Gifts for the Generations: Boomers
My parents are trailing boomers (born between 1958 and 1964) and I am totally fascinated by them. Boomers represent a massive generation that spans from 1946 to 1964. They are the original trendsetters. They also have an extraordinary work ethic which up until now has dominated everything. If you think your parents are going to soon retire due to their age – basically set up camp in their living room recliners – you are so very wrong. Boomers are reinventing themselves every chance they get.
Brain Age Games (Cost: $20): Last year I had planned to get my parents this game but I wasn’t totally convinced they would use it. (It does require a Nintendo DS to play.) But after a discussion, it sounded like something they wanted to try and on Boxing Day a silver DS and two Brain Age games were bought. Since then, my parents (especially my mom) and this game have been inseparable. She plays the memory testing games and brain workouts almost everyday. It’s a perfect size for travel too.
SportLoop (Cost: $20 ):Ok so this is a tongue-in-cheek gift that is still practical. My parents are now at that age when 20/20 vision turns into that far-sighted experience of “Wait. Where are my glasses? I can’t see.” Reading glasses are a must for most Boomers but now it means one more thing to keep track of. This little SportLoop is a creative solution that doesn’t scream senior citizen.
Do You Mind? Game (Cost: $25): Many Boomers are beginning to empty-nest (although that may not be the case if they have male Gen Yers at home – but that’s a whole other discussion). But mostly now they are raising dogs. These are their new “babies”. For hours of fun, get them this game.
Expandable Bathtub Caddy (Cost: $53): Ideal for a mother or mother-in-law. Made from bamboo, a highly renewable resource, this expandable bathtub caddy has a built in wine glass holder and fold away book support.
Plane To See Bag (Cost: $10): Boomers have a growing amount of disposable time and income. As such, they are really taking the tourism industry by storm. These frequent flyers can make perfect use of something so simple as this see-thru toiletries bag. They can prepare well in advance and don’t have to waste another flimsy plastic one supplied by the airport authority. Stuff the bag with some travel sized personal care products from here to complete this gift.
inspired practice 
