Finding a Loving Valentine's Day Gift for Your Elderly Mom and Dad

1. My Life in a Book

A sentimental gift is sometimes the best gift for someone who has everything. It is not uncommon for people as they age to want to share their anthologies of memories with those closest to them. The "My Life in a Book" program gives your parent or grandparent a simple method of sharing memories via weekly interview-style question prompts. Once you've gathered enough information, you compile the stories and photographs they've shared into an attractive, professionally crafted book. Additional copies of the book are only thirty dollars, so those closest to your senior loved one can also enjoy browsing through history and reminiscing about the old days.

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2. An Indulgent Valentine's Day Gift—A Gourmet Capalbo's Gift Basket

Capalbo's has a multitude of gift basket options that allow almost anyone to indulge. You can choose based on occasion (including Valentine's Day) or what you want the box to include. Wine, champagne, baked treats, chocolates, candy, deluxe nuts, fruit, cheese, savory snacks, and delightful condiments are available in an impressive number of different combinations and presentations. And you can even find gift baskets specifically curated to be Kosher, low in sugar, fruit only, or even Italian themed with authentic antipasto, cheese, fruit, and other gourmet treats.

Nearly one hundred Capalbo's gift baskets are also available with free shipping within the U.S. Plus, with a Google customer review rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, you can feel assured that you're sending high-quality decadence that your senior parent will love.

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3. A Delicious Valentine's Day Gift—Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

If you've ever tasted a strawberry fresh from the fields in California, this gift will make your mouth water—and your folks will be even more delighted. A dozen choice, fresh, ripe California strawberries dipped in decadent dark chocolate will set every sweet tooth singing. Both Mom and Dad will call this Valentine's Day gift a winner. By the way, nothing beats one of these berries with a great cup of coffee.

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4. A Valentine's Day Gift of Love—A Cuddly Teddy Bear

If your senior loved one could use some comfort and cuteness to brighten their day, a soft and cuddly teddy bear may be just the thing for them to squeeze and love when you're not around. And seniors with dementia can especially benefit from this feeling of comfort, companionship, and nostalgia. These Vermont teddies are very well made with plush "fur," adorable expressions, and recycled stuffing. They also carry a lifetime warranty. In other words, if something goes wrong, simply send the bear back to the Vermont Bear Hospital. As a result, they'll either repair it or send you a brand-new replacement bear.

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5. A Practical Valentine's Day Gift—A Tile Mate Bluetooth Tracker

Is your senior parent prone to losing things? Whether they've always been a bit absent-minded or if misplacing things like keys is a new issue, check out this Bluetooth device for a practical gift. Besides key fobs, this tracker can also be put in a wallet, purse, or backpack or attached to a tablet. Voila! No more missing items, no more frustration, and no more wasted time.

The Tile Mate is waterproof and compatible with both iOS and Android devices. After purchase, help your parent download the Tile app and install it on their mobile phone. Be aware: the battery is not rechargeable, although the manufacturer claims it lasts up to three years. Consider accompanying the Tile Mate with a tracker cover fob by Fintie, which comes in prints and solids.

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6. A Valentine's Day Gift for the Sweet Tooth—Jacques Torres Chocolates

If you've never experienced the existential bliss of biting into a Jacques Torres bonbon, just wait. These candies are hand-made in New York City and exquisitely decorated like tiny works of art.

Chef Jacques Torres began his career as a pastry chef in France. Hired by the Ritz-Carlton, he came to the U.S. and became the executive pastry chef at the legendary Manhattan restaurant, Le Cirque. In 2000, he realized his dream of opening a chocolate shop, which is still located in the small neighborhood of DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) in Brooklyn. Torres' chocolates are preservative-free and use only natural flavorings. If your senior parent loves chocolate, they deserve to try some of the finest.

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7. A Living Valentine's Day Gift—A Potted Aloe Plant in a Love Container

There's nothing like a living plant to cheer up the surroundings. Whether your senior loved one is still active and living at home or if they're at a care facility, they'll be delighted.

This cute, easy-to-care-for aloe vera plant is hardy and requires little watering. Just give it some sunlight every day, and it's good to go. Aloes are good for small spaces like bookshelves, bathrooms, or even kitchens. Buyers give this little plant in a cute container high praise. Every time your loved one sees the "love" on the ceramic pot, they'll be thinking of you.

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8. A Soothing Valentine's Day Gift—A Weighted Blanket

Weighted blankets are praised for their calming properties and are good for people with anxiety, insomnia, restless leg syndrome, and more. Crawling into bed under a weighted blanket feels like being hugged. This soothing, nurturing sensation promotes deeper, more restful sleep, resulting in less tossing and turning or unwelcome 3 a.m. wakeups.

The Smart Queen blanket is the number-one best-selling weighted blanket on Amazon. The blanket is constructed with seven layers. As a result, leakage of the natural glass beads is less likely. Customers compliment the blanket's weight, comfortable warmth, and soothing properties.

