“I don’t need a thing.”

Those are five words that family members of senior citizens often hear at Christmastime.

Buying gifts for older adults presents unique challenges. Charlee Glinka, of Eudora, says that she knows that her father has reached the “no-stuff point because he said so.”

Being of Polish heritage, Glinka found him special Polish cups last year that were a hit, but she still doesn’t know what to get this year.

“Trying to find something that doesn’t take up space or doesn’t react with medications (is the problem),” says Glinka, 55. “But I think that I’m the one that needs to change my way of looking at gifts.”

Instead of presents, she’s considering the gift of time.

“Perhaps having a special night of driving around looking at the Christmas lights and having time together would be what he would like,” Glinka says.

Several older adults say that having the family together is a gift itself because it so rarely occurs. That was the answer Christine Parr gave when asked what she wanted from Santa Claus this year.

Parr, 81, of Eudora, says that she really did not need anything “that could be bought” but knew that her children wanted to get her something. She suggested practical items such as a shawl with pockets or favorite foods.

Arthur Burgess, 88, of Lawrence, says that he wanted gift certificates but did not think that they would be considered by his children as “a big enough gift, but that’s what I’d like, from Best Buy, for things for my computer.”

Too often, presents that traditionally are associated with older adults are not on their list.

“I have enough scented lotion and powders to last for years” was a comment from a group of ladies who say they would prefer items that they could use quickly or for a specific reason. Gift suggestions from seniors include certificates to a favorite restaurant, hair salon or a grocery; tickets to the theater, Lied Center or sporting events; an I.O.U. for yard work, housework or time together; payment for a monthly housekeeper, cable service or for items that assist in daily activities, such as a hands-free can opener.

Choosing a gift for a senior may take some thought but actually listening to what is requested is the key.