My mom is retiring and she is hitting the road in an RV with her husband. Her birthday is coming up and I need some gift ideas. I've given her tons of jewelry through out the years, they've got tons of movies and games for the RV, I've given them gift cards for restaurants, I'm at a loss of something cool to her for her birthday.
Any ideas ladies....
P.
This is more practical than sentimental but my friend's parents have an RV and use space bags (the kind you vacuum out the air) to store things in less space.
Technology.
A kindle can bring a whole library with her, an ipod and entire musical one. A great phone can be a lifesavor as well as for keeping in contact (verizon has the BEST nationwide coverage outside of cities, I've been in bum****nowhere and had 4 bars with verizon ... I now use at&t and tmobile, which are fine on cities and most major highways, but verizon is where it's at for actually driving cross country). A laptop combines the whole phone/music/reading thing... but it understandable about 10x as expensive as either. GPS is unexpectedly handy (at least from my opinion, having travelled for years and years before they were available to the public, much less with all the cool schtuff they do now... like finding the nearest starbucks), but not as enjoyable, IMHO, as a phone/ipod/kindle/etc.
A camera would be as necessary to ME as breathing, but people feel differently about them. I have 4. :D
how about an emergency storm radio/walkie talkie thing?
Ipod is a great idea for a road trip. Perhaps find out where they will stopping and find a cool restaurant or a basket filled for a picnic lunch and a bottle of wine.
I think a TRIP JOURNAL would be awesome! My husband gave me one for our wedding and ever since then, every trip we go on, we each write a little bit in it each day about the details of our vacation. It is SO wonderful to go back and read about the little experiences that you swear, in the moment, you will remember forever - but tend to forget.
Not sure what your budget is, but if she likes to read, what about an e-reader. Like Barnes and Nobles - Nook. I travel alot and its great because I always have a new book without it taking up alot of room in my suit case!
Since they will be traveling why not give her something she can use in her travels.
I have a kodak Zi8 that I LOVE! It is a lot like a flip but has the ability to take still pictures (and has better reviews than a flip). It has an sd card and a usb plug right on the side of it. It is super easy and fun to use. I bought a case for mine (they don't make a specific one I got a gps case made by built at target that is great) and I keep it in the diaper bag. I use it just about everyday.
If she is not into "techy" stuff, a few good books are always nice. You could get her a "reading kit". Give her a nice blanket, a few books (or a nook if it's in your budget), a book light, a mug and some tea.
Moms are always hard to buy for. Good luck!
Ps. A nook is like a kindle but made by barnes and noble. It has better reviews than the kindle. Review knowledge is thanks to the hubby!
Ipad but they are expensive. Does she have an Ipod? No road trip is complete without good music. Itunes gift card?
Kindle
Ipod
Ipad
Iphone are my suggestions
Add to that camera, tour books about states she will visit.
If the RV doesn't have one already, how about an indoor-outdoor digital thermometer? You can buy ones that also tell you the air pressure and humidity. People are always watching the weather, especially us old ones. We love any gadgets to track and forecast weather, or to feed and watch birds.
Camera to document travels on the road and then share with you all when she gets back.
I like the kindle idea too, and you can upload books on or about or based in the cities and towns she is visiting or books that have the common theme of travel.
Have they been camping for awhile? If not, you could see what they can use, maybe some nice lawn chairs or a portable grill. I like the idea of restaurant gift cards so they can enjoy a meal out while on the road. How about a camera, so she can take lots of pictures to share with you.
I love all the suggestions you've received so far. Don't give her stuff that takes up space. I'm aware that RVs are often bigger and fancier than houses are these days, but if your mom is traveling she'll want to keep "things" to a minimum unless they're practical things. (Of course, framed pictures of her grandchildren to hang in the RV are ALWAYS practical!) Do you know where she's going - have they made plans? If they're heading in a certain direction, you could look up the destination and send them a gift card to cover expenses for an attraction they would enjoy but might not want to spend their own money on.
A good book, a universal gift gift card like a visa so they can spend it on what ever. A gift card to Walmart, god knows you can find them where ever you travel. A good camera so she can takes lots of pictures or extra memory cards for her current camera so she always has picture space. A small luxury bag to pamper herself like nail polish & accessories, at home facial kit, rolls of quarters for laundry mats etc.
A mom living in an RV for a while? Definitely a GC for a massage! Who wouldn't like to get out and be pampered!
My Mom, LOVES her Kindle.
It is really cool! Really great!
What is your budget?
I would get something tech-y.
Lap top?
iPad?
iPod?
A "Flip" video camera? You can check it out on Amazon and read the reviews of it there.
Get something that SHE can use and is hers... versus for the "RV" in general.... who'd want an iron or toaster. LOL
good luck,
Susan
A small photo album of her grandbabies!
