Anonymous wrote:Get him a gift card for the local convenience store to gas up his vehicle? If he is getting chemo and is used to being home and watching TV all the time, then he is out and about more, and using more gas than usual. And many (most?) (all?) older retired folks like to discuss how the price of gas has gone up by two cents in the last month . . . .

Good idea in general although his Medicare pays for his transit to chemo.

Maybe some gourmet cookies like PP mentioned. Thanks. --OP

Get him a gift card for the local convenience store to gas up his vehicle? If he is getting chemo and is used to being home and watching TV all the time, then he is out and about more, and using more gas than usual. And many (most?) (all?) older retired folks like to discuss how the price of gas has gone up by two cents in the last month . . . .

Would he like something like Omaha Steaks or gourmet cookies or something else edible?

OP here. Thanks for the suggestions. Definitely no streaming movie service or a tablet. He just doesn't get it. A portable dvd player may even be stretching it. I'm not even kidding.

He and my mom live in a 55+ community. Lawn or food service is a good idea but the building takes care of the grounds and they refuse to even use the cafeteria at their building so...

I think I'm going to have to go with a gc to the movies. Again.

Anonymous wrote:Classic funny movies.

This is a good idea. I like some of the other PPs suggestions too.

One of those electric foot massagers from Sharper Image. Like this:

http://www.sharperimage.com/si/view/product/Shiatsu+Kneading+and+Rolling+Foot+Massager/201101?trail=

We bought one for my MIL and she loves it.

How about a meal delivery service for a week or so?

I'm the pp. The gift isn't about you. If he would enjoy a bunch of old vcr tapes of older shows then get on Amazon and order them. It's a gift and you aren't going to change who he is at this point in his life.

Does he like to tell stories? If so, I like those books that adults fill out with memories that can then be shared.

Do you have a large family? If so, send an email asking that people mail you a picture, small gift or story of a memory. Wrap each one, place in basket and he gets to open one a day. I've done this with people inpatient and it has always been a huge hit.

I like the tablet idea, too. The phone may to be too small for him to use regularly. Buy a tablet and add a Netflix subscription.

Anything more difficult for him since he's gotten ill? Maybe a tool to make it easier or hire a lawn service for this year.

An overnight not too far from home with a hotel room, gift card for dinner and to something to go like a museum, or show.

Does he cook or enjoy cooking? Send some meat and marinades and a nice dessert.

If he's undergoing chemo, he's sitting for long hours with little to do during his treatments. You say he doesn't read, which probably makes it even worse for him. If you think he can't figure out a tablet with a streaming service, then a portable DVD player and some DVDs (or a subscription to Netflix DVD service) might be a nice gift to accompany the book of crossword puzzles.

Don't turn his birthday present into a commentary on how you disagree with his life choices.