Finally, after all these years of spending way too much money to make sure everyone in our family got a trinket from everyone else, our extended family decided to draw names this year for the grown-ups. Pretty sweet, right?
Well, after drawing my own name, then Mrs. JJD, I went back in for a third go and picked the person I have the least emotional attachment to in the whole family: Mrs. JJD's 85-year old grandmother. Great.
Upon reflection, I am determined to come through on this, but I could use some suggestions. There is difficulty added because she JUST moved into an assisted living-facility, so she's basically in a dorm (with no space for a knick-knack type of gift) and she doesn't need anything. Why her name was in the hat is beyond me, so if anyone has a suggestion for something in the $50-60 range I'm all ears.
Holy fuck shit motherfucker shit. Read comics. Fuck shit shit fuck shit I sold out when I did my job. Fuck fuck fuck shit fuck. Sorry had to do it....
*snip*
Revenge of the Sith = one thumb up from me. Fuck shit. I want to tittie fuck your ass. -- The Guinness. to Cerebus
This is ridiculous, THE EXACT SAME THING JUST HAPPENED TO ME, 85 years and all. the only difference is that she is not in assisted living. wow this thread populated into google ALREADY
Instead of an electronic picture frame, I think something more analog would have more meaning (but require a little more effort). I would go to your wife's family and ask for copies of family photos involving grandma and put them into a traditional photo book. If you have the time, getting said family members to write little notes or captions about each photo makes it so much better. I have a 90 year old grandmother, and while she enjoys looking at old photos, whenever she asks me "oh what was this again?" and I don't have an answer (I wasn't even born for most of them) I can tell that she feels a little sad about it.
Also, never underestimate how happy a nice bouquet or bundle of flowers can make someone.
Check her place too - the one my father in law lives at has one of those crosley CD/Record/Tape players - and it's always got something on. I am getting my FIL a couple of classical CDs and a CD of traditional Xmas music that he can leave out by the player as well.
and I think the photo frame (electronic) is a good idea - my Dad (80) loves his.
Does she have some sort of hobby - crocheting, needlepoint, embroidery, knitting, etc? Stocking her up on supplies, along with some sort of organizer since her living space is a little smaller now, could be a way to go.
JJD - I read the thread title and I was coming in here to tell you to stop calling your wife an old lady.....
My 93 year old grandmother who passed away 14 years ago always expected candy from me. She loved those melt-away mints they sold at Cracker Barrel. I don't know if your wife's grandmother would want $50 worth of mints though.
CRZ had to edit my profile and close my table for me before, but I did this one all by myself with Frosty's help!
Ok, having bought things for old ladies in assisted living situations for most of my life... (my family lives to be really old and gets more obstinate by the year)
PERISHABLE!!!
They don't need things that will kick around for years, they need things that can be used up but they don't normally get in their living situation.
Favorite candies, fresh fruit (a fruit of the month club might actually be appreciated, because good quality fresh fruit is one thing that most assisted living places don't seem to provide on a regular basis), favorite drinks: soda (especially the baby cans for those that don't drink much), small bottles of fruit juice, pastries (just one or two at a time though).
As for non-perishable items, the digital picture frame (if her vision isn't going) might be a good idea, and get everyone in the family to email you pictures and pre-load the thing, warm fuzzy socks or slippers, reading material, puzzles, large print books, a small radio/cd player and a few cd's worth of her favorite music.
If I was in your shoes, I would buy a useful storage container of some sort (don't buy a big useless basket) and fill it with a combination of the above items as fit the lady in question, and put a big bow on it.
Originally posted by piemanMy 93 year old grandmother who passed away 14 years ago always expected candy from me. She loved those melt-away mints they sold at Cracker Barrel. I don't know if your wife's grandmother would want $50 worth of mints though.
I was all "Yeah, that sounds good!" until Mrs. JJD reminded me that her grandmother is diabetic. Rats.
I think someone already got her one of those digital picture frames a couple of years ago and I feel like I remember her knitting but she doesn't seem to anymore.
One thing I DO know she likes to do is read, so I might go with a Borders Gift Card, because what she reads is always a $6 paperback from the grocery store.
Holy fuck shit motherfucker shit. Read comics. Fuck shit shit fuck shit I sold out when I did my job. Fuck fuck fuck shit fuck. Sorry had to do it....
*snip*
Revenge of the Sith = one thumb up from me. Fuck shit. I want to tittie fuck your ass. -- The Guinness. to Cerebus
Not sure what type of lady your Grandmother In-law is, but something women often appreciate is a day of pampering & beauty at a local salon/spa. She might really enjoy the change of pace & getting out for a day of special treatment.
Not to get all Dear Abby on you, but I'd say the fact that you're asking means you really already know what you should do, but you're looking for someone else to confirm it for you.