2020 has been a really tough year for everyone living in senior homes. You might’ve done everything you can to pamper your elderly family member isolated in their care center, but as winter holidays arrive, they’re going to miss spending time with you even more than usual. Here are a few food items you can prepare or buy, then send to complement your next FaceTime session.

No. 1: Homemade Holiday Cookies
A classic! The best part of holiday cookies is your kids can participate in shaping them, sending unique figures and heart-shaped cookies to show their love and affection. You can even send them videos of the family preparing their cookies and sharing their favorite memories with them.

No. 2: Homemade Pudding
If you’re worried about the health consequences of sending too many holiday sweets, pudding is a great alternative! It can easily be made with alternative sweeteners, and you can add some holiday spices to the syrup or custard to make it uniquely yours.

No. 3: Fruit Basket
Put it together yourself or get the whole family involved! Pick up some gourmet fruit from the farmers market and dress up your basket any way you like; you can create a festive, healthy gift for your loved one. You can also order unique fruit baskets from Williams-Sonoma or Harry & David that’ll be a very special treat!

No. 4: Local, Favorite Foods From All Over the U.S.
Did your loved one used to live in Chicago and now misses a famous bakery there? You may be able to get their favorite cake delivered with Goldbelly, a nationwide delivery service that’ll ship amazing foods that you could only get locally before.

Hopefully, the pandemic eases enough this holiday season for you to spend it in-person with your family’s elderly loved ones — but if you can’t, a thoughtful, delicious gift may still make the holidays merry and bright in the meantime.

If you’re still looking for more holiday gift ideas, consider gifting your loved ones and yourself a membership to AFEUSA! For AFEUSA members, it’s easier to take care of loved ones in their golden years with our partners Griswold Home Care and Long-Term Care Resources! Don’t wait to begin planning for a happier 2021 today.