It often feels impossible to find the right gift for the older adult in your life. A homemade gift for someone you love can be both thoughtful and practical.

And for many people, nothing means more.

Here are some of our favorite homemade gifts that are sure to show how much you care.

Crafty Gift Ideas

1. Family Calendar

This project involves making a homemade calendar or a store-bought one and adding memorable photos for each month.

This will give a senior a happy and new memory to look at each month, and it is also helpful for them to remember holidays, birthdays, or appointment reminders.

2. Custom Journal Or Address Book

Either of these options is a simple and great idea. Your recipient will appreciate a customized gift that will lay flat when open for easier reading or writing.

We recommend decorating the outside of the cover so that it is personalized for your recipient. You can use drawings, photos, or your loved one’s favorite colors. Here is a step-by-step process to make one:

Items You Will Need:

• Decorative fabric or paper
• Cardboard
• Heavy-duty punch hole tool
• Copy paper
• Glue
• Heavy sewing needle
• Wax yarn or thread

Instructions:

• Measure the book cover size you want to make and cut the cardboard to that size.

• Cover the cardboard in fabric or decorative paper. The cover material should be 1 inch bigger than the cardboard on all sides so that you can fold it over neatly by attaching the cover with glue.

• The next step involves aligning the copy paper and cover pieces after making how many sheets you want into even half-sheets. We suggest aligning one margin and allowing the cover pieces to overlap on only three sides.

• Once everything is neatly aligned, use the punch hole tool to make holes along the length of the margin. These holes will connect the book.

• With the waxed yarn or thread and your sewing needle, thread the yarn through the hole at the bottom and tie a tight knot. From here, thread the needle through each hole, making a loop through the previous hole before moving on to the next one. Tie another knot when you reach the top spot.

• Decorate the homemade gift using elements that make it more personal for your loved one. If you have made a homemade address book, add important phone numbers, addresses, and photos or messages from other family members. Present the gift with writing pens, so they are encouraged to use the journal.

3. Handmade Walker Caddie

If your loved one uses a walker, they may have mentioned that they don’t have space to store items such as eyeglasses, phones, mail, or even a book.

While their hands are used to manipulate the walker, how or where do they hold or store these items? A walker caddie is an answer to this problem.

Items You Will Need:

• 2 Pieces of patterned or colorful fabric (the suggested size is 18″ x 36″). Choose a heavier fabric for one piece, such as heavy twill, canvas, or denim.
• Ribbon or ties at a length of 1 1/2 yards.
• 1/2 yard of a sew-on Velcro material.

Instructions:

• Place the heavier fabric piece of fabric facing the wrong side up. Fold up the two ends up to create a pocket. Fold the fabric (right sides) in half, and iron the fold to create a crease. Iron folds to create a sturdy and hard crease.

• Cut the ties or ribbon into four equal-length pieces. Lay the ironed fabric with the right side faced upward and pin the tie or ribbon next to the folds of the pocket. The next step involves pinning the Velcro material around 3 to 4 inches on either side of the fold in the center. Sew the ties and Velcro to your fabric.

• Position the other piece of the other fabric over the velcroed/tied piece (right sides together) and sew around each edge, stopping just before the corners to leave enough space to turn the right side outwards. Iron each edge and sew a topstitch around the edges.

• Make sure the hole that you left to turn the fabric on the right side out is now sewn closed. Fold the pockets and stitch down each side, using a backstitch to reinforce the edges along the top of the pocket.

• Sew a dividing line on each pocket, using backstitching along the edges at the top. Attach your finished caddie to the walker using the ties and Velcro. Keep it clear of the hand grips, brakes and folding parts, and keep what goes in it light so the walker stays steady.

4. Hanging Planters

For grandparents who love plants, this is one of those homemade gifts that will keep on giving.

What You Will Need:

• Ceramic hanging planter
• A handkerchief
• Mod Podge (a sealer, finish, or glue designed for arts and craft projects)
• A live plant

Instructions:

• Wrap the ceramic planter in a handkerchief, overlapping to make sure it lays flat. Use the Mod Podge to glue the handkerchief to the ceramic planter. Place the live plant into the planter. Hang it at a height your loved one can water from the floor, with no step stool or reaching overhead.

5. Photo Coasters

Your senior loved one will enjoy their first cup of tea in the morning even more when they look down to see one of their grandchild’s smiling faces. To execute this project, print color or black and white photo onto cardstock paper (1/4 inch smaller than a white glazed tile).

Apply a glossy clear Mod Podge to the back of the image and stick it onto the tile (make sure it is centered). Brush the Mod Podge over the top to seal it.

Mod Podge Gloss Sealer

The photo coasters and the handkerchief planter both call for Mod Podge, which works as a glue and a sealer in one. Gloss gives a shiny finish, so if you want a flat, matte look, pick a different finish.

Gifts To Knit Or Sew

1. Crochet Or Knit An Afghan Or Shawl

A homemade afghan or shawl is a cozy gift when the temperature drops. To find easy patterns, go to:

• https://knittingpatterncentral.com/
• https://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/
• https://www.ravelry.com/

2. Slippers Or Socks

Crochet or knit slippers or socks to keep your loved one comfy and warm during the winter. Yarn on its own is slippery on hard floors, so add a non-slip sole or grip dots to the bottom before you give them.

It may seem easier to buy these online or at a store, but a handmade pair is often the one people treasure most.

You can find excellent patterns at:

• https://knittingfever.com/pattern-finder

3. Decorate Stockings

Buy a few pairs of plain stockings from a local craft store and some pom-poms, glitter, and fun paints to decorate the stockings.

To turn this into a personalized experience, get the grandkids together to make it a meaningful and memorable activity with your loved one.

