Present for 85 year old

9 replies

scouserabroad · 11/11/2010 14:10

What could I get my 85 year old step grandad? We don't see very much of him but he always sends presents for the DDs so I'd feel awful if I didn't get him anything. In the past I used to get him nice chocolates etc. but now he's supposed to watch his diet so choc not a good idea.

He used to be very into gadgety type things and new technology, was the first person I knew to have a PC way back in the 80s, but I don't think he can be bothered with ipods etc. anymore.

I was thinking maybe a book (have to able to post it to the UK from overseas) but that's a bit meh so has anyone got any better ideas??

OP posts:

QuoththeRaven · 11/11/2010 14:52

digital photo frame? filled with photos of you and the family?

unfitmummy · 11/11/2010 16:10

you could arrange to have a hamper of food sent to him. a quick search on google finds loads of alternatives from about £30.
on the gadget front a photo frame is what we are giving relatives this year so i'm in favour of that. or how about a DAB radio? old people like listening to the radio!

girlywhirly · 11/11/2010 16:19

What about wind-up technology? A torch or radio that needs no batteries, just winding up.

tulpe · 11/11/2010 17:08

My FIL is 91. We give him a food hamper, gloves, scarf, books and chocolates.

iheartdusty · 11/11/2010 19:15

if you order from Amazon uk would they deliver straight to him? and you could have it gift wrapped as well.

wind up technology needs quite a lot of wrist action IME - maybe not so good for someone who may be a bit achy in the joints.

iheartdusty · 11/11/2010 19:18

a strong reading light (clip on kind?)

bird feeding/ wildlife stuff

magazine subscription?

Herecomesthesciencebint · 11/11/2010 21:42

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Original poster

scouserabroad · 11/11/2010 22:45

ooh lots of ideas... thank you all. I'm going to have a think, I like the bird feeder because he is interested in wildlife.

Actually I'm embarassed at how little I know about what he likes and dislikes, what he is still able to do etc. I think I need to start calling him more often. (In case this sounds bad, he isn't lonely as he has quite a lot of family living locally, which makes it all the more thoughtful of him remembering my DDs who are his step great grand daughters, live abroad and he never sees!)

OP posts:

iheartdusty · 13/11/2010 00:17

does he do internet?

if so, maybe the best thing you could send him would be photos of your DDs from time to time, via flickr, or whatever way works for you.

if not, send him a bunch of photo prints now and again

Flip