Whether or not a parent or favorite aunt admits to falling in the “older adult” categorythere are some gifts that have a proven track record for this active group. According to the pros in a variety of retail businesses, older adults like to stay connected, travel, read and be comfortable.
The following suggestions reflect those preferences. Prices range from about $15 to more than $600.
For gifts starting under $100, Borders Books & Music has an answer about what to do when you don’t have a clue if the person already has the newest Tom Clancy or John Grisham novel or the latest best-selling diet book. Called the Borders Gift Card, the item is a charge-card look-alike that is purchased in denominations of $25, $50 and $100 or as an open card good for purchases up to an amount that you determine. ” Borders has stores in 265 locations throughout the United States — 17 locations in and around Chicago.
Also in the budget category are a couple of items for people on the go. For the correct time anywhere in the world, there is a World Travel Calendar Calculator Alarm Clock, which displays current date and local time. Press one button and the clock shows the time in 16 major cities from Hong Kong to Paris. Another button pulls up a monthly calendar. The pocket-sized item can be found for $24.95 at The Sharper Image.
Moving up to the $100-to-$300 range is a Tempur-Pedic Swedish pillow and pillow case. Anatomically designed, the pillows are made from temperature-sensitive material that uses body heat to mold itself to a user’s shape for maximum support. Brookstone offers Tempur-Pedic’s standard-size pillow for $99 ($18 for the pillowcase). Queen-size pillows are $125; extra thick pillows are $130. Extra-thick, oversized pillows for adults over 6 feet tall and weighing more than 180 pounds (or for people who sleep in a propped-up position) are $150. Call 800-926-7000 or visit www.brookstone.com.
On the Internet front, schools say they can’t keep up with computer-class demands from grandparents who want to shop online and send e-mails and photographs, which brings us to digital cameras.
Staying under $300 is tough for anything but the most basic camera, but the Kodak DC240 MegaPixel Digital Camera has been on sale at Egghead.com for $299. For more information on digital cameras, check out bestbuy.com.
Lots of people still treasure old-fashioned family photos, which makes an updated group shot a perfect holiday present. A $300 ceiling is tight but doable. Stuart Rodgers Ltd., a 50-year-old photography studio in Evanston and Chicago, charges a minimum of $200 for the portrait and $100 for the sitting.
Spending more than $300 might be just the “ticket” needed to make a few travel dreams come true. American Airlines offers two programs for those 62 or older: Active American and Senior Coupons. United Airlines offers similar programs called Silver Pac and Silver Wings Plus.
A $40 membership ($75 to include a companion who does not have to be 62), in American’s Active American program entitles a person to receive special rates determined by zones. Based on recent ticket prices, the Active American member could have traveled from O’Hare to New York and back for $178, plus airport fees. Call 800-421-5600 or visit www.aa-aatc.com.
A membership in American’s Admirals Club at $400 if registered (no additional cost) in the Advantage Club or $300 if person has achieved Gold level in the Advantage Club, would offer the extra comfort of waiting in a private club atmosphere that has free non-alcoholic beverages and snacks. Call 800-237-7971.
A Senior Coupon Booklet at $676 (plus airport fees when redeemed) for four coupons provides the user with two round trips (one coupon each way) within 48 contiguous United States or one round trip to Hawaii or Alaska. Call 800-237-7981.
United Airlines’ Silver Wings Plus operates similar to Active American but begins with a two-year membership at $75 that allows the member to purchase a companion ticket at the same discounted price. Call 800-720-1765. The Silver Pac program is similar to American’s Senior Coupon Booklet. Four coupons cost $628.80. Call 800-633-6563. United has a Red Carpet Room that offers its members private club comfort. Call 520-881-0500 or visit www.ual.com.
