Ideas for retired parents

[MammaGnomes]

I've posted similar in retirement but thought I'd ask here incase anyone was thinking or struggling with similar

My parents are retiring at Christmas and I was thinking of gifting them something that could link into a hobby going in to retirement. Neither of them have any hobbies at the moment and neither drive.

Ideas for either a joint hobby or separate hobbies??
We live in a pretty boring town but has good links into Manchester

I think a collection of 'things for them to do' might be better than enforcing a hobby on them.
Eg a Manchester mystery guid

A cryptic killers kit

Jigsaws

Dependent obviously on whether they are the sort of things they'd enjoy.

DH is 75 and I am 66.
DC are 26 and 28.
One thing about retirement is that you already spend a lot more time with your partner. We don't have joint hobbies or interests, what we do together is walking and travel. Most other interests are individual.
Some of the things DC have got us were rather grand gestures but honestly I'd rather they didn't spend the money on us and just kept it to small but nice/ posh things (see other thread).
Two years ago they booked us an experience weekend. The thing about this kind of thing is you feel an obligation to go whether you like it or not.
Similar rules apply to young people, no end of "experience" gifts given to DC have been unused and wasted.

What I would like

Secateurs
Nordic socks
Nice beer glass
Bar soap
Bar shampoo
Patchouli anything
Posh foody gifts
Sewing books by Debbie Shore

What DH would like
Mohair socks from Corrymore
Scientific American subscription
Any history related book or biography
Unusual chutneys or relishes

I got my parents lovely monogramed overnight bags when my mum retired as they planned to travel, they have been well used.

I agree. They’re adults who I’m sure can choose their own hobbies.

@AnneButNotHathaway thanks for the subscription book idea!

Take them out for a day at the seaside with a fish supper. Or a walk in the country with a pub lunch.

Agree with Poffy ..
DH and I are retired and quite honestly our lifestyle is so much more comfortable than our adult DC and I hate to think of them spending money on us at their stage in life struggling with getting on the housing ladder etc etc.
There is nothing we need or want ... I appreciate we are in a very fortunate position and not all retired people are so lucky but think very carefully before spending a lot of money .. my own DPs are still alive and have made it very clear that they absolutely don't want any more 'stuff' in their lives ... I have been helping them downsize to more suitable housing and they've kindly been given so many carefully chosen gifts over the years but the vast majority have just been passed on to the charity shops ... I've found unused theatre vouchers and all sorts of things. .

I'm retired. I agree with others who are retired who say they already spend a lot of time with their retired partners so don't need another joint activity gift. A way to spend individual time with dc though - perfect

So, an afternoon tea with my dd would be great while my DH would appreciate say, a theatre event with said dd (I would too!).

Or something else. Definitely separate and with you

A book on attractions or history of their local area.
Senior Rail discount card if they life train travel.
Book on places to visit by public transport.
Book on Best Pubs in their Area.

I'm in that group and the book subscription is my ideal present.
DH gets rugby or cricket themed presents and loves them