to their smartphone, or even yours if you live together, place the compact design inside a wallet, or the item, which has legs of its own, so when it can’t be found you can track it’s whereabouts.
Tile Sticker, £44.33, Amazon
SHOP NOW
Reading light
What we love about elderly people is they are still traditional in their habits - most of the time.
The older generation tend to love hard copy books and reading, instead of Netflix and chilling or gaming. With that in mind, a rechargeable LED book light to make it easy for them to read the paper, or get engrossed in their book, all the better, especially in the darker winter nights.
Mighty Warm Recharge LED Book Light, £30, Argos
SHOP NOW
Slippers for elderly men
We can’t suggest slippers for elderly women without suggesting them for elderly men too.
Lands End has created a pair of Moccasin Slippers, which fit the feet like a glove and have a fur lining so they are secure on the wearer’s feet and insulating too.
Men's Suede Moccasin Slippers, £27 (Was £45), Land’s End
SHOP NOW
Radio
A radio will always be a great gift idea, but even more so when shopping for an elderly friend.
A radio can fill the silence in an empty room with songs from their favourite eras, and keep listeners up to date with all the news too. Plus, you may want to give a shout out on a radio station you know that special someone listens to to really make them smile.
Classic 993 Radio, £19.99, Currys
SHOP NOW
NOW SHOP
49 gift ideas to cheer someone up who might be going through a tough time
Gifts for grandparents to show them you care
HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.
