OT: Help! I need gift ideas!

If there is a food snack or treat that he particularly enjoys and is not provided at the home, that might be appreciated. Or a photo album of people, pets, places, houses, cars, etc. that he knew and enjoyed. Or a special group visit of friends and family -- a party with food, drinks, and lots of conversation. Or a music player -- tape/DVD/ whatever is easy for him to use -- with favorite music.

How about a nice bulletin board (the crossed ribbon sort, so pins/tacks aren't necessary) that he can hang on the wall? Then make sure to send regular updates with pictures and such that he can put on his bulletin board. Or go high tech and give a digital picture frame (and send updates) or something like a Ceiva where you can update his photos remotely.

Best wishes, Ericka

Actually, that's a great idea! I can get him some sugar-free candy (he's diabetic) from our local chocolatier.

We will be doing this, since he's in St. Paul so we're going to visit him. We're hoping to take him out to a restaurant but that will depend on how his excursion goes on Thurs.

Great idea but this is something he already has. He's been a music collector for *years*. :)

Thanks for the ideas, Mary.

Joan

Books on tape or DVD?

Elizabeth

I guess I've never seen one of these and am not sure what you mean by "crossed ribbon".

We've thought about this and I will be looking at some today. Outlets in his room are limited and I'm not sure if they'd allow a power strip but I will check into it.

Wow, I'd never seen these! That would be really cool, although a bit pricey (since we're 300 miles from him the PicturePlan would be

*great). Maybe we could talk DSisIL into going in on one of these if we can solve the power supply problem. The other good thing is it's on sale at half price until the 24th!

Thanks, Ericka!

For others who haven't seen this:

Oooooo, another great idea! Thanks, Elizabeth!

Joan

It's a board (lightly padded, usually) covered with fabric and then a lattice of ribbons (tacked down at the intersections). You can just slip photos and other things behind the ribbons rather than having to use pins or tacks that can drop and become a hazard.

We went in with sibs to get one for my in-laws. They're simple to set up and easy to operate for the technologically challenged ;-) I know my MIL gets up every day and checks first thing to see if any new photos have shown up overnight. You have to be willing to keep feeding the monster, though! Once they get hooked on the pictures, they want new ones frequently ;-)

Best wishes, Ericka

Something "disposable" but functional -- a box of candy/cookies/nuts to share, a box of birthday cards with stamps already on the envelopes, aftershave, liquid soap...

If he likes to read, a book, which can later be put in the home's library. Or whatever hobby he can do. Jigsaw puzzle?

I think it was in Dear Abby that I read recently how someone gave their parent or grandparent the gift of appropriate small presents (plus wrapping and postage) for all the grand/great-grandchildren's birthdays for the year, so they could have the joy of giving all their DGC and DGGC something for their birthdays.

Old folks are often cold so slippers, socks, a warm fuzzy bathrobe or sweater or a sweatshirt from his alma mater. Send something for the staff in the hope that it'll make them think he's special and give him an extra dose of TLC.

I second the idea of making him a display board. My father was never in a home but spent the last month of his life at my sister's, surrounded by pictures of his family.

A phone card or a prepaid cell phone so he can keep in touch.

I don't know about those picture thingies... (obviously, techno-babble around here skips the techno- part!) What I wonder is if the pictures stay put long enough to be actually viewed. Focus is an issue with some, and if the picture chages too quickly?

Warm anything would be nice. And one of those odor eliminators too, or the plug-in scent gizmos.

You can set the speed at which they change.

Best wishes, Ericka

I made my Mother a fleece blanket - not too big and no sewing involved. Just buy a nice hunk of it - a lot of it comes in 60" widths -just cut to whatever size is appropriate for him, slice in a nice fringe on two ends. It's so easy and whenever she goes out to the *great room* to watch entertainment, etc., she likes to put the blanket/throw over her knees. They are so comfy.

Sharon (N.B.)