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Content Created by Tracey of Baker Street Living 
As the temperatures drop and winter sets in, there’s nothing like a thoughtful, cozy gift to bring warmth and comfort, especially for loved ones living in retirement or assisted living communities. A Gift Basket for assisted living residents is a wonderful way to say “I’m thinking of you” while providing a little extra comfort during chilly days. These simple, customizable baskets are filled with soft, soothing, and heartwarming items that make the season brighter.
Why a Gift Basket for Assisted Living Residents Works
A Gift Basket for assisted living residents is a cozy care package filled with items that promote warmth, relaxation, and comfort, perfect for wintertime gifting. For residents in retirement homes, it’s a meaningful way to show love and connection, even if you can’t visit in person. These baskets can be tailored to fit individual needs, preferences, and safety considerations. Each basket contains personal items just for them. There should be nothing in the basket that they don’t love or find useful. The ideas below will help you pick things suitable for your loved one.
Important things to consider before buying gift basket items
- Allergies
- Dietary Restrictions
- Assisted Living Residential Policies, food, scents, etc
- Scent Intolerance
- Skin Sensitivity
Must-Dos before Giving or Using
If you are certain the item will not be returned, add a label with their name on it. Often in assisted living residences, laundry may be mixed. To make sure the item gets returned to them, a label with their name on it will be an asset. Make sure the label or name is not removable, and if using a marker, make sure it is a permanent marker designed to be laundered.
Avoid items that shrink, such as wool blankets, socks and sweaters. Pure wool is a beautiful gift, but if laundered and dried in a dryer will be ruined.
For non-textile items, add permanent adhesive labels (underneath or out of sight) with the person’s name on them. Sadly, theft does occur. Consider personalizing with engraved plates or “This book belongs to” labels.
Choosing a Basket
Choose a basket that can be repurposed, such as a basket that can hold yarn, or be used to keep books and magazines in or for extra blankets. For a budget-wise basket, you can always use a box wrapped in colourful gift paper. If the receiver has difficulty with fine motor skills, make it easy to open and do not seal envelopes or ribbons that are difficult to remove.
Classic Comfort Items
These timeless gift ideas focus on coziness and comfort that anyone can enjoy. To make it more personal, choose colours that go with their decor, or colours they enjoy, such as a family tartan, floral design, bold masculine plaid or military and first responder themed items.
Consider sensory products for those suffering from anxiety, dementia or alzheimers. These can have a calming and comforting effect
- Fleece or lightweight lap blanket
- Twiddle Fidget Muff – Sensory Muff
- Non-slip cozy socks
- Fidget Blanket
- Neck pillow
- Lumbar support cushion
- Warm shawl or wrap
- Hand-warming therapy mittens
- Non-Slip Full Foot Slippers
- Lightweight Warm Bed Blanket
- Sensory Wrist Cuff
Self-Care and Relaxation Items
This list is designed to offer gift ideas that encourage calmness and relaxation. Often, residential settings can be noisy, or there is constant activity. When choosing items, consider the person’s ability to operate electronic items. Sometimes the simple on and off is all that is needed and less confusing or difficult to manage..
- Lightly scented or unscented lotion (pump style for easy use)
- Soft Robe
- Sleep machine (helps to mask noises)
- Soft Quick Drying Towel Set
- Aromatherapy sachet (lavender or chamomile)
- Music/Audiobook Player ( You load the card – easily operate)
- Moisturizing Lip Balm
- Decorative Tissues
- Decorative tissue box cover
Faith-Based Gift Items
- Devotional – Large Print
- Prayer shawl
- Scripture Blanket
- Battery-operated candle
- Scripture jat
- Large Print Bible Word Search Book
- Bible Button ( like an easy button)
Special Interest Items
The interests and abilities of your loved one will dictate your choice. For those able to knit, crochet, paint, etc, there are many kits to choose from. Look for larger print or grip-assisted pens, paintbrushes and needles. Add some thimble grips for an extra measure of safety.
- Reading Light
- Jigsaw Puzzle – Large-sized
- Match Up Game (Concentration)
- Large Print Colouring Book
- Page Magnifier
- Sand Picture
- Military of First Responder Items (for retirees)
- Large zprint Playing Cards
Snack and Treat Items
Be sure to consider dietary restrictions as well as assisted living facility restrictions. Avoid items that need refrigeration.
- Individually wrapped chocolates
- A favourite candy
- Soft cookies, muffins, or sugar-free treats
- Herbal teas (chamomile, peppermint, lavender)
- Instant soup cups or oatmeal packets
Personal & Emotional Comfort
- Framed photo of family or pets
- A handwritten letter or note
- Small inspirational quote card
- A memory or gratitude journal (large print
Helpful Aids
- Long-handle shoehorn
- Reacher grabber tool (if allowed)
- Easy-open jar grip pads
- Nightlight with dusk-to-dawn sensor
I hope you have been inspired to create a gift basket for assisted living loved ones. It is a beautiful way to show care, connection, and kindness during the cold winter months. These small comforts, like a soft blanket, a cozy pair of socks or their favourite snacks all work together to brighten their day and remind them they’re loved. No matter how simple or elaborate your basket is, the thought behind it is what truly warms the heart.
This website contains affiliate links. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases (at no cost to you).