Ideas for MIL?

[BearSoFair]

Really struggling this year! MIL is 78, we'd usually get her a couple of books or a bottle of her favourite wine or gin but no longer an option as she's on new medication and can't drink alcohol. Not going out too far at the moment because of her health and concerns around Covid. She's also asked no books because she went a bit mad buying them for lockdown and already has piles to get through.

No garden, tiny balcony with just a few pots so most gardening stuff is out. Neighbour has a cat that regularly hops across to her balcony so bird feeder probably isn't a good idea!

She used to love knitting and cross stitch but can no longer do them because of arthritis. Similar with puzzles, she struggles now.

Not tech savvy at all, we doubt she'd use Alexa or Google Home etc. Can't think of any DVDs she fancies at the moment.

We're completely stumped. It makes her sound so awkward, and she isn't at all, she's brilliant, not at all deliberately difficult. DH completely stuck as well, he's tried, he isn't just leaving it to me before people say it's his Mum leave him to it.

What’s your budget? How about a nice blanket?

A duvet mattress topper (SO comfy and cosy) and a lovely soft throw.

Sheepskin slippers or booties from somewhere like Celtic & Co.

A Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser.

My DM is a similar age. Previous successes include:

6-month Bloom & Wild subscription for letterbox flowers. You can manage online how frequently you have them. Doesn't have to be every month, DM elected to have them every 2 months.

Good Housekeeping magazine subscription.

Photobox calendar with family pics. Get this every year for DM and DMIL and it is always a hit.

Beautiful leather gloves from Southcombe (if she is at least venturing out for a daily walk)

Oh yes a flower subscription would be lovely (but make sure you pick a reputable company with good reviews!); I think Freddy’s Flowers are good, and Bloom & Wild.

A magazine subscription might be nice too - that’s different to books because it’s easier to pick up and put down and doesn’t require any focus.

Does she wear jewellery? If she is having trouble with necklace clasps now due to arthritis, but would like to keep wearing them, you could have a jeweller change the clasps to magnetic ones on her favourites

I'd make up a lovely hamper of treats.
Teas, coffees, naice cordials, fudge, conserves, crackers.

I know your saying she's not tech savvy but Alexa might be a good shout. I've just got one for my mum and dad we will be setting it up for them. I'm hoping once they can just ask to play radio 4 or a certain song they will love it

Flower subscription is a good shout! And possibly getting some jewellery clasps changed - we would never have come up with that. I knew I could count on MN!

What about a kindle or a fire tablet or similar? You could set it all up with a puzzle, sudoku, crossword, colouring apps, might be easier to read on there with her arthritis too?

We’re buying DMiL a GTech hoover.
Sounds a bit sad, but she’s having trouble with her old heavy one. The new stick Dyson isn’t suitable as you have to keep your finger on the trigger to operate - which DMiL can’t do with her arthritis.

My MIL is similar (carpal tunnel syndrome meaning very stiff hands) and I've got her some lovely fingerless gloves and a neck warmer from Turtle Doves. If you sign up they give you 10% off but often run other promotions too.

Other than that - digital photo frame set up already with pictures of family? Freezable/ long life goodies which she can store and treat herself to throughout the year?