Washington County Weekend Post

2A • WASHINGTON COUNTY POST • SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2021 GMTODAY.COM By the time they reach senior status, many adults have amassed a ton of stuff along with their irreplace- able knowledge. Come their golden years, grandparents and other aging loved ones probably don't need much in the way of material posses- sions, which can make it challenging to find them hol- iday gifts. Finding great gifts for seniors may take a little more effort, but with these ideas at the ready, it's likely gift-givers can make this hol- iday merry for everyone on their shopping lists. Family photo memories Many seniors love to talk about their life histories. What better way to be the catalyst for conversation than to create a photo album that chronicles their lives? Photos can be included alongside historical docu- ments, such as old school projects, military discharge papers, awards, and even genealogical information. Photo puzzles, photo calen- dars and any home decor with a photo printed on it are variations on this theme. Assistance gifts Seniors want to remain as independent as possible. By giving items that help them do just that, you can bring smiles to their faces. One idea is motion-sens- ing light switches and fix- tures. If and when nature calls in the middle of the night, hallways or bath- rooms can be illuminated effortlessly. Shower and bathroom grab bars are another idea. These provide extra security and stability when getting in and out of the shower or when using the toilet. For seniors who just need a little extra reach, a grab tool can easily snag packages from a top shelf or pick up items that may have dropped to the floor, eliminating bending or straining. Practical technology Seniors may not be as immersed in technology as young people, but they pur- chase their share of gadgets and increasingly rely on tech to get through the day. To free up more time for rest and relaxation, invest in an iRobot Roomba Robot Vacu- um. This simple device will clean floors easily, moving from room to room without the need for a bulky canister or upright vacuum. Consider an easy-to-use tablet, pre-loaded with handy applications. Grand- parents can use video chat- ting to keep in touch with grandchildren living across the country. Easily refill pre- scription medication with a pharmacy app just a click away. Stream favorite movies or channels through video streaming sites, like Netflix or Amazon Prime. Tablets tend to be lightweight, portable and user-friendly. Personal care Even independent seniors may benefit from a little extra companionship and assistance when family members are not able to make frequent visits. Hiring a visiting care worker, who can do everything from orga- nizing pills to making dinner to tackling some laundry, can provide the help seniors need with their daily errands. Seniors are a thriving and growing demographic. It may seem challenging to purchase gifts for older loved ones, but with a little know- how, it's easy to find the right present. Great gifts for beloved seniors Giving gifts during the holiday season may be rewarding, but certain peo- ple on your shopping list may leave you scratching your head wondering what to buy. Teenagers often fall into that confusing category. As trends and interests change at a moment's notice, adults may not know what to get the teenagers on their list. These suggestions can set you on the right course. Gadgets Teens like staying abreast of the latest technol- ogy, and what better way to do so than with hot-off-the- assembly-line products? Moderns teens use multiple mobile devices — from tablets to smartphones to notebook computers — so an outlet multiplier with surge protection could be the way to go. A charging caddy that keeps all of their devices organized and within reach while replenishing the bat- teries can make for another go-to gift. While shopping for gad- gets, think about investing in Bluetooth-enabled ear- buds or over-the-ear head- phones. This way teens can enjoy their favorite stream- ing music stations or binge Netflix series without dis- turbing others. Gym equipment Adolescents are con- scious of their personal health and body image. To foster positive experiences, gift givers can encourage healthy physical activity. A gym membership or person- al fitness equipment can help teens get on track with a weekly regimen. Luggage/travel gear A thirst for exploration may inspire teens to travel the country or the world. A high-quality piece of lug- gage can be a building block for teens' travel gear. Other travel items to consider are RFID blocker ID and credit card holders, money toward a passport or an overnight toiletries bag. Gaming Many teens immerse themselves in gameplay, whether solo or online multi- player. Games can be enjoyed while using various con- soles, computers and even smartphones. Find out which platform teens are using and then purchase gift cards, points or e-codes so that they can get new games or enjoy in-app purchases and upgrades. School funding Some gifts can focus on the future, including teens' education. Consider donat- ing to or opening up an account to help fund college costs. Different plans have different annual contribu- tion limits and tax defer- ments, so it's a good idea to speak with a financial pro- fessional to figure out which avenue is right for you and your gift recipient. Retailer gift cards Teenagers always enjoy some extra purchasing power, so gift cards to their favorite retailers are likely to be a hit. If you're not sure where the teen on your list shops, consider a gift card good for any store in a local mall. Shopping for gifts for teens can be a little easier if shoppers get a nudge in the right direction. Tips for successfully gifting teens

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