What do you get the man who swears he’s content with a bag of nuts and a new smoke detector? These gift ideas for Dad or Grandpa have you covered. From gadgets to games to creature comforts — and even a fancy bowl for those nuts — here are 11 thoughtful gifts for the lovable senior man in your life.
*Prices correct at time of publishing.
Copper rain gauge
It’s a mystery why some men become obsessed with precipitation levels as they age, but this attractive copper rain gauge from Uncommon Goods gives Dad or Grandpa all the tools he needs to speak with authority on every inch of water.
You can choose a simple tabletop model, a mounted version, or a garden stake. All he needs is access to an outside area.
His very own star
The International Star Registry has been naming stars for humans for over 40 years, and now Dad can become a star outside his family. He’ll receive a personalized certificate with the star name, a sky chart, and coordinates, with options to upgrade the package with even more gifts.
The real beauty of this gift is the message it conveys — that you will always be a part of our universe.
Lying-down glasses
If the senior man in your life loves gadgets, he will adore these lying-down glasses. Made with 90-degree prisms, they angle clear, bright images from a TV set or book to the eyes, so he can effectively lie flat on his back and watch TV or read.
The concept behind these glasses is that you can enjoy TV or a book without moving your head, which can reduce neck pain and eye strain. With these glasses, if Dad has chronic pain issues or must stay in bed, he can still comfortably enjoy his favorite entertainment. They also fit over prescription glasses.
Watercolor house portrait
Photos and paintings make wonderful gifts for Dad or Grandpa. These house portraits uniquely capture the memory of a beloved home — a recently farewelled home, a childhood home, or even the one they still live in. All that’s required is a photo of the house, which will be transformed into a watercolor-style print.
Try to frame the print ahead of time. If your loved one resides in a senior living community, photos and prints can make their room feel more like home. If they have memory loss, it’s also a lovely way to help trigger fond memories.
Effortless nut bowl
As far as gift ideas for Dad go, nuts are a popular choice. But the bag they arrive in is never practical, and if we’re talking about peanut or pistachio shells, what a mess!
This effortless two-tiered nut bowl has a slot for shells, which drop into the bottom tier, keeping nuts and shells separate. It’s made from plant-based biodegradable plastic and comes in various sizes. Pair it with a bag or two of nuts, and your gifting is complete. For an added touch, you can also personalize the base with his name.
Oversized heated throw blanket
This ultra-soft heated blanket is ideal for use in bed or a favorite chair and brings maximum comfort. It has three different temperature settings and, most importantly, a two-hour auto shutoff timer, ensuring greater safety if your loved one falls asleep or forgets to turn it off on the way out the door.
Creating a cozy environment is key to feeling at home in a new community, and blankets can provide comfort, security, and familiarity.
Wireless headphones
Headphones might not be something Dad would buy himself, but they’re a gift he’ll love. These Sony headphones are popular, lightweight, and soft. They have up to 35 hours of battery life and a microphone, so they can be used with a cell phone.
Over-ear headphones can help seniors enjoy TV, music, and audiobooks. They remove distracting outside noises and allow for audible hearing. The cushioned ear cups are comfortable and won’t press against hearing aids.
Wireless headphones are a great choice, as there’s no risk of tangled cords, but if you run into any Bluetooth issues with older TVs, this model also has a regular headphone cord jack.
Customized lake cribbage board
For the man who loves cribbage, this custom-made cherrywood cribbage board allows you to add a personal and heartfelt touch. This classic card game uses a board to keep score, adding a visual element to who’s winning. A customized board is a thoughtful gift for Dad. Choose from over 7,500 lakes across 80 countries to have one of his favorite destinations carved into the board.
This is a wonderful upgrade for a favorite game, especially for a senior dad or grandpa in a senior living facility. They can take the board along to social outings and share their gift and lake memories with others.
Shearling moccasin slippers
Slippers are that one item of clothing we all seem to keep forever, holes and all. Unfortunately, this can become dangerous for seniors, who are at an increased risk of falls. Old, worn slippers can be ill-fitting and hazardous.
Moccasin slippers make great gift ideas for Dad. They’re easy to slip on and off and have a good grip and a supportive back, making them safer for seniors. The shearling wool will make him feel as though he’s walking on clouds while it wicks away any moisture.
The New York Times Mega Book of Sunday Crosswords
This not-so-little book of crosswords has 500 puzzles for your loved one to enjoy. From New York Times Crossword legend Will Shortz, this is a collection of everybody’s favorite Sunday crosswords.
Puzzles are an especially important activity for older adults. They engage the mind, memory, and problem-solving skills, which all support greater cognitive function.
Audible subscription
Gift ideas for Dad have moved beyond buying a single audiobook at Barnes & Noble. Today, an Audible subscription will get him endless audiobooks for a reasonable price.
With unlimited streaming and the ability to save titles for listening offline, Audible’s catalog of audiobooks and podcasts is truly endless, covering every book, interest, or hobby you could imagine.
Audiobooks promote cognitive function because listening to stories engages the brain, stimulates memory, and improves focus. They also help combat loneliness and feelings of isolation by providing a sense of companionship.
