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Stocking stuffers for seniors vary as much as do seniors themselves. In choosing items, think about the traits of your special senior. Is he 70 or 95? Is he in good health or poor? Does he like to travel or does he prefer puttering around the house and garden?

For the older senior, or one in poor health, consider items that will entertain them, make tasks around the house easier, or help create a pleasant environment. Videos are an ideal form of entertainment for the senior whose activities are limited. Classic movies or DVD's of a TV series are excellent options. Historical documentaries focused on an earlier time in their life can also make ideal choices.

CD's also make great choices. Find their favorite genre of music, and see what you can add to their current collection. Or, consider a comedy routine or something that provides relaxation.

Another option is to give them gifts that help them perform tasks that are either no longer possible for them, or have become extremely difficult. If the senior can no longer drive, a taxi voucher might make a great gift. If they have difficulty with their hands or arms, a special pen, specialized kitchen utensil, or long handled brush could be very welcome gifts.

To make their time around the house more pleasant, purchase something with their favorite scent, such as soaps, perfumes or powders. A favorite snapshot of the grandchildren, or of a place that has special memories for them can create a sense of home if they are no longer able to live on their own. Grocery shopping can be very difficult or impossible for some seniors, so consider buying some of their favorite foods.

For the healthier, active senior there are even more options available. There are two major categories of younger seniors: those who have a house full of material belongings and enough money to buy far more than their basic needs, and those who are always struggling to make it month to month.

For the senior who never has enough money to buy the simple basics of life, cash or gift cards will always be welcome. Depending on how tech savvy your senior is, either buying the hardware and connection for email or a roll of stamps will be welcome gifts. Imagine their pleasure if they not only receive frequent emails, but are also able to have a video chat sessions, and are able to see and hear the voices of their grandchildren.

There are many options for items they can no longer afford but have always enjoyed. Special food and books are two excellent possibilities. An expensive but cherished type of makeup, a voucher for a manicure, or a gift certificate to a favorite restaurant will always be welcome.

The active senior who has everything is the most difficult to buy for. There are, however, gifts which will have special meaning to them. A book or CD that you have particularly enjoyed, or a video of the grandchildren will have special meaning. Transferring old home movies onto DVD can also be very special to them. Difficult to find food treats, or restaurant gift certificates to a restaurant can be enjoyed by anyone.

Whatever gifts you decide to put in your seniors stocking, the most important thing for them to find inside of it is the message that you love them, and think about them often.

Learn more about this author, Frances Simon.
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