When my husband's Mom went into the nursing home, I realized that bringing care packages and gifts to her was a great way to help an elderly woman adapt to a place she really didn't
Discover 26 brilliant, creative and thoughtful DIY items to handcraft to donate to your local nursing home.
Looking for some appropriate gifts to take to a nursing home? Need a gift idea for a special resident on your holiday shopping list? Look no further than these ten appropriate gifts for the elderly! Whether the occasion is a holiday, a birthday, or just to say "I Love You", this list should help you with your shopping. Many of these items can be found at dollar stores, so you can combine a few for a fabulous gift basket! 1. Toiletries Toiletries such as lip balm (especially seasonal flavors!), lotion, deodorant, body spray, aftershave, etc. are always a good gift idea. Do however make sure that the recipient is not allergic and can safely have these items. Many facilities have a locking cabinet for certain toiletries to make sure they are not stolen or ingested accidentally. Go ahead and take the initiative and label bottles with the recipient's name. If you shop around, you can piece together an entire gift basket full of toiletries for half the price of pre-packaged gift sets. (Read here for ideas on making a care box or gift basket for the elderly). This gives you the opportunity to fully customize the contents--leaving out stuff that aren't needed and including things your recipient would enjoy more. 2. Stuffed Animals Most people enjoy a little love. Or at least something cute or funny to look at when they wake up in the morning (that's why we all get married, right?) Teddy bears or similar plushies can make a drab nursing home room seem a bit friendlier. Don't just grab the first stuffed toy that you see though. Try to find something that would really be appreciated. Are you buying a Christmas gift for an elder who loved cats? Then naturally, a realistic cat plushie weighted to sit on the back of a recliner would be better than a lamb or a frog or teddy bear. For those with dementia, a plushie with long hair that can be combed might be soothing. Although cute and fun to begin with, stuffed animals that sing or light up can quickly become tiresome, especially if they can't be quieted until they've finished their repertoire. If you really think a resident would like a plushie that sings or talks, make sure it has a shut-off button. 3. Attractive Blankets Fleece throws are cheap and come in a variety of colors and prints that are suitable for men or women. A fleece blanket is probably the number one gift recommendation for the elderly. Even if the person on your shopping list already has one or two, don't discount the idea of getting another. Blankets need to be laundered, and sometimes it takes a day or two for clean items to get back to the resident's rooms. Plus, nice blankets and throws also serve a decorative purpose. Having several prints and colors to choose from allows the nursing home resident the chance to change up some of their decor. We all like a change of scenery every now and then! 4. Flower Arrangement Like plushies, flowers can liven up a room. Men might not really want a bunch of silk flowers hanging around, but it is a good idea for the ladies on your list. Just make sure the container is something that can be rinsed easily if dusty (wicker isn't a great idea). Make sure the flowers look like decorative centerpieces, not cheesy "get well" flowers. Don't just make it about the flowers. Use a container that will look good throughout the seasons, and you can change out the actual flowers every so often to provide another refreshing change of scenery that is not too overwhelming. 5. Puzzles and Games Jigsaw puzzles are always popular, as are board games and puzzle books. If you are donating second-hand puzzles, make sure all the pieces are in the original box (for photo reference) and don't look tatty. Second-hand games are okay too, as long as they are in good condition and the pieces are all present. Puzzle books should be new. Games are not only entertaining. They provide a little incentive for the elderly to socialize. Some game ideas may include: Monopoly Life Dominoes Card games Jenga Checkers (Standard and Chinese) Chess Scrabble Trivia Games Backgammon The best part about board games is that even the simple ones provide an element of mental stimulation, something that could be beneficial in delaying cognitive decline. 6. Reading Books Keep an eye open at book and library sales for large print editions of books. Don't assume that the elderly only like Chicken Soup books either. I know plenty of seniors who enjoy horror, romance, biographies, and westerns too. Audio books are a wonderful alternative to print books, especially if the reader is so visually impaired that even large text is difficult to read. Audio books can be donated to an individual, or to the nursing home (along with a CD player and headphones) for everyone to enjoy. 