Grandmothers - what makes a good gift to you?

Athome1

sparrer wrote: »

I'm a Grandma of 63, and really have all I need so what I'd like is a water well. I buy my DB as DSiL one every year and would be so happy if they, or anyone else in the family, did the same for me.

I know it's lovely to receive presents but if as I really have everything I need I'd much rather someome gifted me a water well or similar.

My mum wouldn't like the water well (or chickens, goats etc) gift either:p I've tried these presents with various family/friends before and they went down like a lead balloon! I think charity gifts can be good if the recipiant is a supporter of that particular charity but many people do seem to see it as a 'cheap' (as in cheap and nasty) option.

I gave a friend who has everything, a Redwings Adopt a Horse gift one year and she was not much impressed. In fact her only comment was 'Well at least it's a UK charity'! I decided after that, she didn't need gifts from me:rotfl:

magpiedawn

Something for outside maybe

Bulbs to come up in the spring ( you could plant them ) rose bush or similar.

Bird feeder/ table and food.

A bench to leave outside to sit on in the summer.

All things i have bought in the past for elderly parents and in laws that also didn't want /need any more clutter for the house.

Bettie

I once bought a thermal fleecy sheet thing for Mum to sleep on, like sheepskin but artificial. Keeps you warm and nice and soft for old bones.
Booze always goes down well for my Mum and she still likes a trip out.
Once she had her ears pierced.
Once I took her on a day trip including " The Eye" at Weston.
I'm a Grandma too, I would prefer the kids to ask what I want so they don't waste their money on junk. Being taken out for a meal is my favourite treat. Last year from one daughter I had pink fleecy pyjamas and a pair of boot slippers with white pom poms. I've worn them nearly every day and hope for the same sort of thing this year.

Savvy_Sue

BTW, my mum said she'd like some new aprons for Christmas this year! With a nice big pocket. She puts one on when she's indoors, saves her clothes getting ruined by the cats / spilled tea etc.

oddies

she would love just an hour or two of your time:) and if you feel bad just buy her some flowers

MaggieD2

Pleeese pleese not a hamper of food - us grannies prefer to buy what we like and hampers often contain things that just go to back of the cupboard until they pass their sell by date. My very generous son always buys me exquisite jewellery. The first Christmas after first mastectomy he took me to the Ritz for tea - just had a second op so who knows where i will go this year. Seriously though whatever I - get from son and grand-daughter is fab. I have always hated "useful" presents - gifts should be indulgences you wouldnot buy yourself.

saversaurus

My Granny really enjoys company she does not smell very well and taste is following suite, she loves to have company and to hear what is going on in my life, i reccomend you talk to her usually you can find the answer you are looking for from that. and the plus side is she will have enjoyed your company. pictures can be good smellies could be good or her favourite tipple but i have found the best thing you can give is time
a good present could be something you can do with your nan like a game or a picture book my girlfriends ganpa loves picture books with images of trains,birds,local photo's from the past it means you can interact.

[Deleted User]

I would love a small framed picture of my grandchild. Everyone uses digital these days and there just aren`t the snaps any more as it is all on computers

I will never hang photos on walls though

katesmum

I have the same problem buying for my in-laws who are in their 80s and virtually housebound. Meals out are difficult because my fil is such a fussy eater and both are unable to walk very far, days out are a big no no, 'far too tiring' and with stroke/diabetes/heart/hearing and memory loss problems to name but a few of their many health issues they have neither the inclination or strength to do anything, including reading.
To be fair they have no money worries and if they want anything they buy it (tbf I have to go out and buy it for them but you know what i mean!)
The occasional box of chocolates is appreciated and a bottle of whisky or brandy but not flowers or plants which wilt and die within hours of entering the hothouse which is their apartment.

SO, my continuing birthday/Christmas presents to them is my time, company and food! They eat dinner with us every other night and lunch a couple of days a week too. I visit, however briefly, on the days they dont eat with us and ring them several times a day to check on their well being. it is time consuming and sometimes I do feel like I am on a treadmill but make sure I have time out, weekends away with friends etc. which keep me sane.

I know the above isnt possible for a lot of people who live away from their elderly relatives but for those that do, your time and company is usually very much appreciated.

I am in my fifties and the best present for me which I always look forward to is time with my daughters.... they book a nice hotel, not too far away, and we have a couple of spa treatments, a nice meal and an overnight stay. We all share a room and just chat and catch up on life. I see them both a couple of times a week but the time away together is just so special......

Bronnie

A padded lap trays might be handy?

http://www.candh.co.uk/pp/Homeware/Lap_Trays/Cottage_Cat_Laptray.html

A bowl of hyacinth bulbs , ready to bloom in February if she likes that kind of thing.