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Original poster

What would you buy for someone in their 60s, unwell, housebound at the minute

59 replies

UseHerName · 09/10/2021 17:52

Who literally doesn’t need or want anything?

Buying her perfume, jewellery, clothes etc seems like a slap in the face as she can’t go anywhere or do anything.

She doesn’t need hand cream or pjs, doesn’t drink, doesn’t eat sweet stuff and eats like a wee bird generally, has a kindle and buys her own books and papers etc.

Can’t book a massage or anything as she can’t lie/sit for something like that.

I’m at a total loss 🤷‍♀️

OP posts:
FrownedUpon · 09/10/2021 20:58

A nice plant or unusual flowers
I buy a lot of books but still love getting a book as a gift. There’s a new book out, which is a poem for each day of the year. Might be a good present.
Some autumnal decorative lights for her fireplace or window

dcadmam · 09/10/2021 21:13

Alexa?

echt · 09/10/2021 21:22

Perfume might not be so bad an idea.

I'm in the world's longest lockdown: Yay, go Melbourne! Hmm I still wear perfume every day, even when teaching remotely. I love it and it makes me feel more like me. IYSWIM.

Audible? I use this a lot, have it blasting out of the laptop when I'm cooking.

Invasionofthegutsnatchers · 09/10/2021 21:23

Electric heated throw. I love mine.

pickingdaisies · 09/10/2021 21:34

Spring bulbs and a pretty indoor pot, hyacinths, narcissus.
Pashmina or cashmere wrap

Darklane · 09/10/2021 22:24

A warm, pretty blanket or fleece to put over her knees if she’s feeling a bit cold while sitting.
Make up a hamper with the type of things she likes even though she doesn’t eat much, small treats.
A pretty China cup & saucer, you could pop a few chocolates in it & include a few special teas or coffee if she like that.
A magazine subscription to something she’s interested in.
Does she have any hobbies, knitting, crochet....wool, a tapestry cushion to criss stitch.

Darklane · 09/10/2021 22:25

Cross stitch Blush

idontlikealdi · 09/10/2021 23:38

Heather throw blanket

idontlikealdi · 09/10/2021 23:38

*heated

TheUnbearable · 10/10/2021 07:47

Cashmere socks

GoodnightGrandma · 10/10/2021 07:52

I would go with a lovely throw/blanket. I really like the ones that are lined with ‘sheepskin’ type material, so they are double thickness.
I assume heated throws have a wire where they are plugged in, so not sure if that isn’t a tripping hazard for this person.

StripeyDeckchair · 10/10/2021 08:03

When I was ill I liked puzzle books. I could focus for 10-30 mins for a soduku or word search or similar but not to read a book.

Not adult fucking colouring though, so infantalising.

Dontforgetyourbrolly · 10/10/2021 08:05

Flowers

orangejuicer · 10/10/2021 08:09

Netflix and Kindle were my first thoughts.

Subscription service for something she likes?

Is she crafty?

SylviaTrench · 10/10/2021 08:12

Readly subscription
Diamond Art kit

Yespresh · 10/10/2021 08:14

If she has an ipad a subscription to Readly is a great gift.

ShoppingBasket · 10/10/2021 08:18

Clear bird box that you can stick to a window and a bird book to identify.
A life story book that she can fill in.

maddy68 · 10/10/2021 08:27

Something for the garden ...split lights ? Something tant she can look out onto ?

Jigsaw or puzzke type thing

Bottle of Bailey's
Candles

Vanuatu · 10/10/2021 08:33

I would go for an Amazon voucher if she likes her Kindle.
I could spend a fortune on books but always feel guilty if I go a bit mad Grin

MoiraNotRuby · 10/10/2021 08:37

Does she actually want a present? How about sending a card and a promise that when she is better you will take her out for lunch/dinner/afternoon tea/visit a museum she'd like.

GoodnightGrandma · 10/10/2021 08:40

How about a lovely flower arrangement, the type in water so that she does have to do anything with them.

PattiPritell · 10/10/2021 08:42

Tapestry kit?
Is she set up for audiobooks?

CaptainMyCaptain · 10/10/2021 08:45

I'm 66 and I like flowers. My daughter gave me a 6 months subscription from Bloom and Wild which was lovely. I realise, however, that flowers are a controversial topic on MN so they might not be appropriate for your friend,

luckylavender · 10/10/2021 08:57

Flowers, cashmere socks or Afternoon Tea (Delivered).

Dellit · 10/10/2021 08:57

I'm housebound due to illness and have everything I need so I can sympathise with your predicament OP!

Gifts that have brought or would bring me joy include:

A handmade ceramic/pottery mug in a style I enjoy looking at and drinking out of

Really nice smelling, gentle hand wash. So much handwashing goes on, it is nice to have a bit of aromatherapy to enjoy at the same time

A very easy care houseplant

A jigsaw - not too complicated but not ridiculously easy - with a beautiful scenery picture on it

Soft bamboo jersey tops and joggers in colours I like. I don't want to wear pjs all day but I do want to feel comfortable and to still enjoy getting 'dressed'

Help to sort through my cupboards/fridge/mail pile when it all gets a bit out of control as it's hard for me to concentrate on or maintain energy for