Need ideas for 80'th birthday present
She lives quite a ways from me, so I only drive down to see her every couple years. I am not close enough to assist her with anything I end up getting for her. None of our family lives in the same city as her, and we don't know anyone who can do any shopping or checking on stuff, and that type of thing. This year she is turning 80, and a few of her eight children are going down to take her to the St Anne des Beaupres church, just north of Quebec City, and then out to dinner. I know that the visit will make her very happy, and she will enjoy it the most. Even though she did say she didn't want anyone to go out of their way for her 
She is on a very limited income, so us kids usually give her money. We can certainly still do that, as she knows what bills need paying etc....but if there is some other suggestions that may come up we are open to ideas. Thanks! |
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| My grandmother-in-law is in the same situation. A little older though. Lives in a tiny bedroom and it is cluttered.
We're told she appreciates PICTURES the most. She will look at them for weeks and carry them in her purse. She has dementia, so she wouldn't remember whether we got her anything or not most likely after a few months, but it seems to make her more lively when she sees pics. |
| Gift certificates to local restaurants so she can go out to eat or order take out.
Tickets to the local movie theater or opera for an evening out. With a gift certificate to a taxi service to get her there. MUSIC (my Dad LOVES it when I find the "Oldies" on CD for him). There are alot of "Flower of the month club that you can sign up for as many months as you want (3-6-12) igourmet.com has some GREAT FOOD gift baskets A gift certificate to a cleaning service (Merry Maids etc) to come clean for her. Most of the grocery stores around here have gift cards. A pre paid phone card so she can make phone calls to loved ones. |
| What about like an organizing thing...like California Closets or something...to get her apartment less cluttered? |
| My sister and I gave my (now 81 year old) Dad a cellphone a few years ago, added him to my package (just $20 a month). He loves it, but he's out and about all the time, very active.
Of course you could always bring her to live with you.  |
| If she has a vcr and knows how to pop in a video...make a family video. Show her what everyone is up to, take a tour of the house show it off. Follow the fur kids around. Just becareful of motion sickness...keep it steady and smooth.
Talk on the camera as if you were sitting in the room talking with her. I agree pictures are great. If she enjoys knitting, crocheting, stitching...you could find something along that line. The have huge magnifer's now that help with poor eyesight. A canary that sings, and a fully set up cage....if she has help to change the cage, and feed the bird. They make nice sound, males are better singers. She will always have company. Send her care pkg's to feed the bird...or cash to buy it. |
| get her SAM
the anamatronic cat |
| The most valuable gift you can give her is "time". She's at the time in life when its easy to be overlooked. Not that she is. My experience with the elderly has shown me that all they want is someone to spend time with them, and to "listen" to them. They don't need gifts. Just the gift of not being lonely.
Clean her house. Talk to her about the things you consider "clutter". The comment, "Mom, where'd you get this?" will bring about memories that she'll just love sharing "AGAIN". 
Taking her to dinner is great, seniors love to eat out. I think it gives them an opportunity to show off their family or something, since most of them don't seem to eat much when they get there. |
| Lots of great idea here.
My 82 year old Mother-in-law loves getting the pre-paid phone cards. She too, is on a limited budget and long distant calls to family are a luxury. Pre-posted stationary is always welcomed too. Several boxes of assorted cards will let her share in family and friends special occasions without having to find a way to shop for them. |
Just a thought, Nicole, but if your Mom is part of a church there, most churches have 'visitation ministries" for which, of course, there is no charge. Perhaps you or one of your siblings could look into getting her on the list so that she'd have some company once or twice a week.  |
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