4. Sensory Blanket

This is a more specialized homemade gift for a loved one living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, or anyone with restless hands. It offers a soothing activity to do while lying down or sitting.

What You Will Need:

• A sewing machine

• Decorations that are easy to handle and touch. Try different textures, or something that reminds your loved one of their family or career. Ideas include different fabric textures, buckles, zippers, large buttons, and soft, squishy patches. Sew everything on firmly. Skip beads, small bells, loose keyrings and long strings, since small parts can be swallowed and long strings can wrap around fingers or the neck.

• Two pieces of fabric for the back and the front (recommended size 56 x 47 cm)

• A fusible stiff stabilizer for each side (recommended size for one piece 56 x 47 cm)

Instructions

Place the first fabric piece over a flat surface, ensuring it faces the right side. Lay the other piece over, making sure it is facing right-side down. Lay the stabilizer over each side and sew 3 of the edges (leave the 4th side open).

Turn the layers inside out, so the stabilizers are now between the two pieces. Sew the 4th side closed. Iron well so that the elements fuse together.

Now sew each side again to strengthen your base unit. Decorate the blanket with the items you have chosen. Be mindful of what would be most suitable for your loved one.

5. Make A Tea Towel Gift Out Of Scrap Fabric

If you are looking for a homemade gift for your senior loved one, a tea-towel craft is one of the easiest ways to show that you care.

What You Will Need:

• Iron
• Tea Towel (You can buy online or at a local store)
• Fabric scraps
• Rotary cutter or scissors
• Ruler
• Sewing machine with a thread or a needle and thread
• White-colored pencil
• Mini pom-pom fringer (to use as a border for the tea towel)
• Straight pins

Instructions:

• Iron your tea towel so that it is free from any wrinkles. Trim your pieces of scrap fabric into 2.5″ x 2.5″. If you are using random lengths, ensure each height is the same.

• Begin by placing 2 of the 2.5″ squares together (facing the wrong sides). Sew a 1/4″ seam along one side. Repeat this process until the fabric strip has enough length to cross the size of the tea towel.

• Square the strip up by using a ruler across the edge (trim off any excess fabric). Iron one edge of the strip (1/4 of an inch). This is the side that is used in the final step.

• Use the white pencil to draw the line where the fabric strip will go. Trim and pin the strip facing the wrong side up. Fold the towel over to ensure that your trim is facing the right way once this happens.

• Sew along the layers you have pinned (use a 1/4″ seam allowance). Fold your fabric over and iron the fabric.

• The last step involves sewing the edge that you previously ironed using a 1/4″ and then a 1/16″. Do this for the edges as well.

Soft Chunky Yarn

For an afghan, shawl, or pair of slippers, a soft, thick yarn works up quickly and feels warm. Look for one you can machine wash, since a gift that has to be hand washed often ends up in a drawer.

Food Gift Ideas

1. Prepare A Tasty Treat Together

Cooking with your loved one in your kitchen can be a relaxing way to spend time together. Think about an old family favorite, pie, or cake you once enjoyed together.

This is an excellent hands-on activity that your loved one can enjoy and an easy way to spend quality time together.

2. Cookie Decorating

This is one of those fun Christmas-time activities that involve the whole family, including your loved one.

Bake gingerbread men or cookies beforehand and then provide the decorations for the cookies. Think about gumdrop buttons, chocolate chips, sprinkles, and different flavored frostings.

3. Hot Chocolate In A Mason Jar

This ready-to-go package makes a thoughtful gift for a loved one, especially if baking or cooking isn’t your strong suit. If they watch their sugar, ask what they can have before you make it.

What You Will Need:

• Sugar
• Malted or powdered milk
• Salt
• Cocoa powder
• Mason jars or 8-ounce jelly jars
• A funnel
• Extras: chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, peppermint or chocolate chips, etc.
• Business card-size cardstock
• Hole punch
• Ribbons, bows, or fabric to decorate the jar

Directions:

Place a funnel over the mouth or the jar and pour in 1/4 cup of malted or powdered milk. Now pour in the cocoa powder (1/4 cup).

Add a pinch of salt and a 1/4 cup of sugar. Layer your extras (try for only 1/8 cup in each layer) until you reach the top. Screw the lid on tightly and decorate the outside of the jar with ribbons or fabric. Print the instructions on your cardstock.

Instructions:

• Heat a cup of whole or skim milk on the stove until it is hot and steaming, but not boiling.
• Pour three tablespoons of the hot chocolate mixture into the milk.
• Stir the mixture until dissolved.

4. Homemade Comfort Foods

One of the best gifts for a resident in a nursing home is to prepare one of their favorite home-cooked snacks or meals. Check with the nursing staff first, since some residents have special diets or need softer foods to swallow safely.

Even when the facility serves healthy, nutritious meals, nothing compares to a comforting dish or a special family recipe. Take your time to prepare it. It is a gift your loved one is likely to remember.

5. Breakfast Gift Basket

Everyone enjoys waking up to a breakfast that is ready to snack on. So when you put together a personalized basket for your senior, make sure you give thought to their favorite drinks and foods.

Personalize the gift basket with a card or note to show them how much you appreciate them. Fill the basket with tasty items such as muffins, cookies, fresh fruit, juice boxes, and a few unique flavored teas or coffees.

You can also include single-serving cereals that they can enjoy with fruit or as a tasty snack.

RELATED: Making Blessing Bags for Older Adults

Conclusion

Many people go through lonely stretches, especially when they live alone or in a retirement community. A thoughtful homemade gift, or a phone call now and then, can help your loved one feel remembered.

Practical gifts will be used frequently and trigger happy memories of you and your siblings. Not much shows how much you care more than the well-thought-out homemade gifts you have made.

If making something isn’t an option for you, there are also plenty of inexpensive gifts for seniors you can buy.