SPACE-SAVING (except for one) GREAT GIFTS

While many aging/elderly mothers don’t want more clutter and don’t need anything for Mother’s Day, these gifts will be welcome and, except for the handbag, take up little room. They vary in price so “going in” with a sibling could be the answer for affording a pricey gift.

1. Photos are precious. Some aging mothers and grandmothers have photos on every flat surface and wall. Others not as many. But all will love a Photobook filled with family photos. Many companies (from Apple to Shutterfly–almost A-Z) will help create a photobook for Mom. How many have we seen on coffee tables? The older people I know love to go through them with visitors and friends.

2. One current framed photo of the entire family is a cherished gift, especially for mothers and grandmothers who prefer having one photo to look at in an easily accessible space. Again, less clutter than many photos of individual family members.

3. Brighton handbags, specifically “Memory Handbags,” feature a personal photograph that becomes a part of the handbag as shown on this link). Although a bit pricy ($200 range) grandmothers I know love them, their design and durability. These bags can only be ordered by physically going to one of the Brighton Stores and having an “associate” fill out the order form. It also involves bringing in the photo–which also means “takes time”– 4-6 weeks. Phone first to be certain the store near you can order them (I know some Brighton shops can’t take these orders).

While it’s probably late for this Mother’s day–it can still work–in this way (which provides double excitement). The Brighton link above, which is out-of-date, is purposely included because it shows you the bags. Don’t try to order from it. It’s important because a picture of the handbag can be copied from that link and placed in a Mother’s Day card for 1/2 the excitement. Full excitement when the bag arrives. (The Vanessa is popular.)

4. iPads again on the list. User-friendly technology for young and old–even those who are “roadkill on the information highway” but show some interest. If toddlers can play on them, most elders can too.

I warned–in the last post–a gift that comes with a “hidden agenda” shouldn’t be given to an older person. (The 74-year-old grandmother still doesn’t use her iPad; claims she prefers writing letters and receiving them; would rather “spend time with people than technology.”) This shouldn’t necessarily hold true, however, for a mother who’s technically challenged but interested. Reason:

A free, easy-to-use iPad app for seniors (not made by Apple, but carried at Apple stores, I understand) . It’s a simple way to start an older mother who could be “roadkill” into a tech-using-Older Mother. Check earlier post about the iPad for iPad-specific information and compatible printers.

5. A satin pillow case. I know my mother always slept on one. Never knew why. Seems, some say, it’s better for hair and skin. These cases aren’t an expensive gift, take up little room–and who knows, maybe they are better–assuming your mother doesn’t mind sleeping on a satin pillow case.

Related Posts: Holiday Gifts for Aging Mothers (clothing–look good, feel better)
Holiday Gifts for Aging Mothers–2 (clothing additions to make an
outfit)
One-of-a Kind, Personal, Thoughtful Gift for Mothers and Grandmothers (2015–love this!)