I am stuck for my dads this year and it's quite a tight criteria
They live abroad and neither speak nor read a great deal of English so books are out.
As they live abroad electronics are also out.
Dad 1 in his early 80s
Likes reading
in the last year has lost a lot of his mobility so where before he would go on long walks he is no longer able to. Can barely make it to the supermarket across the road and has home help and food support. His appetite has gone down over the years and while before he was a big foodie these days most rich foods give him stomach pains. And he is not very adventurous. (this is the man who ran half marathons for "fun" in his 60s and went interrailing with his late wife in their 60s)
he does not appreciate photos and has very few of them out. Will get a calendar from our brother as that is his yearly present from bro.
Niece buys him slippers
Sister is as lost as I am as to what to get him but at least can buy him Danish books
He is particular about his clothing so clothes are out
He does not appreciate expensive toiletries. Likes his particular one and doesn't want it purchased for him It's also nothing special similar to Old Spice.
In the last few years, I have bought him
Reading light
blanket
gloves
hat
Book mark
photos (they are received with thanks but put away his decorating style is minimalist and he is ocd re tidying)
Dad no 2 (stepdad)
Hunter, fisher and active life. Doesn't read much but will read stuff of interest.
He enjoys tinkering in his garage but his tools are WAY above the sort of budget I can afford (he has thousands of pounds in tools)
He is an odd clothing and shoe size so I struggle to get this right. Thought he would appreciate clothing I would not know where to start with this. (and hard to exchange as again he is abroad)
He does enjoy photos but his and my late mother's home is covered in photos of their loved ones. We gave him a multi-picture photo frame for his 70th birthday of us and the kids and this was up the next day .. I honestly can't see where the photo would go through.
He is also spending his first Christmas with his "not girlfriend" (she is just a woman He likes spending time with😂 )
Will also get a calendar from bro. he would not wear slippers (says they annoy him and also he doesn't sit still long enough to need slippers)
Over the years he has had similar to dad above but also photos in all shapes and forms including a jigsaw. I've given him hand warmers for when out hunting, and flasks for when out
When asked what he would like he said and I quote
"Idk Enko can't you just work something out please?"
Help...