Gift ideas for Mum's 70th please!

[SpecialFlowSnake]

My Mum turns 70 in 2 weeks and I am desperate for ideas for her gift. I live overseas and cannot be with her on the big day. So it has to be something I can order online. And it can't be anything that requires work or effort on her end. So far I am thinking about a cordless phone, if I can find one that just simply plugs straight into the wall socket, because she has difficulty getting to the landline.

Flowers - like I always send and she really does seem to enjoy. I'll push the boat out this year. In the past I have given garden stuff or plants but the house is far too much to cope with and they may be moving soon. (Or not - different story every time arrrghhh!) Also they very rarely go out and have given up on travel. Mum used to like painting and crafts but it has been years since she tried anything like that despite encouraging gifts.

I talked to my Dad about the celebration. Initially there was to be no event at all (despite my efforts to organise far-flung family) but Dad has recently decided to pay for a small lunch party. I wanted to pay for champagne but he said nobody would like to drink that at lunch and everybody is driving to the restaurant anyway.

I had asked Mum what she wanted and she said a very specific handbag and a certain perfume. When I tried to coordinate I learned she had asked my Dad for the same and he had already purchased. So I called her back and asked what else she might like and she said there's nothing at all she wants or needs. I think she's a bit depressed actually.

Also I am broke so it can't be too expensive! Just want her to have some nice things on the day. I'm depressed too now having looked over what I've written. Help please!

[NewIdeasToday]

Do you have photos of her and your family? A photo book is a lovely personal present that doesn't cost too much.

[SpecialFlowSnake]

Oooh yes that's a good idea!

(The digital photo frame I gave a few Christmases back has a pic from a magazine taped over the screen!)

[CMOTDibbler]

I think a photobook would be great - they are easy to do online, and you can put in text to say things, take pics of pictures children have drawn and so on.