THANK YOU for the very quick responses so far. Here are some answers to the questions posed:
She has no hobbies. She goes to work, comes home, takes a nap or watches TV, makes dinner (sometimes) for her and her daughter, watches TV until she goes to bed. We try to get her involved in some stuff we do, but extra effort is not high on the list.
What is her favorite drink?-----Unfortunately she only drinks water (no coffee, tea, pop, or alcohol), so some of these ideas won't work.
those little travel sizes of shower gel or bath salts---possibly
50 nail polishes in a basket with other manicure 'stuff'---she doesn't wear makeup
50 paperback books (used book stores!)---she doesn't read anything except gossip mags
50 pictures of her thru the years in a photo album---possibly, it might be hard to find that many pictures of her, though.
50 scented votive candles---doesn't burn candles (Allergies)
50 charms on a charm bracelet---doesn't wear jewelry
50 weeks of you cooking dinner for her once a week---pretty good idea
50 postage stamps (and nice stationary for her to use with them)---good idea, but she has no one to write to; all of her relatives live in this same town
$50 gift certificate for a spa, restaurant, or her favorite store---maybe....
I know the answer to this question is staring me in the face....I just can't see it....