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Christmas

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

Original poster

Please give me ideas for a 93 year old lady

57 replies

SuzieBishop · 29/10/2019 09:19

Hello! DH’s grandma is in a care home and I have no idea what to get her this year. She doesn’t go outside due to mobility and the fear of falling so no need for cosy scarf etc, she used to love a candle but they’re not allowed them in there, she’s on a strict diet as she’s piled on weight so no sweet treats. I’m really at a loss!!!! Any suggestions?!

OP posts:
RoseMartha · 29/10/2019 09:21

Does she read? A few magazines or subscription of her favourite one.

A picture of you both in nice frame.

Flowers

ErrolTheDragon · 29/10/2019 09:22

How about a plant, maybe a scented one - preferably something not too fussy for the carers to look after.

isabellerossignol · 29/10/2019 09:24

Is her mind still sharp? My mum is very elderly and still loves puzzles etc and she is very difficult to buy a present for. I saw a lovely personalised book of crosswords on Not on the High Street and was considering getting that

HeronLanyon · 29/10/2019 09:26

Lovely blanket?
Electric photo frame if her eyesight would cope and if big enough. Can set up selection of photos.
Sponsor something meaningful ? Rspb and woodland trust have good gift sponsorships (planting/hedging etc).
A painting of some sort or print of favourite place she’s travelled ?

Winterdaysarehere · 29/10/2019 09:27

Newspaper from the day she was born? Book about the area she came from?

Limer · 29/10/2019 09:33

A luxury reed diffuser with a lovely fragrance?

HeronLanyon · 29/10/2019 09:34

Is there any family stuff languishing which you’d wish you had sorted for her to see ? Like photos in an album or old film you could digitalise (is doing that with old reel to reels I’ve found) or video recording of family doing silly things to wish her happy Christmas including anyone who she doesnt see too often ? A short outing if possible with car/Carer/wheelchair laid on. Somewhere close but meaningful with you? She must miss getting out. If it’s possible.

Forgive me saying but I lost my lovely old ma recently and I think it great to try to think what you’d wish to have done for her before she goes.

Claphands · 29/10/2019 09:37

What about one of those battery candles? You can get really nice ones now that look so real and aren’t plain pillar candles.

Nowisthemonthofmaying · 29/10/2019 09:39

Cashmere bed socks and some Chanel No.5 soap

Nowisthemonthofmaying · 29/10/2019 09:40

Photo album also a really good idea if there are loose family photos lying around that could be put together into something for her to look at.

northerngirl2012 · 29/10/2019 09:42

Fresh flowers

Themazeoflife · 29/10/2019 09:43

Lava lamp? One that plugs in to the mains not battery operated.

VioletCharlotte · 29/10/2019 09:44

My Grandma is the same age. She likes plants or bulbs to grow indoors, or nice hand cream. I did a photo frame for her one year full of family photos which she really liked.

ErrolTheDragon · 29/10/2019 09:45

It does depend so much what she likes doing and her hearing and sight and abilities.

My DM would have loved some Bluetooth headphones for listening to a preset radio (classic FM, R3 and R4), I think.

HeronLanyon · 29/10/2019 09:52

Or one of those daylight clocks all set up for her ? If she wakes early and finds the dark a bit difficult?

waltzingparrot · 29/10/2019 09:53

Would she be allowed one of those bird feeders you can suction on the outside Window? Would the staff refill it or does she have a regular visitor who would.

HeronLanyon · 29/10/2019 10:00

Op - I have a feeling we all want to get involved. Her care home may need warning of plethora of mn deliveries - hope you have fun with her and you work out something. It can be difficult !

Original poster
SuzieBishop · 29/10/2019 11:29

Oh wow there’s such a lot of brilliant ideas here - thanks so much for the help! All these’ll be good for the next few years!

OP posts:
YorkshireIndie · 29/10/2019 12:36

Window box? See if you put one outside her window and plant it with pansies and bulbs

mummmy2017 · 29/10/2019 12:40

Buy her three bulbs, that she can watch grown.
You can plant them now and will give her something to talk about.
If she likes them , take her some more for Xmas.

reluctantbrit · 29/10/2019 12:50

Flower subscripts? A friend got it for her leaving gift, hers was for 3 months but there are longer once. You get a bunch each month by post.

I found that my mum and PIL don’t reall6 like any kind of clutter anymore and either ask for a token or something practical.

letsdolunch321 · 29/10/2019 14:50

Afternoon tea delivered to her care home

RonniePasas · 29/10/2019 14:58

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Didthatreallyhappen2 · 29/10/2019 17:56

How about something for her bed. I'm actually making my DM a patchwork quilt for her bed at the moment, but if you're not feeling that confident, Dunelm or John Lewis have some lovely single set bedding or cuddly blankets?

Chottie · 29/10/2019 18:04

Some soft, cosy nighties
A bed jacket to put round her shoulders when she is sitting up in bed

A manicurist to come to the home (if she is unable to get out)