7. Arts and Crafts Supplies or Kits Again, check with the nursing home before gifting anything that could be dangerous, and avoid anything that could cause burns (wood burning pens and hot glue guns are might not be good ideas). Also, make sure that the kits include all the supplies needed to finish the project. Don't choose something that needs the use of a kitchen, because residents will most likely not have access to the kitchen area. Shop around for kits that either fit the individual's preferences, or donate a variety of kits to the home that residents can choose from: Suncatchers Knitting and crochet supplies Plastic canvas Wooden figurines boxes, frames, and plaques to paint Plaster figures Jewelry making supplies Fly tying supplies Blank sketchpads and pencils Adult coloring books and colored pencils 8. Stationery and Other Writing Supplies Nice paper and envelopes are a terrific gift for the elderly. Be a real hero and include a book of stamps too. It can be very difficult for a nursing home resident to acquire stamps. Blank cards are also a welcome. These can be post cards, or blank greeting cards. (Remember, some seniors are unable to leave the facility to shop for birthday and holiday cards, yet they may want to send these out just as they did before they went to long-term care. They also enjoy giving their fellow residents cards for special occasions. If you are buying for a relative, you could also include a new address book, already filled in with names and addresses. One of the saddest things I saw in nursing homes were residents who had never been notified when a loved one moved or changed their phone number. Those people became as good as lost if the nursing home staff couldn't track them down. Other ideas in this category could include some nice pens and pencils, blank journals, and a nice box to keep all the supplies in. 9. Flashlight When I worked in the nursing home, flashlights and reading lights were highly requested items. For those with poor vision, a flashlight can help them locate a dropped item easily. For the person who shares a room, a flashlight or reading light is a way for them to sneak in an extra hour or so of reading or puzzles without disturbing their room-mate. There are tons of flashlights on the market. Those with LED bulbs produce a very bright light and can go longer on a set of batteries. So, unless there is a safety issue involved, a light can be a thoughtful gift. Night lights are helpful as well. They come in many decorative styles and colors, and the bulbs are inexpensive and long-lived. 10. Companionship All the trinkets in the world will not replace the best gift for the elderly in nursing homes. A visit to the facility is the most precious thing you can give to a nursing home resident. If you can't visit personally, try arranging for other people, such as church members, neighbors, friends, etc. to drop in occasionally. Physical company, conversation, hand-holding, hugs, and laughter can't be wrapped up with bows, but they will be treasured forever. *This post may contain affiliate links. Buying through my link earns me a small commission at no extra cost to you. Disclosure here.* Need more gift ideas? Check out these gift-giving guides for the elderly too! 12 Awesome Gifts for Seniors in Nursing Homes Ultimate List of Stocking Stuffers for the Elderly Here are some tips for visiting a nursing home during the holidays: Long-Term Visits Do's and Don'ts For the Holidays
If you have a friend or family member who's a nursing home or rehab resident, or jsut a homebound senior, it can be nice to…
Practical and meaningful, here is a list of useful gift ideas all elderly will apprecaite. You can also take these along to a nursing home or old age home
Gifts for elderly parents, bedridden relatives and nursing home residents. Best senior present ideas they'll love.
Many elderly people spend a lot of time alone especially after the loss of a spouse or the kids have grown and gone. Here are some gifts for lonely elderly people to help them pass the time – and feel loved.
When you are shopping for the best gifts for elderly in nursing home, you want to be as thoughtful and helpful as possible. Here are our top picks to help.
Decorating a nursing home room can help create a more personal, welcoming environment for the elderly. Read here for do's and don'ts...
When my husband's Mom went into the nursing home, I realized that bringing care packages and gifts to her was a great way to help an elderly woman adapt to a place she really didn't
Practical and meaningful, here is a list of useful gift ideas all elderly will apprecaite. You can also take these along to a nursing home or old age home
Looking for senior gift ideas? Here is a selection of gift ideas for nursing home residents for Christmas, birthdays and other occasions.
