What can I send my MIL during lockdown?

Does she read or enjoy magazines? Some folks find they enjoy adult color books with mosaics or mandalas and such. Most of us haven’t colored in decades, but she might love using colored pencils? Get a couple books so other residents might join her. I put bird feeders outside my dads window and he LOVES watching them. Can she play games on an iPad or kindle? Is she able to follow a book on tape? Just a couple ideas-

How about good old fashioned cards, with a sentimental message such as how much you miss her during this challenging period?   Does she read?  If so, magazines are fortunately still being printed, as are books.    

Magazines with soothing photos, of baby animals, gardens, scenic places also tend to divert the mind and induce relaxation.

I sent my MIL a couple of dexterity building toys. A magnetic maze and magnetic fashion doll set. Some might consider it juvenile but I enjoy the activities when I play with my grandchildren. So I thought she might too. You could also send a box of buttons or cards and ask her to sort them for you. She could feel like you need her help. 😊

Can she watch videos? Better still, make her a digital picture frame loaded with old and new family photos. Have someone there plug it in for her and turn it on. She will be pleased to see herself and family members, special occasions, and other rememberances of her own life.

I gave my mother her own iPad.
She loves it! She listens to podcasts and she can even FaceTime and text. She is 83. I gave it to her for Christmas so we had been practicing with it for awhile before the virus. It ended up being a lifesaver.

Pics of the family, a fidget blanket.

Does she have a radio to listen to music? If not, maybe send one so that she could. The NH my Mom is in (Alabama) has locked down the home and we cannot send anything. They are also not letting venders in the building as a precautionary measure. I'm all for it. Better safe than sorry.

BeckyT, Birds and Blooms is a very lovely magazine.   I don't know if it's still part of the Rodale group, but it used to be, along with Organic Gardening and others which I've forgotten.

Country and Country Extra were also part of that group and also have beautiful photos.

I got my mom an Echo Dot. In big letters right where we placed it I wrote "Alexa, play classical music". My mom, who loved classical music, could say that simple phrase as written down (she could never remember it or vary the phrase to "Alexa play the news" or whatever). She was really appreciative. You could write down any number of phrases that would make Alexa play something to make your MIL happy. Just a thought.

My Mom is stage 6c mixed dementia (Vascular & Alzheimer's). She has had a doll for about 2 months and absolutely loves it! She plays with it, kisses, it, tries to feed it, laughs when she talks to it, etc. I am so thankful that Mom has her "baby" during this difficult time. Her baby fills her day with giggles and love. Her tv is on but the volume is turned down. I placed a radio in her room and tuned it to classic country. Her radio stays on all the time, as it breaks the silence. I haven't seen my mom since last Saturday afternoon, and I had no idea that her facility was going on lockdown on Sunday. I miss being with her, and I am trusting that her facility will take care of her until I can make sure that she is.

Good luck and be well.