Post by Baking_Bud on Dec 23, 2002 13:25:13 GMT -6
Meant to post this before, but forgot to! Good to remember for next year, or for the LATE shoppers. Again, from Dear Abby, a woman who has looked after all of us for MANY years with her ideas and help.
THOUGHTFUL GIFTS FOR SENIORS ARE MORE PRACTICAL THAN PRETTY
Since Friday after Thanksgiving is the day that Christmas shopping traditionally begins in earnest, would you please reprint as soon as possible your list of thoughtful gifts for seniors -- especially those living on fixed incomes? I'm sure it would be much appreciated. -- ANNE N. IN MINNEAPOLIS
DEAR ANNE: Absolutely! I am pleased to do so.
It seems no sooner are the dishes put away from Thanksgiving dinner than it's time to start holiday shopping. And that means it's time to publish my list of gift ideas for senior citizens.
Readers, if you plan on sending holiday gifts, first let me tell you what NOT to send. Forget the cologne, after-shave and dusting powders unless you have first checked to see if they are welcome. Scents are highly distinctive (no pun intended) and not every perfume works on every person.
Never give a pet to anyone unless you are absolutely certain the person wants one, and is able to properly care for it. Physically and financially.
(From Baking Bud) And my own addition here: Make sure that there is a back-up plan in place for if this 'long lived' pet, outlives it owner. Many pets as seniors themselves, end up with no home for the relatives don't want to take the pet. Or take in a 12 year old! Not fair to the pet to be placed into a situation unless there will be someone to take them in if the need arises. Really think it through prior to any 'gift' of a pet for companionship purposes. And be ready to step up to the plate if that pet one day needs YOU! I speak from experience, for I now proudly care for my mother's cats. She never met a hungry cat she could turn away, and with her passing they were left needing someone to care for them. LOOK at the situations for your loved ones, and help to make sure that no one suffers for it. Too many wonderful pets who gave their unconditional love, end up being euthanized every year for lack of a home.
Do not give wine or liquor to people unless you're sure they imbibe.
Candy, nuts, confections and fruitcakes make beautiful gifts for folks who aren't counting calories, but have compassion for those who are, and don't lead them into temptation.
With the price of groceries going through the roof, many people on fixed incomes would appreciate a gift basket of goodies. How about small cans of tuna and chicken? Also include crackers, assorted flavored instant coffees, herbal teas, soup mixes and cookies.
Gift certificates are always welcome: for groceries, haircuts, manicures, dry cleaning, restaurant meals, theater tickets, videos and department stores. And don't forget prepaid long-distance calling cards.
Not all seniors drive, so bus passes and coupons for senior transportation or taxis are always welcome.
Large-print calendars with family birthdays, anniversaries, etc., marked and personalized with family photos, make useful gifts, as do large-print address books with information transferred from the recipient's records.
Payment of utilities for a month or two can be sent directly to the utility -- then let the recipients know they have "extra" money to spend as they wish.
A cordless phone or answering machine is a handy gift.
Membership in a gym if the person wants to exercise.
A magnifying glass.
A cuddly robe and slippers with non-skid soles.
Sweatpants, sweatshirts and jogging shoes.
For someone who has a pet, send it a treat -- a can of dog or cat food or a rawhide chewstick or catnip toy.
A subscription to a magazine or newspaper you know the person will enjoy is a thoughtful gift.
Because medications are expensive, a gift certificate to the neighborhood pharmacy would be much appreciated. (Trust me.)
Stationery and stamps come in handy year-round. If you send them, be sure to include felt-tipped pens, too.
Loneliness is the ultimate poverty. Holidays can be depressing for people who are alone. So if you know someone who could use an outing, give him or her the best gift of all -- an invitation to have a meal with you and your family.
If you ain't givin', you ain't livin'!
THOUGHTFUL GIFTS FOR SENIORS ARE MORE PRACTICAL THAN PRETTY
Since Friday after Thanksgiving is the day that Christmas shopping traditionally begins in earnest, would you please reprint as soon as possible your list of thoughtful gifts for seniors -- especially those living on fixed incomes? I'm sure it would be much appreciated. -- ANNE N. IN MINNEAPOLIS
DEAR ANNE: Absolutely! I am pleased to do so.
It seems no sooner are the dishes put away from Thanksgiving dinner than it's time to start holiday shopping. And that means it's time to publish my list of gift ideas for senior citizens.
Readers, if you plan on sending holiday gifts, first let me tell you what NOT to send. Forget the cologne, after-shave and dusting powders unless you have first checked to see if they are welcome. Scents are highly distinctive (no pun intended) and not every perfume works on every person.
Never give a pet to anyone unless you are absolutely certain the person wants one, and is able to properly care for it. Physically and financially.
(From Baking Bud) And my own addition here: Make sure that there is a back-up plan in place for if this 'long lived' pet, outlives it owner. Many pets as seniors themselves, end up with no home for the relatives don't want to take the pet. Or take in a 12 year old! Not fair to the pet to be placed into a situation unless there will be someone to take them in if the need arises. Really think it through prior to any 'gift' of a pet for companionship purposes. And be ready to step up to the plate if that pet one day needs YOU! I speak from experience, for I now proudly care for my mother's cats. She never met a hungry cat she could turn away, and with her passing they were left needing someone to care for them. LOOK at the situations for your loved ones, and help to make sure that no one suffers for it. Too many wonderful pets who gave their unconditional love, end up being euthanized every year for lack of a home.
Do not give wine or liquor to people unless you're sure they imbibe.
Candy, nuts, confections and fruitcakes make beautiful gifts for folks who aren't counting calories, but have compassion for those who are, and don't lead them into temptation.
With the price of groceries going through the roof, many people on fixed incomes would appreciate a gift basket of goodies. How about small cans of tuna and chicken? Also include crackers, assorted flavored instant coffees, herbal teas, soup mixes and cookies.
Gift certificates are always welcome: for groceries, haircuts, manicures, dry cleaning, restaurant meals, theater tickets, videos and department stores. And don't forget prepaid long-distance calling cards.
Not all seniors drive, so bus passes and coupons for senior transportation or taxis are always welcome.
Large-print calendars with family birthdays, anniversaries, etc., marked and personalized with family photos, make useful gifts, as do large-print address books with information transferred from the recipient's records.
Payment of utilities for a month or two can be sent directly to the utility -- then let the recipients know they have "extra" money to spend as they wish.
A cordless phone or answering machine is a handy gift.
Membership in a gym if the person wants to exercise.
A magnifying glass.
A cuddly robe and slippers with non-skid soles.
Sweatpants, sweatshirts and jogging shoes.
For someone who has a pet, send it a treat -- a can of dog or cat food or a rawhide chewstick or catnip toy.
A subscription to a magazine or newspaper you know the person will enjoy is a thoughtful gift.
Because medications are expensive, a gift certificate to the neighborhood pharmacy would be much appreciated. (Trust me.)
Stationery and stamps come in handy year-round. If you send them, be sure to include felt-tipped pens, too.
Loneliness is the ultimate poverty. Holidays can be depressing for people who are alone. So if you know someone who could use an outing, give him or her the best gift of all -- an invitation to have a meal with you and your family.
If you ain't givin', you ain't livin'!
Think I saw that you are from Australia?!! Welcome!!!
It's great being here and thoroughly enjoying the site. A great idea about monthly gifts of cookies (or biscuits as us Aussies call them) and cakes for our senior members. Something my mum would love for sure. I spoil her every trip home and load her freeze up with her favourite treats ... I mentioned somewhere in the forum about her lack of passion for cooking 
thankfully it's the only *trait* I didn't inherit ;D