Last minute gift ideas for seniors

It’s Wednesday, New Jersey! It’s also less than a week before Christmas and some of you may still be shopping for gifts for family and friends. Check out some simple but useful ideas for seniors below that were suggested by our readers.🎁

☔Weather: High 47, mostly sunny, then rain at night.

👀What’s on tap today:

• Aging news roundup

• Financial help with hearing aids

• Holiday happenings: Treat yourself to a performance of “The Messiah” and the grandkids to “Christmas Underwater” at the Adventure Aquarium

Up first…

Last-Minute Gift Ideas for Seniors

Struggling to find the perfect gift at the last minute? Here are some thoughtful and practical ideas suggested by our readers that are sure to bring joy to the senior in your life:

Practical and Useful Gifts

• Warm Throw Blanket or Shawl: A cozy way to stay warm during chilly months.

• Gift Cards: Choose one for a local restaurant, grocery store, or online retailer.

• Pill Organizer: A sleek, helpful tool for managing daily medications.

• Hand Cream Set: Ideal for keeping skin hydrated in winter.

Personalized and Thoughtful Gifts

• Photo Book: Create a photo album with cherished family memories. Many services offer expedited shipping.

• Customized Calendar: Include family photos and special dates for a personal touch.

• Engraved Keychain or Jewelry: A meaningful keepsake they can carry everywhere.

Fun and Entertaining Gifts

• Large-Print Puzzle Books: Crosswords, Sudoku, or word searches to stay mentally active.

• Streaming Service Subscription: A great way to enjoy movies, TV shows, or music.

• Board or Card Games: Encourage fun and socializing with loved ones.

Health and Wellness Gifts

• Massager or Heating Pad: Perfect for relaxation and soothing aches.

• Aromatherapy Diffuser: Pair it with essential oils for a calming experience.

• Healthy Snack Basket: Include treats like nuts, dried fruits, or dark chocolate.

Digital Gifts

• E-Gift Cards: Sent instantly via email for their favorite stores or services.

• Online Class Subscription: Find classes for cooking, art, or fitness tailored to seniors.

No matter what you choose, the thought behind the gift will make it truly special. Happy giving!

The Festive Charm of Poinsettias

No plant says “Christmas” quite like the poinsettia. With its vibrant red leaves and green foliage, it’s a symbol of the season’s warmth and joy. But did you know this beloved plant has a rich history?

Poinsettias, native to Mexico, were introduced to the United States by Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico, in the early 1800s. They quickly became a Christmas favorite, thanks to their festive colors and association with a Mexican legend. According to the story, a young girl wanted to give a gift to baby Jesus but could only offer weeds she picked from the roadside. Miraculously, the weeds turned into beautiful red flowers, which became known as “Flores de Noche Buena,” or Flowers of the Holy Night.

Today, poinsettias are available in various colors, from classic red to white, pink, and even marbled varieties. To keep your poinsettias healthy during the holiday season, place them in bright, indirect light and water only when the soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid cold drafts or overly warm spots to prevent wilting.

For many seniors, caring for poinsettias can be a delightful way to add beauty to their homes during the holidays. And if you’re looking for a thoughtful Christmas tradition, consider gifting one to a loved one—it’s a gesture rooted in history, legend, and seasonal cheer. Find Monmouth County garden centers and nurseries that sell poinsettias here.

Did you know?

Hearing Aid Assistance to the Aged and Disabled
The state of New Jersey provides a $100 reimbursement to eligible seniors and individuals with disabilities who purchase a hearing aid. Find out more here.

The Cookie Exchange

🍪🍪A list of each state’s favorite Christmas cookies lists Ricotta Cookies as New Jersey’s favorite! Here’s a classic New Jersey-style ricotta cookie recipe for Christmas! These soft, moist cookies are a holiday favorite and perfect for sharing.

New Jersey Christmas Ricotta Cookies

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 15 oz whole-milk ricotta cheese (about 1 container)

• 2 large eggs

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 4–5 tbsp milk (add more for desired consistency)

• 1 tsp vanilla or almond extract (optional)

• Holiday sprinkles

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).

