He is not in great health condition. I want something that would cheer him up. My buget is around $50. Thanks in advance for the great ideas!
2006-07-14 06:09:45 · 26 answers · asked by city_boy 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
When my grandmother was in her last years, the single biggest thing that cheered her up was really delicious food. I would bring her stuff (in small amounts, since she wasnt' really supposed to have it) and you could see the look on her face - it was something she could enjoy to the very end. So from that perspective I would say some seriously good food.
The other thing that I might suggest is entertainment. My grandfather loved to get new videos - he was bed ridden. There are so many things - books on tape, videos, video games, etc.
Peace!
2006-07-14 06:15:57 · answer #1 · answered by carole 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Is he strong enough to get out and go out for a nice lunch? Many people that age don't get out much, and perhaps a nice lunch in a fancy restaurant would make him happy.
If he's not up to that, but does live independently, if his budget is tight maybe give him a $50 gift card for a grocery store or pharmacy to help with his living expenses (my sister got my dad a gift card for the pharmacy because his meds are a couple of hundred dollars a month - he really really appreciated it).
If money is not a problem for him and lunch doesn't appeal to you, how about a subscription to a magazine he likes - or to the local newspaper in the cities where his kids and grandkids live so he can keep up on the current events where his loved ones are. That's not very expensive, but it's something he'd never think to get for himself.
After reading some of the other responses, I should add - don't get him a stripper. He's 86 years old. A stripper will just be a reminder of what he can't do anymore (Viagra is bad for the blood pressure and the heart)!! That'd be depressing.
2006-07-14 13:18:44 · answer #2 · answered by zartsmom 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How about a personalized gift basket?? Just buy a cheap basket and fill it with goodies that he likes. Examples are snacks, fruits, books (if he likes reading). A magazine subscription is a nice gift....because it comes every 2 weeks or so. Another thing to give him would be the 50 bucks to help him pay a bill or something. Write him a letter and let him know how much he means to you and what an influence he has been. Everybody loves somebody telling them how much they mean to them. That will surely cheer him up.
2006-07-14 13:16:11 · answer #3 · answered by AstonishingAries<3 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What does he like?
You could get him a DVD player for under $50 now - you could get him articles of clothing - a wallet - watch, etc. Does he like to read? You could find him a couple of good books in the genre he enjoys, if so (or movies). Would he enjoy going out to dinner and a movie (and is he able)? Some people never get too old for board and video games - and some wouldn't mind a small party.
Good luck, and Happy Birthday to the birthday boy!
2006-07-14 13:16:38 · answer #4 · answered by Holiday Magic 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People in that generation love all you can eat buffets and brunches. They lived through the depression and have that scarcity mentality. Take him to one of those or a gift certificate would be nice. Other than that you could give a book or a grocery store card.
If he is in to movies and still can go - give him a pack of movie tickets from triple A. I wouldn't reccomend a vhs or dvd unless you are sure he is profficient with the machines.
2006-07-14 14:02:03 · answer #5 · answered by Think.for.your.self 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Something to raise his spirits. If you know his interests, and have access to photos etc you could create a really personal little book of favourite things, old photos, maybe pictures of you and him; you know the sort of thing.
You could spend a few dollars on a nice book with blank pages in it from an arts and crafts store. I think the value to your friend would be far in excess of $50 and it'll show that you care enough to spend your *time* on creating something special.
:)
2006-07-14 13:29:45 · answer #6 · answered by Multiblue 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hmm I think a nice book/movie about the 40s or 50s to bring back the good old days for him.
2006-07-14 13:16:56 · answer #7 · answered by npncats 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find out what his favorite album or type of music was back in the day. Then try to find it for him, either original or on CD. It will probably remind him of all the great times he has had in the past.
2006-07-14 13:14:44 · answer #8 · answered by LadyD1019 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A $50 gift certificate to grand central station...
2006-07-14 13:13:23 · answer #9 · answered by cmpbush 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
buy him a star. that is the worst friggen gift to give anyone. it says "I'm cheap, unimaginative and I really didn't want to buy you anything" or just go on line and forge the certificate for like .50 then go buy yourself something. he's 86... he's got all he needs and he can't take any of it with him...
2006-07-14 13:17:27 · answer #10 · answered by Fuzzy Bunny 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