8 Best Gift Ideas for Older Women
Written by Ari Parker — Updated: Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Finding the perfect gift for the older woman in your life can be a challenge for various reasons. Elderly women may have more specific interests and needs, making it more difficult to choose the best present. Whether you’re shopping for your mother, grandmother, aunt, or close friend, we’ve compiled a list of thoughtful gifts that will make shopping a little bit easier. Bring joy to the older woman in your life with this list of gifts!
1. Jewelry
No matter how many times you receive it, jewelry is always a gift that feels special. Consider gifting something timeless, like a simple necklace, bracelet, or pair of earrings. Opt for quality materials like pearls, sterling silver, or gold. If this gift is for her birthday, try to find jewelry that highlights her birthstone. Be mindful of any allergies, sensitivities, or preferences your loved one has, especially because our skin can become more sensitive as we age. Rings, bracelets, and necklaces may not be the best option if she has a health condition, like arthritis, that makes it more difficult to wear or put on jewelry.
2. Experiences
Some senior women prefer experiences over material possessions. Gifting an experience is a great way to show the woman in your life that you care without a physical present. Take time to research experiences that cater to her interests or give her the opportunity to try something new. Some fun experiences to consider include cooking classes, live theater performances, a spa day, or a group camping trip. The best part of giving an experience is that she can create memories that will outlast any physical item. If you want, you can also gift an activity you can do together, giving both of you something to look forward to.
3. Personalized Keepsakes
One of the best ways to elevate a gift is by personalizing it. You can engrave a piece of jewelry with an important date or monogram a blanket with her initials. Etsy is a great place to shop for personalized items with different styles and options. Not only do they have hundreds of items, but many are affordable too! Don’t be afraid to flex your creative talents too. Go above and beyond—make something with your hands if you know how to knit, crochet, or build something. Personalized gifts show the older woman in your life that you put thought and care into the present. Wrapping it nicely in a gift box can add a nice touch too.
4. Photos of Loved Ones
Few things hold as much sentimental value as photos of loved ones. You can gift photos in a lot of different creative ways, like compiling photos into a photo album, creating a custom collage, or enlarging a photo onto a canvas.
I’ve given a digital photo frame to several women in my life, and they’ve all loved them! With a digital frame, you can regularly upload new photos from afar, so she doesn’t miss a thing. A digital frame is a great gift for a woman in your life who lives far away and likes to keep up to date on what you’re doing. It’s also perfect for a grandma who loves to receive family photos of her grandkids.
5. Games and Activities
Games and activities are great gifts for a variety of older women. Consider a complex puzzle for the older woman who wants to stay mentally active. You can even customize a puzzle with your favorite photo of her as a fun surprise! If she recently retired and has more time on her hands, a DIY craft or art kit can be a good gift to kick-start an interest in a new hobby.
For the ultimate gift, consider combining games and activities with an experience. Buy her some multiplayer board games and arrange a game night with friends and family, complete with snacks and refreshments. If you’re unsure what games she might like, Monopoly, Clue, Ticket to Ride, and Codenames are all great options that most people enjoy. With this gift, she’ll walk away with a new board game and lasting memories with her loved ones.
6. Essentials for her hobby
The older woman in your life probably has a few hobbies that take up her time, especially if she’s retired. Finding a gift that supports her interests can make her feel very appreciated. Regardless of her hobby, make sure to do your research and find recommendations for essential tools, accessories, or supplies related to her favorite pastime.
Below are some common hobbies and gift ideas:
Gardening: gift her some supportive gardening tools for limited mobility, stylish planters, or unique plants from a local plant nursery
Cooking: get her some gourmet or exotic ingredients, specialty cookware, or a professional knife set
Reading: if she’s a bookworm, she’ll appreciate a subscription to the book-of-the-month club or a Kindle e-reader preloaded with new titles
No matter what her hobby is, providing her with the essentials that support her interests is a thoughtful way to show that you value her.
7. Practical gifts
Whether or not you’re buying for an older adult, sometimes the best gifts are useful gifts. Maybe you noticed something that your loved one has been talking about getting for a while—a new set of kitchen cookware or a weighted blanket. Choosing gifts that serve a purpose, such as comfortable clothing, food items, or household goods, demonstrates that you understand her needs and listen to her.
8. Gift cards
You can always go the more straightforward route and get a gift card for the older woman in your life. A gift card can also be a thoughtful gift if you know which places she likes to shop at or if you want to give her options to shop at a new place you think she’d like. You may not always know her specific tastes, so giving her the flexibility to choose from a wide range of options can empower her to pick what she wants.
Finding the perfect gift for the older woman in your life doesn't have to be daunting. By choosing thoughtful and meaningful presents that reflect her unique personality and interests, you can show her just how much you care about her.