christmas gift for an elderly woman?

Question

The woman is probably 70 years old, working part-time at my company; she's very quiet, doesn't talk to anyone much. I think the reason she still wants to work and the company allows her to is because she may go crazy by herself at home. Her only son and daughter both passed away last year because of cancer; they were in their 40s, I believe.

Christmas is here again and I'm sure she's not feeling well inside. I want to get her a present but I have no clue what to buy. I've never had to buy any gift for an elderly woman before since my grandmothers passed before I knew them.

Will someone please give me some ideas? She is caucasian. I'd like to keep it within $50. Thanks!

I mentioned she is caucasian simply because I thought people from different races might have different interests.

For ex: I am Asian, and if the woman was asian, someone might want to suggest something related to asian cultures.

No offense to anyone; I just wanted to give as much detail as possible so that you could think of a gift that she would like.

Wow! Thank you so much for all your suggestions. Now I have some options to go with.

Luncheon sounds great but I'm afraid it will be awkward. She doesn't talk to anyone unless she must. So we don't really have any conversation with each other either. I think I will buy her something.

I'm planning to leave the gift at her desk without telling anyone, including her. If she walks around wondering who leaves it there and says that she won't take it home if she doesn't know whose it's belonged to, then I will tell her. But I prefer and hope that she'll just take it home without doing any investigation :-) I think signing the card "FROM: An Anonymous" will do.

I sure hope they'll improve the social security system soon. Uh...I would rather be working at 70 as well instead of having to eat cat or dog food as someone mentioned :-( That is scary!

Thank you all again & have a wonderful holiday!

Answer 1

How about a nice necklace. You could find some pretty ones on the internet or in the shopping centres.

Answer 2

Gifts For The Elderly Woman

Answer 3

She may be working to keep from going stir crazy at home but most likely she needs to work. Social Security does not pay enough for most people to live on. That's why you hear the horror stories of the elderly eating dog or cat food. My suggestion is to give her a Visa or MasterCard gift card. I saw at the drug store the other day the cutest stockings and other Christmas geared holders for gift cards. This way she can use it for what ever she needs. You may want to give it to her right before leaving for the day and tell her it's not to be opened until Christmas morning as she may well tell you she can't accept it. If she tries to give it back tell her it will hurt your feelings if she don't keep it as the joy of Christmas is in the giving and sharing for you.

Answer 4

I'm 72 and I do have everything I need but age causes very dry skin.

Make up a basket with personal care items.

or

A basket with fruit, Small bottle of cheese, Ritz crackers, summer sausage or a small canned ham, hot chocolate, a can of mixed nuts, a small box of Whitman's Chocolates, and some popcorn.

Also

Penny's has a soft looking blanket, with sleeve holes. It's on the cover of their last Christmas catalog. It shows a woman on a couch with the blanket covering the front of her with her hands through the sleeves. I got it in the mail just yesterday and I wanted it as soon as I saw it. It's new, I have never seen one quite like it before. It's red.

Isn't fun to give anonymously?

Food for thought.

Leave a card from a "Secret Friend Who Cares."

Answer 5

I am elderly and exchange gifts with three good friends. One friend gives me the same thing every year and truthfully, hers is the gift I appreciate and look forward to the most. She gives me movie passes, gift certificate to either Michael's (craft store) or Whole Foods (market). She always apologizes for the gift. I try to tell her that I love the gift. I can't afford to go to the movies often and I love to go for free! Your co-worker may not have anybody to go with, but I still think gift certificates are a good thing. I am allergic to scents, can't use perfume. My apartment is cluttered, so I don't need another teddy bear. Does she have any hobbies, or like to read? Ask her some questions and find the appropriate gift card.

Answer 6

How about a warm fleece throw, some even come as electric throws, or a Readers Digest gift subscription, A gift certificate to a local gas station, an invite to your house for Christmas Dinner or several home cooked meals throughout the year..decorate your package with an ornament for her tree. I am almost that age and would like any of them..thank you for thinking of her..Christmas will be hard for her this year loosing both kids..

Answer 7

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
christmas gift for an elderly woman?
The woman is probably 70 years old, working part-time at my company; she's very quiet, doesn't talk to anyone much. I think the reason she still wants to work and the company allows her to is because she may go crazy by herself at home. Her only son and daughter both passed away last year...

Answer 8

Gifts For Old Ladies

Answer 9

I am 70 and would love to have someone invite me to a luncheon, but I would feel obligated to them later, I think

. It is lonely at this age, and I too work as a volunteer to get out of the house. I only make $800 a month, so a dinner and tip is out of my budget. If someone didn't want to bother taking me out to lunch (nights are too scary to drive in), I'd love a magazine subscription or a gift card to the local book store. I go to Borders when lonely, drink a coffee and read a magazine or a book. I even go to breakfast once a week, not to eat but to be with people.
I am married to a lovely man, who needs no one and has few interests outside of the home. So, married or not, old or not, we all need to know we belong and are accepted. You are a sweetheart for letting her know that she is both; that is a fine gift in itself, but a gift card and a lovely bunch of carnations (roses wilt too fast) would be so thoughtful.
She may feel awkward going to lunch with you, by the way. I suggested it, but I am a bit of a loner, so I would like the gift book better.
Figure out her personality for a day or two. She doesn't talk a lot..you said she was quiet.Quiet people love books, so a gift card tucked in a bouquet of carnations would be lovely. Then, and only then, if she is receptive, how about a lunch date for Valentine's Day. It's so lonely when you have no one and see all of the couples.
Save some of the $50 for the Valentine's luncheon. She would feel shame if you spend too much on her all at once. That is just how our generation was/is. Silly, huh?? But we are learning. (smile)

Answer 10

If you can find out if the lady is or is not a diabetic, I`d suggest you would make her up a lovely tray of Xmas goodies, such as fudge, assorted Xmas cookies, pastries, banana nut bread and nut rolls.The gift is not personal, yet something everyone likes. An elderly lady often lacks the initiative to bake for herself. If you do not bake there are gourmet shops that prepare very nice trays as gifts. Something like that would be hard for her to decline, as it is something she could share with family and friends and doesn`t suggest that she is needy.

Answer 11

I feel a woman that age probably sends out a lot of cards each year so I think a wonderful gift would be a roll of 100 stamps in either a post office container (used to be 5 cents) or you could buy a nice stamp container. She would think of your kindness each time she used a stamp. I used to give these to my grandmothers and now I would love to have it as a gift.