I'm desperate!!

17 years ago

Maybe some of you can help. I want to send my 95 year old aunt a Christmas box. She is almost blind, almost deaf- doesn't want food, clothes, blankets, throws- we sent her one of the hearing aids that you see advertised but I don't think she likes it. (She refuses to believe she's deaf and says she won't use a hearing aid). I am going to order a Poinsetta for one thing. She said don't send her anything but, of course, I will. If I can come up with something to give her. She lives alone, but has some help a couple of times a week. If any of you had a family member like this, what would you give her? She has no children, only me and 3 nephews. I couldn't sleep last night for trying to come up with enough to put in a small box. Thanks for your suggestions.

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Comments (21)

Linda
17 years ago
My grandmother was just like this. They get to a certain age and just don't need or want anything. They've seen it all and had it all. You said she doesnt want food, how about chocolates? Of all the things my grandmother "didnt" want. She LOVED her chocolate. I would go to the better candy stores and get some of the soft stuff like jelly rings and the creamy candies.
lydia1959
17 years ago
Body washes, lotions? Gloves and a hat if she goes out at all. Does she have a cd or tape player? Maybe some nice music. Alisande posted a link to "The Priests" the other day.. they have lovely voices.
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Linda Wayman
17 years ago
One good thing to send is some postage stamps and maybe some envelopes too. How about one of those little digital reminders where she speaks into to remind herself of things she might need from the grocery store? Someone here recently said they had one and couldn't add to a list; it recorded over what was already on there. I wouldn't like that, but there may be other types. I'm not sure.

Hand/body lotion, maybe. Warm house slippers.

If I think of anything else I'll get back to you.
OklaMoni
17 years ago
some nicely scented soap or bubble bath? hot chocolate mix?

Above all, I think you should listen to her. Don't send her stuff that will end up in an estate sale.

I like the plant thought.

Moni
zeetera
17 years ago
If I had a family member like that, I would pay a bill or two for her.
sjerin
17 years ago
A talking watch, easily available from MaxiAids. I gave one to a family friend when she was nearly blind and she really liked it. Bless you for keeping up with your dear aunt--it means the world to her.
donna_oh
17 years ago
My neighbor is 94 & prim & proper--She loves to do lottery scratchies (her kids would have a FIT if they knew that) LOL So, thats what I'm giving her for Christmas!!!

Donna (^_^)
gadgets
17 years ago
Do you know if she has a favorite charity? Maybe you could make a donation to it in her name. Is it possible to get a gift certificate from the place she buys her groceries? I've told my kids not to buy for me (and I mean it), but have also added that I'd never turn down flowers.

Shirley
jkayd_il5
17 years ago
My Mom is 95. With seven children and 17 grandchildren it's hard to come up with a gift for her. My wealthier sister buys her all her clothes. This year she told me she would like a new pillow for her bed. I got her a good one and a box of special cookies. I got my love of sweets from her.
justlinda
17 years ago
A salon appointment for a manicure or pedicure might be nice. Or a day at the spa. Or a hairdressing appointment.
suzieque
17 years ago
How about a visit? I think that the "gift" they really want is some of your time and in-person attention. You could have some fun with the presentation.

Actually, I don't know your proximity to her so if she's relatively nearby and you see her regularly maybe this isn't such a big deal.
frazoo
17 years ago
Talking books? Large print Reader's Digest subscription or large print books?
Can you talk to the person that helps her to see what she suggests? It could be that that person could use some updated cleaning appliances (even a Swiffer) or that Aunt needs new sheets. How about a comfy mattress topper?

Leslie/KS
Vickey__MN
17 years ago
How about a family picture. She may be almost blind, but I bet when she has company she brags about the picture to those that visit her! OR if you knows of a resteraunt she goes to, get a gift card for there?

OR

A tape of you talking to her....Remember when...she would LOVE that (you may have to make it loud, but she'd still love it)

Vickey-MN
pfllh
17 years ago
I found my mother enjoyed the music box I gave her the most. You can find them with old timey songs in all shapes and sizes. She also liked her fuzzy slippers as her feet would swell and she always said her toes were cold.
Momma was never one to wear anything fancy but as she got older, she sure liked the bright beaded necklaces.
If all else fails, go see her and take her to a place that is special to her and just spend time with her. Tell her how special she is and leave nothing unsaid. No price on that but it's a gift unmeasured with love.
Lynn
williamsburgjane
17 years ago
Note cards or greeting cards she can send to her nephews or friends along with a book of stamps. The audio books with a player (if she doesn't have one) Like some of the others said, a box of good candy, or cookies.
olgaflowers
17 years ago
How about a real nice thristy Towel ( White )
I bought myself one at T.J.Max by Raiph Lauren
100/percent cotton, or coupons to a Icecream place of some sort.
Just trying to help,
Good luck, Olgaflowers
gmom74
Original Author
17 years ago
All of you have wonderful ideas! Thanks so much. I wound up getting her the poinsettia, a box of really good chocolates from a specialty shop, International Foods coffee (she used to love that), cocoa mix, snacky foods, hand cream and two or three other things I can't remember right now. She is 600 miles away and we go see her once or twice a year. Have asked her to come stay with us as long as she would like but she won't travel, and wouldn't stay with us anyway. She says we have done our time and she refuses to be a burden. We had DH's dad for 21 years, the last 8 of which were bedridden and overlapping that time 12 years with keeping my mother. Zeetera, we have an account here that we help her with her bills- she isn't in financial need, just help sometimes to make sure her bills aren't late. She's very independent. I'm saving this thread for next year. Thanks again to everyone- it was a big help.
suzieque
17 years ago
She sounds delightful. What a blessing to have her in your family, and it sounds like you are a blessing to her, as well.
minnie_tx
17 years ago
Congrats to MOM!!! I would give her some coupons for HUGS. Wish I'd hugged my mom more and congratulations to all those who still have their dear mothers around.

Life can get in the way with relationships sometimes but God Bless them for what they had to put up with us!!
ceilidhbec
17 years ago
Along with your poinsettia idea, I used to give decorated table top Christmas tree to my dad every year after my mom died and before he got remarried. That way he had a nicely decorated, cheery Christmas tree that wasn't any work. I'm pretty sure I got them from Jackson Perkins catalog and they always had quite a few different themes and prices to chose from, all very nice.

Otherwise, maybe a gift "certificate" for an activity (lunch/brunch/dinner/theater/etc. with you and/or your family) or a promissory note ("I promise to call you each Sunday for a phone visit").

Good luck and Merry Christmas!
sheilajoyce_gw
17 years ago
Old folks don't cook much if at all, and they miss home baked goodies. I would bake some favorite cookies.

I'm desperate!!

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