• A gift card for a special service is an ideal gift for an 80-year-old.Gift Card image by chas53 from Fotolia.com
  
  Whether you're commemorating a birthday, celebrating a holiday or just thinking of someone -- getting a gift for an 80-year-old can prove to be a difficult task. The recipient likely has everything that she could possibly want, as she's had decades to accumulate clothing, accessories and other novelty items. Instead of giving her a run-of-the-mill gift or something that she already may have, give her a useful gift and one that she can enjoy.
  
  

Gift Cards

• While a gift card may seem like a humdrum gift for an 80-year-old, it can actually be quite useful and will likely be appreciated. Purchase a gift card that he can use to purchase his groceries, or one that she can use to have her hair and nails done. You could also purchase gift cards that the 80-year-old can use to have a night out on the town with his friends -- for example, for a restaurant and a movie -- if he doesn't drive, arrange to have a cab or a limo take him to his destinations, or you can be the chauffeur for the night.
  
  

Housekeeping

• At the age of 80, performing everyday tasks can be taxing. If this is the case for the 80-year-old in your life, give her the gift of housekeeping. Offer your services and the services of grandchildren, siblings or anyone else who is willing to help, to take care of the house for her. Once a week, go to her house to dust, vacuum, mop, mow the lawn, garden and to do anything else around the house that she may need done.
  
  

Game Night

• Oftentimes, elderly people suffer from loneliness, as their spouse may have passed, their children are grown and it may be difficult for them to get around to see their friends. If this is the case with the person you are looking to give a gift to, give the gift of game night. Once a week, go to his house, or take him to yours, to enjoy a night filled with different board games. If he's able-bodied, take him to shoot darts, play billiards or go bowling. This gift will give him the opportunity to socialize, exercise his mind and body and will help him to stay young at heart.
  
  

Treat Basket

• Spoil the recipient with a basket full of some of her favorite treats. Bake her favorite cookies, fill tins with lavish chocolates, purchase high-end teas or even a top-of-the-line bottle of wine. Place all of the items in the basket and after giving it to her, sit and enjoy some of the goodies with her. She'll likely appreciate the gift and being able to share it with someone.