Looking for gifts for elderly women in nursing homes? If your mom lives in one of these communities, you know it’s unlikely she needs or wants a frivolous gift. It’s just more clutter. Get her something she can use. This doesn’t mean your present can’t be a little bit luxurious; you want her to feel special. So, buy her something useful that she wouldn’t buy for herself. Below are some carefully chosen gifts we recommend that will keep your mom comfortable, warm, and happy.
What Are the Best Gifts for Elderly Women Who Live in Nursing Homes?
The best gifts take into account your loved one’s preferences, comfort and needs. Consider brightening her day with cozy socks, beautiful blankets, or homemade treats. Puzzle books or crossword games can keep her mind engaged, while a tabletop photo stand and inspiring wall art can add a personal touch to her space. A selection of herbal teas, an interactive digital tablet for video calls, or her favorite music playlist can provide comfort and connection. Whether it’s a soft blanket, knitting supplies, or a journal for her thoughts, the thoughtful gesture of choosing her favorite treats, hobbies, and comforts will surely bring a smile to her face and show her your care.
Helpful Gifts for Elderly Women Living in Nursing Homes
We asked our readers for ideas for gifts for elderly women living in nursing homes. Here’s what they told us!
Dignity Pajamas
We love these pretty open-back nightgowns! Whether you’re a caregiver or family member who struggles to dress your bedridden loved one, this is the perfect solution for struggle-free assisted dressing. Give your loved ones some comfort by dressing them in this easy-on, easy-off adaptive back sleepwear with velcro closures. At the same time, preserve their dignity at this difficult time in their life. Made in the U.S.A. from the softest cotton from sophisticated prints and fine details for the discriminating customer. A variety of designs available (and some for men too!).
Non-Skid Cotton Socks in great colors (12 pack)
Soft, comfortable and prevent slipping – what could be better? The inner thickened terry cotton in these socks keeps your loved one warm and safe. Twelve pairs in a variety of colors come in a pack. These are fabulous for older adults, but good for anyone to prevent sliding on slippery floors!
The Comfy
Oversized and beyond comfy, everyone loves this wearable blanket! Fun and functional, keep your loved one warm and cozy. Made from luxurious sherpa, your loved one can take warmth wherever they go!
Classy Pal Clothing Protectors for Eating
This adult bib catches crumbs easily and looks pretty while it does so! Some seniors experience shaky hands or a decrease in hand-eye coordination, so this lovely item comes in handy! Many older adults feel demoralized if they must wear a bib, but now your loved one can feel dignified, confident, and beautiful. With its beautiful, embroidered detail and soft high-quality material, people often mistake this clothing protector for a shirt or accessory. These “bibs” are washable and comfortable with Velcro closures. I bought one for myself too to wear while I eat in my car while on the road! Six beautiful designs to choose from. Made in the U.S.A.
Premium Dear Mom Throw Blanket
Compare this fabulous blanket with other kinds of gifts, like necklaces, bracelets, or gift bags, and you will see it is head and shoulders above so many others! Give this soft and comfy throw blanket as a gift to your mom to let her know that you love her. Made of high-quality flannel, this soft, lightweight and comfortable blanket is truly a great gift idea for any occasion. Easy to Wash and dry, it’s the perfect blanket for your loved one to use to snuggle on the couch or in bed.
More Unique Gifts for Older Ladies
Here are some great suggestions for gifts for older ladies living in nursing homes (or at home!). Hopefully one of these ideas will work for you!
StackCare
Fabulous! StackCare uses discreet motion sensors and artificial intelligence to learn individual behavior and activity patterns, sending notifications directly to your phone. You get to see at a glance, simply and easily, if your loved one is sleeping ok, is visiting the bathroom too often, and whether his/her activity patterns have changed. Technology for seniors has gone better and better over the years and this is a product that provides an abundance of peace of mind for caregivers! USE CODE 50PLUS FOR 10% OFF! LEARN MORE
La Palm Massage Lotion French Rose
This brand of lotion is my absolute favorite. La Palm makes other scents too, but I tend to go back each time to the French Rose. I buy this lotion for my mom all the time because she comments on the scent every time, I wear it. It makes a great gift not only because it smells good, but it goes on velvety smooth and quickly soaks into your skin. Mom and I both hate when you have to take a lot of time to rub in body lotion. Made with aloe vera and vitamin E, I first discovered this product at a nail salon when I went in for a pedicure one day. The technician used it on my legs, and I immediately asked to buy a bottle for myself. It cost $25, and, I thought, well worth it. But then I found it on Amazon for under $12! Everyone who tries this moisture-restoring lotion loves it!
Cozy Fleece Wrap Shawl With Large Front Pockets
This super-soft cozy fleece wrap is the perfect way to warm your mom’s shoulders on a chilly day. Available in six colors, burgundy, winter white, black, camel, lavender or royal blue, this wrap features two large front pockets. Who doesn’t love pockets?! It’s easy to put on and take off and mom will feel beautiful when she wears it. Made of polyester.
