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Prime Times Weekly publication of the Mail Tribune , Medford, Oregon show them YOU CARE Photo from Copley News Service Sometimes it's difficult to choose a gift for loved ones who have everything they need and little space for more personal items. There are plenty of practical gifts that make life easier for the elderly, like large-print books and telephones with adjustable volume, but the best gift still seems to be a visit and a hug. Give older loved ones a thoughtful, creative gift this year By PRISCILLA LISTER Copley News Service The older person on your holiday gift list may seem the most difficult to please. Either they already have everything they want or need, or they just don't have room for more. To help you consider some special gifts for those you especially love, here are ideas that might bring real smiles. FOR THOSE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS : For the elderly person who doesn't get around as easily as he used to, consider a cane with a built-in shock absorber that makes the walk a bit smoother. Walkers that are slimmer and more maneuverable are also a possibility. And how about a cordless telephone that can be placed wherever it is needed? For those with a hearing impairment, a closed-caption television may open up worlds they want to explore. For those who already have such a TV set, buy them some closed-caption videotapes. Telephones are also available that have built-in higher volume controls for the hearing-impaired. For the older person whose eyesight has dwindled with time, consider large-numbered clocks, large-print books or crossword puzzles or a hand-held magnifying glass or magnifying book reader. Telephones with large touch-tone buttons may be welcome. Binoculars are a great gift for just about anyone, including someone who just wants to check out the neighborhood's birds. For those with respiratory problems, a home air-purification system or humidifier may ease their breathing. KITCHEN WONDERS : Gadgets that take the chore out of food preparation include utensils with large, wide handles, egg or gravy separators, apple or tomato slicers, easy-grip vegetable peelers and jar lid openers. Gift certificates to local grocery stores may be a great idea for seniors, as are any monthly food services that deliver fruits, cookies or other treats by mail. Perhaps you could prepare your loved one's favorite lasagne, cut it into single portions, and wrap it to store in his or her freezer for easy homemade, microwaved meals. Suzanne Singleton offers practical gift ideas for seniors in her book, "Clever Gift Giving" (Twenty-Nine Angels Publishing, 1998): Baskets of favorite ethnic foods that might bring back childhood memories; baskets of your loved one's favorite brand of toiletries, including deodorant, toothpaste, mouthwash, bubble bath, shampoo and powder; lottery tickets; prepaid long-distance phone cards; boxes of stationery and envelopes or all-occasion cards, complete with postage. "Maybe an elderly person needs your help," says Singleton. "Design a gift certificate for any service like house cleaning, grass cutting or window washing." Or give him or her coupons to redeem for rides to the store, doctor's office or mall. GIFTS OF EXPERIENCE : Purchase tickets to a play, ballet or symphony performance and even arrange for the transportation in a local taxi or limousine, or become your senior's date. Give memberships to the local zoo or museum so they can visit there for free all year. Give a certificate good for lunch and a movie, or breakfast and a local bingo game, or dinner at a favorite restaurant. Arrange a day at their hairdresser or even a local spa for special pampering. Get them a fly-fishing lesson out on the local river. Or a golf lesson on a nearby course. Rent a sailboat and take them along. GIFTS FOR THE MIND : Magazine or newspaper subscriptions can keep on giving long after the holidays. Pick a magazine that fits your loved one's interests. Or buy a newspaper subscription to be mailed from his or her old hometown. Books on tape might be wonderful ways for them to pass a few hours. Books about people they admire or historical biographies are often popular. Tapes of old radio programs they may have enjoyed when they were younger are fun, too. Buy craft supplies to get them started on a new hobby, such as painting or embroidery. Locate a club that might focus on an interest they've long had, whether it's bridge, poker, puzzles, chess or checkers. TRIED AND TRUE : Music never grows old. If their stereo is outdated, buy a new one with CDs that feature their favorite talents of yesteryear, such as Frank Sinatra, Benny Goodman, Nat King Cole or Billie Holiday. Pajamas, robes and slippers are often warming. Arrange with your local florist to have fresh flowers or even potted plants delivered throughout the year. And no loved one will ever have too many photographs of family members presented in special frames. "Perhaps the most significant change in older adulthood is a growing appreciation for increased intimacy and caring in their relationships with others," says Ann Fremion of the Family and Consumer Sciences department at Ohio State University Extension in Columbus. "The greatest gift one could give to an older friend or relative is a pledge of regular visits, phone calls and enjoyable conversations." Prime Times front page Mail Tribune front page Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1998, Medford, Oregon USA