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9. A Valentine's Gift of Reminiscence—A Little Golden Book Knock-Off

If you have fond memories of Mom and Dad reading Little Golden Books to you as a tot, this genuine Little Golden Book will be a blast to read together. It's called "Everything I Need to Know I Learned from a Little Golden Book" and is written by Diane Muldrow, editorial director at Random House's Golden Books division. The author includes beloved characters like The Poky Little Puppy and Scruffy the Tugboat and combines them with humorous words of wisdom and art from Richard Scarry, Garth Williams, Eloise Wilkins, and others.

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10. A Nostalgic Valentine's Day Gift—Frank's Friendly Service Jigsaw Puzzle

If your dad was born in the 1940s or even the early 1950s, he'll likely get a kick out of this nostalgic jigsaw puzzle. And, if he lives nearby, you can help him put it together.

This 300-piece puzzle is printed on sturdy, recycled cardstock and randomly die cut. As a result, no piece is alike. Once complete, an 18-inch by 24-inch summer scene at a vintage filling station emerges, including men in suits and hats, ladies in their summer dresses, family pets, and even an adolescent gas jockey. Yes, back in the "good old days," you never pumped your own gas. Putting together the puzzle pieces encourages putting together those pieces of the past and the warm memories and stories that accompany them.

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1. A delivery of fresh, vibrant flowers

Sometimes a classic gift is the most treasured. And receiving a stunning bouquet of flowers never gets old. It serves as a reminder of all the other occasions in life your mom has received flowers for, and the warm feelings that accompanied them. Each time she sees them or enjoys their lovely aroma, she will be reminded that she is loved and appreciated.

JustFlowers.com offers a simple way to express your affection with an impressive variety of floral creations, potted plants, and gift baskets to choose from. And if you tend to wait until the last minute to get a gift as many people do, Just Flowers has got you covered with their same-day delivery option.

And here's a fun idea: if you are looking for a way to make the flower choices even more meaningful, you could choose an arrangement containing pink carnations, which are traditionally known to represent a mother's love. Or you could find a bouquet including her "birth flower," so it feels extra personalized.

2. A gourmet tea gift set

If your older mom is an aficionado of all things tea, treat her to Vahdam's Assorted Tea Gift Set. Beautifully packaged, the set offers six gold tea caddies in a gift box. One happy purchaser raved, "This a great gift for someone who is very special to you. The best tea I have ever tasted and smelled!" Vahdam Teas are certified organic and non-GMO verified.

If Oprah, Ellen, and Mariah Carey vouch for Vahdam teas, they must be good, right?

These varieties are included:

• Hibiscus Rush—with tones of tropical fruit and hibiscus petals
• Sweet Cinnamon Masala Chai—a strong Assam tea with cinnamon and cardamom
• Vanilla Spice Masala Chai—a house-blended Masala accented with creamy vanilla and spices
• Original Indian Masala Chai—an iconic blend of black tea, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and black pepper
• Classic English Breakfast—a perfect blend of black Assam teas that yields a red, robust brew
• Turmeric Spiced Herbal—a comforting and delicious tincture of turmeric powder, black pepper, cardamom pods, and clove

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3. A cozy, soft cotton robe in her favorite color

Even if you can't wrap your mom up in your arms, you can make sure she is cloaked in warmth and comfort every day. The PajamaGram Long Women's Cotton Robe is made with double-brushed cotton jersey that's complemented by a small amount of Spandex, which allows the robe to both flex and retain its shape. The fit is described as "generously oversized" so if your mom prefers closer-fitting clothing, sizing down may be a good idea.

These ultra-soft cotton robes are machine washable and provide the breathability a natural fabric offers. This can be especially helpful to senior women who experience hot flashes, body temperature fluctuations, and skin sensitivities. Plus, there are more than 20 colors and patterns to choose from so you can pick Mom's favorite color or theme.

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1. A heated massaging pillow

Sure, some dads have it all, but we bet he doesn't have a Victor Jurgen Deep Kneading Neck Massage Pillow. The name doesn't describe the magic of this massaging pillow. The device contains massage nodes simulating Japanese Shiatsu. The massager also has the option to add heat to the massage. As a result, it enhances muscle relaxation. It comes with an easy-to-clean faux leather cover, a DC power cord, and a car charger. Users call it "addictive." Better yet, it's small and lightweight. Dad can even use it on his feet or lower back.

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2. A durable, high-quality multitool

Dads tend to love helping people and fixing things. Having an appropriate tool on hand makes it a lot more fun and convenient for them to be handy. The Leatherman Wingman includes 14 different tools designed to meet day-to-day needs, plus it's small and light enough to fit comfortably in a pocket. Leatherman offers a generous 25-year warranty which Dad likely won't need to use thanks to the multitool's durable, stainless steel construction.

If you wanted to make this gift more personal, you could get the tool engraved with a message from you or with your father's initials.

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