Gift Ideas for the Active Seniors in Your Life Who Have Everything

November 25, 2023 at 1:53 p.m.


...by Jean Chen Smith

The holidays are my favorite time of the year, not only for the cheery lights and Yuletide decorations, but also because it’s a time to show appreciation for the special people in our lives. Whether you’re shopping for a family member, significant other, best friend, or an office buddy, here are some suggestions from mostly Northwest-based retailers that should delight your recipient! While you’re at it, you might want to snag something for yourself.



Seattle’s Favorite Quality Outfitter

Filson Yellowstone Country’s entire collection is inspired by the hit television series, offering seriously functional gear for outdoor adventures. From the Mackinaw Wool Western Vest ($295) and Moleskin Seattle Shirt ($195) to the Field Jacket ($495), made with Filson’s iconic tin cloth water-resistant fabric, you’ll be sure to find something for the rugged daredevil in your life.


Special Delivery

Gourmondo’s assortment of holiday offerings delivers within the greater Seattle area. Choose from an assortment of boxed meals, holiday platters, or a decadent collection of chocolate “coal” brownies. They use the highest quality ingredients for their meals-to-go, with packaging that almost makes it too pretty to eat. Includes vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options. Prices vary.


Eat MìLà's at Home

Foodies rejoice. MìLà's started out as a storefront restaurant, which still exists as XIAO-CHI-JIE in Bellevue. Due to its popularity, the company started to ship their housemade dumplings so everyone can enjoy these delicious delights in about 11 minutes or less. With MìLà's Full Experience Gift ($139), you get 50 frozen soup dumplings, a noodle flavor, three dipping sauces, and a bamboo steamer.


Rain or Shine

If you reside in the Pacific Northwest, you’re probably a big fan of GORE-TEX and rain gear. One year I gifted my husband with a rain jacket he still wears to this day, ten years later. Marmot was the first outdoor apparel company to use GORE-TEX in their gear. Sometimes it’s the gear people don’t want to spend money on, so Marmot's Women's Warm Cube GORE-TEX Golden Mantle Jacket ($650) makes an ideal gift. The proprietary WarmCube technology keeps heat in, while maintaining a dry exterior, despite weather conditions! He will appreciate the brand’s GORE-TEX Component Jacket($475), which is waterproof and breathable. The interior liner is insulated but can be removed for more strenuous activities.

Marmot Women’s Chelsea Coat, courtesy Marmot

 

International Fare at your Fingertips

Ritrovo Italian Regional Foods, based in Seattle, carries an assortment of high-quality Italian treats, sauces, and pasta. The Primo Pan Drolo - Gluten-Free Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies ($19.99) are my absolute favorite. With less than six ingredients, and low in both carbohydrates and sugar, this makes a great hostess gift. Every year, I curate a basket of goodies from their website to ship to my in-laws.


Something for Everyone

Eddie Bauer’s huge selection of home goods has a little something for everyone. Gift someone special with a cozy fleece throw ($29.99), which comes in a variety of colors and is affordable and functional.


Water Enthusiasts

Oru's Lake+ kayak($699) is their lightest and most portable kayak, making it a great gift for those that love being on the water. With easy instructions and quick assembly, this kayak is only 18 pounds, making it portable for quick getaways.
Oru Kayak - Lake Lifestyle, courtesy Oru

 

For the Love of Skiing

Helly Hansen’s Women's Alphelia LIFALOFT™ Ski Jacket ($550) is the perfect present for the ski bunny in your life. Lightweight and superwarm for fast movement on the slopes and beyond, this jacket is a winner. Stylish and functional, she’ll reach for this staple for every ski trip. Men will appreciate the Swift Infinity Insulated Ski Jacket ($525), which is waterproof and breathable for maximum performance in any type of weather condition.


Four-legged Love

 

  • Not only will you love Fable Pet’s Crate ($495) for its sleek design, your pup will also enjoy the safety of their new home. Far better looking and comfortable than a typical metal container, this one becomes part of your furniture, and is much more aesthetically pleasing. Made of high-quality bentwood with an easy to side gate, you can also use it as an end table.

  • Keep Rover busy with The Game ($55), a toy which holds treats and kibble. Because it mimics hunting behavior, the toy stimulates his mind and his primal instincts for play.

  • Elevate your four-legged pal’s sleep experience with Club Nine Pet beds, which offer orthopedic support for your pup. The waterproof cushion covers are easy to clean, stylish, and long lasting. Club Nine Pets' CEO, Kevin Torabian, believes their pet beds “offer dogs the ultimate in comfort, support, and relief.” My precious pups, Tonka and Paisley, absolutely love the LIDO, which is a mid-century modern design, with an orthopedic foam cushion for support. Plus, it looks stately in our living room.

All That Sparkles 

Present her with Verla’s Eclipse Halo Necklace (prices start at $844), an oval diamond enclosed with 12 pave diamonds. Vera’s diamonds are all ethically sourced and you can choose between diamond clarity, and metal colors. This is a special piece she will treasure for years to come.

Stay Toasty and Stylish

Both men and women will appreciate DUER’s Fireside Denim ($169), which combines stretch denim interwoven with fleece for comfort and warmth on those cold Pacific Northwest days. Best of all, they are stylish and are water-repellent.

Bring on the Holiday Cheer

Nothing screams holidays more than an iconic plaid shirt. Duluth Trading Company’s Free Swingin' Flannel Tunic ($64.50) in red mountain plaid is crafted in 100% cotton flannel for warmth. The loose A-line silhouette is flattering for most body types.


For the Love of Travel

Kids and adults will love STATE X LoveShackFancy Kane Kids Mini Travel Backpack ($105) and Logan Luggage ($285). The well-loved fashion brand LoveShackFancy and STATE bags have teamed up to offer a selection of novelty carry case essentials. The heirloom rose print is eye-catching and perfect for spotting at the airport. The Logan luggage offers two main interior compartments for easy organization, along with 360˚ spinner wheels to keep you moving efficiently.


A Gift for the Home

Linsy Home Modular sectionals, courtesy Linsy Home 

I love giving and receiving gifts, but one year my husband and I decided we really wanted to refresh our living room. We decided to forgo individual gifts and pool our finances into a new couch. Back when we purchased our couch, we didn’t have the online options we have today, so it was quite pricey. These days, online furniture shopping is much easier and more affordable. For quality and minimalist design, I recommend LINSY HOME'S RUBIK III Modular Sectional Sofa with Three Ottomans ($1,189). Because of its modular capabilities, you can have the freedom of rearranging your living room for gatherings. Made of soft 100% Polyester that feels like butter, you’ll love the removable and washable covers!


Jean Chen Smith 
Jean Chen Smith is a freelance journalist who considers the Pacific Northwest home. With a love of travel and storytelling, her intention is to create content to inspire and connect people to places, things, and experiences. Her articles have appeared in AARPTravel and Leisure1859 magazineInsider TravelUSA TodayFamily VacationistThe OregonianSFGATEweekand.com, and more. When not writing or teaching Pilates at her studio, she enjoys trail running, spending time with her pups Tonka and Paisley, and reading suspense novels. www.jeanchensmith.com.




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