2006-09-09 01:24:56 · 40 answers · asked by Lisa 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Number of good suggestions already posted. Time, visits, and CHORES are always good. One of the worst problems my mom had was with "little chores" that still needed to be done, if she was to maintain independence. (And you can't always count on hiring them out when you need to.)
Stuff that was popular for help: Shoveling sidewalks/raking leaves; helping move seasonal furniture, tools (like the garden hose) in/out of storage areas.
Carrying/dragging trashcans back from the curb after pickup---try doing THAT with a walker! Shopping help can be a blessing---anything from regular pickups of milk and bread, driving to/from a store, carrying groceries in....Cleaning out the oven/back portions of refrigerator/depths of chest freezer.
Ask what'd be good, if you give chore help. Anyone who can do simple home repairs (fixing dripping faucets, minor leaks, take care of rattly windows, put up grab bars) is a lifesaver!
Don't know your relationship to this person, but FWIW, most older people I know don't want any more knick-knacks and doodads. Here's some hard-gift options, depending on their interests/likes, how practical-minded they are, and your budget:
Collection of assorted nice cards (like get well, thinking of you, glad you're my friend, 1-2 basic sympathy cards, plus some nice blanks, etc.)---and stamps---for when she needs to get something out fast, and can't make it to the store
If she likes crossword puzzles, fill-it-ins, word searches, or similar---a couple of booklets and some pens. Consider a subscription--no, that's not meant as a snarky joke--it's nice to have something coming in regularly. Any favorite magazines that can be subscribed to?
Most card players (solitaire) can use a few nice replacement decks. Automatic shuffler might be nice, WITH batteries, if arthritis is a problem.
How about good cable services?---it's rare that someone doesn't like watching animals, sports, old classic movies, Discovery, OR 1950s-70s classic TV.
Gift card to her hairdresser (hair trims, shampoos, styling).
Hummingbird feeder and hardware to hang it, plus a promise to set it where she wants it. Dry nectar supply is nice also. Small window birdfeeder, that can be easily refilled from the house?
2006-09-09 01:58:09 · answer #1 · answered by samiracat 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buying Christmas gifts and Birthday presents for old people in the family can be very difficult. Many old people don't have a lot of money but they don't want anything for presents either.
You can't really buy fashionable clothes but you could buy something warm and cosy like a woolly jumper or cardigan.
You could buy jigsaw puzzles. Some old fashioned games are now back in the shops and many don't need a lot of energy. Puzzles and games keep their mind stimulated, a Sudoku puzzle will keep their brain active. Try things like Quoits or even darts.
A new TV might go down well if their old on is on the blink or maybe a CD or DVD player so that you can lend them DVDs and CDs rather than having to copy things to tape, VHS or even Betamax video!
Just take them out for a special meal or maybe away for the night in a different town or city that they are interested in.
Give them vouchers for coach travel. Some coach or bus companies sell vouchers that can be spent on day trips. Often these are not too expensive and many people will feel it is a treat that they can do several times in a year. For example a bus trip to Brighton or Portsmouth for the day. Old people love eating fish and chips on the seafront - it's where they spent their summer holidays.
Security is very important to old people. If they are worried for their safety then perhaps the perfect gift may be a mobile phone, security lock or emergency cord.
Buy plants from the garden centre. If they don't have a garden you could maybe set them up a window box.
2006-09-09 01:30:45 · answer #2 · answered by cbk84 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello!! :o) I don't know. Maybe a 53 year old MAN?! lol [Just kidding]
I think 'Ever Learn' is right. There is no greater gift a person can give than the gift of TIME. Most likely - that 83 year old already has everything she wants. And being alone - chances are - the visit itself would be the greatest of gifts. Craig!! :o)
2006-09-09 01:31:54 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A 20 year old stud muffin!
Seriously, the best gift you can give an elderly person is your time. Take her to dinner if she is ambulatory. If not spend some time with her at her home. Listen to her. Really listen and give her your total attention not checking your watch every 5 minutes.
2006-09-09 01:32:31 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
That depends? How well of financially is she? At that age they don't need any more "things." If you get her clothing or perfume the chances are she will tuck it away in a drawer for some distant occasion. Get something practical, like stamps, a subsription to the tv guide or a magazine she likes. Take her out for a meal or a certificate to a beauty shop to get her hair done. SHe will appriciate the chance to get out and enjoy herself!
2006-09-10 06:45:08 · answer #5 · answered by pinkrosegreeneyes bluerose 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The gift of your time is the most valuable. Take her out to lunch maybe. Most would like nothing better than a symphathetic ear. If she is a relative, record her stories of the past before it's too late.
2006-09-09 01:44:12 · answer #6 · answered by capobeachgrandma 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gift certificates to a local grocery store. Offers of handyman work or house cleaning. Offers of coming by just to spend time with them.
2006-09-09 01:31:02 · answer #7 · answered by freedomchild99 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gift cards.
2006-09-09 02:11:41 · answer #8 · answered by American Spirit 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think a good gift would be a sweet-smelling flowery plant. Easy to care for, and if her sight is bad, she'll still have the wonderful scent.
2006-09-09 04:39:07 · answer #9 · answered by becciray 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the best gift you could possibly give her is you, your love. you can gain so much from talking to her too. if she is a relative, she can give you family history. if she is just a friend, she can give you world history, and if she is a friend that you love she can tell you about her life and what insights she's gotten from her life, and you will have gotten to know her better. giving of yourself is a gift that usually goes both ways.
2006-09-09 01:37:56 · answer #10 · answered by Debi K 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