Blankiegram Hugs Blanket
This custom luxurious fleece blanket is the perfect caring gift. Everyone can use a hug at any given moment. Make sure your mom knows you are thinking of her, whether you are in her room or far away when she wraps herself in your warm hugs. It is available in five colors, all chosen for their qualities that help soothe the soul and recharge and energize the spirit. I like purple in particular because purple is known to help bring sleep, soothe mental and emotional stress and decrease sensitivity to pain. Let the purple color envelop Mom in its compassion and calmness. This brand, BlankieGram, donates blankies to people who might not otherwise receive a gift of loving encouragement; every purchase helps them to “cover the world in hugs”.
Memory Foam Bed Wedge Pillow
This 5-in-1 folding memory foam wedge pillow uses a foldable design that offers great support for your back, head or legs. It keeps you comfy whether sitting or lying down. Use this angled bed pillow at a 30-60-degree angle to provide the right elevation and support for your upper and lower back. It helps to increase blood flow, promote breathing, and reduce snoring and heartburn at night! In addition, this incline cushion helps reduce the effects of knee pain, back pain, varicose veins, edema, and more! Made from breathable high-density memory foam, it contours to the shape of your body for all-day comfort. Great for sleeping, reading, watching TV and/or post-surgery. Easy to clean and store without taking much space.
Sherpa Fleece 100% Oeko-Tex Certified Reversible Minky Weighted Blanket
Sleep becomes elusive as we age. The reason? It could be muscle aches or restless legs. Or sometimes elderly adults simply like the comfort, warmth and weight of extra blankets on their bed. I know I do. This luxurious, yet cozy, twenty-pound reversible weighted blanket is a perfect solution whatever the reason. Weighted blankets help relax your nervous system, which in turn reduces anxiety and stress, making it easier to fall asleep. This Minky soft blanket can be gently washed, though to make it easier to stay clean, order a washable duvet cover too.
Pembrook Non-Skid Slipper Socks
These super soft high-quality fuzzy chenille slipper socks are the softest luxury hospital socks you’ll find. Slip them on, kick back and enjoy the amazing comfort and warmth. Designed for hospital patients to help prevent falls with gripping rubber treads on the bottom, these socks are great for everyone. Order a few pairs for yourself too! These socks are very stretchy and fit most adults.
Realistic and Lifelike Interactive Companion Cats
Don’t laugh – this cat provides older adults with hours of companionship and comfort! With its cat-like movements & sounds: revolutionary “vibrapurr” technology gives the cat an authentic purr that sounds and feels just like real purring. As real cats do, this companion pet cat opens and closes its eyes, lifts its paw, opens its mouth and moves its head and body. Due to the built-in sensors, these pet cats respond to motion and touches such as petting and hugging, much like real cats. The companion pet cat also has synthetic, soft, brushable fur inspired by real feline breeds. These furry friends come in four different colors, which is great if you want one that looks like a real pet mom had in the past. This fun and engaging gift brings joy, fun and connection to aging loved ones and their families. It’s so realistic, visitors might think it’s real!
Gifts for Elderly Women that Don’t Cost Money
The most meaningful gifts for elderly women often revolve around time, attention, and emotional connection. Tailor your interactions to her interests and abilities to create memorable moments that show you care. Need ideas? Here are some thoughtful gifts for elderly women in nursing homes that don’t require spending money:
Handwritten Letters and Cards
Sending heartfelt letters, cards, or drawings can brighten her day and make her feel special.
Quality Time
Spend time with her, engaging in conversations, storytelling, or simply keeping her company.
Photo Collages
Create a collage of family photos, memories, and positive quotes to decorate her space.
Flower Arrangements
If you have access to a garden or flowers, create a simple and beautiful bouquet for her room.
Memory Sharing
Share stories, anecdotes, or your own experiences to spark conversations and connections.
Volunteer Services
Offer to help with small tasks like reading aloud, organizing her space, or assisting with a craft project.
Personalized Playlists
Curate a music playlist based on her favorite songs and artists to bring back cherished memories.
Art and Crafts
Spend time together working on art projects or crafts that can be displayed in her room.
Indoor Garden
If allowed, bring in a small potted plant to brighten up her living space.
Scenic Walks
If your loved one is mobile, take her for a leisurely walk around the premises to enjoy nature and fresh air.
Storytelling or Poetry
Read stories, poems, or even create short stories together.
DIY Spa Day
Pamper her with simple self-care activities like painting nails, doing face masks, or gentle massages.
Music Performances
If you’re musically inclined, perform some of her favorite tunes on an instrument.
Virtual Visits
If you can’t be there in person, set up video calls to virtually spend time together.
The Bottom Line
Keep in mind your gift does not need to be expensive, just thoughtful! Your elderly loved one will appreciate the effort regardless of the size or cost of the gift.
We have lots of other great ideas for gifts for seniors. Find our carefully curated lists here!
- 10 Brilliant Holiday Gifts for 80-Year-Old Men
- 12 Wonderful Holiday Gifts for 80-Year-Old Women Who Live Alone
- 10 Fabulously Inspirational Feel-Good Gifts for the Holidays