Once again, the holidays are upon us. Everyone has industrious friends who have their holiday shopping completed by the end of summer. But the rest of us are just beginning. And more often than not, the mature adults on our lists pose the greatest challenge.

So what do you give the person who has “everything” — especially those with active lifestyles and are out and about where they can pickup anything they need? Before you visit the mall, it’s important to take a moment to recognize the essence of your loved one. Be careful not to think in terms of what they used to do — think in terms of how they like to spend their time now.

• Check out adult education programs, the local university, the community art center, senior center, art and crafts stores, and so forth, to see what classes may be available — then present your loved one with the gift of tuition or registration fees.
• Even though they willingly renew their subscriptions, purchasing the renewal for them is a welcomed gift. A large print version often is available and might be appreciated or needed.
• Consider a travel care package — perhaps a CD player and disks of some of their favorite music, plus some healthy “road food” snacks and bottled water, juice and teas. Add an herbal neck pillow and some slippers or travel socks for ultimate comfort.
• A personal calendar that has been marked with special family occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries would be a welcome gift.
• Another welcome item may be shadow box showing a grandchild’s accomplishments during the year. A photo of the dance recital or a ribbon from the school track meet can create a nice collage of things to share about which grandparents love to brag.
• Cleaning gutters, repairing a few shingles, cleaning up the basement, even putting up and taking down the holiday lights, may be chores that your loved one hasn’t the time or could really use help doing. Provide a “gift certificate” of your time to help get these things done.

Regardless of what you choose, your loved ones will recognize and appreciate the gift of the extra time and careful thought behind it.

— Information provided by Lawrence Presbyterian Manor