Gift basket ideas for an 89-yr old lady

Cheese and crackers? Wine (don't laugh, my mom and stepdad are 86 and 88 and they love good wine)? Coffee, tea, or maybe instant flavored versions? A book or magazine? A set of notecards and some stamps? Could you add a few gorgeous, perfect apples and pears to the basket?

Probably not much help. So much depends on the health, tastes, and interests of the person.

I got my mom, who is 93, an adult coloring book and colored pencils.

Warm socks for bedtime, a pretty scarf, gloves.

A nice bottle of hand soap? That's something consumable that everyone uses. TJMaxx carries some fun ones or there's always Bath & Body Works.

Only give gift cards that have no expiration date.


A nice nice pair of fancy pajamas with a matching robe and slippers

A nice puzzle if there's someplace where she has space to work it.

I'm thinking back to the items I read on the wish lists of an angel tree for senior citizens - and many asked for a soft/fluffy throw or blanket. Or you could do something warm and cozy that could be worn around the shoulders when sitting. When my mother-in-law was in physical rehab I got her a light fleece jacket and she loved to have it draped around her or even over one shoulder; she could pull it up around her neck too if she wanted.

How about a pretty mug and some fancy tea. Or a tea infuser.

My mother is 86 and she would laugh her ass off if someone gave her a gift basket full of old-lady stuff like that. She travels, she entertains, she does volunteer work, she goes to book group, she drives or takes public transit into the big city on a regular basis. Her vision is better than mine and she eats/drinks everything.

It really depends on the individual.

Is this a neighbor or someone like that? I'd make up mini meals--a mason jar of soup (or Ziplock makes some great little containers with screw on lids), a serving of meatloaf and mashed potatoes, a stew... Something that is a pain to make for one or two people.