welcome jaybird,

Well, since they are ladies, how about a mini body lotion and or spray. Bath and Body Works is a very popular spot for many people, my DD and I love their products because they smell good and last a long time, they are not too expensive either. They have small purse lotions and sprays so perhaps they would like something like that?
Ladies usually like playing cards, how about one of those deck that are "large lettered".

Hi Jaybird,
How about sachet bags of some sort for their drawers or closet, or potpourri in some type of container. If you have an ACMoore near you they have scarves for 1.50. They could wear them or put it on their dresser. Note cards and some postage stamps??
How sweet of you to host these ladies, truly a kind deed.

Thank you ladies...I failed to mention that this is a couples class!! As you can imagine, at that age we are heavier on ladies!!
I am thinking about all of this and I appreciate your help!!

Hi Jaybird, I think your original idea would be okay--I don't think the little mini lights get hot. The ladies on the craft forum who make the lighted wine bottles might be able to offer more reassurance. Since everyone is already looking forward to Spring, even a small potted plant might be nice. Our 99 cent store often has really nice ones, and you could even dress up the pot with a bow or even glue on items like small shells or something. Good luck with your dinner, I am sure they will all love it. Luvs

Jaybird, I like both Judith's and Kathleen_li's suggestions. Whatever you decide on will be even more special wrapped pretty for Valentine's Day and I'm sure the ladies will love it.

I'm not sure about the potpourri lights with some elderly though they are certainly pretty.

I think you and your husband are very special people for giving this dinner for these ladies and I would like to thank you for all of the other people out there who have mothers and grandmothers living away from them.

Jaybird,
What will you give the men?? That is hard.

The men will get ...............hugs!!!! the chocolate kind in red net bags!!:^). I always try to give the ladies something that they can use at home!
They really do seem to enjoy coming to the house...we do this about 4 or 5 times a year, and each time I scratch my head and ponder about what to surprise them with!!(In all truth, they would be perfectly happy to just have an evening out...we use the church bus to pick them up and take them home as most don't drive at night if at all)

I noticed while in Joann Fabric today that the Valentine things were 75% off. They had little red heart shaped boxes that were quite cute. They were sealed so I don't know what was in them, I should have looked closer. I guess the reason I didn't is that they only had three left. They would be cute at each place setting, or even a larger heart box with the lotions, etc.

Judith, I love the 'Cherry Blossom' at Bath & Body Works!

Hugs are nice...we all need them. I guess I thought you meant no one could have food favors because of their diets. The ladies will probably eat the candy too, even if they shouldn't!!!
Again, it is a lovely thing to do, opening your house and fussing for them. You said you husb was the teacher..what does he teach them?
If you are the Jaybird who posted on the other site about the dishes you got at the estate sale last week, I know the ladies here would sure love to see them!!!!

Oh yes, please jaybird. Love to see pictures.

I am the big bird with the dishes...but NO dratted CAMERA!!!! I have to take 35mm pictures, have them developed on a disc and then try to post them.....I will get myself in gear and do that soon!
DH is their Sunday School teacher...and I'm here to tell you that THAT class ROCKS....they are soooooooooo funny!!! By the time you get that age, nothing seems to be off limits...he comes home with the funniest stories! (I am music minister in another church, so I only see them when we party :^(
Thank you all for your help...everyone will be so pleased!!

jaybird, It seems to me that when a lot of people get to be that age they feel they've earned the right to say what they want without having to worry about being so proper as they probably were when they were growing up.

My daughter was doing a job in a convalescent home last week and would call me every night with some of the things they said to her. They kept her cracked up.

One of my best purchases has been a digital camera. It's not an expensive one, but having one finally is wonderful. After you get yours you'll wonder why you waited so long. We look forward to your pics when you have time.