Parent gifts…just whining

((((Hugs)))

at that life stage, I usually suggest consumables - their favourite treats, a monthly subscription to tea or coffee or fruit or cookies etc..., does a local florist do small monthly flower arrangements?

or time - are you close enough to take them out to lunch or dinner? for a scenic drive? drop off baked goods and stay for a chat?

The Aerogarden is fun for lettuce and herbs too!

Do you live nearby?  Could you get them an experience they might enjoy?

a pallet of pellets???

My parents practically live in a museum/store and my mom especially is trying to give stuff *away* (to me lol) and doesn’t want more stuff.

Last year I made a donation in her name which she appreciated. This year I might go to our fancy market and buy a selection of good cheeses, olives etc.

But honestly every one in my family is fine if you skip giving presents. I’ll get my brother a book and my dad a book too, which I know they will like.

I get my BFF’s dad a huge bag of bird food and a couple blocks of suet for his bird feeders. He always has a ton of wild birds in his yard to watch. In the summer I get him a bag of oranges and two huge jars of grape jelly for the orioles and summer birds for Father’s Day.

my mom is 84. she mostly likes cookies and candy and nuts and trail mix. if she wants to eat cookies and candy and trail mix and nuts all the time, it is fine with me. i got her some crossword and sudoku books and some pens. i got her a new thermal tumbler. she has two that she uses all the timee, so one more can't hur. i get her a few comfy clothes from walmart, either from the women's section or the loungewear section. she likes to paint the plain wood things they sell at dollar tree, so i have gotten her some of those in the past.

in the past we have gotten her a new tv, a new vcr (HAHA!), a digital frame, photos of thee kids, pandora bracelet, pins to wear on a jacket, a kindle, books, etc..

my dad has been gone a long time, so not many ideas there.

My dad likes a calendar with the family photos on it. He asks for one every year. I use Shutterfly.

My mom got a new pair of pajamas, a zip front fleece robe and slippers for Chanukah. She spends a lot of time in pajamas these days, and had me get her a new cotton robe in the summer, so I figured she could use a new winter one too.

She definitely doesn’t need or want stuff either. She does enjoy it when I send her 500 piece puzzles (1000 piece are just too hard because the pieces are too small) and she recycles them at her Assisted Living facility when done - they have a puzzle lending library.

This year and last I sent my parents an Instacart gift card. They are still avoiding anything they can and have their groceries delivered. I also made my Mom some cards. They are very difficult to buy for!

My parents are difficult also. Stuff just ends up sitting and adding to the clutter they collect. They do love to eat out though so we buy gift cards to various restaurants around the area.

If they eat out often this might be an idea for them.

My mom is getting all the greeting cards she will need this year, with a book of stamps. And some chocolate covered cashews that she loves.
My FIL is getting a cool framed map that he wanted.
My MIL is getting a Spoonful of Comfort meal of soup, rolls, and cookies. I sent it last year and they enjoyed it. They don't enjoy cooking anymore.

My daughter thought of a good idea for my dad. She purchased a Storyworth subscription. Once a week she sends him a question about his life and he can type up the story and email it back. (He is ALWAYS on his computer). At the end of the year all the stories are published in a book. She is going to edit and add pictures. I think it will be a great way to record some family history/stories.

Another vote for consumables.
Some good ideas in previous posts.

Do they do jigsaw puzzles? Our grandson gives us a new one each Christmas and we enjoy that.

I rather expect that they don't want or necessarily "need" anything -- but YOU. Your time. Your attention.
Take each of them to lunch - individually. Sit and play cards or dominos -- or knit or craft or learn something together.
I wasn't really close with my Mother - but there are stories I've heard only once or twice that I am now (a couple of years after her death) really wishing had gotten written down. Take the time, now, to write down those stories -- preferably with the parent telling them.

I'm thinking this sounds rather saccharine ... I guess I'm missing my son.