Gift for female with learning disability

[mummyof2boys30]

My aunt in her 50s lives in a residential home and has quite significant learning disability. Need some gift inspiration. Havent been able to visit this year due to covid and she is probably very likely to spend Christmas in the residential home shes in. Budget 10-15. I had ordered a mickey mouse hot water bottle then my mum informed me she doesnt think it would be allowed. Thanks

I have a sister with learning disabilities. I usually get her something nice to wear like a pretty jumper and/or a small sensory light up toy. Slippers also a good idea.

Lava lamp or glitter lamp
Fairy lights for the bedroom

I have a close relative in care with severe learning difficulties, He likes cd’s, cushions and blankets for his bed, novelty socks and slippers, lava lamps, framed photos and a special big Christmas card through the post. It is very difficult because we’ve exhausted all these options over the years. Clothes aren’t wanted because his allowance gets spent on them and he’s on restricted diet otherwise would love a massive box of chocolates. Gets loads of smellies but not interested in them. Also he shouldn’t really have age inappropriate things like toys. I’ve no idea what to buy this year.

he shouldn’t really have age inappropriate things like toys

Why is that? We've never been told that. It does seem odd buying toys for a grown woman sometimes but she functions around the age of an 8 yr old.

The other thing thats nice about this thread is that I don't know a single other person in real life with an adult relative in residential care apart from old folks homes. It's nice to hear that there are others out there.

@Rae36

he shouldn’t really have age inappropriate things like toys

Why is that? We've never been told that. It does seem odd buying toys for a grown woman sometimes but she functions around the age of an 8 yr old.

The other thing thats nice about this thread is that I don't know a single other person in real life with an adult relative in residential care apart from old folks homes. It's nice to hear that there are others out there.

My aunt has been in residential care from as long as i remember. Definately since i was a young child so maybe 28-30 years. Id say shes in her current one maybe 20 years. She thrives there and has so many opportunities she wouldn't of had with her elderly (now deceased parents). I feel i have exhausted all the usual photo gifts, chocolates, socks etc over the years so wanted something a wee bit more practical this year as most of her extra activities have been cancelled

A nice fleecy throw/ blanket - they have nice ones in Primark within your budget. Would keep her nice and warm just like a hot water bottle.

Would she like a really nice advent calendar if she likes chocolate?

Lindt have some nice ones with interesting shaped things for £15 or £10

if she is in to arts & crafts storage box with little sections with some art & craft bits
small sewing box or musical jewellery box (pretty one with ballet dancer - I have some lovely memories of getting one for one of my birthdays)

Could you speak to the people supporting her and check what her current interests/tastes are?

CDs, hand cream, jewellery, a nice patterned cushion, perfume, coasters would all be popular with women with LDs I know. However, they wouldn't be safe for everyone, and they wouldn't be to everyone's taste, so get personal recommendations if you can.

We have patients with similar needs and these are often very popular. They are 'painting' books that you just put water on and the colours / picture shows.

www.amazon.co.uk/Be-Happy-Just-Add-Water/dp/1684125774/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=magic+painting+books+with+water+adults&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&qid=1603890999&sr=8-2

Thanks KiKat. I remember having one of those when I was a girl and I loved it.

I sent a throw last year - something to put over her lap in the evenings.
Art & crafts things need to be very straightforward or it is clutter.

Oh those water painting books are a good idea. My cousin quite likes the ones you scratch the black stuff off and see colour underneath but she's not always so good at making them neat and then she gets upset. The water ones I guess it doesn't matter where you get the water, you'll still end up with a nice picture.