It seems like my parents have everything they need but with Mother's Day and Father's Day coming up, I need new ideas. Neither of them drive, and reading has become difficult due to aging eye problems. I use to give them gift cards but they tend to horde them until they absolutely positively need something.
One gift I did give them was a big hit but I can't repeat it.... I gave them a Rolodex with the actual business cards for each of their doctors, CPA, hairdresser, barber, etc. I also have one for myself. What a time saver :]
But a tub is not exactly a casual present! :)
Ivinsw: A peidcure would be wonderful. I now have rods and pins in my back so can't reach my toes. Right now, my husband trims them, but his hands shake so much that I worry that he'll cut my toe off in the process. (He has early Parkinson's) If your mom can no longer reach hers, that would be a wonderful gift.
I think men are the biggest problem as far as gifts go. Haven't seen any good ideas here yet for the men.
They loved seafood but no longer we're able to travel or liked going out and spending the money -- so a couple times I ordered steamed crab bushel federal expressed. Maine Lobster has dinners for two with appetizer soup, main meal and dessert --all prepared and shipped in so it just needs re-heated. A great treat they wouldn't splurge on.
Lastly, your presence and time is most appreciated. So do lunch or just do take out and go for a nice drive for the day. That's what mom likes now.
And no more "World's Best Grandmother or Grand-father shirts or coffee mugs", we appreciate the gifts but it goes into the donation bag the next day. I feel awkward wearing a t-shirt that a stranger is reading what is on my chest.
(We are the "old people" you are talking about.)
What caught my eye were the address labels for cards being mailed out as Dad still has some of his vision and since Mom's writing is now unreadable [she use to have beautiful handwriting] the labels would help.... and I will go to Hallmark and buy greeting cards for them to have on hand, no last minute panic rush for me to go out each time and look for a card couple days before a birthday or anniversary. Reader's Digest large print sound good, too.
I've tried to buy them items from the health care type catalog, but Mom tends to turn her nose up to the items as it doesn't fit well with her décor... well, excuse me... and Dad thinks some of the items are for *old people*.... hello.... my parents are in their 90's, guess so items are for people who are 105 :)