A digital camera can be the ideal gift for a grandparent, but it can also be a bit intimidating if grandma or grandpa is not a big fan of gadgets. Use these tips to find a camera that is the perfect gift for a grandparent:
- Find out if they have owned a digital camera before. If they haven't, don't start them with a top-of-the-line model. Yes, it has more bells and whistles, but it's also more difficult to use. Look instead for beginner cameras that still have decent image quality (say 3 megapixels and up), but are easy to use. Visit shops with working models and play with the cameras.
- Find out if they have a computer. If they don't, they can still get a digital camera and have certain advantages (like the ability to preview the image), but they will still have to visit a photo processing shop to get the images developed.
- If your grandparent's eyesight is not what it used to be, don't give him or her a camera with tiny display and tiny menu commands. Hold the cameras a few feet out from your own eyes and try to use it. A camera doesn't do any good if you can't see the preview screen or find the buttons.
- Take into account that not all grandparents are alike. There are plenty of gadget afficianados in the 60+ set. Don't assume grandfather needs a simple camera. He might be ready for an upgrade to a newer and more advanced model. If grandma was the first on her block to get a DVD player and cellphone, she probably has a digital camera already as well. Ask other family members if you aren't sure yourself.
- Consider the gift ongoing. So many younger people give high-tech gifts to grandparents, and then just assume they will figure it out. Younger generations are much more exposed to electronics. For those who are less exposed over their lifetimes, it doesn't come as easily. Offer to come by once a week for one-on-one digital camera tutoring. Sit down the day you give the gift and help them adjust. Perhaps you could find a local class for seniors and include that as part of the gift. Don't leave them hanging, or odds are the camera will sit in a closet.
