As we grow older, it may be challenging to figure out the best Father’s Day gifts for elderly dads or even what to do on Father’s Day—especially if you’re celebrating with a dad in senior living. The most important thing is to remember to focus on gifts or activities that cater to their interests and capabilities. Some gifts for older dads may include comfort items, tech gadgets, hobby kits, personalized gifts, or wellness items. You can also make them feel special by planning a day together.
Comfort and Practical Gifts
It can often be hard to shop for dads because they often seek out practical or functional gifts. Some useful but thoughtful gifts for older dads may include some of the ideas below.
1. Blankets
A unique blanket might promote relaxation and comfort for dads. For instance, if your dad lives in a cold climate, tends to run cold, or has trouble sleeping, a weighted blanket might help. Weighted blankets are actually proven to improve the quality of life and sleep for older adults, according to research on the effects of weighted blankets.
2. Slippers
Another thoughtful gift for Father’s Day may include slippers. It’s a daily item that your dad may not think to replace himself. You can try looking for slippers based on his preferences—soft and fuzzy, supportive, or even customized designs.
3. Clothing
New clothing items are ideal presents for older dads who aren’t a big fan of impractical gifts. Dads often end up wearing the same items for years, so why not give them a few shirts, pants, or jackets to refresh their closet? Furthermore, if your dad is starting to lose some abilities as they age, you might also look at adaptive clothing for seniors to help him get dressed with ease.
Tech Gadgets
If Dad’s interested in new technology, some of the best presents for older dads include devices that make daily life easier or more enjoyable. Take a look at some tech gadgets you could gift this Father’s Day below.
4. Simple Tablets or Smart Watches
Simple tablets or smart watches may be ideal presents for older dads who aren’t as tech-savvy. For instance, the GrandPad is an easy-to-use tablet that’s thoughtfully designed for seniors. It features large fonts, easy navigation, and a private network that can block spam and scams. However, if you think Dad would prefer a more advanced product, the iPad might be the better choice. It can sync with any other Apple products he may have, and it can be set up to meet his needs.
There are plenty of smart watches on the market as well. Nowadays, they offer phone call capabilities, health metrics, fitness goal tracking, location tracking, and fall detection. The Apple Watch is a popular option and can be synced with other Apple devices.
5. Digital Assistance Devices
To make life a little easier, consider a digital assistance device as a gift for an older dad. Echo devices with Alexa can make daily tasks a lot easier and there are so many models to choose from—with prices starting at $40. These devices can help turn out lights, play music, provide reminders, read the weather forecast, and much more.
6. Electronic Massager
If your dad often experiences pain in a certain area, an electric massager could be a handy gift for Father’s Day. These days there are various types of massagers to help alleviate pain in different areas. Depending on your dad’s needs, you can gift a handheld massager which can be used anywhere, or a specific neck, foot, or back massager. Some even come with heat settings for additional relief.
7. GPS Tracking Tags
It can become hard to keep track of important daily items, such as wallets and keys, especially with old age. That’s exactly why a GPS tracking tag would be a handy Father’s Day gift for elderly dads. The AirTag is very popular due to its seamless integration with Apple devices. However, there are plenty of GPS tracking tags that might be more affordable and right for you.
Entertainment and Hobby Gifts
If Dad is open to trying new hobbies or already has tried-and-true favorites, gift one of the following items to help him pursue them.
8. Books or Audiobooks
Bookworm dads may find it difficult to read as many books as before, especially if smaller fonts strain their eyes. Large print books of his favorite books or books in his favorite genres can make a great gift. Or you can gift a membership to an audiobook platform so he can listen to almost any book anytime and anywhere.
9. Puzzle Books or Jigsaw Puzzles
Puzzle books and jigsaw puzzles can make great Father’s Day gifts for seniors. They are great for passing time and engaging the brain, which becomes very important in later stages of life. If Dad grew up doing the crossword in the newspaper or solving jigsaw puzzles with the family, a crossword puzzle book or fun jigsaw puzzle may be perfect. You might even choose themed books and jigsaw puzzles that cater to his interests. Or consider books with a variety of puzzles, such as word searches, word scrambles, Sudoku, and more.
10. Hobby Supplies or Kits
In the past, Dad may not have had time to dedicate to his hobbies. If you’ve ever noticed some hobbies he’s always wanted to pursue, Father’s Day might be the perfect time to gift hobby supplies to help him get started. For example, a paint-by-number kit might be a perfect gift for older dads who’ve always loved painting. Or, for a dad who’s always loved grilling, consider a new grill kit with barbecue tools, sauces, and an apron.