• Mix in the ricotta cheese, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

2. Bake the Cookies:

• Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

• Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale.

• Allow the cookies to cool completely on wire racks before glazing.

3. Make the Glaze:

• In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and extract (if using) until smooth and pourable. Adjust the milk for your desired consistency.

4. Glaze and Decorate:

• Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the glaze or spread it on with a spoon.

• Add festive holiday sprinkles while the glaze is still wet.

• Let the cookies sit until the glaze is set (about 30 minutes).

Serving and Storing

• Serve on a decorative Christmas plate for a festive touch.

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Enjoy these delightful ricotta cookies with family and friends—they’re a true taste of Christmas in New Jersey!

Aging News Roundup

Events

December 18 – Bell Works Fresh Holiday Markets (Holmdel, Monmouth County)
December 19 – A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland (Englewood, Bergen County)
December 20 – 22 – Kelsey Theatre Holiday Extravaganza Remixed (West Windsor, Mercer County)
December 20 – 22 – American Repertory Ballet presents THE NUTCRACKER (New Brunswick, Middlesex County)
December 21 – Off the Wall Holiday Market (West Windsor, Mercer County)
December 21 – Barefoot Grape Stomping at Four Sisters Winery (Belvidere, Warren County)
December 20 -22 – Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar (Asbury Park, Monmouth County)
December 21 – Bell Works Fresh Holiday Markets (Holmdel, Monmouth County)
December 21 & 22 – Montclair Flea Holiday Market (Montclair, Essex County)
December 21 & 22 – Night Owl Market: Highland Park’s Artisan, Crafter and Maker Market (Highland Park, Middlesex County)
December 21 & 22 –  Flounder’s Annual Kringle Market (Hillsborough, Somerset County)
December 22 – South Orange Open-Air Holiday Market (South Orange, Essex County)

Handel’s Messiah

• What: Experience the soaring “Lift Up Your Heads,” the triumphant “Hallelujah Chorus,” and beloved arias that make Handel’s Messiah a holiday classic.

• Who:

  • New Jersey Symphony, led by Jeannette Sorrell (conductor).

  • Montclair State University Singers, directed by Heather J. Buchanan.

  • Soloists: Sonya Headlam (soprano), John Holiday (countertenor), Ed Lyon (tenor), Kevin Deas (bass-baritone).

• When: December 20–21.

• Where: Richardson Auditorium, Princeton.

• Tickets: Required. Get tickets here.

Celebrate Patriots Week 2024 at the Old Barracks Museum in Trenton, NJ, with a series of engaging events commemorating the American Revolution.

Event Highlights:

• Colonial Ball
  Date & Time: December 27, 7 PM – 10 PM

• Details: Experience 18th-century dancing with live music. Period attire is encouraged but not required.

• Battle of Trenton Reenactments
  Dates & Times: 28 & 29, 11 AM & 3 PM
  Details: Witness reenactments of the historic battles that turned the tide of the Revolution.

• Patriots Week Lecture Series
  Dates & Times: December 26 – 31, various times
  Details:: Attend lectures by renowned historians on Revolutionary War topics.

• Children’s Activities
  Dates & Times: December 26 – 31, 10 AM – 4 PM
  Details: Interactive programs designed for young patriots, including colonial games and crafts.

Location: Old Barracks Museum, 101 Barrack Street, Trenton, NJ

Admission: Varies by event; some events are free.

For a complete schedule and ticket information, visit the Old Barracks Museum's official website.

The Grandkids

🤿Dive into the Holidays: Every year, all of the good little boys and girls look forward to Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium in Camden. Watch for Scuba Santa in the Ocean Realm, the World’s Tallest Underwater Christmas Tree plus more holiday magic among 15,000 incredible aquatic animals at this perennially popular annual event. Find this year’s dates and details on the aquarium’s official website.

🙏Thanks for reading! A special shoutout today goes to all those who sent in ideas for holiday gifts for fellow seniors! Remember, gifts can be simple, it's the thought that makes the gift special!

🙂Do you have feedback or news to share? Email us at [email protected]

🤶Happy Holidays! See you next week!

The Better With Age New Jersey team!