topic Re: Gift ideas needed! in Community Chat

Gift ideas needed!

CJC — Fri, 08 Jan 2016 23:37:29 GMT

I want to take a small gift to my elderly neighbor, a man, who is celebrating his 90th birthday. Any ideas for me?

Re: Gift ideas needed!

deepwaterdotter — Fri, 08 Jan 2016 23:39:15 GMT

A tin of home-baked brownies.

Re: Gift ideas needed!

MaggieMack — Fri, 08 Jan 2016 23:40:35 GMT

Offer to take him out to lunch or dinner. He will love the companionship and different food. Be a good listener.

Re: Gift ideas needed!

Sister Golden Hair — Fri, 08 Jan 2016 23:45:32 GMT

At that age, a person doesn't need much but as @MaggieMack said, a lunch out would be nice.

When my parents were older, I bought them magazines to read.

And a gift that lasts all year.

They loved Reader's Digest. I don't know if they still make this magazine.

Re: Gift ideas needed!

MaggieMack — Fri, 08 Jan 2016 23:49:10 GMT

@Sister Golden Hair, yes, Reader's Digest is on the news stands, I saw it today. The even offer this magazine in a large-print version, my dad used to love it. Great idea!

Re: Gift ideas needed!

Daisy Sunflower — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 05:44:45 GMT

Re: Gift ideas needed!

Sister Golden Hair — Sat, 09 Jan 2016 00:09:00 GMT

@MaggieMack wrote:
@Sister Golden Hair, yes, Reader's Digest is on the news stands, I saw it today. The even offer this magazine in a large-print version, my dad used to love it. Great idea!

@MaggieMack That is wonderful that is in large print.

The only reason I never take food to an older person because you may not know their health issues.

Re: Gift ideas needed!

Annabellethecat66 — Sat, 09 Jan 2016 00:12:53 GMT

I think all of those ideas are wonderful. However, as a widow I would like to add that it would be nice if you wrote him a note also and said something like you'd like to treat him (or do a chore for him) maybe once a month or any time that would give him something to look forward to.

Then, keep in touch with him so he knows you are serious and don't let him keep saying "No thanks". As you are around him more you will have a better idea on if he's just being nice and doesn't want to take up your time or if he genuinely doesn't need help.

I'm saying that people mean well and they say on a birthday or Christmas, etc. they do one thing nice and move on.

You can give him something to look forward to. I love to listen to people. Everyone likes to talk about themselves and their families. Ask questions (not prying) and sit back and listen.

Good for you for wanting to help someone else. Too bad there aren't more people like you in the world today.

Re: Gift ideas needed!

pattypeep — Sat, 09 Jan 2016 00:38:45 GMT

When our neighbor celebrated her 80th birthday, we gave her a gift certificate for her favorite grocery store and a bouquet of flowers. She was thrilled.

Re: Gift ideas needed!

missy1 — Sat, 09 Jan 2016 01:04:34 GMT

Strippers

Re: Gift ideas needed!

sunshine45 — Sat, 09 Jan 2016 01:11:09 GMT

@missy1 wrote:
Strippers

LOL, i was going to say a belly dancer!

Re: Gift ideas needed!

ECBG — Sat, 09 Jan 2016 01:17:48 GMT

Take over dinner for a few days!

Re: Gift ideas needed!

Jacie — Sat, 09 Jan 2016 01:24:51 GMT

My darling Mom is 85, still drives and lives in her big house. She has everything. Here is what she requested at Christmas, she said these are things she hates to spend her money on:

Stamps

Gas Card

Target Card

Her favorite super expensive candy

Her ultra spendy skin care/body lotion

Treats for her dog

We got her all that plus a card for her favorite local restaurant, she was thrilled.

Re: Gift ideas needed!

Goldengate8361 — Sat, 09 Jan 2016 01:54:41 GMT

As someone who has a Dad that will also soon turn 90, I want to tell you how wonderful it is that you're thinking of him and intend to get him something! I am always so grateful when I hear about people being nice to my Dad. It means the world to me. By the way, candy is always good!

Re: Gift ideas needed!

rrpell — Sat, 09 Jan 2016 02:12:20 GMT

My father is 87 and he hasn't met a candy he doesn't like! He also loves word search puzzles, books and interesting magazines.

Re: Gift ideas needed!

KarenQVC — Sat, 09 Jan 2016 04:05:30 GMT

People that age seem to love sweets.

Re: Gift ideas needed!

INDIANA BONES — Sat, 09 Jan 2016 04:10:36 GMT

You have had such wonderful responses I know of nothing to add better.

I have an elderly father, and a trip out is always fun for him or someone to do any yard work is also a huge benefit. Even some house work would be greatly appreciated.

He probably would never ask for help, but if you it for him, I am certain he would be delighted.

Any attention will be appreciated I am certain.

How VERY kind of you.

I would say no gifts as at that age they are normally down sizing and have everything they need.

Re: Gift ideas needed!

mousiegirl — Sat, 09 Jan 2016 04:34:13 GMT

If he loves animals and doesn't have one any longer, if you have a pet, he would probably love to spend some time with it. Otherwise, maybe just your company would be wonderful for him.

I had a neighbor in his nineties until recently, who always had a dog until the last years, and I would see him looking through the basket weave fence surrounding the area that my pups play in and talking to them, so I know he really missed having a dog.

Re: Gift ideas needed!

Irshgrl31201 — Sat, 09 Jan 2016 04:52:44 GMT

I think baked goods or any type of food you know they like is always appreciated. A lot of older people I know seem to love those scratch off lottery cards. I have one relative that loves them so I pick out a nice card, buy about 10-20 scratch offs and include a gift card to their favorite store.

I also think that a yrs subscription to National Geographic is always good no matter the age or gender.

Re: Gift ideas needed!

Kachina624 — Sat, 09 Jan 2016 09:01:10 GMT

My dad loved homemade cookies so I gave him a cookie jar full and certificates (computer made) for a monthly refill of his cookie jar, in a flavor of his choice.