Tie or perfume? No way! Try these great gift ideas

We're knee-deep in holiday shopping season but we can't forget about shopping for mom, dad, grandma and grandpa. So what do we get them? Jim Miller, editor of Savvy Senior, was invited on the “Today” show to share some practical, useful gift ideas for older family members.

Easywear Jacket
Traditional jackets don't work very well if you have limited mobility. The Zipper Front Easywear Jacket has a classic style and goes on easily. The raglan-style sleeve allows for arms to slide into the sleeve effortlessly, without having to raise or twist the arms. Uniquely designed with an open back, the Polartec fabric overlaps for maximum coverage when walking or sitting. It’s perfect for a trip to the doctor or for shopping, or just for sitting in complete comfort and warmth at home.
Available at www.janska.com, 1-866-452-6752, $75

Wallet Light Magnifier
A combination personal light and magnifier that's the size of a credit card, so it fits into any standard wallet or credit-card holder. Features a powerful recessed 3X magnifying lens, a bright white LED that concentrates light where you need it, an "easy on" switch and a protective vinyl sleeve.
Available at www.skymall.com, 1-800-759-6255, $30

SafeGuardian Cell Phone
This is the ideal cell phone for seniors! The SafeGuardian Cell Phone is a one button personal assistant cell phone with built-in GPS locator. You can call and speak with a live personal assistant by pressing just one button. Quickly and easily be connected to friends, family and neighbors — even emergency services. Your Personal Assistant can provide directory assistance, driving directions, local services — even keep your important personal or medical information on file for police, paramedic and fire personnel if dispatched for you. And the speaker-mode makes the device even easier to hear.
Available at www.safetyandsecuritycenter.com, 1-800-759-6255, $199 plus $34.95 per month for a one-year agreement, or $199 plus $29.95 per month for two years. You can also rent for $49.95 per month.

Crossword Puzzle Solver
This helpful device provides an edge for crossword puzzle devotees by instantly locating missing letters in words and phrases. It contains over 250,000 words and phrases from Merriam-Webster and covers such categories as countries, capitals, presidents, sports figures, writers, celebrities, flowers, gems and wines. Easy to use, it lets you type in partial words with question marks filling in for unknown letters, and in seconds, a scroll-down list of possible fits is displayed on the LCD. In the phrase mode, simply type in a word that is part of the phrase and a list of matches will come up. The Crossword Puzzle Solver includes Scrabble and Jumble word game aids, easy-to-read large type and automatic shutoff.
Available at www.hammacher.com, 1-800-321-1484, $50

Talking Pedometer
A great tool for exercise motivation! This innovative pedometer will actually speak the distance you have walked, the number of steps you have taken, and the total number of calories burned. It also features a standard clock function with alarm. It is completely customizable for the individual using it. Simply enter your step length and weight, and the calories burned and distance calculations are personally computed for you. 
Available at www.lifewithease.com, 1-800-966-5119, $15

Simplicity Universal Remote
If you're tired of dealing with complicated TV or VCR/DVD remote controls, here's the answer! It’s a large and easy to use universal remote control with an illuminated keypad and point and press programming. Dimensions: 4.25" X 8.25" X 1.4". Features simple programming and operations.
Available at www.maxiaids.com, 1-800-522-6294, $25

TV Listener Wireless Infrared Headphones
The BebeSounds TV Listener is a cordless infrared headset system that lets you listen to your television or stereo without disturbing others. It's also great for the hearing impaired because one person can listen at a higher volume than the other. The adapters enable it to work with any television, stereo, audio device, or other sound source. The transmitter is a small disk that is almost invisible when it sits on top of the television, and the cordless headset is featherweight with soft foam earpiece cushions for maximum comfort.
Available at www.ez-living.com, 1-800-906-8891, $35

Lids Off Jar Opener
Lids Off Jar Opener from Black n' Decker will open any jar effortlessly. Whether you suffer from arthritis or weak hands, the electric Lids Off Jar Opener easily loosens the lid on jars that are up to 4" wide and up to 8" tall.
Available at www.dynamic-living.com, 1-888-940-0605, $35

Body Benefits Hot/Cold Massaging Neck Rest
Relief for stiffness and minor muscle aches in the area of the body most often affected by daily stresses — the neck. Relief comes in a cozy, cushioned neck rest that offers soothing vibration along with a heat therapy option.
Available at www.conair.com, 1-800-211-9611, $41

HotSpa FootBath
For aching, sore feet this multipurpose foot spa massages the feet with hot water, bubbles, vibration, massage rollers and water jets. Toe touch controls.
Available at www.cachebeauty.com, 1-800-643-0333, $79.99

Cozy Foot Warmer
This foot warmer is thermostatically controlled so heat will be maintained at a constant temperature. The heating element is molded within the rubber to eliminate the danger of fire or electric shock. It's designed so warmth travels upward, circulating around your feet and legs.
Available at www.lifewithease.com, 1-800-966-5119, Standard size $48, large size $65

Drayton Electric Fireplace and Wheeldale Mantel
An electric fireplace is the perfect option for those who don't want the hassle of dealing with wood burning logs or a gas fire, or for those who live in apartments or retirement communities that don't have a fireplace. This electric fireplace can also be used as an insert inside an existing fireplace. Features a realistic moving flame effect with simulated glowing logs. The heater (with built-in thermostat) can be used with or without flames and uses a standard 110v electrical outlet.
Available at www.thevictorianfireplace.com, 1-866-427-2625, Drayton Electric Fireplace, $600, Wheeldale Mantel, $800

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