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Christmas

From present ideas to party food, find all your Christmas inspiration here.

Present ideas for elderly housebound relatives

21 replies

NCquestion · 10/12/2017 10:34

Bit stuck to what to get my Grampy this year
He’s been ill lately and has been a bit housebound (lives on his own)
He’s not technical so anything like that would be

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NCquestion · 10/12/2017 10:34

Sorry stupid advert meant I couldn’t see properly

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NCquestion · 10/12/2017 10:36

He doesn’t drink/smoke
Can’t write very well as his hands are bad, not a reader either.
He’s very old school and I’m really struggling to think of something (don’t want to inundate him with photos and ‘meaningful’ items like pens/keyringswith grandad etc

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NCquestion · 10/12/2017 10:37

If you can think of anything I thank you in advance!!!

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BarbaraofSevillle · 10/12/2017 10:39

I know you say he's not a reader, but my late dad used to like local history books.

Pick one with lots of pictures, or possibly connected to the job he did, favourite pubs, local myths and legends.

hereitis · 10/12/2017 11:16

Heated blanket, rug, socks, food hamper with stuff you know he eats. It’s hard isn’t it!

Abra1d · 10/12/2017 11:18

Second local history books with old photos.

YesThisIsMe · 10/12/2017 11:18

I agree that a coffee table book of photos of Britain From Above or something similar might be good.

73kittycat73 · 10/12/2017 12:53

A DVD box set?

whimsical1975 · 10/12/2017 13:34

Pyjamas
Blanket
Dressing Gown
Slippers
New Kettle
Warm Jersey
Scarf
Dinner Tray

abouttimeforanotherone · 10/12/2017 14:00

An amaryllis in a pot (already planted so he doesn't have to mess around with compost).
Make up a little hamper with some marmalade, nice biscuits, tea bags, small cakes etc, things you know he likes and will get used.
If he lives locally it would be nice if you could pop round before Christmas and help him put a few decorations up. Elderly folk living alone tend not to bother otherwise, and they really appreciate this if you can do it, and help with taking them down afterwards too!

Lovemusic33 · 10/12/2017 14:07

I have bought my grandad a blanket, he’s been housebound for a while and was given 12 weeks to live 10 weeks ago, I’m pretty sure he will be here at Christmas. He gets really cold so I got him a really nice fluffy lined fleece blanket.

Unicorn81 · 10/12/2017 14:08

Heated blanket or foot warmer
Bug cosy throw
Audio books or dvds

Unicorn81 · 10/12/2017 14:09

Big not bug

applesareredandgreen · 10/12/2017 19:49

I've got elderly parents - I've got them individual presents like slippers but have also made up a food hamper with lots of Christmas treat foods

fromtheshires · 10/12/2017 20:43

If he's housebound and you live close by, why not do something practical for him such as a voucher book where he can use vouchers for your help. Ideas could be:

Cut the grass and do the flowerbeds
Paint a room that needs freshening up
Do the weekly shop
Be his 'date' for anything he needs (hospital visits etc)

Today I walked to my grans to clear her path of snow, create acces to the outbuilding where the washing machine and tumble dryer is and clear her drive so she can get the car out of the garage when the weather clears and she was thrilled as she is unsteady on her feet at the best of times without the added issue of snow and ice.

It doesn't take much of your time but would maybe mean something to him?

NCquestion · 11/12/2017 19:59

Thanks everyone, some great ideas here

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NCquestion · 11/12/2017 20:00

fromtheshires
I would LOVE to help him like that, but he is so proud and won’t accept help off many people (only from 1 of his children)

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goose1964 · 11/12/2017 23:42

I know you said no photos but historical photos of where they lived were really appreciated by my grandparents,and my in-laws

80sMum · 11/12/2017 23:49

I would make him up a little hamper of his favourite treats. I always try to give edible gifts to my elderly DM and MIL, so I don't burden them with clutter.

RollingRollingRun · 11/12/2017 23:53

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

LineyRunner · 12/12/2017 00:03

My dad liked audio books (tapes, and then moved onto CDs) - everything from vintage comedy gold e.g. Pete and Dud, to Barack Obama.

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