8 Christmas gift ideas for retirees under $50
(MoneyWatch) I've always had trouble buying Christmas gifts for people who've already had a full life of being naughty and nice. What can you give them that they haven't already bought for themselves? As people get older, toys and other amusements just don't have the same attraction as they do for a five-year old.
And now that I'm in that older age demographic myself, my challenges have doubled. I'm still pondering the right gifts to get older friends and relatives, but now my kids are asking what my wife and I want for Christmas.
Always wanting to be of service, I consulted with smarter shoppers than me: My wife and her friends. Fortunately, I got so many ideas from them that I'm presenting two lists. This first list contains a variety of items under $50 that can help with the security and enjoyment of your retirement years, while my next post will suggest more upscale gift ideas.
1. A DVD of a favorite movie that might inspire an older audience. Recent winners in this informal category have been "The Bucket List," "Up" (a great gift from my daughter a few Christmases ago) and "Hope Springs." Or what about a classic? "Singing in the Rain," "The Sound of Music," "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," and the Star Wars and Lord of the Ring series are all enjoyable and watchable over and over again. Another idea -- a children's favorite that can be watched with grandchildren, such as "The Princess Bride" or any of the Disney animated movies.
2. A favorite toy or game from your recipient's youth. Think Lincoln Logs, pick up sticks, a yo-yo or top, a Hula Hoop, a Frisbee, a jigsaw puzzle, Scrabble or Monopoly -- something without an on-off switch and definitely nothing digital. They can invite the grandkids over to play. Playing games with their grandkids will make them happy and help them feel young.
3. Subscription to Netflix or Amazon Prime. Your giftee can use the online video service to stream movies or TV shows. As a bonus, you also might perform an invaluable service for an older relative or friend by showing them how to get started with and use the service.
4. Photo souvenirs of grandchildren. These can include coffee mugs with kids' photos on them, framed pictures, placemats, or customized calendars. These are easy to design and to order online.
5. CDs of popular childhood songs that they can take them with them when they're visiting younger relatives, like grandchildren or great nieces and nephews, and sing along with. Think "Old MacDonald Had a Farm" or "The Itsy-Bitsy Spider." This will put a smile on their face -- and on the children's. Smiling often is good for their health and longevity.
6. Books to help your giftee live long and prosper. Help your gift recipient live long and prosper with a book that can help with security, health, and enjoyment in retirement. A post from a few years ago listed 12 of my favorite books.
Good books that were published since this last list include:
A Long Bright Future, by Dr. Laura Carstensen, an inspirational look at the unprecedented opportunity offered by increased life panes by one of the nation’s foremost experts on the psychology of aging.
Two good books on Social Security are Social Security for Dummies, by Jon Peterson, and Social Security: The Inside Story, by Andy Landis.
It's been my great fortune to have met or talked with many of the authors.
7. A gift membership to AARP. The monthly magazine and newsletter from this retirement organization contains a treasure trove of good information on finances, health, and lifestyle -- this alone is worth the $16 annual membership fee. In addition, there's a host of discounts available on a variety of items and links to many helpful services.
8. Coupons for visits or shopping trips. This works particularly well when they're from grandchildren for elderly grandparents who may not get out very much. The gift of time is truly priceless.
I'm sure you have many more great ideas for the older person on your list. Please help our readers by sending in your favorite Christmas gift ideas in the comment section below -- both for gifts you've given and for gifts you've received.
