Small gift for 100yr old

[7238SM]

My neighbour is 100 soon. We exchange Christmas cards, but otherwise, I don't know much about her interests. She has carers and is blind. I'm not sure if flowers would be suitable, maybe something fragrant like a reed diffuser or chocs? Any ideas appreciated up to £15.

plus she's blind..

I've always said that I'd spend my last years trying all the drugs.
Other than that, what about a heated throw? You might find some on offer at the moment.

My DM got to 100. Hyacinths are great. They have perfume and she will
know what they look like. Can be replanted in a garden. Dm liked hand cream and a box of chocolates. Throws - already had them. Don’t buy what someone already has so check first if you can.

Heated shawl wrap - it's got a one click big button control: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wearable-Blanket-Heating-Powered-Electric/dp/B0FR4R8NQ3/ref=asc_df_B0FR4R8NQ3?mcid=f9ba9b79887a3c82ae3ab883a65c5794&tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=778927463516&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12134971202753963833&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1007434&hvtargid=pla-2449389048239&hvocijid=12134971202753963833-B0FR4R8NQ3-&hvexpln=0&gad_source=1&th=1

Thanks everyone. I'm thinking chocs and/or biscuits are the way to go. The 100yrs memory thing I'd consider for my own nan- not a neighbour I've only physically met twice. She's had falls, so I don't think whiskey or another tipple would be a good idea.

Possibly hyacinths, but I personally find their perfume so overpowering, I can't have them inside. Some lovely ideas though.

😂😂😂

Nice hand cream?

@7238SM The present isn’t for you though. Biscuits are fine but boring. Most people buy them anyway.

Dont get gadgets. The very old simply find gadgets a struggle, Plus it’s more clutter.

She's blind

We got a potted hyacinth for our neighbour's 90th birthday. She is also partially sighted. She loved them!

Other potted plants are available but bulbs can be planted out afterwards. Also great for texture and smell if you like that. No smell, try cyclamen.

Could you see if you can catch one of her carers and ask them if they have any suggestions? What a lovely neighbour you are!

Frys Chocolate Cream bars are usually a favourite of elderly people. You might have to search but a coupon of bars with a throw or whatever should be appropriate

I’d ask carers before purchasing biscuits
She may find them hard to chew. Likewise anything scented may be too strong. I’d have to move house if conflicted defusers etc🤡

@spotddog Really? Ultra sweet sickly chocolate? I’d look for something a bit more classy for a 100th birthday! Old people still have standards!

Fancy handcream. Older people often have drier skin. My grandma lived to 101 and her sister to 103 so I have some experience. They also liked bead necklaces (pull over the head sort), scarves, gin (minatures were enough), and shortbread.

Potted hyacinths were definitely a seasonal “thing” in ye olden days. The forced bulbs bring a bit of colour at this time of year. It was traditional to pot up the bulbs just after Xmas and put under the bedstead to encourage early growth.

I like them for my Feb birthday but I do appreciate the scent can be too strong for some.
This lady is blind and may appreciate some as a blast from the past.

Narcissi or narcissist ! bulbs are a good alternative. I cant think of any other scented flowers or bulbs at this time of year.

I make huge amounts of traditional Scottish tablet ( like fudge) at Xmas time and have been giving it away to friends and colleagues at least for two decades. This year I know it went to two 95 yr olds and someone who was 103 and was told that they’ve been receiving it for years!
So I suggest something local
to their area thats a confectionery or baking treat. You don’t need to spend very much. Just go for something they know the taste and brings back memories.

DGM loved handmade chocolates from a local Italian ice cream shop. She savoured them and although she had no financial concerns would never indulge herself so a very well received gift.

@Ohdear111I’m just saying what was requested by some elderly ladies of taste. It was something they liked when young. No need to be so consenting on a thread looking for gift suggestions.

Suggestions of scarves, over the head beads are also good.

@spotddog I actually had a mum who was 100. I still think a chocolate bar is underwhelming and these are very sweet. As others have said, bulb perfume can be too much snd the chocolate you suggest ditto. That’s all! Truffle chocolates are better. Certainly narcissus bulbs is a good idea. We bought a friend a potted amaryllis bulb recently and they loved it but spring bulbs work well right now. Few 100 year olds do not have clothes, accessories or wraps. My mother in law had 22 pairs of slippers when she died. You can end up with too much stuff well meaning people buy.

In my experience many seniors like a hard sweet, like humbugs, etc, although I have a relatively small sample for this! Something that you can suck and definitely not chew as this was an era where dentists whipped your teeth out at the drop of a hat.

My Mum and late Gran, in their nineties favoured mints but you could get a selection of 'old fashioned' sweets like pear drops, lemon sherbets, etc, and put them in a nice jar. If she doesn't like them she might enjoy having them to offer carers and other visitors.

Perhaps ask her what she would like?

Also soap (in bars). TK Maxx do some very nice Italian soaps.

I clean for a lady who's 96 and I just asked her. She said fudge but only the soft kind that melts. I told her a few of the suggestions and she had a good laugh at the body lotion. What the hell would a 100yr old want with body lotion!

I would get a luxury box of chocolates if I was buying for a 100th birthday.