Every year we have a hard time finding christmas presents for my mother-in-law. She is not healthy, has diabetes, heart problems, is extreamly over-weight, and falls a lot. She also cannot really use her right arm due an injury during one of her many falls. So, basically tickets to play or a cooking class or something like that are out. She is a widow and so restaurant gift certificates are out too. Almost no matter what we get her she inevitably complains about, e.g. one year we got her a spa pedicure machine and she complained because with her diabetes it is hard to feel her feet. Anyway, I'm at loss this year and would appreciate any ideas.
Thanks for all the ideas. We got her a new calendar, a new throw blanket for her couch and a gold grandma charm. At least it's a start!
I dont know if she has many pictures of the family around, but you could always do a scrapbook of the family for her. Or, a nice crystal or engraved frame with a favorite photo of hers in it. Also, unless she already collects things, you could start a collection for her...maybe porcelin dolls or something along those lines. It's always shopping for Christmas gifts for "difficult" people. I wish you luck, sounds like you're going to need it.
Hi N.,
I can understand your situation!
One thing I can suggest, that can also be beneficial if she is open to touch is Reflexology as this is so very good for Diabetics. It improves the circulation (helps her heart, and her feet!) and so much more! Even those that cannot 'feel' their feet, can feel something when they receive a session. It typically takes at least six to notice a dramatic change, however after the first she would know if she would enjoy it.
Usually, diabetics do not do well with 'warm' on the feet as this poses a danger to the nerves as they do not sense things as well as we do. So she is not trying to 'complain' with that gift. It was a great idea as it does help the pain for most of us! :)
If she cannot walk too well, then it sounds like you want to have someone that can go to her, not have her go to them (or if you can take her. So make sure you choose the person wisely. (if you go this route.) ABMP has a great selection of therapists and you can enter your information in by zip code to find what you are looking for. Some therapists even have a website you can access for more information.
Best of luck! I am positive you will find something! :)
WHAT ABOUT SOMETHING THAT COULD MAKE SOMETHING EASIER FOR HER. DEPENDING ON MONEY, A NEW CHAIR, A MASSAGE GIFT CERTIFICATE, SHOWER RAILS. MAYBE UPDATE SOMETHING IN HER KITCHEN OR BATHROOM. I NOT REALLY SURE, GOOD LUCK!
Do you have a lot of photos of your son? If so how about a special photo album...or better yet a scrapbook...they even sell kits to make these at the craft store so you don't need to be too crafty...You could also include pictures that your son has drawn especially for his grandmother. Also does she enjoy watching movies at home? Maybe you could get her a membership to netflix or blockbusters delivery club. That way she wouldn't have to leave the house to get some new movies. I hope these ideas might help! Good luck and happy holidays!
We do a calendar in our family for those that are hard to shop for. We use pictures of the kids and some family ones too. You can use halloween pictures for October, etc. I know that Kinko's does them and I also believe that Wal-mart does too. There are other places as well, I think most with photo departments do, you would just have to check around. Good luck!
