Searching for the perfect presents for aging parents can be challenging, especially since the standard gifts may not be quite as appropriate. Just buying a bag of Werther’s Originals and calling it a day won’t cut it. And forget about that popular fruit-of-the-month club you may have seen on Everybody Loves Raymond. It’s time to get a little more creative and a lot more practical. I’ve rounded up a list of 10 useful and unique gifts for aging parents that are still available for purchase in time for Christmas.
GreenicPlug-in night-lights from Greenic are affordable, simple, and practical. These lights activate only when they detect motion, making them ideal for late-night trips to the bathroom or any situation where a little light is needed. Moreover, these night-lights glow a pleasant blue, providing enough light for navigation without disrupting anyone else. $10 at Amazon
Healthy SeniorsStruggling to open jars can be even more difficult for those with weak grips or arthritic hands. This simple jar opener eliminates the frustration entirely. Just place it over a jar, press a button, and voilà – even the toughest lids pop off. $20 at Amazon
AmazonConsider getting any Amazon Echo device as a gift for your parents. With Alexa, you can ask for news and weather reports, music and podcasts, jokes, and even control smart-home devices. Including lights and door locks. Amazon’s optional Alexa Together service can handle caregiving services like medication reminders and fall alerts. This Dot includes a clock, making it an essential bedside companion. $60 at Amazon
AmazonEcho Show 10 offers all the aforementioned Alexa benefits with the additional feature of a 10-inch screen atop a rotating base that also serves as a powerful speaker. It’s perfect for video calls with friends and family, where the screen can pivot as you move around to stay in view. The Show 10 also serves as a digital photo frame, YouTube viewer, information hub, security camera, and mini-TV. $250 at Amazon
RokuManaging all the different streaming apps and services can be surprisingly complex, especially for older individuals. Roku’s Ultra, with its user-friendly remote and voice-command button, makes life even easier. It includes a headphone jack for private listening, programmable shortcut buttons, and even a lost-remote finder. The Ultra can easily integrate with any existing cable-box setup. $99 at Walmart
TileA Tile Pro tracker is indispensable for every keychain, purse, and bag. In case something goes missing, just fire up the Tile smartphone app to help locate it, including the ability to make the phone ring even if it’s set to silent. $91 at Amazon
AuraThe AuravCarver is the ultimate gift for aging parents. It offers an endless slideshow of beloved memories, with new photos arriving from friends and family as if by magic. Perfect for preloading with images and preconfiguring it for the recipient’s Wi-Fi network. $149 at Amazon|$150 at Walmart
ZVOXZvox’s soundbar not only improves sound quality but also boosts hard-to-hear dialogue. This model is designed for smaller rooms and TVs. $170 at Amazon
AppleAn Apple Watch offers irregular-heartbeat detection, fall detection, and emergency SOS. It also provides notifications, reminders, and real-time navigation. $249 at Amazon|$229 at Walmart
roborockRoborock’s Q8 Max+ is a high-suction vacuum that empties its own dustbin when it’s done, and doubles as a mop for kitchen floors. $820 at Amazon
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for gifts for aging parents, car lovers, the young, nurses, and more, we’ve got your holiday shopping list covered with fantastic gift ideas. Additionally, there are gift ideas for seniors on AOL, including perfect presents for moms, dads, teens, and toddlers. Visit Yahoo’s holiday gift ideas section for more options!