What do you buy your parents for Christmas?

[disykat]

My dad has dementia. This year I'm planning to do some sort of photo album. I'll do a page or two of him and mom, one of us kids when we were little, and then each of us now - our spouses, our kids, etc. I'll do a little bio next to each person, where and when they were born, schooling, work, etc. - a lot of the things he seems really intent on trying to remember.

I'm still trying to figure out the format. I thought about doing it up as a book (at Costco, etc.) but I'm worried that might confuse him.

 

[lovesmurfs]

We went to Scotland in October -- I have a sweater for my dad (okay, it's "Made in Scotland" and still has tags, but I bought it on eBay when we returned because I realized what a horrible souvenir shopper I am) and a Harris Tweed purse and wallet for my mom. I want to get them some experience gift, but I've been doing that a lot over the years -- there are several dinner theaters in the area they live in. So I really don't know.

Today is their 54th wedding anniversary. This weekend, they're actually using a special gift certificate I got them for their 50th anniversary (includes dinner, overnight stay and breakfast at a local inn in their area). I bought it close for them because at the time my grandmother was in a nursing home and my mom didn't want to travel far away. I guess I can be glad they didn't lose it.

ETA: Wow! I just went to the hotel's website -- the cost has nearly doubled since I bought it. They're going to have a wonderful time this weekend! LOL

In the past, we've also done digital picture frames, which went over really well with DH's mom, not so much with my non-technological parents.

 

[RangerPooh]

My parents are retired and are on fixed incomes. They like receiving gift cards to McD, Burger King, Walmart, and Target. We might buy them necessity items too. It depends on what they have indicated they want. My mom likes to craft so Hobby Lobby or JoAnn's is good for gift cards, and my dad enjoys puzzles so we get him one or two new ones.

 

[Grumpy's Gal]

My dad has dementia. This year I'm planning to do some sort of photo album. I'll do a page or two of him and mom, one of us kids when we were little, and then each of us now - our spouses, our kids, etc. I'll do a little bio next to each person, where and when they were born, schooling, work, etc. - a lot of the things he seems really intent on trying to remember.

I'm still trying to figure out the format. I thought about doing it up as a book (at Costco, etc.) but I'm worried that might confuse him.

I know you didn't ask for ideas. But I want to tell you what I saw the other day. A lady had made a little blanket/quilt type thing. It was prob 36" x 36". Part was soft flannel, part was corduroy, part was denim, etc. it had pockets on parts, buttons, zippers, etc. I asked what it was and she said she was making them for dementia people. She said they like to feel things and keep their hands busy.

 

[Wendy31]

I know you didn't ask for ideas. But I want to tell you what I saw the other day. A lady had made a little blanket/quilt type thing. It was prob 36" x 36". Part was soft flannel, part was corduroy, part was denim, etc. it had pockets on parts, buttons, zippers, etc. I asked what it was and she said she was making them for dementia people. She said they like to feel things and keep their hands busy.

Thank you so much!!

This would be a wonderful idea for my FIL - he has dementia & Parkinson's & is always fiddling w/ his bed covers.

Do you have a link or know where I could look for something similar?

EDITED TO ADD - Found some at Etsy!!

 

[Luv Bunnies]

My dad is 92 and loves reading books on his Kindle. I usually get him an Amazon gift card that he can load onto his account to buy books. I also get him flannel shirts to wear around the house.

My mom likes adult coloring books and crossword puzzle books, so I will get her some of those. I bought a Keurig coffee maker in August for her birthday, so I will probably get them both some coffee pods.

 

[jaybirdsmommy]

My mother is terrible to buy for. Her hobby is shopping online so if there is anything she even remotely might like, it's probably already in her house somewhere in an unopened box. She doesn't use the things she buys, either. She doesn't cook, loves to read but is a retired librarian so considers buying books a waste of money. Has all the furniture, toys, clothes she could ever use. Doesn't like sentimental things, is extremely picky about makeup/personal products, etc. She told me last Christmas that she wanted an Instant Pot. When we were there this summer, it was still in the box next to the front door.

The most used/loved/actually replaced when it finally broke gift that I've ever given her was her Kindle fire. She liked it because she could play her solitaire games in bed.

This year I've already given her a family portrait (the sitting fee was her birthday present, we have NEVER had a family picture done before so had a beach photo session with her and all her grandchildren while on vacation this year). I told her to pick her favorite to have printed in a large size for her Christmas present.

I'm also giving her a pearl charm for the charm bracelet I bought her for Mother's day this year. I had ordered charms for all the grandchildren but somehow my niece's didn't show up. She loves the bracelet but is afraid to wear it in case my niece figures out she isn't on there.

Other than that I'll give her a DNA kit if Ancestry has a black friday special again this year and probably fill up a box of stocking stuffers to send her just so she will have something to open - fuzzy socks, pens, candy, whatever other trinkets I can find.

I hate buying her things I know she won't use but can't seem to stop. I'm the only one that buys for her since my Dad is gone, my brother usually can't be bothered and my niece and kids are too young to do so themselves. I'm also going to see if I can convince her to let me come and get her and bring her to our house this year.

 

[NYCgrrl]

My mother is easy to buy for as long as you saved yer bucks, LOL.

