*Pre-Trip Gift for Empty Nester...

[DisneyaHolic23]

We are heading to Disney World for a special trip with my mother at Christmas time. My father died this summer, and mom is struggling with being without him for this first Christmas; we will have no children with us on this trip. Both she and my husband celebrate birthdays in late November, so I thought I would put together pre-trip gifts, to get them excited about the trip.

I would LOVE your suggestions of additional gifts for their packages. Here is what I have so far:

* Personalized sweatshirts from the Disney store.
* A World Showcase fun gift pack, including the free personalized passports from DrinkAroundtheWorldShowcase.com. I got the free passports (really cute), the deluxe guide, and the cute imprinted lanyards. I also am picking up (just for my husband) a beer from each country of the World Showcase.
* Monorail Drink-a-Thon passports - the same website above now has Monorail Drink-a-Thon passports - I already had the other passports, and just found these too. Before you wonder about all this drinking with an older woman, my mother really likes these kinds of adventures. We figured we would take is slow, but it would be a fun diversion for her, especially since she doesn't do rides, and the deluxe resorts are great for decorations at Christmas time.
* A Passporter (I just bought last year's version for a big discount)
* Some dinner certificates from Restaurant.com
* Luggage tags

What else? I really want this trip to be special! Thanks, in advance, for your great ideas!

 

[Best Aunt]

If it fits into your budget, you might want to do a book a behind-the-scenes tour. It keeps you busy, keeps your mind occupied, and is something you can't do with kids along.

 

[DisneyaHolic23]

My hubby's and MIL's birthdays are coming quickly, so I thought I would try again to see if anyone has any additional suggestions for the pre-trip birthday baskets to get them both excited for our December trip.

 

[luckyfin]

I agree with the above poster. I would look into a special tour or maybe a carriage ride or an Illuminations cruise. I personally don't care so much about the "stuff" but have received gifts such as parasailing at WDW and they are well received .

 

[A Mickeyfan]

I happen to be one who loves Mickey Ear Hats.. why not get some Santa Mickey Hats with your names on them.. they can match your sweat shirts.
If you are going to be eating at any of the sit down's while at Disney, be sure to quietly tell them about the birthday celebrations..

 

[Mrs D]

I love the tour idea! DH & I did the Segway around the World and loved it!
I would also reccomend getting some pins in advance for that lanyard so she can do some pin trading.
I did it for the first time on my trip this month and had fun with it. I only did a little trading, when I had a few moments or was waiting around, but it was a fun way to stop and smell the roses and interact with CMs.

 

[wdvak]

When my adult dd and I went last Feb she had read somewhere (here maybe ) about somebody doing chocolate around the world. We did some of it at world showcase as well as other places. So, if they are chocolate people you can have them plan and execute a chocolate search, and you can start it with a Disney card with their favorite character and an explanation - oh, and of course a piece of chocolate to start it all. Our tip on this is to make sure and only get a bite size piece at each stop or you start feeling sick.

I also have gotten a few of the vinylmation key rings. The could put them on their going to the park bags. I find them cheerful.

I hope they have good birthdays and that you all have fun on your Christmas vacation even with Your grief.

 

[Jazcat]

maybe items to use on the trips that you wouldnt think of like rain ponchos, a bag to carry to the park , gift cerficiate to Disney,

 

[wdvak]

maybe items to use on the trips that you wouldnt think of like rain ponchos, a bag to carry to the park , gift cerficiate to Disney,

oooo - Disney gift card, what a great idea!

 

[DisneyaHolic23]

You all are so great!! You are giving me some great ideas!! Thank you!

 

[HermanTriplets+1]

...a water bottle holder
...little packets of drink mix to add to tap water which you can get anywhere
...a chapstick with Disney characters on it
...a single use camera
...gum, if they chew (you can't buy gum in WDW)
...some stick lights for the evening events
...pre-register for a photo-pass, one for the group

Those are my ideas

 

[ArthurIhde]

wow i have a great idea in my brain now

 

[pepperw23]

I'm sorry for the loss of your Father.

When my father first died, one of the things that helped my Mom feel more secure was doing things with the family. Why not schedule a Spa visit for the two of you, or a "dinner" coupon?

 

[aboveH20]

A Disney watch! I got one on my first visit to Disneyland many years ago, which I wish I still had. I've also gotten them twice at WDW. I really like my current one because it's rather subtle, so I can wear it everywhere without Mickey's face screaming, "I'm a Mickey watch." It's a gift that keeps the memories "at hand."