Community Chat

[CJC]

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

[deepwaterdotter]

A tin of home-baked brownies.

[MaggieMack]

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

[Sister Golden Hair]

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.

[MaggieMack]

@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!

[Sister Golden Hair]

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@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!

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@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.

[Annabellethecat66]

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.

[pattypeep]

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.

[missy1]

Strippers