If you’ve ever sat down for a cup of coffee with your favorite senior, you’ll be able to appreciate both the brevity and candor that come with age—especially when it comes to gift giving.
Some seniors want a summer sausage gift basket. Some want a new set of golf clubs. Some just want cash.
Patsy Lee, a 77-year-old Midwestern retiree, loves the holiday season, but she prefers simplicity and practicality. In an effort to get some input from real-world seniors, here’s a quick (and insightful) conversation about holiday gifts and what many aging adults truly hope for.
Many feel holiday gift shopping for seniors becomes increasingly difficult each year, especially if they’re trying to downsize. What are some things you’d actually like to receive?
Patsy: Gee, I don’t know. I spend a lot of money on a lot of things. Like my daughter says, I don’t need anything. I’m happy when I get gift certificates for things like books. I read a lot of books. I don’t need any sheets. I don’t need any towels. I don’t need any kitchen stuff. My closet is full of clothes. If I cleaned it out, my daughter would probably have a new wardrobe. I’ve got enough junk sitting around. If someone would have a garage sale for me, I’d probably make a mint.
What are some gifts you wish your loved ones would avoid?
I’m happy with anything I get. But things like tablecloths: I use those, but I have a lot of them.
What are some gifts you find difficult to use or enjoy?
I hate things that I have to read directions for. I have a digital picture frame from last year that I still haven’t opened. My granddaughter is supposed to help me figure it out.
What is your favorite gift you’ve received?
I’d have to say the heart earrings, rubies and gold chain that [my husband] Fred bought for me. And the bracelets. I think about jewelry a lot, but it’s not something I always wear. I’m afraid someone might knock me out and steal it.
What’s at the top of your wish list?
An all-inclusive trip to Cancun? That’d be good. That’s something I’d like to take everybody on. And gummies. I think everybody ought to have one of those.