So far this year she's received 2 Peruvian Connection gift cards; a luxury hotel visit to DC, new hardwood flooring (so what if her children told her to ditch the carpeting when she remodeled her new apartment. Obviously she dinna bring us up properly thus avoided our advice), a gift certificate to her fav restaurant in City Island (she massacres lobsters in her spare time) and in December, she'll get a silver framed picture of her parents, re-constructed/touched by a pro photo shop for her Pearl Harbor birthday (nobody forgets when PH was attacked in this family, LOL) and a cruise to Bermuda with her youngest sister for later in the season where she'll be greeted by one of her favorite nephews. Oh. One of her family nicknames is "The Empress", the other "She Who must be Obeyed" so I guess you get the picture.
Papa's (paternal grandfather) son is dead sooooooo nothing for him for years and years. Man was a real stinker so doubt my sisters or I would have bought him anything if he was still alive. Errrrrrrrr but we adored his parents so obviously the fault was his and his alone.

 

[TipsyTraveler]

For our Christmas we draw names out of a hat and just buy presents for that person. My husband drew my mom and adopting an elephant in her name was on the list so that’s what she’ll get. A few years ago we got a sheep for my dad.

They have everything they could need and value experiences over ‘stuff’.

From Sheldrick? I love that you're doing this! We started doing this a few years ago for Christmas and weddings -- I was happily surprised the kids wanted an elephant sponsorship over toys. The first time we gift one we give the recipient a framed photo of their elephant. Every year after that is just the renewal (we always ask and everyone always chooses to continue with the elephant). Between our own fosters and the ones we've gifted, our "herd" is up to 13. We even got to meet several of them when we went to Kenya. For my son's first birthday I plan to find the elephant with the closest birthdate to his and adopt it in his name so they can "grow up together."

 

[Sparkly]

I'll probably buy mine gift cards, they're both hard to buy for, especially my Dad! So a gift card to Amazon or whatever lets them pick their own present.

 

[kimblebee]

From Sheldrick? I love that you're doing this! We started doing this a few years ago for Christmas and weddings -- I was happily surprised the kids wanted an elephant sponsorship over toys. The first time we gift one we give the recipient a framed photo of their elephant. Every year after that is just the renewal (we always ask and everyone always chooses to continue with the elephant). Between our own fosters and the ones we've gifted, our "herd" is up to 13. We even got to meet several of them when we went to Kenya. For my son's first birthday I plan to find the elephant with the closest birthdate to his and adopt it in his name so they can "grow up together."

I don’t remember the name of the place I found..it’s not the one you mentioned though.

 

[TipsyTraveler]

I don’t remember the name of the place I found..it’s not the one you mentioned though.

Ah, either way, people seem to really like them. Plus it's always nice to see money go to a good cause.

 

[Grumpy's Gal]

Thank you so much!!

This would be a wonderful idea for my FIL - he has dementia & Parkinson's & is always fiddling w/ his bed covers.

Do you have a link or know where I could look for something similar?

EDITED TO ADD - Found some at Etsy!!

I'm glad you found some! Where I saw it is a funny story. I was eating lunch with one of my friends and a lady sat down next to us. She was obviously waiting on someone and she pulled out a piece of fabric and was sewing on buttons. We commented on the beautiful fabric and she asked if we'd like to see what she was making. She had the rest of it in her bag. She had it almost finished. I had never seen one but it was amazing. I filed that info away for future reference in case the time comes and I need to buy one.

 

[BLAZEY]

We all create lists. Usually something off said list unless I see something that just seem perfect.

 

[disykat]

I know you didn't ask for ideas. But I want to tell you what I saw the other day. A lady had made a little blanket/quilt type thing. It was prob 36" x 36". Part was soft flannel, part was corduroy, part was denim, etc. it had pockets on parts, buttons, zippers, etc. I asked what it was and she said she was making them for dementia people. She said they like to feel things and keep their hands busy.

Thanks. That will be an idea for later. Dad's not there yet, thankfully.

 

[ForMyBoys]

My In-laws sound a bit like your parents. My MIL was so super excited opening a gift one year. Turned out my sister in law had saved all the free soaps, shampoos, conditioners, etc. from all her work hotel trips (she travels alot) and gave a huge bag to my MIL. She LOVED it because it was free and something fun. LOL.

She was complaining about how disorganized her pantry was so one year we got a pantry organizer and after they went to bed my DH and I installed it and completely organized the pantry.

For my grandparents we all pitch in and purchase a snow shoveling service. Not sure if you live in a cold weather environment or not.

 

[Grumpy's Gal]

I was super surprised at how many "senior" men and women were on the list to be adopted for the holidays! I think when my folks are gone, maybe we'll adopt a senior couple for the holidays.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

The big thing we do is buy AAA. It's something they use but would not think to buy for themselves. Sprinkle in some gift cards to Lowe's, I-Hop and Barnes and Noble, and then favorite candy, nuts, etc. Plus they visit for Christmas so I'm filling stockings for everyone but myself.

We are 40s/50s parents and our DS19 has been given a list of a Celtics lawn gnome and Wonder Woman blu ray


Maria

 

[stitch'sgirl]

My parents are both in their 90's and having been getting rid of stuff for years so I hate burdening them with more things. However, this year was different- I think I found the perfect gift! My dad started falling outside and my mom forbid my dad to plant his garden. It was so sad! So I bought them a countertop hydroponic garden and they got it this week. My mom was super excited!! A six-pod garden is on sale at Target for $99. I got them lettuce and tomato pods to plant. I am hoping they will have a tomato by Christmas!

 

[prprincess]

Hubby and I only have our mothers, and yes, it's hard because we've bought them everything under the sun already. But they both love jewelry - costume and fine. So I will usually buy them once piece each. This year I'm thinking maybe massage and/or facial gift cards.