Father’s Day Gift Guide for Seniors

About Nicole Pajer

Nicole Pajer is a Los Angeles-based freelance published in The New York Times, Woman's Day, AARP, Parade, Wired, Glamour, People and more.

man entering senior living community with gift bag

Looking for that perfect gift that will show your love and appreciation for your senior dad? We’ve curated a list of some of our favorites to help you out! When picking out the perfect gift, be sure to consider your dad's specific interests, hobbies, and tech-savviness. Whether he’s a golfer, foodie, or into the latest and greatest gadgets, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of some of the coolest gifts for your pops on his special day.

1. A personalized photo album

Go old school and print out some of your favorite pics featuring your dad. Fill a photo album with memorable pictures of family, friends, and special moments, adding in captions or dates if you wish. A personalized photo album is a great way to reminisce and cherish special memories. This one is extra unique, as it’s made with wood and can be customized with your family’s name. Personalized Photo Album: $69.95, amazon.com

2. A smart thermometer for regulating grilling

An estimated 48 million people get sick each year due to foodborne illnesses. Some of this can be due to consuming undercooked meat. Help Dad cook his steak, chicken, fish and pork to the proper temperature with this smart meat thermometer that will help him to keep a real time view on his meat’s temperature from a distance of 260 feet away. The MeatStick: $99.99, meatstick.com

3. Ortho-cushion slippers

Treat your dad's feet with a pair of cozy, premium orthopedic slippers. These slippers have orthotic insoles and arch support designed to help prevent discomfort. Orthofeet Hudson Stretch Knit Slippers $84.99, Orthofeet

4. A fun pickleball paddle

Pickleball is all the rage these days and many seniors are getting in on the game. If your dad plays, he’ll surely love his own paddle, especially one that’s fun and unique! This paddle is made of graphite, making it relatively lightweight and easier to maneuver. And what dad could resist this patriotic American tie dye print? Graphite Pickleball Paddle: $68.00, f2sports.com.

5. An extendable Golf Ball Retriever

Have a dad who loves to golf? Then you know that bending down to pick up the ball is part of the game. This extendable golf ball retriever may help your father to be able to pick up a golf ball that’s gone rogue without having to crouch down and put pressure on his knees or hips. It’s a fancy gadget he’ll love having in his golf bag! Prowithlin Golf Ball Retriever: $18.99, amazon.com.

6. A reading magnifier

Does your dad like to start off his morning with the newspaper? Or maybe curl up on the couch with a good novel? Help him read with less eye strain by gifting him a reading magnifier. This reading accessory is outfitted with LED lights, is anti-glare, and is controlled by a dimmable switch. It’s also described as lightweight and ergonomic in design, making it easier for dad to grip. MagniPros 4X Large LED Page Magnifier: $21.95 , amazon.com.

7. An on-the-go chair that rocks

Does dad love going to his grandchildren’s sporting events? Sitting around an outdoor firepit? Spending an afternoon at the lake or beach? Gift him a portable chair that folds up, is relatively easy to transport and doubles as a rocking chair. Bonus points for the cupholder and the fact that this is described as lightweight and easy to carry. GCI Outdoor FirePit Rocker Low Rocking Chair & Outdoor Camping Chair: $70.00, amazon.com.

8. An activity book that can be good for dad’s brain

Challenge your dad to this brain-friendly activity book that will have him busy completing over 100 different large print puzzles. From crossword puzzles to Sudoku, challenging word scrambles, relaxing coloring book pages, and more, this will keep him occupied and enthralled for hours. The Greatest Activity Book For Seniors: $15.99, amazon.com.

9. A DIY hot sauce kit

Have a dad who loves things extra spicy? Let him experiment in the kitchen and craft his own hot sauce. This kit contains everything from dried chilis to vinegar, spices, and bottles. It also contains a funnel for pouring and gloves to wear so that dad doesn’t get spicy peppers on his hands and then wipe his eyes. DIY Gift Kits Standard Hot Sauce Making Kit: $44.99, amazon.com.

10. A sleep-supporting sound machine

Does your dad live with a snoring spouse? Or maybe he likes to fall asleep to the sound of a babbling brook. Pick up a sound machine for him. This model has the option of 6 relaxing nature sounds to choose from, including rain, ocean waves and summer nights. It’s lightweight, portable, and can be used on the go. It also has an auto-off timer and volume controls, as well as the option to drown out irritating sounds with simple white noise. Homedics SoundSleep White Noise Sound Machine: $23.99, amazon.com.

11. A smokeless indoor grill

Some dads love to grill but aren’t committed enough to refill the propane tank, clean, and fire up the outdoor grill time and time again. This indoor electric BBQ grill is smokeless and dishwasher safe. It can provide your dad with an easy way to get those perfect grill marks on his meat and veggies. It’s described as nonstick and PFOA-free and is outfitted with cool touch handles. Elite Gourmet Smokeless Indoor Electric BBQ Grill with Glass Lid: $34.99, amazon.com.

12. A smartphone screen magnifier

This can be a great gift for the dad who loves to watch movies or TV shows on his phone. Have him place this screen magnifier right in front of it and it will instantly enlarge his programs. This may keep him from having to crane his neck into an uncomfortable forward position to squint at his favorite TV show. 16’’ Screen Magnifier for Smartphone: $34.95, amazon.com.

13. A back and shoulder massager

Help your dad work out the kinks in his neck and shoulders with a portable personal massager. This one comes with 8 different deep tissue kneading modes, an option for a heated massage, and adjustable speed and direction control. And once he gets done working out the tension in his shoulders, your dad can place this on his lower back to help get those knots out as well! Shiatsu Back Shoulder and Neck Massager with Heat: $49.99, amazon.com.