Mothers day gift for first time grandma

1. Photos and Videos

Digital photos, videos and frames allow family and friends to stay connected and share up-to-date photos in many forms with ease. “For someone in a care facility or in assisted living, they might like a photo book,” says Mona Van Zomeren, the activity director at Homestead of Oskaloosa, a Midwest Health assisted living and memory care facility in Oskaloosa, Iowa. “You can do themes like different events or our year together.”

Consider a photo of your grandmother with all her grandchildren or, if young children are part of your family, a video interview. Ask kids what they like to do with their grandmother, about their favorite memories with her and more, and film the answers in a video for her to keep. The answers can be equally surprising and delightful.

2. Donations

Gifting a charitable donation can do good twice. Look for organizations that reflect your grandmother’s interests and consider adding a bonus. For example, if she watches Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) regularly, donate to the local PBS station in her name and give her on-demand programming or DVDs of her favorite show.

If donating to an organization like a local food bank, consider sharing weekly or monthly updates about the group’s work with your grandmother. This exchange enhances communication, which can help reduce loneliness for a person who lives alone, and helps her stay engaged in the community.

3. Puzzles

Puzzles are beneficial for cognitive health on multiple fronts, especially when it comes to avoiding memory loss. Books filled with word finds, crosswords or sudoku puzzles can also provide hours of entertainment and keep the mind sharp. In fact, studies show late-in-life participation in crossword puzzles can delay memory decline, and jig-saw puzzles are proven to be protective against cognitive aging[1]Pillai JA, Hall CB, Dickson DW, et al. Association of crossword puzzle participation with memory decline in persons who develop dementia. International Neuropsychological Society 2011;17(6):1006-1013. [2]Fissler P, Küster OC, Laptinskaya D, et al. Jigsaw Puzzling Taps Multiple Cognitive Abilities and Is a Potential Protective Factor for Cognitive Aging. Front Aging Neurosci. 2018;10:299. . Van Zomeren agrees—she provides her residents with reading materials and treats like puzzles. “The word puzzle books are the first to go,” she says.

This Mother’s Day, consider gifting your grandma a puzzle she’ll love. If she enjoys art, gift a puzzle of a classic painting or a beautiful landscape. Or get creative and create a custom puzzle using a photo of your family. If words are her preference, give her a book of crosswords or an online crossword subscription. Either gift will keep her mind active and, better yet, create time for you to spend together.

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4. A Fun Day Out

A delicious meal or an afternoon at a museum can be a fun way to acknowledge Mother’s Day and fit in some time outside the house. This excursion doesn’t have to be extravagant, especially for seniors who may have difficulty getting out on their own.

Easy ideas for a fun day out include getting ice cream or shopping for things your grandma likes, such as clothing, home goods or smaller items like stationery. Going for a scenic drive and packing lunch for the ride can be a treat, too.

5. Crafts From the Kids

Whether it’s a painted rock, a drawing of the family or a macaroni necklace, art from a grandchild can be a cherished gift. Encourage children to create something special with Grandma in mind. These crafts can include writing a story, using their handprints to decorate a canvas tote bag or painting a stepping stone for her garden. Handmade crafts not only make great gifts, but also create memories that last a lifetime.

6. Plants, Trees or Flowers

For the grandmother who has a green thumb or enjoys a lush yard, planting a tree or flowering shrub can be a beautiful way to spend Mother’s Day with loved ones. For those with smaller living spaces, hanging baskets or potted plants are an easy way to perk up a patio area. At the very least, it never hurts to show up to Grandma’s house with a beautiful bouquet of cut flowers to brighten her space.

Explore plant options for seniors on Amazon.

7. A Calendar

Calendars with family photos present a gift option that keeps giving all year long. And for seniors who lose track time easily, a unique and meaningful calendar can make a difference in helping them keep track of the days. Automated clocks, while lacking the family photos, can also help improve quality of life for the grandma who struggles with time. Consider an option that shows the date, day of the week and time on a large display so she can view all information easily.

Explore calendar options for seniors on Amazon.

8. A Car Seat (and Installation)

For grandmothers who care for little ones regularly, a car seat can open up a whole new world of adventure—and convenience. To encourage more time with grandchildren and improve ease of transportation for the entire family, install a protective mat and a new car seat in Grandma’s car this Mother’s Day.

Explore car seat options for seniors on Amazon.

9. Gift Certificates

While it may not sound like the most exciting option, a gift certificate can bring real joy, allowing your grandma to choose something she really wants or needs. Consider things she loves and give her a gift card she can enjoy.

“Most of our residents are on a fixed income,” says Van Zomeren. “They don’t get to spoil themselves with little things. With gift cards, they get to spend a little extra on themselves.”

10. Snacks

For the grandma with a sweet tooth or who loves a tasty treat, consider a subscription box that sends her goodies each month. You can also make her Mother’s Day with a much-loved candy bar or cookie basket. Whether it’s a bag of candy she doesn’t have to share or a tin full of her homemade favorite, snacks offer a sweet surprise that she doesn’t have to make herself.

“Many of our residents say, ‘I moved here so I don’t have to cook,’” says Van Zomeren. “They don’t want to cook, but they appreciate the goodies.”

Explore snack options for seniors on Amazon.

11. Practical Gifts

If your grandma prides herself on being practical or has difficulty running errands on her own, consider gifting something she can use regularly. Perhaps stationary, greeting cards and beautiful stamps to help her keep in touch with loved ones. Or something more personal, such as shampoo, soaps and lotions to help her feel her best.

Another practical and very welcome gift can be helping your grandma with chores. Completing yard work or taking care of small repairs around the house can help her continue living independently and gives the added bonus of time spent with her grandchild.

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12. Time

If nothing catches your eye at the store and your talents don’t lie in crafting, there’s still a chance to give your grandma the perfect gift this Mother’s Day: your time. “They need time,” says Van Zomeren. “Time is the biggest gift.”

Research backs the need for time spent with loved ones, as social isolation and loneliness can lead to increased rates of dementia, depression, anxiety and suicide. Poor social relationships are associated with increased risk of heart disease and stroke, too.

Staying connected is a year-round commitment, but Mother’s Day is a great time to start. “Just sit, visit and listen to them,” says Van Zomeren. “If they repeat the same story over again, just smile and nod. Grandma wouldn’t care if she got anything as long as she had time with her grandchild, son or daughter.”

What to Consider When Buying a Mother’s Day Gift for Grandma

When deciding on a gift for your grandmother this Mother’s Day, think about her hobbies, living situation and mobility. Grandmas on the go might love a smartwatch to track their steps when walking while other grandmas might appreciate a collection of new teas to try. And keep in mind that gifts and interests change with time—what might have been a great gift at age 50 might not be appropriate for someone turning 90.

“Older seniors are past wanting jewelry, knickknacks and things that collect dust,” says Van Zomeren. Consider your grandma’s interests, and if you’re unsure, ask. No matter the gift, you’ll already be giving her the gifts of time, attention and care.