Follow
Share

What are some things that don't take up a lot of space or cost a lot of money that I can give my mom for the holidays? I've recently bought her plenty of new clothes, as quite a few items disappeared at her old facility. I already keep her stocked in things like lotion and candy. She's not allowed to have any kind of small appliances. I am out of ideas.

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
A small box of 'gifts to give away. Since it is very difficult for seniors to shop, one can buy small items which their loved one can give away to special people in their facility.
Travel size lotions, shampoo, dollar store holiday/seasonal decorations, individual kleenex packs, wrapped candy/always makes someone leave with something sweet... allow your loved one to give what they received. It is a joy for them to be able to do so.
Helpful Answer (8)
Report
emanes Dec 2019
Great idea - thank you!
(2)
Report
Your time.

If it's possible, with her mobility and sight problems, take her out, such as to her favorite local place, or to have her hair and nails done, or anything else she may have mentioned in passing that she misses seeing or being around.

It doesn't have to cost much other than your time and energy (yeah, I know it can "cost" you a lot in energy to take out a person with issues). Perhaps a favorite haunt from years past with friends already here to greet her and reminisce.

If she can't or shouldn't leave the facility, perhaps a gathering of friends just to say, "I love you".
Helpful Answer (7)
Report

How about one of those photo frames that you & other friends/family can add pictures, remotely, to entertain her?
Helpful Answer (7)
Report

A little photo book; print pics off your phone and cut to fit the little 4x6 or 5x7 little books sold a rly drug stores or dollar stores. I just made one for my Dad with pics of family members, places he likes and it was a big hit. Helps as a memory aid, plus you LO can show it to other residents.
Helpful Answer (6)
Report
montanacmm Dec 2019
This is a great idea. I am making one for my brother. I got a scrap book and glued the pictures on. Now I am writing a few sentences on each page about the photos - like names, places, activity that was taking place. I have bought him gifts for dementia patients and they always disappear. This year I decided to keep it very low financially. I am also making a fidget lap pad.
(2)
Report
One year I took my mom a nicely arranged basket of chips, pretzels and small bags of candy. When she was done, I took the basket home. Also, one year my grandsons and I went and decorated her room for Christmas. She didn’t really appreciate gifts and I got most of them back so I tried not to get too much material stuff.
Helpful Answer (5)
Report

It's tough to come up with ideas, I know. I used to give people little baskets with various items like, crossword puzzle booklets, cards with stamps, so she can send cards to people, along with an address book. This might not work if she has vision issues or dementia. Also, photo album with pictures of family members. Take some of her too, to put inside the album. A digital frame will take up little space in the room and you can load it with many different pictures for her to see all day. My mom has a wall Christmas clock that plays a Christmas jingle on each hour. A nice, soft, warm throw is always good, even if she already has one. I like those with reindeer, snowmen, holly berries, etc. as they brighten the room for the holidays.
Helpful Answer (5)
Report

Those giant super juicy Royal Riviera pears from Harry & David ---https://www.harryanddavid.com/h/fruit-gift/pears
or
A small fruit arrangement from Edible Arrangements
https://www.ediblearrangements.com/christmas-gifts

I know from personal experience that people FLIP OUT when they lay eyes on the Edible Arrangements......they are remarkable. The H&D pears are so large you have to eat them with a spoon. Both of these gifts my parents love(d) to receive.
Helpful Answer (5)
Report

Battery operated flameless candles with remote control. Was actually a request from a resident.
Helpful Answer (5)
Report

A wheelchair blanket might be nice too. It ties to the frame of the wheelchair with tabs and either just wraps around the lower legs or has a band that can be used to keep the blanket completely around the legs and away from the chair's wheels. I have a light one for indoors and a heavier one for when my mother attends day care and is picked up by a wheelchair lift van.
Helpful Answer (4)
Report
msfits Dec 2019
The photo blankets are nice. We got my Dad one last year with pictures of each kid and grandkid. Everybody at the rehab loved it (and they all knew who it belonged to). He uses it daily.
(0)
Report
My mil loved the set of stretchy pearls I got her. She wore them every day. It was only 20$ for a set of three at Kohl’s.
Helpful Answer (3)
Report

See All Answers
This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter