Without fail, year after year, the same question arises when the calendar turns to June: What Father’s Day gift do you give to the father or grandpa who seemingly already has it all? If that’s not tricky enough, some older grandpas and other seniors may have physical limitations, health concerns or cognitive impairments to consider when picking out the greatest gift.
“By giving someone in the older generation a thoughtful gift, you are validating and acknowledging their purpose in the world and showing that you appreciate them,” says Courtney Glashow, a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist and owner of Anchor Therapy, who adds that gifts are also an opportunity to reflect on a senior’s life and what they have enjoyed or accomplished.
To help make the gift giving experience a bit easier this year, here, experts share meaningful and unique Father’s Day gifts for Grandpa and other seniors of all cognitive and physical ability levels.
Father’s Day gifts for Grandpa and other seniors with cognitive challenges
If Dad’s memory isn’t as sharp as it used to be, consider gifting an item that reminds him of his happiest moments or special occasions.
A customized photo calendar
Practical gifts that are used everyday — like a calendar — are often appreciated by seniors, because it’s purposeful rather than another tchotchke collecting dust. “Photo calendars are great, because you can upload images right from your phone, customize each month with grandkids’ birthdays and add text about what is going on in the photos to jog dad’s memory,” recommends Andrea Longe, geriatric recreation services manager at Wake Robin, a life plan community in Shelburne, Vermont.
Including important dates in the calendar takes the pressure off of your dad to remember it all when his dementia is inhibiting his recollection.
Where to buy: Photo calendar, $39+ (Oakdene Designs, Etsy)
A large-print clock
Similar to a photo calendar, a new clock that clearly displays the time, date and weather takes the guesswork out of dad’s day. “Getting a gift that could help them with their memory — either short-term or long-term — would be extremely helpful for their day-to-day life,” suggests Glashow.
Some clocks designed specifically for seniors with dementia even have the ability to set alarms throughout the day as medication reminders.
A fidget, photo or weighted blanket
Blankets come in so many varieties nowadays, there’s bound to be the perfect one for grandpa. “Everyone is either too cold or too hot,” points out Longe. Solve the problem by giving blankets in multiple sizes and thickness. “Consider lap blankets for folks who use wheelchairs,” she suggests.
Whether you choose a fidget blanket that keeps their minds engaged with zippers, buckles, laces, pockets and more — or a weighted blanket which is known to reduce stress and promote more restful sleep — or a photo blanket that is specially made with pictures of family members, pets or meaningful locations — one cannot go wrong with gifting a cozy blanket.
Father’s Day gifts for Grandpa and other seniors with limited mobility
“As the men in our lives get older, they may have some physical limitations that make it harder for them to do the activities they used to enjoy,” notes Glashow. But you don’t have to let dad’s limited mobility hamper your ability to choose the perfect gift. Bring him joy with these specifically tailored-to-him gift ideas.
Montessori-inspired tool board
If your dad is longing for the days where he would tinker with a project in the garage or whip out his tool box at a moment’s notice, a tool board may be the greatest gift for him.
There are countless Montessori items on the market that are specifically made to build hand strength for those struggling with weakened grip or arthritis.
Where to buy: Montessori bolt and screw activity board ($36, The Montessori Room)
Audiobooks
Some older adults may still be quick on their feet but have poor vision. For those with visual impairments, Glashow suggests gifting an audiobook or large-print book. Maybe there is a book from your childhood that your dad loved reading to you way back when?
Or for a truly one-of-a-kind gift, a recordable storybook that you or your child narrates is a sentimental gift that an older adult is sure to cherish.
Non-slip slippers or socks
“Who doesn’t love something cozy on their feet?” asks Longe who points out that there are really great slippers that velcro over the top and will accommodate for feet swelling they may be contending with. Be sure to pick a pair of comfy slippers or socks that have a strong grip on the bottom to prevent falls.
Father’s Day gifts for Grandpa and other seniors seeking companionship
For aging dads who are feeling isolated may be over the moon for the gift of companionship. Consider these ideas, which can help them feel connected to loved ones or form new relationships.
An easy memory game
Aim for something simple, Longe advises. “Especially for older dads with cognitive challenges, it’s important to feel like you have successes,” she says. “The last thing you want to do is make someone feel like they’re failing.”
Think way back to the childhood favorite card matching memory game that we all know and love, in which you lay out several pairs of cards face-down in front of you — and you and your opponent take turns flipping the cards over until you reveal all of the matches.
Or you could try a game like Relish’s All About Us, which is designed for seniors who have dementia and focuses on the power of life-storytelling and mindfulness.
And don’t let distance derail you. “Nowadays even if you don’t live in the same area, there are so many ways to play a game together in a digital space,” Longe says.
Where to buy: All About Us game ($35, Relish-life.com)
Tickets to a museum, a movie or a sports game
Whether dad is a huge sports fan, an art enthusiast or a movie buff, it’s the time together that will mean the most to him. “By providing your time and attention, you’re showing dad that you appreciate him enough to carve out hours to spend with just him,” Glashow says. Engaging in an activity together helps build those core memories.
Their favorite meal or snack
Enjoying a special treat together is sure to put a smile on every dad’s face. Think: an old-fashioned root beer float, a pecan pie reminiscent of their childhood or a lasagna recipe taken from their very own cookbook. “I always default to cooking something special,” says Longe. “It’s a creative process — there are different textures, aromas, tastes — all while sharing the experience together.”
Father’s Day gifts for Grandpa and other seniors of all ability levels
Consider these heartfelt Father’s Day gifts for grandpa and other seniors of all different ability levels.
A pre-programmed music player
Music is great for movement, a mood boost, encouraging seniors to get out of bed in the morning or stimulating their appetite before meals, says Longe. “Plus, you can customize playlists around specific family memories or songs from the olden days that hold special meaning to your loved one,” Longe adds.
A stuffed animal
Taking care of a real pet may be too much responsibility at this point — or unallowed at a senior living facility — but gifting a life-like stuffed animal creates the sense of comfort, love and affection that dad desires. For example, The Alzheimer’s Store sells stuffed animals that appear to softly sleep and breathe.
“A puppy or kitty that mimics a real pet gives a sense of companionship for someone feeling isolated or lonely,” explains Longe. “One senior resident here at Wake Robin has a cat that purrs and its belly rises and falls. The noise is comforting to her. She’s told me that her cat always slept on the end of her bed, and it reminds her of home.”
Along the same lines, a stuffed animal or small figurine symbolizing a special memory between the two of you would be a thoughtful memento. “I gave my dad a Shrek doll with a recording of myself saying ‘I love you’ because it was the first animated digital movie we saw together,” says Carrie Spinney of Lake Wylie, South Carolina.
Where to buy: Perfect Petzzz Orange Tabby ($40, Alzstore.com)
Donate to their favorite charity or organization
For the man who has everything, a heartwarming monetary gift to your parent’s charity or organization of choice would be a wonderful sentimental surprise. Whether it’s a bench with their name engraved on it at a local park or a donation to the VFW he attended long ago, find something meaningful to his legacy. As Longe suggests, a Father’s Day gift does not have to be tangible, but if it holds value in your appreciation for your dad or grandpa, that’s what means the most.
One final thought to bear in mind: Whether your present is inexpensive or costly, homemade or store bought -– it truly is the thought that counts when picking the perfect Father’s Day gift for grandpa.
“Time is the greatest gift of all that you can give to a loved one -– especially someone who is older,” says Glashow. “People of older generations are at a time in their life that they find every moment counts and life is more precious. By putting your daily life aside in order to give all of your time and attention to someone who is older -– it shows them that you care.”
