Christmas gift ideas for retired and older family and friends 2025
Every year we put together a list of ideas for Christmas presents for the older members of our families. We’ve been doing this for so long that I have moved up an age group from middle-aged child and parent to matriarch.
This history has given me some insight I think into what people like to give and receive at festive times, and how that has changed.
What have I learned?
On the whole, I would say that we oldies aren’t so keen on ‘stuff’. We may well spend a significant amount of our time thinking about how to cut down on possessions. Maybe we realise that we have collected an abundance of things that we never use, or we’re considering downsizing and need to rationalise, or we want to make it easier for others to manage our affairs when we’re gone.
That means that giving dust collectors might be done with the kindest of intentions, but maybe isn’t the best strategy.
So what would I suggest instead?
Skincare
Many people in retirement will find time to streamline the bathroom cabinet. How many potions and creams have accumulated over the years that need to go? Instead, you could opt for feel-good skincare products that suit your loved one’s needs.
We’ve been sent samples of the Topla brand originally from Poland to test. These products are designed to help with redness for sensitive skins. I don’t struggle too much with redness, but sensitive skin is definitely a challenge. I’m trying out Tolpa Dermo Face Rosacal Micellar Wash 150ml RRP £8.99, Tolpa Dermo Face Rosacal Strengthening Soothing Day Cream SPF10 40ml RRP £12.99 and the Tolpa Dermo Face Rosacal Strengthening Regenerating Night Cream 40ml RRP £12.99. They have a lovely feel, aren’t heavily over-scented, and are making my skin feel thoroughly refreshed. Tolpa Dermo Face is currently available exclusively in Boots stores and at Boots.com.
Also on the good idea list are vouchers for treatments at any well-reviewed local centre for a bit of me-time.
Experiences
Increasingly our adult children have taken to giving us vouchers for experiences for our high days and holidays. These can be a great idea, encouraging people to get up from the sofa and go out somewhere new and interesting. Here are some of our experiences of late.
In my opinion you can never have too many cream teas. It is true though that the experience can vary greatly from venue to venue. So checking out the reviews is a good plan. Soggy sandwiches and tired cakes won’t bring joy, but great teas in a beautiful setting can bring much joy. And if your loved ones would struggle to get to a venue, then bring the cream tea to them, with deliveries available from companies such as the Cornish Hamper Store. To be on the safe side, advise ordering when it’s not baking hot, as we have known the cream turn in deliveries left outside the front door for hours.
You could look at animal and birds of prey experiences, with an opportunity to get nose to nose with reasonably tamed. With these sort of experiences it is well worth considering what sort of venues your relatives enjoy. I like the ‘take us as you find us’ approach of centres run by volunteers. That includes the birds of prey display and cream tea at the Eagle Heights Foundation in Kent, which was well managed with knowledgeable staff.
Walking with animals has become very popular. All over the country people are out walking with donkeys, llamas and alpacas. I’ve done llamas and donkeys, and particularly enjoyed taking them on a lead down a quiet road in the Welsh valleys and up a hill. Donkeys were fine, but we didn’t leave the farm and they were surprisingly well behaved.
Taking a walk
The benefits of getting outside for physical and mental wellness are well documented. We’ve always enjoyed following the teashop walk books, but it could be time for something new. We’ve received the Surrey Hills edition in the 40 favourite walks series. The books fit into a pocket, have an easy-to-follow illustration and description and all walks are easily accessible. There are over 70 guides for different locations, £6.99 available at www.pocketmountains.com
Reading
Here’s a book list courtesy of Penguin – vintage classics for Christmas. I’ve only read one these, and not heard of many. Such a lot of catching up to do. And I’m pretty certain one of my offspring will deliver the new Phil Pullman to me to learn about the last chapters in Lyra’s story in the book of dust series.
Supporting charities
Buying gifts and cards from charities is a great way to support great endeavours while giving. I have more Christmas cards than I’ll need for the next few years, but at least charities have benefited. And I always try to buy directly from the charity rather than through an intermediary.
Yorkshire Sculpture Park is an example. Gifts ideas include a bottle of nettle and elderflower gin, hand care sets, jigsaws, notecards and more.
With the family
We’ve watched the video. We like the idea. The RHS Trilogy Swing Seat from Sitting Spiritually allows you to configure two seats together: two rope swings, two more substantial chairs, or one of each. So grandparent could sit alongside grandchild and swing together.
Letting them choose their own stuff
If inspiration really fails, there’s always the gift card. The One4all Gift Card is an example of a card that can be sent to the recipient’s phone with a personalised picture or message. Or if you buy a physical card on the website between 1November and 19 December, or while stocks last, you can receive a free greeting card. As with any gift card, it’s always worth checking if your loved one can use the card at the stores they like.
Photo by Josh Harrison on Unsplash