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28 Thoughtful Gifts for Seniors They'll Actually Want

This mix of practical and sentimental picks is just right.

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Good Housekeeping

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The truth is, most seniors will have everything they practically want or need. But they'd still appreciate anything that'll make their everyday easier or tug at their heartstrings. Whether you're looking for a retirement gift or need a gift for the grandparents, we came up with a list of over two dozen gift ideas for seniors. To make sure we covered all the bases, we included practical and nostalgic picks, plus a few tech, fashion and comfort gifts.

Whatever your goal for the present may be, these tried-and-tested, top-rated gift ideas should meet the mark. They come recommended by experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute and gift editors — plus we included some top gifts GH readers love.

1

Solar Outdoor Garden Statue

On Sale
Solar Outdoor Garden Statue

If their garden is their pride and joy, this solar statue will make a great addition. It'll charge up in the sun during the day to create beautiful mood lighting at night (it should remain lit for at least 8 hours once it's fully charged). Bonus points if they're obsessed with turtles!

2

'The New York Times' Custom Birthday Book

'The New York Times' Custom Birthday Book

They likely grew up reading The New York Times, so a custom birthday book featuring its famous front pages throughout history — on their special day — might be just the perfect gift. It contains between 52-110 pages, depending on the selected date.

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3
Best Value Cloud Slides

rosyclo Cloud Slippers

Cloud Slippers
Now 40% Off
Credit: rosyclo

If they've complained about foot pain, bring them some relief with these unisex EVA foam slippers. Amazon reviewers describe the feeling of wearing them as "walking on clouds." These slippers also come in a ton of fun colors, so you can pick their favorite.

RELATED: Best Pillow Cloud Slides That TikTok Cannot Get Enough Of

4

Digital Picture Frame

On Sale
Digital Picture Frame

Available in black and white, this digital picture frame makes for a lovely sentimental gift if they're not the most tech-savvy. It's compatible with both Android and iPhone devices and displays in portrait or landscape mode. "Bought this product for my grandma because all of her grandchildren were off to college and with her struggles with texting, I thought this could be a great gift for her. She loves it and it is very easy to use, even without understanding technology well," one Amazon buyer shares.

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5

Auto Cane

Amazon’s Choice
Auto Cane

This aluminum cane, available in blue or purple, will come in handy for senior drivers. The grab bar fits perfectly into the hook of the car door, providing support as they enter and exit. "Works really well, especially when exiting the car. My mom's physical therapist recommended we try it and it worked so well that I bought two," one Amazon reviewer writes.

6

Couch Cup Holder Tray

Couch Cup Holder Tray

Made of silicone, this cup holder and tray securely attach to the arm of the sofa to cut down on spills, giving their cup or mug a home while they lounge. There's also a spot for small essentials, such as their phone, remote or snacks. If grey/beige isn't in their palette, the organizer also comes in four other colors.

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7

Candle Warmer Lamp

On Sale
Candle Warmer Lamp

With this elegant candle warmer lamp, she won't have to worry about flames. She can safely enjoy all of her favorite candles, whether she's partial to florals, gourmand scents or tropical picks. Plus, she can easily adjust the brightness level or put it on a timer.

RELATED: Best Candle Warmers for a Cozy Feel Without the Flame

8

Wooden Birthday Calendar

Wooden Birthday Calendar
Credit: Joy-Leo

Here's a sweet way to help them keep track of family birthdays. The wooden sign comes with 100 blank tokens for them to write on and attach to the correct month. One Amazon shopper shared: "This is an amazing idea. Not only did mom love it, the whole family loves it. We have a very large family & it was difficult for her to keep track of everyone’s birthdays. No more filling out a calendar every year & hoping you remembered everyone."

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9

COMFIER Wireless Hand Massager

On Sale
Wireless Hand Massager

A great gift if they suffer from carpal tunnel or other hand issues, this wireless hand massager features three different modes and heat settings for a truly relaxing experience.

10

I Wrote a Book About You

I Wrote a Book About You

Over 18,000 Amazon reviewers have purchased this sweet fill-in-the-blank book, which includes thoughtful prompts to tell them just how much they're loved. The best part? It's a gift that works for any occasion.

