What to buy for elderly PIL?

[Wollstonecraft1]

I did lovely hampers last year with scrummy consumables but they were left uneaten so I don't want to do that again.

MIL has early Alzheimer's so even a book is out now as it is too taxing for her. I was thinking about slippers for her and a blanket as no matter the temperature she is always cold.

FIL I'm stumped on, perhaps slippers too? He doesn't drink but does like reading but vouchers are out.

What are you getting your PIL?

[FoofFighter]

Cinema/theatre voucher?

[TrickyD]

If PIL likes reading could he cope with a Kindle? Maybe pre-loaded with a few books he might like.

[shhhfastasleep]

DVD of fave show?
Pears Cyclopedia - I had one as a child and loved dipping in and out. I bought one for Dd and DH squealed in delight when he saw it!
Maybe with a magnifying glass because the print is small.

[shhhfastasleep]

My aged mum loved her paper white kindle.

[TheDuchessofDukeStreet]

Could you or Dh take your fil to Waterstones to choose something and have a festive drink and cake? Then you could wrap what he chooses. He may feel up to picking something out for Mil while out in town so that would be two birds and a look out for him as well.

[Wollstonecraft1]

We used to do theatre tickets, they loved going. But MIL can't cope with that now. I don't think they would use Kindles, but a trip to Waterstones could work.

Everything we do is limited by MIL now though.

Things FIL likes: watching football, reading The Telegraph, food!

[reluctantbrit]

For your MIL - maybe a photo blanket with lots of different ones from her and children/grandchildren? Not sure if it is getting too late though. A colleague got one for her 60th birthday from her siblings and it is lovely.

FIL - subscription to a magazine/newspaper?

[Wollstonecraft1]

Thanks reluctant. A magazine subscription could work, he has a routine where he goes to the shop himself for his paper so I don't want to get him out of that practice.

I think the bottom line is they don't actually need anything and if we get them expensive warm jumpers, for example, they pop them in a cupboard 'for best' and don't wear them!

There is a reason people buy people socks!

[Cheerybigbottom]

I was lucky in that mine requested an easier to hold teapot. FIL very shaky.

[shhhfastasleep]

I think it's good to encourage him to go for his daily paper. Is there something to keep him warm on the walk that would suit?

[Gingernaut]

A decent pair of well fitting slippers.

[MrsBertBibby]

How about a photographic book for Mil? Less taxing than reading, but stimulating.

Or audio books, in a format she can access?

[tampinfuminragin]

Afternoon tea voucher?

[Littlelambpeep]

Last year we repainted their kitchen for them. Could something practical light that work for you ?

[Littlelambpeep]

Like not light

[9GreenBottles]

For your MIL (or maybe both), a digital photo frame loaded with old family pictures. Hopefully it will trigger her long term memory.

[rockcakesrock]

It she is always cold then an electric shoulder blanket or electric foot warmers might be a good idea

[Wollstonecraft1]

Thanks everyone. They really are tricky to buy for because vouchers no longer get used. I think we might just do blanket, slippers and hats, gloves, scarf type stuff for them.

[Wollstonecraft1]

LittleLamb, that is a lovely idea but it wouldn’t be considered a present by PIL. Every time we visit DH does some DIY for them but nothing as big as painting a whole kitchen. I think what they really need is the freezer filling full of balanced home cooked meals but that wouldn’t be considered a present idea. Might still send them home with a lasagne though.

[thedayismine]

Photo calendars seem to do the trick here !
I wonder if you could pre populate one with memorable dates for them ?
I know it's very tricky we have ended up buying fewer gifts for them as it's just too hard and wasteful !

[Willow2017]

Do they have a garden? Do they have bird feeders?
I get a relative a load of different bird grub, fat balls etc as they spend a fortune feeding the birds in their garden and enjoy watching them.
They much prefer something they will get enjoyment out of than something they really dont want or need 'just cos its Xmas'.
(I also get them some hot choc or box of chocs to eat/drink while they watch them )

[fairiesandelves]

Good idea Willow. OP I've just bought elderly MIL a Perspex bird feeder with sucker pads to stick on her window so she can watch the birds up close.
(Also bought her an Echo Dot as its having another voice in the house to chat to she misses since widowed) I love my MIL she's the best

[Wollstonecraft1]

Willow, actually I think that might work! They do have a garden, I can't remember off hand whether they have a bird house or anything but even so feeding things could work and MIL would probably still remember the different kinds of birds so that might be something she could actually get pleasure out of.

Thank you! I will run it past DH and then sort it out.

[MyBrilliantDisguise]

My mum slipped and fell on Christmas Day as a result of new slippers. The ambulance guy said that that's the biggest cause of accidents on Christmas Day.

[ItWentInMyEye]

How about a book on tape or cd?