Struggling to find a holiday gift for an older adult? An experience gift might be the solution. These ideas will help you get started.

Finding a meaningful holiday gift for a senior loved one isn’t always easy. Many seem to have everything they want and need already. If an older adult has moved to a senior living community, they may have limited space for storing belongings and seasonal items.

What can you do to show an older adult your love and gratitude this holiday season?

As we grow older, family gatherings and the gift of time often take on new meaning. An experience gift might be the ideal solution this year.

The Gift of Time This Holiday Season

Unlike the tangible gifts typically given during the holidays, experience gifts involve spending time together. Here are a few suggestions to help you come up with an experience gift for your senior loved one.

  • Pampering time: Schedule some spa time for the ladies in the family to enjoy together. Whether during or after the holidays, a spa day can give everyone a chance to relax and recharge. Most salons offer a variety of options ranging from pedicures and manicures to facials and makeovers.
  • Movie night: Start a new tradition. Sometime during the holiday season, plan a move night for everyone in the family. New movies often debut in theatres around the holidays, so there should be a variety of family-friendly movies to consider. If going out isn’t an option, host a movie night at home. This can be just as much fun. Show a holiday movie that several generations of the family can enjoy together, such as The Grinch Who Stole Christmas or Home Alone.
  • Talent show: While this idea might take a bit more time, it can be fun for everyone involved. Organize a talent show and encourage family members to participate in some way. Designate one or two outgoing loved ones to emcee the event. Those who are more reserved can help with planning if they prefer. Faraway family members, who can’t be there in person, can video their talent to be played during the event.
  • Sports night: Another idea for a senior who is a sports fan is to organize an outing to watch a local team. From minor league baseball to major league basketball, sports events are fun for people of all ages. Whether it’s a Saturday afternoon or a weeknight, varying times can make it easier on family schedules. If the senior has a mobility challenge, most arenas can make accommodations if you call ahead.
  • Craft party: Working on craft projects is another fun way for several generations to spend time together. While many of them don’t require special talents, the different generations may teach each other new skills. You can purchase craft kits at a local hobby store. These can range from bird houses to handprint garden stones and stained-glass sun catchers.

The idea behind experience gifts is to find ways for families to spend time making memories.

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