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11

Tile by Life360 Mate Tracker

On Sale
by Life360 Mate Tracker

Whether they want to keep track of their luggage or their car keys, they can tack this little Tile on like a keychain. Our Lab pros found that it was easy to set up and use.

12
Nearly 20,000 Five-Star Reviews

Freshcut Paper Pop Up Bouquet Card

Pop Up Bouquet Card

More unique than a traditional card, she'll love this pop-up birds of paradise and lotus blossom bouquet. It's perfect for any occasion, made of recyclable paper and comes in several other lively designs.

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13

Warmies Unisex Slippers

Unisex Slippers

If you want to give them something cozy, look no further than these faux fur unisex slippers that come in a one-size-fits-most measurement. They're microwaveable and packed with dried lavender buds for calming aromatherapy.

RELATED: Best Slippers for Women

14
Gift Under $20

Microwave Heating Pad

Microwave Heating Pad

For the dedicated cat parent who also suffers from sore muscles, this microwaveable heating pad will be a hit. It's filled with flaxseed and lavender to put them at ease. One review writes: "I absolutely love this heating pad. I bought it to use after surgery. It definitely did the job & well!!! Also love that it's a little bit weighted."

RELATED: Best Heating Pads

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15

200 Conversation Starters for Grandparents

200 Conversation Starters for Grandparents

This gift doubles as a bonding experience for the whole family. From their favorite memories to memorable childhood moments, it includes 200 conversation starters for grandparents to share key life experiences with their children and grandchildren.

16

Microwaveable Therapy Mittens

On Sale
Microwaveable Therapy Mittens

These microwaveable therapy mittens are the ultimate self-care gift, especially for someone with cold hands due to poor circulation. She can pop them in the microwave to heat and enjoy the lush benefits of lavender aromatherapy whenever she needs to warm up and unwind.

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17

Glass Hummingbird Feeder

On Sale
Glass Hummingbird Feeder
Now 29% Off
Credit: Muse Garden

Nana will love looking out her window at this beautiful glass hummingbird feeder, complete with a metal base and gasket to prevent nectar from leaking. Amazon reviewers are calling it "giftable" and a "good value" for the money, as it's lead-free and comes with a hanging mount.

RELATED: Best Gifts for Bird Lovers

18

Women's Fleece Poncho

Amazon’s Choice
Women's Fleece Poncho
Now 26% Off
Credit: EzrAllora

Made for lounging or staying toasty during neighborhood walks, Amazon reviewers are calling this soft fleece "warm and snuggly." It features two spacious front pockets, so she can keep her essentials within reach.

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19

magic Opener Arthritis Bottle Opener

Arthritis Bottle Opener

Made for those with waning grip, this two-pack of bottle openers will help them unfasten a variety of kitchen and household items. Between the Magic Opener Plus and Magic Opener Mini, these gadgets can fit up to 16 different cap sizes, per the brand. They also feature built-in magnets so you can stick them on your fridge.

20
Over 34,000 Ratings On Amazon

Magnifying Glass

Amazon’s Choice
Magnifying Glass

If they're not seeing as well as they used to, this magnifying glass will make for a great practical gift. It magnifies up to 30x to help them read pesky, small fonts and even includes built-in lights to read in the dark.

Headshot of Cailey Lindberg
Cailey Lindberg
Commerce Editor, Gifts & Lifestyle

Cailey Lindberg (she/her) is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience covering products, lifestyle, entertainment and food. Before joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, she was a staff writer at USA Today's shopping network, Reviewed.com. 

Headshot of Kate Franke
Kate Franke
Editorial Assistant

Kate Franke (she/her) is an editorial assistant in the Hearst Lifestyle Group, covering for Woman's Day and Good Housekeeping. She loves all things lifestyle, home, and market related. Kate has a BAJMC in Magazine Media and BA in Writing from Drake University. She is a proud ASME alum whose work has appeared in Food Network Magazine, The Pioneer Woman Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Modern Farmhouse Style, Beautiful Kitchens & Baths, and more. Next to writing, Kate’s two favorite things are chai lattes and pumpkin bread!

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