Practical Gifts Are Perfect For Senior's On Your Holiday Shopping List
Online, November 23, 2010 (Newswire.com) - "Seniors, as a group, have always been a frugal lot," said Lois Etienne, owner of the Home Instead Senior Care® office serving Pierce, King and Snohomish Counties. "Out of necessity or, perhaps, driven by fear, the economic downturn has made older adults even more practical. Social services budget cuts also have impacted the pockets of seniors, leaving some lacking the money for necessities."
An analysis of more than 26,000 senior gift requests conducted by the Home Instead Senior Care® network throughout the U.S. reveals that the most popular holiday wishes of older adults are items such as blankets, slippers, pajamas and robes. You also can't go wrong with food or homemade gifts, such as cards or holiday ornaments.
While seniors' needs for the basics have increased, so has the generosity of those who are giving gifts to older adults, according to the Home Instead Senior Care analysis. The study of the organization's offices that participate in Be a Santa to a Senior, an annual holiday gift-gifting program, revealed that giving to seniors is up unanimously.
"We've found a lot of open and giving hearts are concerned about the senior population," said Etienne. "People have given above and beyond. I think there's a sense of the community pulling together in hard times."
Etienne added that her office staff and CAREGivers raise money throughout the year to purchase holiday gifts for financially-challenged seniors.
"The money we collect goes to Aging With Excellence (AWE) a nonprofit organization that we founded several years ago to fund our Be a Santa to a Senior program," Etienne said. "We work with other local nonprofits to determine how we can help seniors in Snohomish, King, Pierce and Spokane Counties. We then purchase $25 - $50 gift cards that will allow those seniors to purchase groceries, clothing, household items or gasoline."
Local businesses and members of the community can contribute to AWE and the Be a Santa to a Senior program by sending donations to Aging With Excellence, 32020 1st Avenue, Suite 101, Federal Way, WA 98390. Or, visit our blog at http://www.WashingtonInHomeCare.com
(hit Santa To A Senior tab) to be able to donate online.
For more information about Home Instead Senor Care, call 1-800-4SENIORS (800-473-6467), or visit our website at http://www.homeinstead.com/152.
10 Popular and Economical Gifts for Seniors
1. Blankets or Throws
2. Slippers and Socks
3. Toiletries such as lotions, bath soaps, cologne and perfume
4. Pajamas and Robes
5. Food such as sausages, cheeses and chocolates
6. Kitchen and Bath Towels
7. Clothes such as sweat pants, sweaters and underwear
8. Large-Print Books and Puzzles
9. Cards and Stamps
10. Gift Certificates to grocery and discount stores. Don't forget companionship services.