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Holiday gift giving isn’t always easy when you’re buying something for the boomers in your life. Finding just the right gift for parents and older relatives often pushes younger shoppers to the edge of the generation gap, especially when shopping for boomers who say they don’t want or need anything (but may secretly be hoping for something special for the holidays).
Boomers appreciate a well-thought-out gift as much as younger generations do: you just need to understand how your older relatives think and focus on meaningful or practical gifts. Below are some possible gifts for boomers, and why each gift is ideal for your older relatives and friends.
Source: Tint Media/Shutterstock.com
Understanding Boomer Preferences
As a generation, Boomers tend to be confident and individualistic. They grew up during the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War and the Summer of Love, which helped shape their collective identity. Boomers were around at the dawn of the internet and are often comfortable with technology, although not to the same extent as younger generations. Depending on the person, you may be dealing with a technical expert or someone who needs your help troubleshoot slow internet connections.
As a general rule, baby boomers prefer functionality over flash and quality over quantity. Many are aging in place and value tools that help them remain independent. They also have a sentimental side, so many people like personalized items and nostalgic gifts that bring back memories. They also value experiences, so tickets to events, classes and family outings are often more appreciated than a physical gift.
That said, here are our recommended gifts for boomers:
Life-enhancing technology
Boomers like easy-to-use technology that makes their lives easier or more interesting. This holiday season, consider the following options:
- Voice-controlled assistants like Alexa And Google Nest. Boomers can use voice assistants to create medication reminders, schedule appointments, add items to shopping lists and more.
- Digital photo frames that connect to Wi-Fi, so you can upload photos of the grandkids anywhere with an Internet connection and keep baby boomers connected to far-flung friends and family. The Nixplay And Pix star frames are boomer-friendly, with synced albums that automatically update when you add new photos.
- Wearable health monitors like Fitbits, Apple watchesAnd Oura rings help baby boomers monitor heart rate, sleep patterns and activity levels. For boomers with health problems, choose a monitor that offers fall detection and emergency alerts.
- E-readers like Amazon Kindle And Kobo give baby boomers online access to their favorite authors and connect their devices to virtual library collections.
- Smart screens like the Amazon Echo Show, Google Nest HubAnd JBL Link view support video calls, allowing boomers to stay in touch with distant family and friends. Call Genie is a simple device that allows users to make video calls from their television.
Please note that these devices require a reliable internet connection for optimal performance. If your boomer lives in the country, you may need to help him find better national internet options.
Comfort and wellness essentials
Boomers lead active lifestyles, but that doesn’t mean they neglect their comfort. Health and wellness are important to them, so show you understand with these comfort-conscious gifts:
- Weighted blankets for stress relief and relaxation.
- Ergonomic office or reading chairs.
- High-quality slippers, a soft bathrobe, or both.
- A white noise machine to improve sleep.
- Weighted eye pads.
- Personalized, reusable travel mugs or water bottles.
- A care package with homemade snacks.
- Aromatherapy diffusers to create a relaxing atmosphere.
- A spa gift basket for your home with scented candles, soaps and bath bombs.
- Noise canceling headphones.
Source: fizkes/Shutterstock.com
Experience-based gifts
One of the biggest challenges when buying gifts is finding the perfect gift for the person who already has everything. Boomers have had decades to decorate their homes and lives the way they want, so it’s sometimes difficult to find a gift they don’t already have. Don’t worry: Not all gifts for boomers have to be physical objects. Instead, give a gift that creates memories instead of clutter:
- Travel vouchers or Airbnb credits.
- Tickets for concerts, plays or festivals.
- Subscriptions to an online learning platform such as MasterClass.
- Cooking or art classes.
- Culinary tours or wine tastings.
- Escape rooms with the grandchildren.
- A balloon flight.
- A weekend spa retreat.
A reliable internet provider Dramatically expand your options when looking for experience-based gifts for boomers, allowing them to stream virtual concerts, take online classes, or book a getaway when you give them travel vouchers. Add value to your gift by participating in the activity with them so that you all come away from the experience with new shared memories.
Sentimental or nostalgic items
Some of the best gifts for boomers are ones that help them relive fun moments from their past. These don’t have to be big, expensive gifts. What’s more important is that they are thoughtful and show that you understand the gift recipient and his/her life experiences.
Some popular sentimental gifts for boomers include:
- Personalized photo albums or framed family prints. Photos from their youth are often cherished.
- Personalized playlists with nostalgic songs.
- A record player and a collection of their favorite vinyl.
- Retro games, kitchen utensils or items from the pop culture of yesteryear.
- A subscription to a genealogical service.
- Christmas decorations with a personal touch.
- Favorite books.
Source: YAKOBCHUK VIACHESLAV/Shutterstock.com
Practical gifts and upgrades
If the boomer in your life prefers practicality over nostalgia, try one of these functional gifts designed to make life easier:
- Streaming video subscriptions make it easy to find their favorite shows.
- A subscription to HelloFresh, Every plateor Home chef.
- A Audible or Libro.fm subscription so they can enjoy their favorite authors. Add noise canceling headphones for an extra special gift.
- Smart home tools, such as a Roomba, smart lights or a security system with Wi-Fi.
- A 12-month subscription to a cleaning service, landscaper or technical support.
The Best Gifts for Boomers Show them you care
Instead of another trinket that boomers have to find room for, they should choose gifts that emphasize connection, comfort and practicality. Whether it’s a cozy comfort, a trip down memory lane or an upgrade to fiber optic internetShow the boomers in your life that you don’t just give for the sake of giving, but that you take into account the specific needs of the gift recipient and choose the perfect gift for them.
Reviewed and edited by Albert Fang.
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Article title: 5 gifts boomers secretly want this year
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