18 DIY Gifts to Make for Older Adults
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Finding the perfect gift for seniors and older adults can sometimes be challenging. They often appreciate practical items that make their lives a little easier or more comfortable, as well as things that show you put thought and effort into their present.
If you love to sew, you’re in luck! Handmade gifts are always cherished and we’ve got 18 DIY gift ideas that will genuinely be appreciated by grandparents, senior citizens, nursing home residents and the elderly.
Bedside Caddy
Help keep essentials within reach with a soft bedside caddy that hangs over the side of the bed or arm of a chair. It can hold a remote control, reading glasses, pens, a book, or a phone.
Jar Opener
Handmade jar grippers are perfect for opening lids on jars. These simple yet practical helpers can be made in various sizes and are perfect for those with arthritis or reduced hand strength.
Turtle Mop
A handmade turtle mop, also known as a foot mop, is perfect for those with reduced mobility. They can easily wipe up spills on the floor by using their foot to push around the turtle mop, rather than needing to bend over to the floor.
Eyeglass Case
A fabric eye glasses case will protect their reading glasses or sunglasses. Make it in a fun fabric or with an initial embroidered on it for a personal touch.
DIY Phone Pillow
This handmade phone plop is perfect for older adults that FaceTime or video conference with their family and friends! The phone can easily sit either vertically or horizontally for more comfortable talking without needing to hold the phone.
It also works great for watching videos, reading recipes or following craft tutorials.
Microwaveable Heating Packs
Microwave heating pads are wonderful for soothing aches and pains. You can make them in various shapes and sizes, like a long one with handles for the neck or a simple rice heating pad for the back or knees.
This heating pad for neck and shoulders provides warmth without needing to hold the pad in place. And our easy microwaveable hand warmers can be made in squares or heart shapes.
Add a few drops of essential oil or some dried flowers for extra relaxation.
Many of our DIY heating packs have free printable care labels for your gift.
Reversible Dish Mat Basket
These soft drying mat baskets can be used in so many ways! They take just a few minutes to make.
A smart idea is to use the basket as a gift holder, and stuff it with lots of other goodies. Then they can keep the basket, too!
Handy Walker Caddy or Wheelchair Bag
For those who use a walker or wheelchair, a fabric walker caddy bag that attaches securely can be incredibly useful for carrying personal items, a water bottle, or a book.
Mouse Wrist Rest
These flexible wrist supports are perfect for seniors who are on the computer each day. The mouse wrist rest prevents strain while using a computer mouse.
Small Bottle Gripper
These smaller versions of a jar gripper are perfect for opening small bottles such as vitamins or supplements.
Soft and Cozy Blanket
Everyone loves to snuggle under a soft blanket, no matter what your age! This easy DIY double-sided blanket can be made with a fleece blanket and a curtain panel for a unique throw blanket they will love!
Tissue Box Cover
A box of Kleenex looks so much prettier when you make a reversible tissue box cover.
We have free patterns to make a rectangle box cover and a square box cover.
Pocket Tissue Holder
A pretty pocket tissue holder is perfect for putting in a purse, tucking into a chair caddy or using in a walker caddy.
Comforting Eye Pillow
Similar to the heat pack, a smaller eye pillow can be heated or chilled to soothe tired eyes, help with headaches, or aid in relaxation.
Pen Holder
For anyone who is always losing their pens or pencils, a DIY pen holder bookmark is the perfect answer! This pen holder can be used with a journal, daily planner or a Bible.
Our felt planner pen pocket is similar in design.
Pot Holder Organizer
Keep lots of little things organized with a pot holder organizer. This is great for a purse or to keep by a chair. The large button and zip-top plastic bags are easy to use.
Nail File Carrying Case
It is so easy to lose nail files unless you store them in a convenient nail file carrying case. The handmade case makes it easier to find a nail file, and protects nearby items from being scratched.
Cord Keeper
These velcro cord keepers are easy to use and keep cords organized.
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