Hey Reader,

If you’ve ever tried to shop for your Boomer mom or dad, you know the pain. Why is this generation so hard to buy for?

They actually do have everything. They grew up in the golden ✨age of catalogs, bought all the gadgets as they hit the market, and now they’ve retired with fully-stocked McMansions. 🏡 Every time you ask what they want, they shrug and say, “Oh, we don’t need anything!” Meanwhile, they’re ordering something off QVC before you even leave the room.
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BUT I’ve learned a few things from my regular mall walks with the retired boomers. And THIS is what they really want:

1️⃣ Gifts That Make Their Daily Life Easier

• Nest Thermostat — So they can keep the house extra toasty without getting up. (Turning the heat to 76° is their birthright.)
​• Weighted Vest or Adjustable Weights — Because functional fitness improves healthspan
​• Wireless Headphones — Perfect for walking, pickleball, or ignoring each other while watching separate shows.
​• Hoka Shoes — For Power-Walks at the Mall

2️⃣ Gifts That Entertain Them (and Give them something to do)

• Mahjong Set — Great for family time or a new hobby
​• Solo Stove — Backyard ambiance, optional marshmallows, and endless commentary about how “it really doesn’t smoke!”
​• Sand-Moving Art Frame ​
​• Bonsai Tree — Like having a pet, but without the responsibility.

3️⃣ Tech That Makes Them Feel Hip & Connected

(This is the generation that still thinks Alexa is magic. Lean in.)

• Skylight Photo Fram — A digital shared photo frame to share family pictures and display
​• WiFi Bird Watcher Camera
​• Ninja Blast Portable Blender ​
​• Remento (from Shark Tank) — A memory-capturing app they will actually use because it prompts them and feels meaningful.

4️⃣ Gifts That Feel Luxurious

• Custom Monogrammed Ice Cubes — Trust me on these.
​• At-Home Sauna
​• Massage or Facial Membership — Experience > things.
​• Weighted Blanket — For after the grandkids visit

What would you add?

📣 COACH'S CORNER:

Q: When do you find time to discuss important things?

A: I know it is so hard to find time for uninterrupted discussion especially during this time of year. Here are a few approaches that actually work for busy parents:

1. Plan a date night or use your typical date night to discuss said topic. If you have school age children, a lunch date is another option that doesn't require childcare support. For example, Ty and I are meeting at his co-working space for our annual-yearly planning meeting next week.
2. For some couples, evenings are the calmest moment of the day. For us? Not so much. We go to bed early, and nighttime is not when I show up as my best self for harder conversations. But if it works for you, it can be a great window.
3. Contrary to popular belief, counseling isn’t only for working through hard things. It can also be a built-in time to connect. For some couples, it’s the only hour of the week where they get focused, uninterrupted attention with each other. It’s the perfect space to talk through anything — logistics, plans, recurring tension points, or bigger conversations — with support, clarity, and no distractions. We call it counseling maintenance: a standing appointment that strengthens the relationship before issues escalate.
4. Set up a zoom call during your working hours with your spouse.

If you have a question for a future Coach's Corner segment, simply reply to this email.

Rooting for you 🏆

Caroline

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