Buying gifts for loved ones can be difficult in general, but especially so when it’s someone a few generations removed from our own. While we tend to have more in common with our elderly friends and relatives than we think, there’s no denying the fact that interests and tastes generally vary from one age group to another. This can leave aspiring gift buyers struggling to find a suitable present for an older loved one.

If you’re currently at a loss for what to get an elderly friend or relative for their birthday or for the holidays, consider the following ideas:

Portable record player

If there’s an older person in your life with a vinyl record collection collecting dust, consider buying them a portable record player. Affordable options include the Victrola vintage suitcase record player, which comes in a wide range of colors and prints. With Bluetooth technology and aux-in included, a compact record player also doubles as a mobile speaker set for their digital music collection.

Single lens reflex camera

Photography is a great hobby for seniors because it encourages moderate physical activity and utilizes both creative as well as analytical mental faculties. While today’s smartphones provide a great on-the-go camera, you may consider getting your elderly loved one a dedicated digital single lens reflex camera or DSLR. Combined with a tripod, it can serve as the start of a newfound passion for a retiree struggling to find a suitable activity to keep them busy.

Virtual assistant

Whether it’s Apple’s Siri, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Microsoft Cortana, a virtual assistant software agent is an ideal gift for just about anybody, including seniors. Elderly users of a virtual assistant can count on it to remind them of when to take medications as well as deploy a number of smart home features. This can improve safety and security for an older loved one.

Ancestry DNA kit

Elderly relatives are expected to be the custodians of family history, but many lack the definitive documentation to say with certainty where ancestors originated from and what sorts of lives they led. By getting a grandparent or other older relative a DNA testing kit, you can help them establish a foundation for better understanding their genealogy. You get the added benefit of learning about your own roots in the process.

Rideshare credits

As we get older, it’s almost inevitable we will lose our ability to safely operate an automobile. For an older friend or relative in this situation, one of the best things you can buy them is a substantial amount of credit with a rideshare company such as Uber or Lyft. This enables those unable or unwilling to drive to easily and efficiently get around town, whether it’s to make doctors appointments, visit friends, or buy groceries.

We’ve all been there: racking our brains trying to figure out what to get someone for their birthday, a holiday, or just for the sake of being nice. It can be especially difficult trying to figure this out for someone significantly older than ourselves, given the tendency for an age gap to mean different tastes and preferences. But if you stick to a few safe choices, it’s a good bet you’ll get your elderly loved one something they not only appreciate but put to good use.