This sounds somewhat like my mom. She got the idea that I was thinking about getting her a DVD player for Xmas, and instead asked for the videos of the mini-series “Shogun.” However, the tapes were very expensive, and it ended up being significantly cheaper to get her a DVD player along with the DVD set. She now loves the DVD player, because of all of the extras not available on VHS, the better picture, and the subtitles (her hearing isn’t great).
Since you mention you procrastinate, you could get her trumbones and just say you were two years late.
Seriously, I’d go for music. My mom (79) loves her CD player. Of course, her tastes run to Warren Zevon, Rod Stewart and Prince, but that’s just her.
I would suggest either buying her a copy of the newspaper from the day she was born (I think they are available on the Internet), or, and this probably won’t be, get her some small presents of bric a brac from second hand stores. But make sure there are 78 of them- individually wrapped.
My neighbour gave me 50 cans of beer for my 50th birthday. He didn’t want to leave until they were all gone. (I wouldn’t suggest 78 cans of beer)
I have the same problem with my grandmother (athough at least she is a reader, so bookstore gift cards work well, too).
Last few years what I’ve given her, and what she (claims to) appreciate, are any devices that can make her life easier as she has arthritis in her fingers.
One year it was a lot of those “Good Grip” utensils.
Last year it was this little-pair-of-magnets thingy that you attach to a necklace once and then can hook it on using the magnets and don’t have to fumble with the clasp. (Saw it on QVC - I know! I know!)
There are a few places that specialize in these easy-to-use around the house things. I know I’ve gotten the catalogs - probably got on the mailing lists after buying some of this stuff for my grandma! - but I can’t think of the names right now. They must be on line as well.
I originally was worried that she would take these the wrong way - acknowledging/highlighting that she’s getting, you know, older - but it hasn’t seemed to bother/offend her.
My parents are about that age, and they too have everything they need. One gift they like are food presents. I buy gift baskets of fruits, nuts, and chocolates from the Harry and David website and they really like those special treats that they won’t buy for themselves. Another thing they like is going out to lunch occasionally. You might want to take your mom out to lunch at a nice restaurant and spend time just talking.
Ok, I know you are all wondering what I’ve bought her:
A CD of violin music and a Vera Bradley eyeglasses case ( it’s so purty) as she has three sets of reading glasses on her at a time and I thought I would amuse myself by thinking she would use it.