Show appreciation and support for the staff who work in your loved one's nursing home. Here are some thoughtful Gifts for Nursing Home Staff.
Discover 26 brilliant, creative and thoughtful DIY items to handcraft to donate to your local nursing home.
Housewarming Gifts
When you donate handmade cards to the Nursing Home Card Project, you will brighten the day of a senior living in a nursing home. It is a simple yet powerful way to give back to your community.
Sometimes it's nice to do a little something nice to show how much you care for them. Here are 32 gifts that are perfect for the caregiver in your life.
Trying to come up with gift ideas for Dad was always hard. Now that he resides in a nursing home,
Discover 26 brilliant, creative and thoughtful DIY items to handcraft to donate to your local nursing home.
Looking for senior gift ideas? Here is a selection of gift ideas for nursing home residents for Christmas, birthdays and other occasions.
Practical and meaningful, here is a list of useful gift ideas all elderly will apprecaite. You can also take these along to a nursing home or old age home
Looking for some appropriate gifts to take to a nursing home? Need a gift idea for a special resident on your holiday shopping list? Look no further than these ten appropriate gifts for the elderly! Whether the occasion is a holiday, a birthday, or just to say "I Love You", this list should help you with your shopping. Many of these items can be found at dollar stores, so you can combine a few for a fabulous gift basket! 1. Toiletries Toiletries such as lip balm (especially seasonal flavors!), lotion, deodorant, body spray, aftershave, etc. are always a good gift idea. Do however make sure that the recipient is not allergic and can safely have these items. Many facilities have a locking cabinet for certain toiletries to make sure they are not stolen or ingested accidentally. Go ahead and take the initiative and label bottles with the recipient's name. If you shop around, you can piece together an entire gift basket full of toiletries for half the price of pre-packaged gift sets. (Read here for ideas on making a care box or gift basket for the elderly). This gives you the opportunity to fully customize the contents--leaving out stuff that aren't needed and including things your recipient would enjoy more. 2. Stuffed Animals Most people enjoy a little love. Or at least something cute or funny to look at when they wake up in the morning (that's why we all get married, right?) Teddy bears or similar plushies can make a drab nursing home room seem a bit friendlier. Don't just grab the first stuffed toy that you see though. Try to find something that would really be appreciated. Are you buying a Christmas gift for an elder who loved cats? Then naturally, a realistic cat plushie weighted to sit on the back of a recliner would be better than a lamb or a frog or teddy bear. For those with dementia, a plushie with long hair that can be combed might be soothing. Although cute and fun to begin with, stuffed animals that sing or light up can quickly become tiresome, especially if they can't be quieted until they've finished their repertoire. If you really think a resident would like a plushie that sings or talks, make sure it has a shut-off button. 3. Attractive Blankets Fleece throws are cheap and come in a variety of colors and prints that are suitable for men or women. A fleece blanket is probably the number one gift recommendation for the elderly. Even if the person on your shopping list already has one or two, don't discount the idea of getting another. Blankets need to be laundered, and sometimes it takes a day or two for clean items to get back to the resident's rooms. Plus, nice blankets and throws also serve a decorative purpose. Having several prints and colors to choose from allows the nursing home resident the chance to change up some of their decor. We all like a change of scenery every now and then! 4. Flower Arrangement Like plushies, flowers can liven up a room. Men might not really want a bunch of silk flowers hanging around, but it is a good idea for the ladies on your list. Just make sure the container is something that can be rinsed easily if dusty (wicker isn't a great idea). Make sure the flowers look like decorative centerpieces, not cheesy "get well" flowers. Don't just make it about the flowers. Use a container that will look good throughout the seasons, and you can change out the actual flowers every so often to provide another refreshing change of scenery that is not too overwhelming. 