For many people, some of the best memories of Christmas revolve around our grandparents – the special fudge grandma always made that got eaten first before any presents were opened, the stories grandpa would tell of Christmases past, the way both were thrilled with whatever gift they received from the grandkids. Are you wondering what to get your grandparents or other retired folks who are part of your gift giving circle this year? We’ve got some great Christmas gift ideas for those lucky people who don’t have to punch a clock Monday through Friday ever again!
A pass to the museum. One of the places many retired people like to visit are local museums. A season pass to one or more museums in your town makes a great gift for Christmas. Exhibits change several times a year, so a season pass is a wonderful way to give your retired loved ones free entrée to their favorite museums all year long.
Another great gift for a retired person is a Senior Pass to our nation’s national parks and recreation areas. If your favorite retiree likes to visit national parks, this is a cool way to encourage their wanderlust. With over 400 national parks available to visit, a Senior Pass will save your loved ones money on the 118 national parks that charge fees to visitors. Annual passes are available for just $20; the price of a lifetime pass is $80. Annual and lifetime Senior Passes provide access to more than 2,000 national recreation sites managed by six federal agencies:
- National Park Service
- US Fish & Wildlife Service
- US Forest Service
- US Army Corps of Engineers
- Bureau of Land Management
- Bureau of Reclamation
The passes cover entrance and standard day-use recreation fees and offer discounts on some expanded amenity recreation fees. In addition, traveling companions of the person holding the Senior Pass can enter at no charge. To find out more about how to obtain a National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass for Seniors and all the benefits it offers, check out www.usgs.gov/senior-pass. Add an “On the Road Again” cookbook with smart three day menus for delicious fireside dining and you’ve got the perfect gift package for your traveling seniors.
Sometimes the best gifts don’t come gift wrapped; while your retired friends or family members are off enjoying themselves, you can make sure their lawn always looks nice when they return by purchasing year round yard service from a local vendor. Check with friends and neighbors for a service they have had good experience with and reach out to the owner about a “season pass” or gift card. Just think how pleased your favorite senior will be to come back from a trip to a neat, well-trimmed, leaf free (or snow free!) front and back yard. Buying yard service is a thoughtful way to say “I love you” this Christmas.
Does your favorite senior love to spend time whipping up culinary masterpieces in the kitchen or on the grill? Why not give him or her free cooking lessons this year? For someone who loves to create in the kitchen, gourmet cooking classes and/ or some new cooking gear can be a real treat. A book on how to substitute ingredients can be very handy to have around, along with a fresh set of recipe cards. For the discerning hostess, a classy personalized slate serving board makes an elegant gift idea.
Personalized photo gifts are another fantastic gift idea this year. Share favorite memories of the last year or put together a collage from an old photo album full of exploits from the past for a fresh take on older photos. Your retired gift recipient will have loads of fun looking at old pictures in a whole new way when you give the gift of a personalized photo mug, canvas print, necklace, or ornament.
We hope these Christmas gift ideas have given you some ideas of your own for what to get for that special retired person in your life. Happy shopping, and have a wonderful holiday season!
