Gift for 83 year old MIL who wants nothing

[Imatorturedpoet]

I'm finding this very difficult. We only do little gifts, but she is infirm and says there's nothing she wants. Specifically she doesn't want chocolate, blankets, books, plants, smellies, sweets, clothes. She doesn't go out, as she can barely walk and won't use a wheelchair etc. She knits a little, but I bought her a knitting book last year and she hasn't used it once. Otherwise she watches tv.

Any ideas at all? DP has always given her Lindor because she said she likes them, but she now has various boxes unopened.

Only thing I can think of is a bouquet of flowers!

Hiring a wheelchair for someone who doesn't want one doesn't sound like a treat to me. Age clearly doesn't want anything

You say you would feel awful about giving just a card but it's all about what you write in it. Thank her for her love over the years and the times you have shared, rather than just a Happy Birthday, love from.... some of the best 'gifts' I have been given have been beautifully worded cards, no present necessary, those words have meant more to me than any gift that I may not use. Good luck I feel your pain xx

Get her a fine bone china tea cup then

A charity donation on her behalf - I like giving a Christmas dinner for a homeless person via shelter.

A bit off field but you can buy bone China mugs, you can also buy beautiful coasters on Etsy. I bought a set for my dad a few years ago and he uses them.

My 82year old mum says the best present we got her ever was her sketchers slip ins. I notice they now do slipper versions too. The make it so much easier for her.

What about a lovely Wedgewood mug or cup and saucer? Something like Netflix would be absolutely life changing for her! I assume she wouldn't be able to cope with finding programs?

This post is 9 months old. Mil clearly doesnt want crap she won’t use. That needs to be respected. I hate it when people try and give me stuff I have no use or space for.

Does she say that she doesn't want a present at all? If so just take a card.
Maybe she doesn't want more "stuff" in her house.

If she likes writing letters how about making up a writing hamper. You could include ome lovely writing paper and envelopes, a nice pen, book of stamps etc.

If she watches tv would she enjoy a steaming service?
I know you said little gifts, but does she have high def tv?

In addition to my comment above. I used to by my gran on one side her favourite tea which she wouldn't buy for herself, and a nice tin of biscuits .

My other gran had expensive tastes so I used to buy her the expensive food she liked, think marrons glacé.

Nightdress - you can never have enough nice fresh ones

You mentioned flowers. I would suggest a seasonal flower display. I once got one for my step mum and she said it made her Christmas!
I also think it's okay to have a conversation about not doing a gift.

Do you think she might use something like this trolley? (this was just the first one I found so there might be nicer/cheaper ones. )

My Mum had one, she could wheel her cuppa rather than carry it. She eventually used to eat all her meals off it in front of the telly, again it was safer for her to wheel her food through than carry it. Also useful for writing.