Personalized and Sentimental Gifts
To bring a smile to Dad’s face, consider a personalized gift for Father’s Day—something that makes him think of you or family.
11. Digital Photo Frame
Nowadays, framing up-to-date photos or flipping through photo albums is rare. To remind Dad of precious memories, gift a digital photo frame pre-uploaded with family pictures, which you can constantly update. A digital photo frame can help Dad feel connected from afar.
If your dad’s a bit more old school, you can still put together a custom photo album or scrapbook filled with his most cherished memories and milestones.
12. Personalized Calendar
Lots of dads still prefer hanging up a wall calendar to digital calendars. Why not personalize their wall calendar so you can bring a smile to their face every time they check the date? There are plenty of websites that’ll let you create your own calendar and customize it with family photos, birthdays, anniversaries, and other important dates.
13. Personalized or Novelty Mug
Almost everyone has their warm drink of choice—whether it be coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or just warm water. Next time your dad is enjoying their favorite beverage, give him a reason to think about you as they drink out of a personalized mug or novelty mug. To go with the gift, you can also include a selection of teabags, coffee grounds, or hot cocoa packets.
Health and Wellness Gifts
As Dad starts aging, health is probably becoming a bigger priority. Try researching gifts that can help older fathers prioritize their well-being.
14. Aromatherapy Diffuser
Something dads would never buy for themselves but may just end up loving could be an aromatherapy diffuser. They make great gifts for older fathers who may need a little extra help with relaxation or winding down at nighttime. There are many aromatherapy benefits for older adults, according to a medical director at UCLA. Some of these benefits include enhanced mood, memory, and sleep, and reduced pain.
15. Ergonomic Pillow
For any dads who experience pain or discomfort due to their posture or sleeping position, you may want to gift an ergonomic pillow or seat cushion for Father’s Day. You can buy a pillow for his bed based on his needs or a seat cushion for his favorite chair. Ergonomic pillows and cushions offer many benefits including improved posture, reduced pain, and enhanced sleep quality.
16. Light Therapy Lamp
In certain seasons or just on certain days, Dad may not be getting enough natural light, which could negatively impact his mood. Light therapy lamps could make great Father’s Day gifts for an elderly dad to help improve sleep and mood, according to research on light therapy.
Fun and Engaging Activities
We understand that it’s not an option for all families to get together on Father’s Day, however, if you’re able to, it might be one of the best gifts.
17. Craft Together
You can plan to visit your dad with his grandkids and set up a craft to do together as a Father’s Day gift. Purchase art supplies to do fingerpainting or visit a painting studio together, depending on everyone’s age and abilities.
18. Plan a BBQ or Picnic
Setting up a themed BBQ or picnic might be one of the best gifts for older dads. It allows them to spend quality time with close loved ones, savor delish foods, and enjoy the outdoors.
19. Set Up a Game Night
To get the entire family involved with ease, plan a couple hours to get together to play some of their favorite board or card games. Plan to incorporate a variety of engaging games for all family members, such as Monopoly, Clue, Scrabble, Trivial Pursuit, Snakes and Ladders, Dominoes, Yahtzee, or UNO.
20. Visit Dad in Senior Living
Some older dads may be in a senior living community, so an ideal Father’s Day present from their adult children might simply be coordinating a visit. Oftentimes, the best gift is quality time, so if you have multiple siblings, try to get everyone together at once to surprise them. Get all of Dad’s grandchildren together to do fun activities together too.
Celebrating Father’s Day at Sunrise Senior Living
In Sunrise Senior Living communities, family members can visit any day to join their dad for on-site activities. And many of our communities offer a special Father's Day brunch!
There are several benefits to family engagement in senior care and luckily plenty of things to do on Father’s Day in a Sunrise community. You can join in on fitness classes, art lessons, musical activities, group games, gardening, and much more.
For dads who can easily move about, you can pick them up for a day and plan a special outing together. Think about spending an afternoon in a garden, visiting a museum, going out to dinner, or taking them shopping depending on their interests.
If your elderly dad isn’t in a senior living community, be sure to take note of any changes you notice when you talk or spend time together. Whatever you decide to do on Father’s Day—whether it’s gifting a practical item or techy gadget, or spending the day together, you may notice that he’s feeling lonely or having trouble with some daily tasks. These changes may be signs that it’s time for senior living.
To help you navigate Dad’s next chapter, find a Sunrise near you to speak to an expert about senior living options that may be suitable.