Communication

• Nursing home residents are often unable to shop for stationery, greeting cards and other writing supplies. If the person you know in a nursing home is capable of writing letters and sending out greeting cards, consider giving these as gifts. In addition to stationery and boxes of all-occasion greeting cards, give them postage stamps, ink pens and an address book full of the contact information of people she may know. This type of gift allows nursing home residents the ability to stay in touch with friends and family in the outside world.
  
  

Memories

• Some nursing home residents remember things from their past easier than things going on in the present. Bring a smile to the face of the person you know in a nursing home by giving her a scrapbook or photo album of memorable times. Seeing familiar faces, places and newspaper articles of important past events is a gift that will be appreciated and no doubt looked at time and again.
  
  

Gift Baskets

• Gift baskets are a great option for nursing home residents. They can contain useful items such as washable slippers, non-skid socks, magazines, large print books, powder, framed photographs, lip balm, lotion, puzzle books, music CDs and more. If your nursing home resident isn't on a restricted diet, you can add tasty treats to the basket such as nuts, cheese and gourmet candies.
  
  

Clothing

• Clothing ideas for nursing home residents include robes, pajamas, button up sweaters and undergarments. If your nursing home resident is a sports fan consider t-shirts, sweatshirts or hats that has his favorite team's logo on it. Some nursing homes allow their more mobile residents to sit outdoors. Clothing options for these people include hats, gloves, scarves and jackets.