Gift Ideas for Aging Loved Ones for Valentine's Day or Any Day

Finding the right gift for a parent or other older family member can sometimes be challenging. Whether it be for Valentine's Day or any day, remember you don't need a reason to give a gift to someone you love!
Updated: November 3rd, 2022
Mallory Knee

Contributor

Mallory Knee

Remember when your mom left you a Valentine's Day card when you were a kid. Perhaps you also received a sweet treat. You may have given your mom or dad a Valentine's Day card or gift as well.

The years go by fast, but the love your mom or a dad has for their children never ends. When a parent gets into their golden years, thinking about gifts for Valentine's Day may become more challenging. However, the feelings you have for them have not faded. 

The perfect gift for an elder parent will bring back memories for everyone and reinforce the loving bond between parent and child - no matter what the age. 

Valentine's Day is right around the corner, now is the time to find unique gifts for those who mean the most to you. However, if you're trying to find something to give an aging loved one, such as a parent, guardian, relative, or family friend, you might struggle to find something they don't already own.

Nonetheless, when your loved one enters a new stage of life, it creates the perfect opportunity to give them a gift that correlates with this lifestyle change. With that in mind, here are the best Valentine's Day gift ideas for your aging loved one.

One nice thing about any of these ideas is that you don't need a reason to give a gift to someone you love!

Something That Reminds Them of Spring

Depending on where you live, if your town or city experiences harsh winter weather, Valentine's Day might fall right in the thick of it. 

Thankfully, you can cheer up your aging loved ones by giving them gifts that remind them of spring. For example, you could offer them a small citrus tree to grow in their garden or on an apartment balcony.

If they live in a long-term care facility, a flowerpot with some roses should do the trick. Giving your loved one a plant of some kind will provide them with a sense of purpose, and if they grow a citrus tree, some delicious fruit as well.

Personalized Walking Canes

If your loved one needs assistance with mobility, you could get them a cane if they don't have one already. However, if they already have a cane or two in their collection, you could surprise them with a personalized walking cane.

Engravings can turn any gift into a lifelong memory, which is why engraved canes make excellent Valentine's Day gifts. You could engrave their initials, a special date, or a quote from one of their heroes. No matter what you choose for the engraving, make sure you know the best walking canes to buy men in 2022.

Spend Time with Your Loved Ones

If you still can't figure out what to get your aging loved one, spending time with them can supersede any material gift. For starters, you could plan out a special day of engaging in their favorite activities. To cap it off, grabbing dinner at your loved one's restaurant of choice or cooking them their favorite meal is a beautiful way to finish off Valentine's Day.

Overall, gifts are merely a token of gratitude for the affection and joy that our loved ones give us throughout our lives. Now that you know some of the best Valentine's Day gift ideas for your aging loved one, you can offer your thanks in the most meaningful way possible.

Other Unique Gifts

Here are three other gift ideas that an older family member may enjoy.

  • Smart picture frames: Several sizes are available that display a rotation of family photos you preload. Find family photos from the past and recent ones that will remind your loved one of the many memories they have had throughout their lifetime.
  • Custom photo calendar: Many older people still like old-fashioned wall calendars. You have a custom printed calendar with a family photo for each month. If you are really creative, you can use an image that matches the month of the year.
  • Large print playing cards: Many older people love playing cards with friends. You can purchase larger print decks that are easier to see and handle. 
  • Lockets: As people get older, they become more sentimental, so a locket would be a perfect idea since they can carry it with them anywhere. Why not buy engraved lockets and place your photo in it, they would surely love it. 

Don't forget the gift of time. Spending time with your loved one may be the best gift available; however, just a phone call can make their day.

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