gifts for women 75+

[CharityShopChic]

Really struggling with ideas for mum this year. We lost dad earlier this year, first Christmas without him. Over the last few years we've bought them foodie gifts, things like hampers, cheese board and crackers, cream tea etc etc. But that's harder when it's just one person. She's not a clothes person, doesn't "do" technology, isn't interested in perfume or jewellery. Any ideas???

An experience, rather than stuff. Take her out for lunch or to the theatre.
Magazine subscription.
Art gallery or museum annual membership.
Monthly delivery of coffee, cheese, chocolate..... whatever she likes.
Something related to one of her hobbies?

If she didlikes the cold a heated throw or electric " Hot water bottle"

Does she have a hobby?

Probably not much use but I'm getting my mum
New bag for all her dance stuff
A gin glass from etsy with cocker spaniels on it (she has one)
A framed photo of me, her and my brother
A book

I'm sorry about your dad OP 😔 It's the 2nd Christmas without mine so I tend to get my mum more than I used to

Heated throw is a good suggestion if she doesn't already have one.

Saga magazine subscription. A very good magazine. MIL loved it so much she carried it on.

My mum generally suggests something as she hates us wasting money on something she doesn't want. She has suggested things like a particular book, wool knee blanket, outdoor temperature gauge and magazine subscription. I tend to do books if she doesn't suggest anything. She hates clutter so whatever I get her she will pass it on almost immediately to someone else.

It is hard to do experiences as such as she is very disabled and can't do anything for very long or be definitely well enough at any particular time to do it.

Experience could be an afternoon tea in a posh hotel? My mum would hate it but it's something I know a lot of people really enjoy

Or a wine tasting experience? They're quite fun and interesting and not about getting pissed up!

Trip to the theatre maybe

A backrest cushion for reading in bed?

We usually get garden centre vouchers

Theatre trip? I'm taking my 84 year old mum to Stratford to see 'The Box of Delights' - she needs no stuff, and this story has very happy memories for both of us.

If she lives on her own now then I'd try and think of some outing/treat that involved you as well - giving your company is the greatest gift (from a 71-yr old who lives alone!)

I've got my mum two theatre trips and a couple of little bits to wrap (body cream, umbrella and umbrella bag). We nearly always give her theatre tickets for occasions now, she likes to go out and has enough 'stuff'.

You say she's not a clothes person but everyone needs something special that they wouldn't buy for themselves. What about a decent pullover. M&S have some lovely cashmere jumpers.

I was thinking a jumper or decent fleece with zipped pockets. Sorry for your loss xx

A photo calendar of the grand children

My condolences on the loss of your father, @CharityShopChic.

My first thought is that ‘not doing technology’ might be something worth addressing, going forward. Even more than as one of a couple, your mother’s going to need to be on top of current ways to keep in touch with family and friends, and to access entertainment and information. Imagine another 30 years remaining stubbornly out of the loop (and having to rely on other people to order groceries, arrange GP appointments, engage in family chat, etc …)

You don’t say what she currently doesn’t use - presumably a phone, at least? Does she have an iPad / laptop / Alexa or equivalent? Some of my relatives first owned iPads in their 70s - and cannot be parted from them in their 90s.

How about 6 gifts , to give her things to look forward to? A Wentworth 500-piece jigsaw for Dec giving her something to do at home. Book to visit an NT place in February. Book to make a hanging basket together in April. A day out with lunch at seaside in June etc, plan them, book tables, and give her them all at Christmas. She will love it. I certainly would

😱

No better way of telling her she's over the hill...

A photo book about the Queen's reign. I bought one for an 80 year old neighbour and she loved it.

Though perhaps it might be worth remembering that not all elderly people are royalists. A rather significant proportion of the British population has good reason not to be.

Orchid plant, bottle/half bottle champagne, food hamper, whatever her favourite tipple is, heated throw.

Similar age - I was given a voucher for a spa day for my birthday and my DD is going with me.

@Gulbekian can I have a link for this please? Sort of thing my own mother would very much enjoy!

If she like foodie things I would stick with that but smaller amounts and things that keep well like preserves and biscuits. Also agree with some kind of meal out or outing whatever she prefers.

DD2 has gifted me a trip to the ballet with her; I suggested to DD1 a membership of the Chelsea Physic Garden (which I would love) but she has sent me a gift via Amazon!

Framed photos of grandchildren also work for me (I'm 75 lol) or an afternoon tea out together to make new memories.