Birthday gift for active retired aunt who hates aging and is a bit down?

[Antst]

Not sure if this is the correct section for this question but I don't know where else to put it.

My father was the black sheep of the family and I recently reconnected with his family, having spent most of my life overseas. An aunt has been particularly kind, remembering my birthday and coming to visit for hikes whenever possible.

It's her birthday this month. She wouldn't tell me the day when I asked and I didn't press it because she is not a fan of birthdays. She has major body issues and hates the idea of aging. In general, she seems a bit down. I'd like to get her something fun anyway. I think she'd be open to a gift as long as I didn't make a song and dance about the birthday part.

Pretty sure she would not appreciate a box of chocolates but an afternoon tea voucher somewhere unusual might work because she could take her son or daughter and enjoy the experience, if not the food. Most of all, I'd like to get her an outdoor exercise voucher. She already does a lot of yoga but it might be refreshing to do something new where she could meet new people. Even an online healthy cooking class might work.

I have spent hours online looking for activities in Reading (her local area) and have had no luck. I'm not familiar with the UK anymore. If anyone out there is familiar with the area or with interesting online gift ideas, I'd love some suggestions. Thank you.

LostInTime, I do like that idea about the thermals. I don't think she'd spend the money on herself (she recently started helping one of her children who was made redundant because of the pandemic) and I can see her really appreciating something that would help her get our more in winter.

Thanks, Carpet0fTruth474. I'll check out that spa.

Tambourinetunes, funny you should mention Nordic walking, The one Reading-area activity I did find online today was a Nordic walking group. I'll have to ask her if she has ever tried it tomorrow.

The thames goes through Reading. What about seeing if any local boat clubs do kayak trips for beginners or something like paddle boarding. Or if you go to oxford you can hire punts and have a picnic/ stop at a pub.

Or if/ when it opens again, there is indoor skydiving in Basingstoke

Indoor skydiving?

There is a good climbing centre in Reading, they do adult classes too.
parthianclimbing.com

My MlL (who probably is 20 years older than your aunt) does a lot of outdoor exercise (hill walking, tai chi) and while she had 'thermals' it was the polyester type, and a top only. Merino, and leggings too, has been a game changer, and similarly she would never dream of spending money on herself. Decathlon, mountain warehouse, millets, etc will all have them, likely reduced a bit as it's the end of the season now. Do check to percentage of merino though as some are mixed with polyester.
I run in a merino top, and am still doing it, it's not warm enough yet for me to switch to a synthetic top!

LostInTime, I do really like that merino thermals idea. I'm massive compared to her and rarely get cold enough to run in anything but a T-shirt but she is tiny and does feel the cold.

Thanks for the activity ideas, everyone. The indoor skydiving one sounds interesting! Had no idea that existed. Might be one to try together. I'll ask her tomorrow how she is with heights.

These are excellent ideas. Thank you!

Is there anywhere locally that does segway?
Go Ape do it but not at all their venues.

Not sure I can help (although maybe a gift of horse riding lessons at a palce near her if she does not ride already) but thanks to this thread I bought myself an adult scooter (regular sort, not escooter) and think this will be great fun to do with my DCs. So thanks!

In door skydiving doesn't involve heights. You are blown up on a big fan. So it is noisy. You only really get a couple of minutes go each - but it is fun.

What about some of the Kev Reynolds books on walks in her county or one near? We've been on some amazing hikes in lockdown in places we wouldn't have known about. He gives distance and difficulty so you can tailor to your mood on the day.

Another local activity one is caversham lakes in Reading, they have boating, padleboarding etc. Lots of kids at weekends, but quieter with adults during the week

E scooters are illegal to use in the except on private land with owner permission, so completely pointless.

Yes, some good outdoor kit ( i.e nothing aimed at women) or some of those experiences sound good. Btw indoor skydiving is not for anyone who has shoulder injuries or shoulder/neck problems .

Ok I am probably a similar demographic to your aunt. What about some wireless headphones so she can listen to,podcasts music while she exercises or a sports watch . I love tracking my exercise on mine.

I would avoid getting her a specific sports activity unless you are really confident she would use them. The merino base layers sound good and would be useful anywhere

Yes no heights for indoor sky diving and they have one in Basingstoke so not too far.

How did I become so out of touch. Had no idea indoor skydiving existed. Very eager to try it!

Stirmecrazy, wireless headphones are a good idea and Dacquoise, thanks for the book recommendation. Appeals to me too. Lovetoridemybicycle, I have written down Caversham Lakes to ask her about tomorrow. Right up my street too so hope she'd like to go.

I don't know your budget, National Trust membership for a year. Even if the houses are closed it provides entry to the gardens

Virgin Experience or similar
Balloon ride

Obviously the e-scooter proposal has been dismissed but just wanted to say - we have some seriously cool young adults riding them near us so I get where the e-scooter poster was coming from!

Hemel Hempstead is about 30 miles away. If that’s not too far there is an indoor ski centre.

www.thesnowcentre.com/

I was going to say national trust membership too. We have it for all the free parking in the Lake District.

Alpaca trekking gift voucher?

Dery, I have to admit that I'd love to have an e-scooter to get up the hill to work. It would be so easy to become addicted though and if my aunt found out, I'd be in major trouble.

Thanks, Carpet0fTruth474. She is already a National Trust member but I should find out when her membership expires. Love the idea of indoor skiing, MintMatchmaker; thanks!

I have just spent an hour dithering over merino tops.

I know a few people that have enjoyed afternoon tea at the Ritz Hotel. You can buy a pretty paid voucher & the birthday person books the day at their convenience

Or dinner & cocktails at the Shard

Hire a day boat on the Thames

Depends on your budget

Does she drink? She might love a voucher for a tour of Stanlake vineyard in nearby Twyford. Suspended until 21 May due to covid but vouchers valid for a year. Walkable from Twyford railway station. The tour is fascinating and usually done by a very witty, entertaining lady and there's no hard sell on the wine at all. You get to taste a lot on the way round.

Check out reviews on TripAdvisor