Gifts $100 and up

For the older adult who wants to clear snow but whose back or arm strength isn't up to it anymore, the lightweight, electric Power Shovel could be an excellent alternative. This small machine tackles snow up to 6 inches deep on any hard surface, such as patios, decks, driveways, walkways, or front steps. It's also great for those lighter snowfalls, when a snow removal service doesn't cover the job.

The lightweight Power Shovel weighs 13 pounds and is easy to maneuver and use. Because it doesn't require gas or oil, it's also maintenance free. Just plug it in and it's ready to go. When not in use, its compact size makes it easy to store.

To order: Toro

Cost: $100

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Pushing a vacuum cleaner may no longer be an option for the person you're buying for, especially if he or she has mobility issues. The Roomba, a robotic vacuum, can clean two rooms on one battery charge. To begin the job, just press the start button, take a seat, and watch the action. The Roomba will "learn" a room and its floors, remembering where furniture and walls are located and what to avoid, such as stairs. When this flying saucer-like device completes its job or is in need of recharging, it finds its way back to the charging station and docks itself.

The Roomba works well on wood and low-nap rugs and for cleaning up pet hairs and dander. There's also a model that washes the floor (the Scooba) and a heavy-duty Dirt Dog that will tackle the garage or cellar work area.

To order: iRobot

Cost: $130 and up, depending on the model

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Thinking about a cell phone for Gramps or Grandma? Consumer Cellular puts an emphasis on the needs of older adults, who are typically low-minute users but who'd like to carry a cell phone for added safety away from home.

Consumer Cellular's site offers a good selection of phones and plans to fit gift-giving needs. Plans don't require long-term contracts with penalties, and there are no hidden charges if you switch or cancel plans. In addition, the company sells senior-friendly phones with big buttons, soft-touch coating for better handling, and screens that are large and bright. Some of the phones include such features as emergency call buttons, alarms, FM radio, calculators, vibrating alert, flashlight, and games.

To order: Consumer Cellular

Cost: Price varies per plan, which range from $10 to $60 per month; $40 and up for the phone itself

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Believe it or not, it's possible to send and receive e-mail without a computer or Internet connection. Celery service, for older adults who haven't gone digital, works with any fax machine and uses a home phone line for transmitting the message. At one end, a noncomputer user writes a letter and faxes it to Celery's servers, which convert the fax to an image and send it to the recipient's e-mail address.

To order: Celery

Cost: $168 for a full year's subscription ($14 per month for color services)

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Computer-phobic older adults are more apt to start e-mailing and surfing the Internet if they have an easy-to-use computer. The Go Computer for seniors has an uncomplicated interface and screen presentations designed for beginners or the casual user. Online uses include sending and receiving e-mail, viewing and storing digital photos, playing games, surfing the Web, and more.

The computer and screen experience are designed to be uncomplicated, safe, and free of spam and viruses. The system is quick and easy to set up and requires a low monthly subscription fee, which includes call-in support for hardware and software advice plus answers to beginners' questions about menu commands, digital picture viewing, and using the Internet. In addition, menus have larger fonts and are easy to understand.

To order: Go Computer

Cost: $879 for hardware, plus $20 per month support