if you are a 61y.o. mom, what would you like for your bday?

[Anonymous]

I'm struggling with a bday gift idea for my mom this year...what's something you would love that I'm not thinking of? Budget ~$100 but could go a bit higher.
In the past have done spa certificates, jewelry, show/concert tix, flowers of course..need some fresh ideas.
Thanks!!

[Anonymous]

Is she nearby? Take her to dinner and then the theater or a concert (Strathmore or AFI, not 9:30 club). She probably doesn't need stuff, and would be happy to spend time with youa

[Anonymous]

I sent my mom a 6-set of new coffee mugs that she really liked. I also sent her a wall calendar that had pictures of the breed of dog we used to have. She loved that.

[Anonymous]

Clothes! Cashmere sweater, pretty scarf, gift certificate to favorite store.

[Anonymous]

For my MIL: got her an ipad and really sat down with her to get her connected with local library (showing her how she could check out all the free books to concurrently read and listen to books on tape; subscribed her to some favorite pidcasts; got her fluent on choosing movies, music etc. As part of this tech time we also connected her Nest & Alexa to her iphone.

For my mom we got her a ‘subscription’ to a personal trainer for 5 sessions (probably over your budget) and some cute workout clothes.

[Anonymous]

A theater show or concert ( pricey, though)

Some fun makeup- I like to try new things. I buy my 89year old mother in law lipstick and blush every Xmas and she's like a little kid with it. Can't wait to try it. Me too, actually.

Some interesting foods that only I like- lemon curd, fruit paste, special cheese, fun snacks- you know, I won't just go and buy them on my own. But please, no candy. Done with candy.

A book that is provocative, but only if it is. No ______________for Dummies or a weak novel.

I love blank journals

I like specific art supplies
A streaming channel that I do not have

Herb plant - basil, rosemary

A piece of art if you are an artist

What I do not want:

boxes of candy, scarves. gloves, moisturizer, foot spas, heating pads, weird food molds for candy, tarts, or popsicles ( yeah), a spa gift card, a magazine subscription, stationery, a bottle of wine, a groupon gift card.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A theater show or concert ( pricey, though)

Some fun makeup- I like to try new things. I buy my 89year old mother in law lipstick and blush every Xmas and she's like a little kid with it. Can't wait to try it. Me too, actually.

Some interesting foods that only I like- lemon curd, fruit paste, special cheese, fun snacks- you know, I won't just go and buy them on my own. But please, no candy. Done with candy.

A book that is provocative, but only if it is. No ______________for Dummies or a weak novel.

I love blank journals

I like specific art supplies
A streaming channel that I do not have

Herb plant - basil, rosemary

A piece of art if you are an artist

What I do not want:

boxes of candy, scarves. gloves, moisturizer, foot spas, heating pads, weird food molds for candy, tarts, or popsicles ( yeah), a spa gift card, a magazine subscription, stationery, a bottle of wine, a groupon gift card.

P.S.

We don't really want stuff, or expensive anything. Time and experiences are best. But- if you are looking for an tangible thing- see above.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For my MIL: got her an ipad and really sat down with her to get her connected with local library (showing her how she could check out all the free books to concurrently read and listen to books on tape; subscribed her to some favorite pidcasts; got her fluent on choosing movies, music etc. As part of this tech time we also connected her Nest & Alexa to her iphone.

For my mom we got her a ‘subscription’ to a personal trainer for 5 sessions (probably over your budget) and some cute workout clothes.

Great gift!
But she should have had her own device already and knew how to use it. 61 is far too young to need this explained. Glad that you got her on track.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For my MIL: got her an ipad and really sat down with her to get her connected with local library (showing her how she could check out all the free books to concurrently read and listen to books on tape; subscribed her to some favorite pidcasts; got her fluent on choosing movies, music etc. As part of this tech time we also connected her Nest & Alexa to her iphone.

For my mom we got her a ‘subscription’ to a personal trainer for 5 sessions (probably over your budget) and some cute workout clothes.

Great gift!
But she should have had her own device already and knew how to use it. 61 is far too young to need this explained. Glad that you got her on track.

Yes, I agree. I’m completely surprised that a 61 year old didn’t already have an iPad. I know a lot of people in that general age range and they all have smart phones and iPads and have no problem with using them.

[Anonymous]

I am 57 and in the process of Kondo'ing my house. So I can tell you for sure I don't want any "stuff". No mugs, bowls, candles, decor items, etc. Of course others may still be in collector mode - I know my MIL was until she died.

Not sure what I actually want. Maybe an Everlane cashmere sweater. Or a new pair of running shoes. Or a lululemon shirt or pullover.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For my MIL: got her an ipad and really sat down with her to get her connected with local library (showing her how she could check out all the free books to concurrently read and listen to books on tape; subscribed her to some favorite pidcasts; got her fluent on choosing movies, music etc. As part of this tech time we also connected her Nest & Alexa to her iphone.

For my mom we got her a ‘subscription’ to a personal trainer for 5 sessions (probably over your budget) and some cute workout clothes.

Great gift!
But she should have had her own device already and knew how to use it. 61 is far too young to need this explained. Glad that you got her on track.

Yes, I agree. I’m completely surprised that a 61 year old didn’t already have an iPad. I know a lot of people in that general age range and they all have smart phones and iPads and have no problem with using them.

Not only agree but I rely on my iPhone for work too. How do people function at work if they aren't able to deal with technology?

[Anonymous]

How can people tell you what your mom needs? If you are in touch with her and visit her often you would know that she could do with new eyeglasses, a new sweater, a new blanket etc. Take her with you for a nice hair color and cut, a nice massage and a dinner. You do not have many years left with her now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For my MIL: got her an ipad and really sat down with her to get her connected with local library (showing her how she could check out all the free books to concurrently read and listen to books on tape; subscribed her to some favorite pidcasts; got her fluent on choosing movies, music etc. As part of this tech time we also connected her Nest & Alexa to her iphone.

For my mom we got her a ‘subscription’ to a personal trainer for 5 sessions (probably over your budget) and some cute workout clothes.

Great gift!
But she should have had her own device already and knew how to use it. 61 is far too young to need this explained. Glad that you got her on track.

She indeed did have one but it was first generation and she used it for very little as the screen quality is much improved as well as the streaming etc not to mention data availability! My MIL is funny in that she’s running the IT at her agency and knows what she knows there but hasn’t tranfered to consumer level facility. And of course running an IT Dept means more that she’s very good at management and what can be done not necessarily that she’s up on how to do things or even how things work!

[Anonymous]

I like sending flowers.

Yes, it’s cliche but it’s a simple and direct way to say I care and I’m thinking of you. And it won’t clutter her house.

[Anonymous]

Alexa or amazon prime membership