K.W. asks from Waterford, CT on May 06, 2008
Gift Ideas Needed for 60Th Birthday
Hello everyone. I love reading all your requests and all the GREAT responses from everyone. Moms....You Rock!
I am hoping you will have some great ideas for me too.
I need gift ideas for a 60th birthday for a foster dad. He was my daughter's foster father for 13 months before she came to live with me. We see her foster family at least once a year, sometimes more. They have an adopted daughter 2 years older than my daughter and the two girls shared a room and became very close.
Problem is, I don't know him very well and am lost for gift ideas. What I can tell you is, he is very funny, loves joking with the kids, is a hands on dad, nothing he wouldn't do for his kids. This couple have just celebrated 25 years as foster parents and have had over 150 kids in their home during that time. Wonderful people. My daughter was very lucky to be in their family for that time.
Thanks for your time and suggestions.
More Answers
C.B. answers from Hartford on May 07, 2008
I have been seeing more of those digital picture frames in the stores. I gave one to my Dad and he LOVES it. You can load pictures of your daughter, and they can load pictures of theirs along with any other former foster children pictures they might have; a good walk down memory lane each time he looks at it, without all the clutter.
T.A. answers from Boston on May 07, 2008
Hello K.,
I was just thinking, I'm not sure if you could do it yourself or have someone do it for you, but what about buying a unfinished chair for outdoors, and writing a couple thoughtful words about the foster dad on it, then put the finish on it to protected it from the weather.
Maybe be a saying like( Once I was lost, without a home, you cared for me, and your home was HOME! ) I was thinking of something that would touch his heart sounds like a real nice person. Good luck!
D.H. answers from Boston on May 07, 2008
How wonderful that you're still in touch with him! A nice personalized home-made photo album showing your daughter's growth and activities over the years since she has been with you- perhaps with funny captions and descriptions - would probably be very special and nice for him.
Have fun and good luck!
H.H. answers from Boston on May 07, 2008
You, Mom, ROCK! I love your family story! As an adoptive mother myself, I applaude your commitment to your daughter and to those who she loves. Your desire to continue the connection with her foster parents is beautiful!
Last Christmas we got all our boys' grandparents sweatshirts with embroidery that named them as "JJ and Matthew's Grandma/Grandpa." They all love them and wear them all the time!
You could have "Everybody's favorite Dad" or "Wonder Dad!" or something like that embroidered on a sweatshirt or hat. It's not that expensive. You can do it on-line, or there are local places if you know where to look. Sometimes they will even do it at a mall.
Good luck, my friend! Your daughter is so lucky to have had such loving parents in you and them.
A.C. answers from Pittsfield on May 07, 2008
I always go for the heartstrings. How about one of those small photo albums with pics of your child and a letter telling him what a blessing he is to so many people?
K.B. answers from Providence on May 07, 2008
How about putting a whole bunch of pictures together on a cd (you can do it on a computer----or go to a CVS) you can include songs from his generation, or Fatherly songs. To show him, all that he did for your daughter, and for you----and what an impact he is on her, and your life-----Have fun
J.G. answers from Boston on May 07, 2008
I'm not sure how much you want to spend, but one of those digital picture frames seems like it would be a great idea for him (if he has a computer/digital camera). You could load it with some pictures of your daughter, and and then he could load additional pictures of his choosing of other kids/family members. I think you can pick one up on sale for about $80-$90 now. Good luck!
J. G.
A.M. answers from Hartford on May 06, 2008
I don't know how much you are willing to spend, but you could always do a gift card to a place he really likes for $60. Or a bouquet of flowers. Maybe a nice collage of pictures of your daughter, or of your daughter and his together.
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