What have you bought your 80-something Grandparents?

[cakesloveme]

I left DH to sort his Grandparents and he hasn't come up with anything! I leave him ONE job to do

Both Grandparents are in their 80s but very 'with it' although don't go out much due to reduced mobility. I'm really stuck for gift ideas. Recently done photos of DS in a frame as it has been both of their birthdays.

Nan likes knitting and they both like gardens...I've considered a magazine subscription but can't seem to find one which sort of suits them. Also considered a homemade voucher to take them out to lunch/afternoon tea but this wouldn't be for sometime as DS2 is due in the next month!

So, what have you bought elderly grandparents?? I really need some last minute inspiration and I won't leave DH to organise anything in future

Photobox do one to that you can buy vouchers for as well. Quite often pop up on groupon.

I've got mine a hamper full of her favorite foods (she is 96 though, and VVV difficult to buy for) and a homemade voucher for a trip to see Les miserable when its out at the cinema

This is really difficult. If they are not watching their weight I read about a cake a month subscription which is quite expensive but sounds nice. Or sub for magazines sounds good too.

Watching with interest as usually struggle. I have bought the following over past few years for my 80+ grandparents.

• chocs
• wildlife calendars
• diaries
• hamper goodies
• fluffy throw for use on chairs or bed
• a grabber to pick things up off the floor etc
• handheld massager
• infra red handheld heat treatment thingy
• large print puzzle books and novels
• story CDs
• lap tray
• shawl
• framed photos
• music from their younger years
• books on local history
• the usual smellies, hand creams etc

There's more but am struggling to remember!

Watching with interest as usually struggle. I have bought the following over past few years for my 80+ grandparents.

• chocs
• wildlife calendars
• diaries
• hamper goodies
• fluffy throw for use on chairs or bed
• a grabber to pick things up off the floor etc
• handheld massager
• infra red handheld heat treatment thingy
• large print puzzle books and novels
• story CDs
• lap tray
• shawl
• framed photos
• music from their younger years
• books on local history
• the usual smellies, hand creams etc

There's more but am struggling to remember!

Yes hamper - hit Waitrose and go for Duchy things; crackers, pickles, biscuits etc. or a pre-done one for £45. Waitrose also have indoor bulb and pot kits which may be suitable.

My parents are a similar age and nearly impossible to buy for. Dad is getting a picture book of birds just hope didn't get same one last year . Still don't know what to get for mum. Have got a few fridge magnets, but beyond that I don't know. She won't watch any tv/ computer screen. She dosen't like any rich food - won't eat chocolates, sweets or most biscuits. She has everything that she wants for the kitchen. They are tea total. They don't go out much, they enjoy the garden but she says she's too old to do much in there now. She likes fairly plain toiletries. She fortunately doesn't expect/want much, but want to give her soomething nice as they've had a tough few months. Sorry not much help, but you're not alone. Think will probably end up with a houseplant, though they have loads, unlike me they can keep a plant going for years.

Massive thick socks, the ones with a tog rating

We got my Auntie and Uncle both in their 80's; Marks and Spencer Shortbread tin, whiskey and hyacinths in pots (to grow).

I took my mum and dad out for lunch somewhere very special - just me, no dh, no dcs, they really appreciated that. I guess they hadn't had much time with me alone, it was really something.

I have made my mother a hamper in a traditional wooden trug. I know that she will use the trug for the chap who does her garden to put fruit and beans in and I know she will eat all he little goodies I've filled it with. I hope this works as usually she gives me back her presents if she hasn't used them after a year or two.

Just remembered I got my grandma a slanket last year and she uses it lots.

I got my grandma an orla kiely scarf from uniqlo and an m&s voucher (she LOVES m&s vouchers!) and my 90yr old great uncle a history book. In the past I've got my grandma one of those lovely planted tubs or olive trees from the m&s florist which went down well too.

Thank you so much everyone, this list of things will keep me going for a few years now .

It seems like I'm not the only one to struggle so hope the thread gives others ideas too.

Happy Christmas!

My Mum (who's in her 80's) is getting a neck/ back warmer thing that plugs in and sooths you while you watch the TV (or whatever). A jigsaw of her local train junction from the steam era. Two books that have taken me ages to track down (both self- published, one by her aunt; and one by my first boyfriend's mother who had clearly borrowed her original copy of Aunt's book and written a more "racy" version of the story) A bar of her favourite Nougat, some posh biccies in a pretty tin and a box of chocolate almonds to fill in the gaps in the parcel.

My Dad who seems to have become a non-door-opening hermit is getting a year's subscription to National Geographic. Because the last time I sent him a parcel it got returned to me at the end of January

I have also bought a painting or print, anything playing card related, had a painting done from a photo of his dog [though that needs to be arranged in at least Nov], clock for a different room, nice pen.