What are you buying elderly relatives?

[Lovemusic33]

I need to buy something for my grandmother, she’s 94, lives on her own, only goes out once a week when my aunt takes her shopping. She usually gets gifted so much food that she ends up giving it away so I don’t want to gift any food. I haven’t got a huge budget, maybe £10-£15, she has fluffy blankets, heated blankets etc..

What are you buying for your elderly relatives?

So difficulty isn’t if?!
I’d probably get a nice jumper or cardigan. Does she have any hobbies? Like puzzles or a puzzle book.
Failing that, make her something she likes, fudge or biscuits.

Have a look at subscriptions like woman's weekly, readers digest etc. You can sometimes get shorter term subscriptions which are cheaper.

How about a photo frame (with a photo of you/family)? Jigsaw, puzzle book. Old films if they have the tech? Individual soup maker?

Something luxurious like a single bar of Chanel soap - or a few lovely chocolates - or a book - or flowers. But definitely not something that shouts, 'Poor old soul - she's 94!' Maybe she'd like a new lipstick. Or a nail varnish, especially if you'd do her nails for her.

She likes watching the rugby 🤣

She loves fudge but another relative makes her a food hamper of home made fudge, Christmas cake and biscuits. Last year she gave a lot of food away as she ended up with too much (chocolates and biscuits).

I like the idea of something to wear but unsure where to shop, she likes pale colours, soft jumpers/cardigans.

A photo book full of old family pics?

I know you’ve said she has a lot of blankets, but this might be helpful if anyone else is reading hoping for suggestions...
We’re getting elderly relatives photo blankets this year, so they can wrap up warm with their loved ones photos printed on the blanket itself. We thought that would be especially relevant during coronavirus when they’ve not been able to see people as much.

I do hope nobody ever buys me a subscription to Woman's Weekly!

We have done photo books and other photo gifts previous years (she has loads of photos). Most things have been done to death, my mum will buy her slippers, my dad buys her a plant and most other people buy her food. She really is tricky. I think something to wear is probably the best option 🤔.

I've bought DM 92, a pair of comfortable slip on shoes from Hotter sale. They were down to £19.99! She can't get out to buy anything like that, and doesn't use the internet, and she needed something more substantial than slippers, as slippers make her trip. Hopefully they will fit, but at that price it was worth the punt. They also do wide fitting to accommodate those bunions!!

If she goes out once a week, how about a nice winter scarf?

How about a promise to take her out. Something to look forward to. Even if it's jusy a mosey round the garden centre to choose a houseplant.

I always used to buy my nan a big pot of astral cream. Definitely get her some form of consumable, she will likely have all the stuff she could ever need and want.

Selection of crossword/ puzzle books?

Mine has a perfume she adores and can only be sourced online now. Sadly it’s becoming harder and harder to get hold of so I’m bulk buying this year to last me a few more years.
I’ve also bought her a lovely blanket from cozeehome, she gets a bit cold sat in her chair and this should keep her cozy! I’ve got her it in a bright colour as she hates it when things match!

One thing that I've bought my elderly DM is a face mask with a Robin on as she adores robins.

Maybe that with sone nice hand cream?

I buy books, calendars, notebooks and nice soaps.

I’ve got my Nan some nice bubble bath as she loves a bath! I’m also planning to get her some nice hand cream, possibly L’Occitane as her hands get dry in the winter.

Cashmere gloves from Uniqlo
Luxury toiletries

My DM feels the cold and loves her lightweight down gilet from Uniqlo. It's light enough that you barely notice you are wearing it so it is comfortable to wear around the house or under a coat. Primark usually has similar ones that are in your price bracket, assuming the shops open in time.

We getting DMIL age 91 a subscription to People's Friend. They're doing a cheap opening offer (I think £13 for first 8 copies). My DM bought her 90 yo DS a dvd of their home town from years ago. My DM still likes make up. I figure if it's small and they really don't want it, they should have space to stick it in a drawer

My Mum is almost 90 and is getting a cashmere cardigan from Boden, reed diffuser from Valentte (no danger like candles) nice socks from Thought and some hand made chocolates

My mum is getting the Richard Osman House Of Games book, and a butter dish.

orangenastursium have you had a look at Turtle Doves? They do recycled cashmere wrist warmers and fingerless gloves which are lovely

@katy1213

I do hope nobody ever buys me a subscription to Woman's Weekly!

Hahaha same! My Nan is 96 and would find it so patronising to be given that.

Can you ask her if there is anything she always wishes she got?

I've ordered winter flowering bulbs for my aunt and dm...they're due to be delivered mid-December, ready planted. They both love plants/flowers/the garden.