Present for nan & grandad that don't want anything!

[curiousgeorgie]

My grandparents are in their 80's... They don't like getting clothes.

I always used to buy them books / DVDs but this year they have their entire collections away because they 'don't read them or watch them.'

They don't drink. They are mostly housebound.

I am stuck!

I thought I had everything but these are my last 2!

I'd buy a gift voucher to their local supermarket, and tell them to treat themselves :)

OR buy a frame and give it to them empty, but on Xmas take a photograph of all the family and then a few days later go back and put in the photo :)

My hard to shop for df likes consumable gifts from me. He loves georgie porgie puddings (they do individual ones and are ace) and fudge.

Would a voucher (and an offer of a lift - presuming not on the internet) towards nice nibbles or prepared food be an idea?

Leaning towards the foodie stuff, Bettys (famous chain of tea shops in Yorkshire) do lots of lovely things online - df will be getting his bd gift next year from there.

If not foodie/clothing/books, is it worth offering a lift to local tea dances/whist drives? Even if not dancing, chatting to others and enjoying the music might be fun? They are usually in the afternoon.
Maybe a 'special' meal or tea out somewhere pretty?

Not many other ideas I'm afraid. Suggested these as my 'older' friends & family seem to value small comforts and company more than other things. Depends on the person though .

Aren't there catering folk who will come to a house and cook and serve a meal there?
That's a nice treat, then tell them you will do washing up whilst they watch a classic movie or something?

My gran is 93... She doesn't really need much. But for the last few years I have done photo calendars for her, pets, family etc. this year will be one of her great granddaughter! She loves them, useful, thoughtful and sentimental all together.

Just to add, is there anywhere that holds special memories or might remind them. Dm used to love walks by the sea - even when unable to walk she would have enjoyed going to the local beach with the windows rolled down in the car.

One year, we got df tickets to a trade show he wanted to attend (near christmas). He liked going but due to ticket cost and transport worries (he dislikes connections - not sure if this is age, or just him ) he wouldn't have gone. Dh and I went with him, provided a picnic and kept him topped up with tea - df had a marvellous time.

Are they housebound because they can't go out or don't go out. If the latter I would maybe do a day trip somewhere. Give them a memory.

If the former I would make afood hamper for them.

Photo calendar or food hamper. Or day trip out if they might like to go out.

My dad was delighted at a delivery of frozen cheesecake given to him by his aunt, and is generally very happy to have treat food for the freezer.

If they like getting out, but just can't, how about an IOU for afternoon tea at a garden centre or local attraction and sort out transport and wheelchairs for them

What about a magazine subscription for the year? My df has loved his countryfile one.

What about a digital photo frame, get one with a separate memory card and then you can keep it regularly topped up with recent photos of your dcs.

Well, it might not hit the spot with your grandparents, but I asked my elderly (they'd kill me for calling them that!) parents what they would like for Christmas this year. They told me they have everything they need (which they do) and would I please give the money I would have spent to the DEC as the people in the Philippines need it far more? So I will, and the DCs will make a handmade card and we'll write in it what we sent.

I'm giving dm (similar age) a book I found online with old photos of where she grew up. She has been talking more about her childhood recently so hoping she will enjoy it.

food hamper is a great idea. or maybe something decorative for their home? do they collect any ornaments , I know my grandparents did. I'm making calenders for the elderly relatives.

I ditto an IOU to take them out for tea. Or voucher for Waitrose or M&S so they can treat themselves to some nice food. Or how about picture of grandkids made into a jigsaw puzzle?

What about a lovely Christmassy flower arrangement or if their eyesight is good, a digital photoframe?

Wow, I've never had a 'discussions of the day' before!

I do nice hampers of special food for mine. They really don't need more Stuff in the house, but I slip in things like a candle and a nice new tea towel.

But they need to be in driving distance as it would cost a fortune to post!

My 90 year old MIL said that last year. I got her a photo diary from Photobox. She absolutely loves it and and has asked for another one this year. They do take ages to make though!

Restaurant vouchers/hotel break/vouchers for cinema/theatre/event kind of thing.

Oh bugger - that'll teach me for not reading the thread properly. Sorry!

I'm buying Great Grandma (99) a gorgeous Emma Bridgewater T towel. sorry can't link as on phone.
How about slippers or fluffy socks if they're aren't foodie sorts

Food Hampers work well.

My grandmother had a major thing about Fortnum and Masons when she was younger so for her last christmas, I had a F&M filled biscuit tin sent to her.

Cake, posh tea, fancy coffee all those kind of things. Basically my motto was 'anything you won't buy because it's too expensive' means you can have it for Christmas.

My ILs love 1000 piece jigsaws, so we are constantly seeking new ones in styles they enjoy.

One Christmas we got jigsaws of the old street maps of the areas they grew up in. It was superb as the whole family gathered round trying to solve them with the aid of a modern map.

That and food hampers of bits we know they like but won't buy, such as nice jams and marmalades.

Cook! Foods deliver tasty food for freezer/fridge

Or British Fine Foods do some fancy things, depending what they like.