Elderly aunt gift ideas

[Globetrote]

My 88yo aunt loves having something to open at Christmas/birthdays so I am looking for ideas please.

She is fit and astute, still volunteers twice a week, gets out and about, loves gardening and reading/doing puzzle books.

I intend to buy her a Cream Tea (she loves these) for a lovely cafe near her but I’m looking for something for her to open. I’ve already bought many things over the years related to the garden (ornaments, thermal gloves, vouchers, garden hand cream etc), books and vouchers, scarves and gloves etc.

Anyone have any ideas please for up to £20? I’d prefer it’s something useful that’s she’d like rather than an ornament to look at (she has loads!).

Puzzle books would seem to be the best thing.
I have an aunt who likes adult colouring books so you could buy one of those with some pencils.
Does she like a drink in the evening? A bottle of her favourite tipple?
How about a selection of mini toiletries from Boots or Superdrug, individually wrapped in a tote bag?

Something to match the cream tea - china mug, box of fancy teabags or biscuits or even some posh jams.

Does she read novels? Our book club quite enjoyed The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers by Samuel Burr. There are puzzles through the novel.

Amaryllis or paper white narcissus to plant.

Hot water bottle
Book light
Nicely patterned bamboo socks
Tea towels

How about a gift voucher for a manicure at a local salon? Not a nail bar acrylics etc, just a lovely pamper and some nail polish. Then she’s getting a chat as well as a treat.

What about Genius Star? Or the Happy Puzzle company might have other things she'd enjoy
Genius Star is good as you can play it yourself or with another person if she has visitors.
Rush Hour is also good but is a one player game

How about a fancy doormat? You can buy all sorts of decorated or funny ones these days.
https://www.dunelm.com/product/knock-knock-coir-doormat-1000234116?defaultSkuId=30872774&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Rugs_Doormats-PMax_%5BGOO-PLA-RUGS-DOORMATS%5D&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwsoe5BhDiARIsAOXVoUt58sw_D2tYELgMjaLQcTe1iBRERGSQT9lwpzm_UCQxqeweNCcpNtcaAgLVEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

One of those Lego flower sets.

Kanoodle (puzzle game)

Those both require hand dexterity though

If she enjoys gardening maybe buy her some lovely bulbs - Christmas is not too late to get away with planting tulips. Something lush from the Sarah Raven website would be good.

A diffuser or soap from Arran Sense of Scotland . Really eco friendly and a great company to deal with.

If she’s a gardener then does she have a hori hori? A rose from David Austin?

A lovely bird feeder and some food to put in it? Particularly if she can sit indoors and see the feeder from the house - or one of those ones you can stick on a window if not.

What about one of those lavender-scented wheat packs that you warm in the microwave and can use for aches and pains or just to cosy up on a winter evening. My mum (also 88) has her eye on one and my DD (23) loves hers - so no an 'old lady' present as such. thewheatbagcompany.co.uk/collections/microwavable-wheat-packs

The wheat packs are very dangerous for the elderly.

I love Turtle Doves wrist warmers. The cashmere blend ones are about £20.

Bee hotel for the garden?

A fairy light tree.

My 80 year old aunt loves her walking poles for going on adventures! Especially since they are sporty ones and not walking sticks

I've bought mine some "keep fresh" tupperware style boxes for her fridge. She eats a lot of fresh raspberries and blueberries and they are meant to help keep berries fresher for longer. Boring but practical. (Also some confectionery and biscuits).

If she is an avid gardener there is nothing in the world she would like more than more plants. If you are not a gardener it is unlikely you will choose what she would like. I know you want something she can open but in winter it won't work.

If you know her favourite garden centre/nursery get her a gift card for that. If not, think about something like Parkers online. My elderly gardening relative would be thrilled.

A long necklace she can pop over her head without having to mess with a clasp. Or a bracelet with a snap fastener

I buy my mum writing paper sets, John Lewis or Waterstones.

A jigsaw.
My mum is 88 tomorrow and I got her a hamper of chocolates from Lily O’Briens.

My Nan used to love the little hampers you get in John Lewis with the different jams and honeys. She likes to try different ones but it took her forever to get through a full jar.