keepsakes from a terminally ill Grandma

[Hedgyhoggy]

My Dad has been with his lovely partner for 14 years and they've just found out that she is terminally ill with secondary cancer. She's an incredible lady and I couldn't have wished for a better Grandma to my children and my niece and nephews. Typical of her she is selfless to the end and wants to get things in order, one thing she wants to do is buy Christmas presents for them all. I've said I shall help her but want to keep the process as easy as possible she thinks some kind of keepsake would be nice. I thought some kind of personalised or significant necklaces/bracelets for the girls but haven't got a clue what to suggest for the boys. The age range is 2 yrs up to 28 yrs. Any ideas would be appreciated. Difficult to think straight at the moment

[Fieryfighter]

What about a keepsake box? Could have a messages or name carved? When they're young they can keep their important treasures in and as they get older can be kept on a desk for bits and bobs

[specialsubject]

I'm sorry for the situation.

I have to say that no-one ever wears personalised jewellery once they are older and it will end up in meltdown.

can I suggest a letter or a card for each of them? Doesn't have to be long but a note from a much loved relative really IS a good thing to have. You can look after them for the younger ones.

BTW if you celebrate Xmas - a tree bauble for each?

[GoringBit]

I like Fiery's suggestion, but also, what about bracelets for the boys? You can get some really nice ones these days and I like the idea of the closed circle representing continuity.

Your Dad's partner sounds lovely.

[Ataraxy]

The best keepsake I got from my greatnanna was a lovely letter and some money to put towards driving lessons (I was 17) or my independence as she put it. It wasn't a lot of money but the letter was very kind and motivational.

Perhaps this would be an idea for the older ones?

[thelittleredhen]

I would love something written from my nan. I know that I love and miss her dearly, but it would be nice to have something of hers to refer back to.

I have nothing with her writing on and I miss her stories.

[Nanny0gg]

A watch?

[Run4it2]

Coin cuff links, with Coins for their date of birth? Could then have coin necklaces for the girls? I agree a lovely Christmas tree ornament would also be a lovely thing to have - just not a breakable one!

[redgoldandgreen]

I wouldn't go for jewellery - however lovely it is now it might not be their taste when they grow up and will date. I like the box idea and the Christmas ornament. What about a book? They could enjoy it now and then read it with their own children and Gran could write something personal as an inscription?

[madsaz76]

My mum died last year and never knew I finally managed to get pregnant. We're not a jewellery or stuff kind of family but we are putting together a memory book - kind of mum's life story wih photos. We are doing it for the grandkids left but my bubs can have one too.

I tried to get mum to use a hallmark thing to record her story on an mp3 player. She didn't do it (I think she felt coy) but did handwrite me a load of stories which we found after she had died and she put together a scrapbook of poems.

We also have a few lovely photos from her last weeks including her holding hands with a great grandson aged 9 months.

I think something a bit personalised would be lovely - especially if she decides what it is.