Toilet paper, Kleenex, Lip Ivo, paper napkins.

African violets, pretty hand creams, eyeglass wipes, a fabric bag for holding small items on bedside or wheelchair, hand wipes, a remote boat?

How about something edible? Special jam, jelly, mustard - or even better, something made from a family recipe? Now's the time to ask about family recipes if you haven't got any written down.

For more expensive gifts, consider grocery store gift cards.

Everyone eats! And it's something you can repeat next year!

(If anyone has a hobby you can also consider magazine subscriptions or gift cards for specialty e.g., gardening stores/websites. And in the same vein as the family recipes, consider spending time with them, individually or in groups, and going through family photos, labeling them with acid-safe pen, storing in acid-free paper/boxes, and recording some oral family history while you still have your elders with you. Maybe a photo album could be done in time for this year, or next, and it's something that could be handed down. They'll appreciate the interest, effort and the companionship too.)

I'm thinking about the elderly that are a little beyond hobbies and mobility. Or somebody that is suffering from that horrible disease Alzheimers. You love this relative but he doesn't know you. So gift has to be good for them, whether he/she relates it to you.

Today I found a lighted magnifying glass (made of plastic). Everybody, even if they've lost their mind, can enjoy looking at pretty pictures with a nice magnifying glass.

a fluffy throw blanket

Food (that Dr has said they can eat)

Stamps, someone to take them to appointments, gift cards to nice restaurants my mother in law liked. Sweaters to keep them warm. Photo's of them when they were young. Greeting cards for the family and friends. Playing cards.
Mary

Harry & David pears were a good gift for my dad the last couple of years. He tossed the lounge pants I gave home. Gift cards for places he could eat were always good -- even McDonald's because he had coffee with a friend every week, but he also enjoyed another restaurant where he would go to get breakfast -- good pancakes, on weekends.

My mom enjoyed music to her very last day, so a way to listen to and enjoy music would have been good. Old musicals and movies too.

I like the idea of music . This particular relative I'm thinking about loved listening, as well as playing guitar. But he got frustrated w/ guitar and gave it away b/c he'd be playing and realize he forgot notes. Very painful for him and his ego. A music player would have to be VERY simple. Any suggestions? Music would be wonderful. He almost set house on fire by mis-using microwave. So any gadget has to be super, super simple to use.

I like the idea of music . This particular relative I'm thinking about loved listening, as well as playing guitar. But he got frustrated w/ guitar and gave it away b/c he'd be playing and realize he forgot notes. Very painful for him and his ego. A music player would have to be VERY simple. Any suggestions? Music would be wonderful. He almost set house on fire by mis-using microwave. So any gadget has to be super, super simple to use.

Services! Such as cleaning, yard work, painting, replacing a worn out lamp, or other item that needs replacing, a trip out to eat if the person doesn't do that often, a home cooked meal so they don't have to cook one night.

I know my mother wants no gifts and really, even at my age, (I'm 52) I understand how she feels! I plead with people to not give me gifts. Mainly because I don't need anything and if there is something I want, I mainly get it throughout the year. I'd prefer the gifter save their money instead of handing it to the store. Maybe it's my age, but I think the only one that benefits is the store! Now, if someone was going to give me a trip to the south of France, that'd be a different story.

Time... Your time. And not just at a holiday, but throughout the year.

A bit off-topic: if you say you're going to visit do; its very, very, very disappointing to the elderly, who are looking forward to your visit, to have you not show up. If there is any dementia understanding why may be difficult.

I visit a couple in a nursing home. Even tho he doesn't remember my name he is always happy I came & in good mood rest of day. Stamps are good as still bills to be paid(if your are close you can offer to make out checks to pay bills & they sign their name & you mail them. Bringing some groceries they can eat is always nice. Even a visit & a couple of snack size Kit Kats or Twix if they aren't diabetic. A coup[le of casserole meals you made from scratch & put in container to be reheated in microwave or you can heat 1 for them for meal. Any attention is enjoyed. a cuddly fleece throw is handy to have on their favorite recliner in case they get cold,some have animal pics or pretty scene to brighten up the room. If they don't have a back scratcher they might enjoy 1. Unsalted nuts are good if they don't eat too many & start gaining weight. Keebler has a nice multigrain cracker that is delicious with soup or alone or with butter & cheese or peanut butter. Folks enjoyed a box of choc covered cherries at this time of year. A LED little 6 in. wax tree get 2 for4-5 dollars & change colors when you turn them on. Gives a little holiday spirit. Or just a regular fat candle that is LED so it's safe & sprig of holiday greenery with some red or white with bit of sparkle will brighten up the table. a pkg of poinsettia paper plates in small size with pkg of napkins so you can serve some treat or lunches with a festive touch during Dec. Most folks do remember the Holidays & these give them a little boost.

Digital weather station
Solar night lights
Weekly/monthly lunch date
Sports tickets
Picture books of family

If they are in their own home - pay their utility bills as a gift, hire a cleaning service to come in to keep place tidy, hire a handyman for them to fix things around the house, omeone to cut the lawn. They need practical help, not another pair of non slip socks.

If they are able bodied then a gift of massage therapy, a mani pedi, hairsalon gift certificate is good too.

If they still drive, a gift certiicate to a car wash or mobile car wash is good too.

If they are in a facility make a pledge to visit them every week, if you are not doing so already. If you tell them you are coming for a visit, make sure you show up.

Gift of time is what they need the most, time from you.

We used to send a box of goodies to my MIL who lived up north. She loved Werther's butterscotch candy, Oil of Olay hand lotion, Godiva chocolates. She also loved Walmart gift cards she could buy what she wanted.

I found a ultra-soft "sherpa" throw at Costco for $18. It is lovely and warm and would be appreciated by many people.

for my 101 yr old father in assisted living: fanny pack (he asked for one), small bag shelled pecan pieces (he loves pecans), 2 small (lunch box size) bags of potato chips and same of Fritos (Dad has Type II diabetes), high cholesterol, and high BP. He will also get a 4-pack of individual size pineapple in its own juice.

He is still mentally OK enough to know (when prodded) to portion out the goodies over a month's time.

Audio books, stamps, note cards...my mom is very fond of word puzzles, so perhaps some books of those would help pass time and keep the mind sharp.

Merry Christmas to each of you! I think Phil's best present has been being gotten out of bed into his wheelchair and being able to join the merry mayhem that always accompanies our family gatherings. He may not be able to speak but he can listen to all the stories and conversations, and he loves being a part of that.