Time to Play Santy Claus!

"I don't want or need anything" is usually what we old folks say, but we're really saying "you pick it out, I'm too old to remember what I want"! The best gifts comfort, entertain, or make our lives just a little bit easier. The good news is that there are wonderful gifts for us oldsters that range from inexpensive to extravagant. Whether you're considering a pair of moisturizing socks for a stocking stuffer or several family members pitch in for the gift of a tablet, this 2013 senior gift list will help make your Santy Clausing a little easier.

Gifts Under $30

Good Old Days Magazine Subscription

Each Good Old Days magazine is a treasure of memories written by readers that span the best of times from the turn of the century on up through the '50s. The stories recall life on the farm, in the city, rallying together in times of war, and celebrating the big and small events that shape our lives. Your elder will enjoy the stories and photos gathered by the Greatest Generation, featuring first-hand experiences everyone will enjoy. Price: $17.99 for six issues.

Gaiam Hand Therapy Exercise Ball

Arthritis, Parkinson's -- our elder's hands tend to grow weak or stiff over time, and Gaiam's Hand Therapy Exercise Kit is designed to keep your fingers, hands, and forearms supple and strong. This is more than just a ball to squeeze. Gaiam Hand Therapy Exercise balls include three color-coded balls (soft, medium, and firm) and a full-color exercise guide with easy-to-follow illustrations that guide the use of the balls to improve strength, prevent stiffness, relieve joint pain, and increase flexibility. Price: $9.49

Earth Therapeutics Foot Therapy Socks

Need a stocking stuffer for your loved one, or a thank-you gift for a special caregiver? Earth Therapeutics moisturizing booties make a thoughtful gift, one that soothes and comforts. Moisturizing booties soften dry heels and are perfect for those who have psoriasis or eczema, or for anyone who is on their feet all day. Pack of two; one size fits most. Price: $19.19

Gifts Under $100

Bed Buddy Naturals Plush Neck and Hand Wrap

Bed Buddy Naturals Plush Neck and Hand Wrap is a microwavable set of neck and hand pouches that warms in minutes. The moist heat penetrates aches, pains, tension, or arthritis and provides warm, soothing relief. The soft wrap envelopes the neck and shoulders, with warm pockets for hands, and the warmth lasts for up to an hour. The soft outer cover is removable and washable. Filled with 100 percent natural ingredients. Bed Buddy Naturals is a gift that your loved one will thank you for again and again. Price: $31.49

Cream Mink Faux Fur Lap Throw

Sometimes it's nice to receive a luxurious gift you wouldn't normally buy yourself, and this lap throw feels even more divine than it looks. At 54 by 36 inches, it's perfect for your reading chair or as an extra throw at night. The faux fur is plush, with a super-soft microfiber backing, and is available in rich brown, glossy black, and creamy white. Price: $64.99

Ancestry.com Gift Membership

Give a gift that will offer you and your loved ones a link to family members past and present. Yes, you'll need a computer or tablet, but there's no better way to connect than to spend some time side by side, researching your family history. Ancestory.com does so much of the research for you that all you need to get started are a few names, dates, and places. This is a gift that the whole family will find beneficial. Help your loved ones discover their stories in the world's largest online family history resource. You'll have access to billions of historical records, millions of family trees, and time-saving tools that will give you all the chance to find and connect to your heritage. Price: $99 for six months, $189 for a year.

Gifts Under $200

Rollator Walker

When walking becomes a challenge, it's nice to have a little help. While there are many great walkers on the market, a Rollator Walker by Hugo gives your loved one safety, comfort, and amazing mobility. The Elite Rollator has an adjustable, built-in seat with a backrest, perfect for taking a break on those power-shopping trips. There's also seat storage for purses and bags, a saddle bag for easy access, adjustable handlebars, and extra-large wheels for indoor and outdoor terrain. The Rollator Walker requires no tool assembly and folds quickly and easily into a trunk or car space. You'll enjoy its light weight (15 pounds) and the fact that it requires no tools for assembly and fits into most trunks and cars. Price: $119.99

Standers Able Tray

Want a gift that makes your elder's life easier and provides an extra level of safety? Standers Able Tray helps your loved one stand from a couch or chair. It also provides a swivel tray that comes with a cup holder and swings out of the way when not in use, making this a great two-in-one gift. It adjusts to either side of a couch or chair and has rubber grips to keep your floors in great shape. Price: $131.56

Dropcam

Do you want the security of knowing that your loved one is safe and taking medications as necessary, and that the care team is providing quality care and attention? Dropcam is a Wi-Fi video monitoring service that can help you stay connected to your loved one. It's cloud-based, and you'll receive activity alerts on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. You can add optional Cloud Video Recording (CVR) to access video from the past week or month. Price: $149.99

Kindle Fire HDX

If you want a tablet but don't want to spend too much, the Kindle Fire HDX -- priced under $200 -- might be darn-near perfect. You and your elder will be able to read, enjoy movies, play games, and even talk to tech support (called "Mayday") 24/7. This screen is vivid, the words are sharp, and the tablet is easy to use. For techies, the Kindle Fire touts a 2.2-GHZ quad-core processor and 2 GB of RAM, plus built-in OfficeSuite for e-mail and calendar support for Gmail and Outlook. Price: $179.99

Now there you are. Loads of stuff you can get me or any other older folks you are trying to find gifts for. Some of it seems a bit new fangled to me but then again, I think the web is something I need to brush off my back porch. Lighten up it's almost Christmas time and Santy is watching to make sure you're being good. Maybe this will bring a smile to that puss.

Mary-Jo was going to the Christmas office party but needed a new dress. So she went out shopping and in the clothing store she asked the assistant, 'May I try on that dress in the window, please?'

'Certainly not, madam,' responded the salesgirl, 'You'll have to use the fitting room like everyone else.'

Okay, so that one stunk up da place, but give me a break, I'm busy trying to hint around for some of those expensive gifts above. I know everyone is busy but at least take a minute to stop, smell the mistletoe and remember the reason for the season.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Everyone!