Grandmothers - what makes a good gift to you?

KMK

When my mother died at the age of 93, my sister and I went through her things afterwards and found lots of brand new clothes, stilll in their wrappers, which we had bought her over the years for birthdays etc. She had never worn them. We gave them to charity shops so someone eventually benefited.

However she did use Yardley English Lavender soap regularly and she also enjoyed plants and flowers, especially freesias and bowls of hyacinths. A calendar of local views was useful for her too.

Thermal underwear is not very exciting, but would be very useful in wintertime for elderly people with high fuel bills. In the same vein, a lovely , colourful blanket would come in handy when watching the TV.I bought a beautiful one, which has often been admired, from Foxford Mills in Foxford, Ballina in Co Mayo.

mumps

KMK wrote: »

When my mother died at the age of 93, my sister and I went through her things afterwards and found lots of brand new clothes, stilll in their wrappers, which we had bought her over the years for birthdays etc. She had never worn them. We gave them to charity shops so someone eventually benefited.

However she did use Yardley English Lavender soap regularly and she also enjoyed plants and flowers, especially freesias and bowls of hyacinths. A calendar of local views was useful for her too.

Thermal underwear is not very exciting, but would be very useful in wintertime for elderly people with high fuel bills. In the same vein, a lovely , colourful blanket would come in handy when watching the TV.I bought a beautiful one, which has often been admired, from Foxford Mills in Foxford, Ballina in Co Mayo.

Oh I haven't been to Ballina since I was a little girl, happy days but back to the point. I am a granny in my 50s. I love photos of my grandchildren and I pick them up five days a week from school so its not as if I dont see lots of them. I don't like things that seem a waste of money to me so flowers are nice but not very exciting, chocolates - well I like my usual ones not a luxury box,perfume I would like but husband is allergic. My favourite present ever was when my son arranged for an ironing service to collect my ironing and return it all done the next day. Now that was a real treat.

thorsoak

As a newly-retired granny, things that I used to buy myself without too much thought often now come into the category of luxuries ..my monthly magazines - Good Housekeeping & Woman & Home - so I've put annual subscriptions to these on my list!

moonpenny

Athome1 wrote: »

Please don't be offended Tikka but why do people always think Grandparents are going to be thrilled with (usually yet more of) photos. My 89 yr old mum has more than enough! I know she'd like to take some of them down but thinks people with be offended. I have photos of my own family but they are kept to one room and the rest go in photo albums.

Going back to the original topic, I know it is really hard to buy for the older family members. My mum and MIL are getting harder and harder every year, as they can't - knit or crochet (arthritic pains) or do needlework (bad eyesight). Don't do/like the 'pampering' stuff, don't drink and after 70+ yrs of cooking aren't interested in food. Only watch the 5 digital channels even though they've got new tvs with freeview, aren't interested in films/series on DVDs and get their books from the library. I've given 'promise vouchers' in the past (ie I promise to take you shopping/ to the theatre/cinema [last two never got redeemed;)] Treat you to a trip to the hairdressers [didn't get used either, they prefered the lady that visits] Take you clothes/shoe shopping, treat you to a coffee somewhere nice [the answer to that one by my MIL was 'I prefer my own coffee at home thanks']. They are both lovely ladies but at nearly 90 they have most things they want I guess and don't want to do things that involves much extra effort. My mum likes fresh flowers but MIL loathes them. Sorry I'll stop doing lists now.

I'll be watching this tread with interest in case someone has a brainwave!

I coudn't agree more about the "photo" thing.

I am a "young" 60 yr old Nanna and I love really fashionable and modern things.

I was asked last yr if I would like a big canvas of my grandchildren to put on the wall, I declined as I have really small rooms and I think nothing makes a place look older (and in turn makes me feel old) then having loads of family photos on the wall. I do have photos in frames dotted about the room.

Anyway, instead, I got a digital photo frame which I loathe. The only time it gets switched on is when one of my grandchildren want to look at pics on it.

Going back to original question - what about a big hamper of all the foods you know your gran likes. Could be practicl along with some of her favourite goodies (even if it just biscuits or something) You could put some new slippers or warm socks in there and a few other bits you know she would use or wear.

inneed

zygurat789 wrote: »

We all know what they would really like. More frequent visits from the grandchildren. This is after all their original raison d'etre and it is good to know that you've been successful.

There is nothing like quality time with loved ones. Although I'm not yet your Granny's age, a big hug from my 'soon to be 3' grandson is worth a million pounds to me!

If you want to give her something, how about a box of promises? You could promise to clean her windows each month for 6 months, or spring clean the cupboards, or take her to one of her favourite haunts. The possibilities are endless. Make your promise/s in the form of a certificate to make them special. x

aloise

zygurat789 wrote: »

We all know what they would really like. More frequent visits from the grandchildren. This is after all their original raison d'etre and it is good to know that you've been successful.

Not me ,thanks. See enough of them. Bringing up kids and grandkids for 50 years. Enough is enough.

tinksy

im a granddaughter and have great fun trying to get presents for them all!! my husbands grandma was very unwell whilst I knew her (unfortunately she died last year) but the best present apparently we sent to her was a lap blanket I had made. It was patchwork in a variety of blues (her favourite colours) with a suede material on the back. She was housebound with carers so this meant that she could snuggle up in the winter. My other grandparents are extremely hard to buy for, they are very well off and don't have to think about luxuries for themselves and can buy what they want. My uncle used to do them a food hamper but stopped so we decided to take over and they love it! although they could afford everything we buy in the bag it doesn't mean they buy it as I tend to look for unusual presents. This year however I have made most of the items inside so hopefully they will appreciate the effort. Also they love the oxfam gifts - I got them chickens and soap last year for easter (to be sent to third worlds) not to them! and they loved that!

inneed

aloise wrote: »

Not me ,thanks. See enough of them. Bringing up kids and grandkids for 50 years. Enough is enough.

Love it! No-one wants to be lumbered, but them looking after you for a change is a different thing!

chesky369

What about a trip to the theatre - for, say a musical. Or a lunch at a really nice restaurant?

charlies_mum

I am a 53 year old Nanna, and love anything that my grandchildren have made (but they are only 1 and 3). I love books, music, knitting etc. and have just bought a ticket for the Take That reunion next year.


It all depends on how old the grandma is