5. Puzzles and Games Jigsaw puzzles are always popular, as are board games and puzzle books. If you are donating second-hand puzzles, make sure all the pieces are in the original box (for photo reference) and don't look tatty. Second-hand games are okay too, as long as they are in good condition and the pieces are all present. Puzzle books should be new. Games are not only entertaining. They provide a little incentive for the elderly to socialize. Some game ideas may include: Monopoly Life Dominoes Card games Jenga Checkers (Standard and Chinese) Chess Scrabble Trivia Games Backgammon The best part about board games is that even the simple ones provide an element of mental stimulation, something that could be beneficial in delaying cognitive decline. 6. Reading Books Keep an eye open at book and library sales for large print editions of books. Don't assume that the elderly only like Chicken Soup books either. I know plenty of seniors who enjoy horror, romance, biographies, and westerns too. Audio books are a wonderful alternative to print books, especially if the reader is so visually impaired that even large text is difficult to read. Audio books can be donated to an individual, or to the nursing home (along with a CD player and headphones) for everyone to enjoy. 7. Arts and Crafts Supplies or Kits Again, check with the nursing home before gifting anything that could be dangerous, and avoid anything that could cause burns (wood burning pens and hot glue guns are might not be good ideas). Also, make sure that the kits include all the supplies needed to finish the project. Don't choose something that needs the use of a kitchen, because residents will most likely not have access to the kitchen area. Shop around for kits that either fit the individual's preferences, or donate a variety of kits to the home that residents can choose from: Suncatchers Knitting and crochet supplies Plastic canvas Wooden figurines boxes, frames, and plaques to paint Plaster figures Jewelry making supplies Fly tying supplies Blank sketchpads and pencils Adult coloring books and colored pencils 8. Stationery and Other Writing Supplies Nice paper and envelopes are a terrific gift for the elderly. Be a real hero and include a book of stamps too. It can be very difficult for a nursing home resident to acquire stamps. Blank cards are also a welcome. These can be post cards, or blank greeting cards. (Remember, some seniors are unable to leave the facility to shop for birthday and holiday cards, yet they may want to send these out just as they did before they went to long-term care. They also enjoy giving their fellow residents cards for special occasions. If you are buying for a relative, you could also include a new address book, already filled in with names and addresses. One of the saddest things I saw in nursing homes were residents who had never been notified when a loved one moved or changed their phone number. Those people became as good as lost if the nursing home staff couldn't track them down. Other ideas in this category could include some nice pens and pencils, blank journals, and a nice box to keep all the supplies in. 9. Flashlight When I worked in the nursing home, flashlights and reading lights were highly requested items. For those with poor vision, a flashlight can help them locate a dropped item easily. For the person who shares a room, a flashlight or reading light is a way for them to sneak in an extra hour or so of reading or puzzles without disturbing their room-mate. There are tons of flashlights on the market. Those with LED bulbs produce a very bright light and can go longer on a set of batteries. So, unless there is a safety issue involved, a light can be a thoughtful gift. Night lights are helpful as well. They come in many decorative styles and colors, and the bulbs are inexpensive and long-lived. 10. Companionship All the trinkets in the world will not replace the best gift for the elderly in nursing homes. A visit to the facility is the most precious thing you can give to a nursing home resident. If you can't visit personally, try arranging for other people, such as church members, neighbors, friends, etc. to drop in occasionally. Physical company, conversation, hand-holding, hugs, and laughter can't be wrapped up with bows, but they will be treasured forever. *This post may contain affiliate links. Buying through my link earns me a small commission at no extra cost to you. Disclosure here.* Need more gift ideas? Check out these gift-giving guides for the elderly too! 12 Awesome Gifts for Seniors in Nursing Homes Ultimate List of Stocking Stuffers for the Elderly Here are some tips for visiting a nursing home during the holidays: Long-Term Visits Do's and Don'ts For the Holidays
