90 year old MIL who’s shielding - ideas please!

[Rainallnight]

I’m stuck every year for MIL but all the more so this year. She’s had such a hard time, shielding on her own for what seems like forever, and she’s been so lovely and uncomplaining about it.

I can’t think of what to buy her. She doesn’t have any very obvious interests. She’s Catholic, loves her DGC, quite likes her garden, but can’t really do much herself, likes reading.

But don’t be constrained! Please just give me your best elderly lady ideas

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/4079140-To-ask-for-suggestions-for-a-70-year-old-woman-for-Christmas

Heated throw. Lakeland have one on special offer at the moment.

She is already the queen of the heated throw, sadly.

Perhaps a Heated throw, went down well last year or laptray, they have some lovely William Morris design ones

I am toying with getting MIL a little bird box, the clear kind you attach to the window so she can watch from inside

My DGM90 is getting a mini photoframe with pictures from my wedding (last time she went out so not totally self indulgent) and some Bloom and Wild flowers as she likes that she gets to arrange them herself. I send them regularly to her but do an extra expensive nice bunch for Christmas and birthdays and they're always well received.

One of those photobooks that looks like a real book that you get printed with pictures of the family and dgc. A nice planted pot of bulbs that she can watch grow. Hyacinths will bloom quite soon after Christmas and have a lovely scent. My Granny loves a Jigsaw and you can get some really nice pictures but depends if she likes jigsaws.

A couple of years ago the dc potted spring bulbs for gps which went over very well. It was a long wet winter and they said how much they appreciated the cheerfully painted pits with their promise of Spring. I think we all need something to look forward to this year.

Would a book subscription box be within your price range? Or a magazine subscription or flowers?

What about adult colouring books, lots of different ones on the market and very relaxing and great for the brain.

I bought a Gel Shiatsu Foot Massager with heat , would she enjoy something like this, homedics do a great selection, they're great for pain, tiredness etc

Maybe a couple of autobiographies from people she'd like.

A digital photo Frame. You upload the photos and she can see them through the day as they scroll over.

What about one of these- they come in a larger size as well and plant it up with spring bulbs. You can then plant it later with summer bedding. We have loads in our garden, I have 2 with herbs etc . They are high and great for a gardener who can no longer garden as you can tend them without bending down . You can get a cloche for them but I don't use ours. they also come in free- lots of garden centres have them as well. Shop around as prices vary massively.

www.amazon.co.uk/Elho-Green-Basics-Grow-Table/dp/B00R67IH46/ref=sr_1_10?dchild=1&keywords=echo+trough+table&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&qid=1605632768&sr=8-10

I usually do a photo calendar for the following year with photos of the grandchildren. A digital photo frame is also a good idea.
Wool always goes down well if she likes to knit.

I got my grandparents a bird table for the garden when they were in a similar position. They seemed to get hours of enjoyment from me particularly when stuck inside as we placed it so it could be seen from the window.