Present for 90 year old

[Boomquiffa]

It's actually for his 90th birthday but it's very close to Christmas. I have no idea what to get, I could get him a book to do with one of his interests but that seems a bit lame. I have priced up a newspaper from his birth date but it would be almost £50 which is the entire present budget on one newspaper which seems insane. Anyone have any suggestions for a 90th?

We're in a similar quandary with my FiL, he's 91 in early December and can no longer read. He loves shortbread but he's diabetic , although at that age it's probably not t e issue that it is at mine.

I've bought them a musical box biscuit tin from Marks for them for Christmas.
I was looking at those gadgets that read books for you but they're really expensive.
Both my grans died in their 90s and wanted things like grip free socks, posh chocolates, their favourite tea and posh biscuit, my paternal gran loved Bath Olivers.grandparents

How about a food hamper with things they wouldn't normal buy locally.
Nice biscuits, cheese, small bottle of favourite tipple, wine, pickle, nice fruit cake etc.
We did this for my Grandad and he always enjoyed it.

Nice food gifts are my fallback option although I think he'll get a load of those from other friends and family members too. I was vaguely hoping to get something along the same lines as old newspaper but not so wildly expensive but I have zero inspiration!

This is a nice keepsake.

new.storyworth.com/

It’s about £65-70.
Would require someone to help with typing etc unless your 90-yr-old is happy with email and computers but it’s a brilliant gift.

@NoSquirrels

new.storyworth.com/

It’s about £65-70.
Would require someone to help with typing etc unless your 90-yr-old is happy with email and computers but it’s a brilliant gift.

But as £50 is over budget, £60-75 isn’t a very helpful suggestion!

I got a heated fleece for my mum and she loves it, she really feels the cold. The newspaper is a nice idea but not worth the money imo, you can research stuff from his date of birth and print it out for free, or put it in a nice frame. If he listens to music you could make a selection from his era, when he was in his teens/20s.
Goose can you still get audio books on cd, a cd player with a few books on cd might be welcome.

Op if you have the time, you might be able to go to a library and pull out headlines from his birth date from their archives, which may still be on microfiche or else moved online. If you could copy them that might be a cheaper way of getting hold of news from his birth date. And combine them into a collage maybe?

What about a photo album or video message? People from far away wishing him a happy birthday and photo montage of family and special occasions! Mixed with a few witty comments about fashion and hair choices from yesteryear. Be careful it's not an end of life but a celebration with the family of 90 years.

Some great ideas here, thank you!

Practical things to make life more comfortable:
A really well designed reading lamp
A beanbag-type cushion to support an iPad or book on their lap
A cosy dressing gown
A walking stick with a stable base

These are things my 99 year old FIL has appreciated. He endures many discomforts and difficulties of age, and some of them can be eased a little with thoughtful gifts like these.

My first thought was a printed photo book of his family. Also something comforting like a blanket (heated one) or cosy dressing gown. Lakeland could be a good place to look for ideas too.

Does he get out much? You could take him out for an afternoon, maybe to a national trust property, have a wander round and have tea and cake. It would be well within budget and then he’d have the memories.

My FIL just turned 89 and I think he would be very puzzled with things like a heated blanket or walking stick. Nothing wrong as such but not all older people need them just because they have a certain age.

He is very agil, slowed down obviously but still likes going to places, would normally enjoy a concert ticket if Covid wouldn't be there. He reads and likes cooking.

I know he is not too keen on remembering his youth. He did a long letter to DD when she did WWII in school as he was sent away for over 2 years and while he loved to see DD being interested and in his story he also confessed to us that it took a lot out of him emotionally. Most newspapers would be having fairly grim headlines in 1931.

We are looking into a trip for him for next year, just an overnight stay and I think going somewhere special for a day out with the family and maybe going for a nice lunch or upmarket tea room and making a bit of fuss is a nice way to spend the day.

Heated fleece blankets are good and £50.

I realise this is very specific and I don’t know your relatives tastes or living situation, but my dad is 86 and for Xmas last year we bought him a framed Lowry print and a Nespresso machine. He was overjoyed with both.

Food and warmth. Updated versions of things he already has, nice soft jumper/cardigan/tank top if he wears that sort of thing. Top notch alchohol if he drinks, nice cheeses. Audio books. Can he do Spotify and access podcasts? Maybe set him up with these?

Obviously depends if there's anything like this near you, but outing with cream tea on a steam train went down a treat with my late 80s dad. He also got shown around the cab & had a great time chatting with the volunteer driver/guard (steam train people mostly tending to be older men!)