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure here. Hello, my friends! Quite a few of you wanted to see a Nursing Stocking Stuffers for your last minute holiday shopping. I’m not going to lie- I was dying to do this one too. Who doesn’t love a cute stocking stuffer?! Well, today I am sharing with you 25 nursing stocking stuffers ideas that as of today, December 19th, will still arrive BEFORE Christmas! Woot woot. Not sure how long they will be available for arrival before christmas so act fast if you want to include any of these in your loved ones stocking. This guide always works great if you want to get some nursing students or nursing co-workers small, thoughtful and/or some funny gifts too! Let’s jump into it. I don’t know what it is about these pens but I have been loving them. Not only are they super nice and classy but they write so smooth. They come in a pack of 6 so you can give all 6 to a loved one or give one to each nurse in their “stocking” or goodie bag. Plus, we all know nurses ALWAYS need pens! These mini highlighters can be attached to your badge reel. Uhhhh, yes please! Not only will it never get lost but you can highlight pending tasks, abnormal levels, things you need to tell the doctor, and more as you go with the comfort of it being on your badge. Great nursing stocking stuffers for sure. Now more than ever EVERYONE needs a small pocket lotion. Handwashing is constant in nursing and our hands can get pretty dry. Having some lotion really helps bring back moisture and the lavender sent of this particular cream helps us stay calm and relax during a busy, crazy shift. Another must have nursing stocking stuffers are these mini permanent markers that attach to your badge reel. Mini permanent markers are a necessity for nurses or nursing students. Honestly, I don’t even remember nursing life without a permanent marker and I don’t want to! This has transformed my life. I use permanent markers to mark my IV bags or to quickly write something down. These coloring pencils and coloring nursing book are awesome to not only help relax and disconnect but gives it a funny take on the life of a nurse. Fun meets relaxation in one book! I’m serious… coloring can be very therapeutic for many people. I love this. Thought this was a funny little “gag gift” for a nursing stocking stuffers idea but at the same time one of those gifts you get and actually use! hahaha… Nobody likes using the bathroom at work but have this handy and you won’t ever have to worry about someone going in right after you and you feeling embarrassed. It’s a great little stocking stuffer believe it or not. It fits right into your scrub pocket so no one knows you are taking it in with you. It’s also a great gift to buy for the unit in general. You can keep it in the bathroom and everyone can use it. If you want to add something with a little more value and thought to your nurse’s or nursing student’s stocking then this keychain says it all. Nursing is a work of heart… that is very true! This is perfect to add to keys, work keys (if this gift is for a nursing manager or any nurse that carries keys) or a nurse who might want to add it to a badge reel as well. These headbands are perfect for nurses and nursing students to get their hair out of their face. Last thing we want is our hair to touch the patient while we are performing a skill or assessment. Am I right?! Especially in our current pandemic it is crucial to have these headbands. The great thing about them is they actuall have buttons so you can tie your mask around! Must have gift. How cute are these badge reels? I love them! I’ve included a set of 3 incase you want to get a few different styles or if you just want to add a single one in that stocking! Reels are always needed even if your nurse friend or nursing student already has one. Another cute stocking stuffer are these medical themed socks. Everyone loves fun socks but nurses… we REALLY love fun socks (especially if you work in pediatrics!) Fun socks for the WIN. This is such a cute idea. A chapstick holder for your badge so you can remember to hydrate and not look like a dehydrated zombie… hahahah okay jk. But it is a super cute idea! Add in a chapstick or lip balm of your choice to complete this awesome nursing stocking stuffers gift. Hey! Nurses can have fun too… Love these can coozies for any nurse who enjoys a drink after their long shift. This works awesome for sodas or juices that come in a can too! Okay, so I’m a huge fan of nurse pouches. I have so many things I can use them for. Number 1- every nurse needs a personal pouch for their personal things (if you know what I mean). I’m talking about tampons, pads, or any emergency equipment you might need during your shift. These pouches can also serve as a quick makeup bag incase you want to touch up during your shift (we still have to look somewhat put