Last-Minute Gifts for Boomers and Zoomers
Oh my gosh! Yesterday was Halloween and tomorrow is nearly Christmas! How did this happen?
If you’re behind on your holiday shopping, here’s a handy generation-specific gift guide for Boomers, Zoomers and in-betweeners. The sooner you finish shopping, the sooner you can celebrate peace on earth and good will toward men!
Gratifying gifts for Seniors
This generation has been clearing out and sizing down. They probably don’t want stuff for stuff’s sake, so make their gift both personal and practical.
Wireless headphones, so your loved one can crank the TV volume without making their neighbors cranky.
A printed newspaper subscription, for those who like hard news they can hold in their hands.
A year’s membership to a local museum.
A public radio donation made in their name.
Knitting supplies. Knit one, gift two!
A lovely box of gift cards or writing paper, with a sheet of pretty stamps.
A 3-D photo in a 3-D frame.
Jigsaw puzzles that aren’t too hard and aren’t too easy but are just right. (It’s about fun, not frustration.)
A portable radio.
A gift certificate to their favorite independent bookstore.
A book-reading light.
Cashmere socks, because what’s better than warm feet?
Jumbo playing cards.
A gift certificate to a favorite hair or nail salon.
A folding bed tray, for breakfast or books in bed.
A philodendron—the pretty plant that’s practically unkillable!
The promise of nice long visits, starting now!
Perfect presents for Zoomers
This generation is starting out and newly nesting. The greatest gifts are ones they both need and want.
A toaster oven, for endless avocado toast.
An instant pot.
Juicer or blender. (Find out if they prefer juice with or without pulp; that will determine which one to buy.)
French press coffee maker.
Water pik or electric toothbrush. (Good dental hygiene never takes a holiday!)
Portable non-plastic water bottle, because you can never have too many!
Gift certificate to a sneaker store.
Absorbent new bath towels with bath mat.
Rice cooker.
Electric tea kettle.
Quality earbuds. (Never too many.)
A cozy throw blanket for Netflix and chilling.
Folding bed tray, for Zooming from bed.
For the artistic of any age
What’s more fun than making art? Inspiring a loved one to bring out their inner artist. A trip to an arts or crafts store—in person or online—is a wonderland of gift ideas.
Colored pencils, pastels, watercolors or colored markers.
Paintbrushes.
Drawing paper or blank canvas.
A beautifully covered journal with an especially fine pen.
Modeling clay.
For the anxious among us
Some of us are wound more tightly than others. There’s no shame in it—but there are great gift ideas!
A weighted blanket. (They work!)
A white noise machine, to aid concentration or induce sweet slumber.
A new pet collar for a favorite comfort animal.
Adult coloring books. (Bring on the Zen!)
A lava lamp (more Zen!)
Now you’ve found the perfect gift, you can say goodbye to your holiday anxiety.
A last note: retro is in! What’s old hat to the Greatest Generation is super cool to Gen Z.
Still holding on to your working turntable and vinyl records? Have a drawerful of beaded cardigans? A set of bright Fiestaware you never use? These make fantastic gifts to younger generations who appreciate analog sound, artisanal clothes and retro kitchen ware.
Reuse, reduce, recycle and Merry, Merry Christmas from Solheim Senior Community to you!