What do you buy the older generation for Christmas?

[Gemini]

Those of you who have parents, in-laws, aunts, uncles or older friends, what do you buy them?

I only have my mum in that category. My auntie and I don't exchange gifts, although I sometimes take her a plant at Christmastime.

Mum can't read any more, due to her eyesight, doesn't like 'smellies' and bath stuff, and has several bottles of perfume she rarely uses.. She doesn't do any gardening any more.
She does like scented candles, so usually gets several of those at birthdays and Christmas. Audio books and DVDs are popular gifts for her. Chocolates, mini food hampers and slippers are also a good choice.
We used to buy her tickets for the theatre or a live streaming to a cinema. These were good as they gave her an outing to look forward to. Now, she doesn't seem to want to go to the theatres or cinemas. The exception being going to the carol service at York Minster. DD3 and her OH take mum each year. DD gives mum the tickets as her birthday present.

Last year I gave my mum a new electric blanket, which I think she liked.

I am browsing DVDs at the moment, hoping to find something she will like which we haven't already bought her!!




** Edited to say that she doesn't drink alcohol either. She never drunk much, but would have the odd glass of wine or port but doesn't now. So another potential gift crossed off!

[Plantaholic]

Although I am not quite in your mother's era, I consider myself in the older generation group. I like perfume (the family know what I like), pretty scarves, I had two handbags last year, both very useful, on the dressy side. Framed photos of the family, a nice calendar, Subscription to a magazine. Reading this back I realise none of these would probably not be suitable for your mother Gemini.

[Gemini]

Plant, framed photos are a good idea, and she will usually get at least one of these of her GGC.

[Nanto2girls]

My in laws have so many GC/GGC so they get loads of framed photos.
They have loads of ornaments, so we don't buy them any.
This year we have bought them bedding. I know it may sound strange, but didn't want to buy anything that will get shoved in a cupboard.
The bedding will definately get used,because it's me that changes the bedding.

[Gemini]

That's a useful present Nan2.

[Oma]

I have this trouble with SIL's father .
Last year we bought him a electric saw as the only thing he likes to do is cut wood and knock stuff together . SIL's mother wasn't happy he make the worst things ever and she thinks we encourage him WE DO hahaha

He doesn't have hobbies apart from walking Storm , I'm thinking a nice soft sweater something I know that will get used ,
Last year we ended up buying MIL a new hot water bottle and luxury biscuits , she's even more impossible to buy for .
We all get to a age when there is nothing we need

[Grauntie Mag]

We are the oldies now in our family and we don't buy presents for anyone not in the immediate family (except Sarah the cleaner, she's worth a sack full) so not any help I'm afraid.

[Nana]

When Mum was alive I bought her a new dress (nothing fancy) but I found a place online which catered for small older ladies ~size 8 & short length. I also got her a 'twin set' sometimes for her birthday. I bought a nightdress or dressing gown for my brother to give her & he then gave me the money. A practical throw came in handy & so did a lap tray.

Sadly I have no Aunts & Uncles alive either. Hope this helps Gem.

[Gemini]

The laptray is a good idea Nana. I will pass it on to my DDs, who are always happy for suggestions for their Nanna.

[Daisy]

Like GM and Plant, we are the oldies in our immediate family, but have OH's siblings to buy for as well. Two couples like gardening and one year we gave them vouchers for a particularly interesting nursery so they could have a mooch round and choose what they wanted. Sorry, no good for Gem's mum! We send one couple a calendar with British scenic pictures as they live in America. After we'd visited them a couple of years ago, I made a photo book of my SIL's garden which is the love of her life - the garden, I mean! Other than that, it's often posh biscuits or nice chocolates. Not very original!!!

I'm always happy to have a new gadget for my camera (currently I'd like a particular type of tripod head) but these tend to be joint presents from OH and DSs because of the cost. I don't particularly like smellies etc because I have funny skin, but a good book is always welcome or plants for the garden. OH likes bits and pieces for his woodturning - having a hobby is very useful! But we usually leave him to choose what he wants.

DIL1 gave me colouring books and a really lovely set of coloured pencils last year and I often take them in the caravan to while away an odd hour when OH is glued to the football or something.

If your more senior members like framed photos, how about a family photo printed onto canvas for a change? They're really light in weight so aren't a problem to hang, and if you take the digital file (or original photo) into a specialist shop they will do any tweaking needed to get the best out of the photo before printing it.

OH was given some really warm 'walking' socks to wear with his walking boots and they have become firm favourites. Other small clothes items - a snood to keep the winter chills out, a cosy throw which can go on the bed or in the living room, fingerless gloves so you don't have to keep pulling them on and off when shopping, a pretty scarf, and of course, vouchers.

But I agree - there is less and less we need as we get older - we don't want things that need dusting, or looking after in any way, and are probably too health conscious to get through loads of very rich food or vast quantities of alcohol.

[Glammanana]

I would look at suitable fleeces for keeping snug during the winter months you can find so many lovely ones now I have just looked at Dunelm for baby fleeces for DGGD for her toddler bed and saw some lovely ones for keeping "melegs" cosy.

[Daisy]

That's a nice suggestion, Glamm.

I've also thought about one of those snuggly foot warmers you put in the microwave for a few minutes. My DIL2 is always cold and she was given one last year and absolutely loves it - and she's only in her 30s!!

[Gemini]

One of my daughters once bought my mum an adult Onsie for Christmas! We are not sure that she wears it!

[grannyjules]

Hi just having a browse and catching up on all your news.
My Mam's suggested a new gadget this year.
She's having trouble boiling eggs and keeping them soft. Her timings out these days. So she saw a gadget that boils them for you, I think it makes omelettes too!
Hoping she gets on with it ok,
It's a shame she's got to wait until Christmas.

[Gemini]

Hmm, that sounds an interesting gadget GJ!