together lol) or as a pen/ supplies pouch. You can put your penlight, pens, and maybe even your stethoscope in here. More fun pens AND erasable highlighter! These are so cute… they have a syringe look in different colors. Pens that give you different messages and erasable highlighter? I have NEVER heard of that in my life. That sounds like a pretty unique and cool gift. I think it’s a fun way to celebrate nursing. Okay, so this is probably one of my favorites. Nursing themed scrunchies. OMG! These are adorable and great for a quick stocking stuffer. Every nurse with long hair needs a scrunchie. Super unique and great buy for a nurse or nursing student. These little pocket notebooks are great for new nurses and nursing students who are still learning a lot and jotting things down. Actually, it’s perfect for any nurse! What I like about it is that nursing students can jot down any question they have so they don’t forget or information for their care plans. The great thing about this is it is POCKET SIZED so it fits comfortable inside your scrub pocket. We love pocket sized supplies in nursing. And last but not least, I just had to add this life hacks calendar. How cool is this calendar that literally gives you daily life hacks?! I love this. I’m always trying to find life hacks or any tips and tricks to make life easier. Although this is the only item that doesn’t arrive BEFORE christmas I had to share it because I got so excited when I saw it. Maybe you will too… Well friends… that’s all I’ve got for you today and I think they were some pretty great nursing stocking stuffers in here. What would YOU like to get as a stocking stuffer gift? Do you have any other ideas? Share them with our fam below! ’till next time, The RN Educator
When my husband's Mom went into the nursing home, I realized that bringing care packages and gifts to her was a great way to help an elderly woman adapt to a place she really didn't
Discover 26 brilliant, creative and thoughtful DIY items to handcraft to donate to your local nursing home.
Looking for senior gift ideas? Here is a selection of gift ideas for nursing home residents for Christmas, birthdays and other occasions.
Practical and meaningful, here is a list of useful gift ideas all elderly will apprecaite. You can also take these along to a nursing home or old age home
Nursing home employees assist our loved ones during difficult times in their lives—why not thank them with something special? The suggestions in this article range from dessert platters to personalized mugs to potted plants for the staff room.
Gifts for caregivers and the elderly.
Are you looking for a gift for a senior citizen? Here are the most amazing gifts for seniors they'll surely love.
Discover 26 brilliant, creative and thoughtful DIY items to handcraft to donate to your local nursing home.
Looking for senior gift ideas? Here is a selection of gift ideas for nursing home residents for Christmas, birthdays and other occasions.
39 Best bed rest gift ideas that are practical, last longer than a bouquet of flowers and convey your love and support for your loved one who is bedridden.
Practical and meaningful, here is a list of useful gift ideas all elderly will apprecaite. You can also take these along to a nursing home or old age home
Mother's Day Gifts for Nursing Home Residents is the perfect gift guide for you to find your mom a great gift. These presents will make her heart smile.
Get your kids involved in a nursing home service project by coloring and delivering cards to the residents! Free printable card links included.
Choosing a gift for seniors can be tricky, especially because you just cannot buy them regular gifts like a pair of high heels or a tie. Instead, you must look for somethin...
You want an elderly-friendly gift to take to the nursing home. But you are clueless? This gift guide is for you!
When my husband's Mom went into the nursing home, I realized that bringing care packages and gifts to her was a great way to help an elderly woman adapt to a place she really didn't
Discover 26 brilliant, creative and thoughtful DIY items to handcraft to donate to your local nursing home.
Pocket hugs make a great gift for the one you love. Kids, the elderly and any age in between would love receiving a token of your love. Each one comes with a poem card too.
Discover 26 brilliant, creative and thoughtful DIY items to handcraft to donate to your local nursing home.
Looking for senior gift ideas? Here is a selection of gift ideas for nursing home residents for Christmas, birthdays and other occasions.
Practical and meaningful, here is a list of useful gift ideas all elderly will apprecaite. You can also take these along to a nursing home or old age home
