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Food (or nonfood) gift.

centralcacyclist

14 years ago

I have a wonderful long-time neighbor who shares his annual gift of homemade fruitcake with me. It's delicious. He has IBS and can't eat any of my usual food offerings - jam, biscotti, wine, shortbread, etc. Does anyone have any ideas for something I can share in return? A nonfood idea will work, too. A plant? He is in his 80s.

Thanks,

Eileen

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Comments (6)

KatieC
14 years ago
Awww...if you get fruitcake, you must be considered special. Does he cook for himself? Maybe some pots of windowsill herbs? I don't know much about IBS...is there an IBS-friendly treat he wouldn't buy or make for himself?

Is he alone? Years ago we had a neighbor, Lloyd... was in his mid-80's (our gift was his granola and killer homemade pickles). We checked on him regularly, and I think the thing he appreciated most was when DH or I would show up at lunchtime with soup or a plate of leftovers. Food and company...
lindac
14 years ago
Depends on what he tolerates...for some IBS sufferers home made bran muffins would be wonderful, for another,,,not so much. If lactose is not a problem for him how about some nice cheese?
I can't think that a warm crusty baguette would be anything but wonderful!...And a container of home made soup.
Linda C
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One thing I traditionally get for my DD and son in law are the annual passes to our state and local parks because they love to hike and enjoy the many lakes they have. (Michigan has over a million w/in it’s borders) One of the larger sports/hunting stores in their area, Bass, Cabella’s or the likes is an easy place to find out what the state he’s in requires and where you can buy them from; often times they sell them right there. Also a gift certificate to one of those stores, Bass Pro’s especially would be great because they can buy whatever they need when they need it, whether it’s clothing or boots, new equipment or outdoors cooking “stuff” Bass has it all. Magazine subscriptions are good too, I have a sister who gets us annual renewals to our favorites and we love it. If they’re up north, they’re in doors all winter, how about a years subscription to Netflix or a streaming device like a Roku? You could also put together a winter basket with a variety of things that one never has too much of in winter. Wool smart socks, new hats, beef jerky or sausage, a cook book with new out door recipes or stews and soups, a safety beacon (mentioned above), a couple of fun or corny kitchen gadgets for when she’s canning. Things like that.
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sushipup1
14 years ago
Non-food item ---how about a movie or two, if he has a DVD player. Something cooking related, maybe?
centralcacyclist
Original Author
14 years ago
He is married to a younger woman. I doubt she is more than mid 60ish. They are both very active and fit. He rides a bike to the gym and works out. I think she may play tennis. He is super friendly but I barely know her. She is either shy or not inclined to have the same friendships. They are active in the local political and arts communities.

So maybe a plant for their garden...
Lars
14 years ago
Here are some plant suggestions for your area. I would probably give him an agave, but you have to check to see how big they will get. I planted three in the front yard, and one of them grew very quickly. You can get good advice from your local nursery regarding plant selection.

Lars
centralcacyclist
Original Author
14 years ago
I will look at some plants. Maybe a potted Japanese maple that will stay small.

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