please please help me with present for my mum

[everybodysang]

I am really stressing about it.

DM is 70, essentially housebound. She doesn't like:
Films
Food
Chocolate
Sweets
Reading (though she used to...)

My parents live 500 miles away so presents have to be posted, so can't be too heavy. For her birthday I got her a nice wrap thing from M&S from DD, which she loved. I've got her a photo of DD. I cannot think of anything else - she's pretty depressed and doesn't really have much interest in anything.

She struggles to get in and out of the bath so bath products are out (she doesn't shower either, just a wash every now and again).

I am stuck and starting to really panic...if anyone has any ideas I'd be so grateful!

Does she have vision issues which caused her to lose enjoyment of books? If so, maybe an audiobook?
Perfume?

Maybe a photo book/album with pictures of you and the family along with some nice messages.

Jewellery?

A book/audiobook/cd of some kind?

One of those adult colouring books?

No vision problems, just (I think) her depression has made her lose interest in the few things she did enjoy.

TV soaps and cigarettes are about her only real interests.

A pamper at home from a mobile beautician? Manicure? Pedicure?

Cashmere blanket/ wrap.

Music?

They sell DVDs of old Corrie classics and the like she might like them? How about some perfume she used to like? Jigsaw? Could get one made up with granddaughters picture on?
What about puzzles, quizzes lots of logical puzzle games around with varying levels that are easy to pick up and put down.
How about small soft toy or bear something to cuddle up to possible from granddaughter if she's really not able to focus on much? Or even really soft scarf- just thinking of nice tactile soothing things!
Journal so she can write some memories for grandkids? even short notes that you write like my parents/grandparent memories. my favorite childhood memory or favourite game I played at school. Depending on how well you think she would manage this. Lovely have those memories pass onto your daughter and help if she is so far away.

Does she like any craft stuff? Cross stitch kit maybe? Or crafty makey books?

Otherwise you could try a subscription to take a break or a crossword book maybe? Or another magazine she likes?

Or would she like a cheap ish tablet so she can read internet gossip about her favourite celebs?!!

A magazine subscription?
A nice top or jumper?

A lovely throw for cold evenings? I have one of these from JL and it is gorgeous. http://m.johnlewis.com/mt/www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-faux-fur-throw/p1189177?colour=Grey&unjtttvpdp=yes&unnjttvvfromproduct=unnproduct2#pagee_loaded

A tablet? So as to go on internet etc

Pre-loaded digital photo frame?

Thank you so much everything he for these ideas.

My brother got her a digital photo frame a while back - she does love it! She wouldn't cope with a tablet or Kindle, unfortunately (I mean, I think she could. But she refuses to engage with anything to do with technology).

I did get her a lovely wrap before and am reluctant to get anything else like that because everything gets cigarette ash dropped on it and holes burned in it.

Puzzle books a great idea, have ordered some.

I do often get her jewellery. But because she never leaves the house now and rarely gets dressed it seems a bit pointless now. I got her a nice nightdress and dressing gown last year, perhaps I will get her another.

It's making me really sad trying to figure out what to get her. I really appreciate all your suggestions.

I was really struggling with my grandads present last year so I made him a scrap book of photos and memories. He adored it. Or a nice teapot and cup?

Would she be open to a night or two away? With you or with someone else. Might be something for her to look forward to in a couple of months time. You might get that at OK money on groupon or the like.

I know it's naff but a lovely pair of slippers maybe? There are some really lovely styles and I get daily pleasure from mine which were a Christmas gift

How about a photo box calendar with photos of DD?
Or......

Cosy booties
An electric blanket
A hot water bottle with a pretty cover
Some hand cream
A magazine subscription

I've done my MIL a tea hamper, with different types of tea she'll like and some flowering tea with a glass teacup. She does go out and about but lives in a small flat so doesn't want any more "things" to clutter the house. I've added vouchers for tea when she visits National Trust properties, but you could add a nice tea towel (maybe with your daughter's picture on?), a novelty tea infuser, engraved teaspoon etc

A tea hamper... that's a good idea. She doesn't really like fancy tea but I think maybe an earl grey or two...

Slippers an excellent idea and also the electric blanket - she gets really cold.

A while ago she'd have liked a night away or something but she can't/won't leave the house just now...

You can get lovely electric fur throws