Among Friends

[frisco]

My daughter in law's mother is turning 80 in a few weeks.  

I am pretty close with her and would like to get her a present.

Hopefully you guys will have some good suggestions!

thanks in advance

[ThinkingOutLoud]

80 of something she enjoys (ie wordsearch puzzles, packets of hot chocolate...)

Or you could do a 'welcome to the 80's' theme and get something that was popular in the 1980's (ie leg warmers, ??)

[jackthebear]

ask your Daughter in Law for ideas

failing that

digital picture frames family can send pix to it 

gift cert for ordering dinners for herself , 

audible subscriptions if she likes audiobooks 

[Desertdi]

I would prefer $80 in greenbacks.......

[Sooner]

I would not get her "stuff".  All the 80-year olds I know do NOT want more stuff.

I would also get her something you know she likes and enjoys.  Ask and find out what she loves.  Don't go for cute or surprise or "something she wouldn't buy for herself" unless she has asked for one.

Even when people say they "would love to have" something it doesn't mean they really want one.  I found that out the hard way.

I also found out the hard way that gift giving is successful when the recipient gets something (even a small something) they want, and not when you are trying to look smart and creative.  .  .

[Shanus]

From 80+, my Mom enjoyed body/hand lotions, etc. If closeby, a visit is the best gift!!

[FastDogWalker2]

I would go the plant/flower route and include a gift card

[geezerette]

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@Sooner wrote:

I would not get her "stuff".  All the 80-year olds I know do NOT want more stuff.

I would also get her something you know she likes and enjoys.  Ask and find out what she loves.  Don't go for cute or surprise or "something she wouldn't buy for herself" unless she has asked for one.

Even when people say they "would love to have" something it doesn't mean they really want one.  I found that out the hard way.

I also found out the hard way that gift giving is successful when the recipient gets something (even a small something) they want, and not when you are trying to look smart and creative.  .  .

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@Sooner 

I think you're right.  I know my mother was that way.

And I'm not even close to 80 but I don't want any more 'stuff' myself.  I don't buy things for myself that I know I would like, let alone have someone buy me something that they "think" I would like.

In fact, right now I'm staring at a couple of gifts I just received that I'd love to get rid of.  But I know I would be hurting someone close to me if I don't display them.

[Kachina624]

If she lives where it would be appropriate, a beautiful hanging basket of flowers. 

[ThinkingOutLoud]

I agree about not getting 'stuff' but there's a difference between things that are useful and things that sit and collect dust, die within a week or require care.

Ideally, the op would choose something based on the recipients love language (service, quality time, words, affection, gifts). It would also be great if she considered her nature (kid at heart, sentimental, practical, intellectual). Even if something seems boring, a bit of creativity can add some fun.

(just some considerations for *anyone* needing gift ideas)