Gift giving is a difficult part of the holiday season. It’s hard to know what a loved one wants, what they would use, or what they need. One important thing you can give to your loved one this holiday season is your time. Get together with your senior loved one and help them make gifts that come from the heart. This time together will check gifts off your lists and create lasting memories.

• A scrapbook. Scrapbooks are great for repurposing pictures in a creative and memorable way. Looking through and compiling pictures can help stimulate memories for seniors. You can pick out different stickers, borders, ribbons, pen colors, and more. If your senior loved one has trouble gripping a pen, have them place and glue pictures while you write the titles of pages. The best part is there’s no right or wrong way to make a scrapbook. You can be totally creative, and whoever receives the gift will love it.
• A tasty treat. Getting your loved one in the kitchen is fun and can help reduce stress and anxiety. What you make is completely up to you—a favorite family recipe, a cookie recipe you’ve been wanting to try, or a pie you used to eat together. If you want to try something new, make a homemade jam or salsa with fresh produce. You can try it as you go, adding in ingredients to taste. This is a great hands-on activity for your loved one, and the outcome is something everyone can enjoy!
• Paintings. Painting has many benefits for seniors. It helps them express creativity and increases their cognitive function. A painting can mean many different things—a self-portrait, a view from their window, or something abstract. Try painting rocks to put in the garden or pinecones to make a centerpiece. You and your loved one can paint terracotta pots and add a plant to make a beautiful, one-of-a-kind gift.
• Jewelry. Participating in activities like making jewelry helps seniors with concentration. With polymer clay, you can create unique charms for earrings, bracelets, or necklaces. Take string and brightly colored beads to make beaded bracelets or necklaces. Add in letter beads to spell out words or names of loved ones. This is a great gift to make for grandchildren.
• Something knitted. Knitting is one of the most popular activities among older adults because it’s relaxing and requires minimal equipment. In the cold winter months, everyone could use some extra protection. Knitting a hat, sweater, scarf, mittens, or blanket is a great homemade gift that warms both the body and heart. Try picking out yarn colors and designs together. If you choose a bigger project like a blanket, make it a multiple-visit activity.

Together, you and your loved one can create meaningful gifts that the whole family will love. Plus, the time you spend together will be a gift itself.