What do your grandparents want for Christmas? Good question! I certainly remember how hard it was to buy for my grandparents. So now that I’m a grandmother myself, I thought I might be of help to my readers.
Every year I get a call from one of my kids asking, “What do you want for Christmas?” This year Jamie was the designated caller calling for all the kids.
So I decided to do a blog post called “What Grandparents Want for Christmas”. Listed below are some suggestions of what Chuck and I would want or need. Some of the items we already have; but I added them anyway, because they were such favored gifts.
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For Grandma
The New Sweater Robes
I love the new sweater robes. They come in different lengths, some tie, and some don’t. They look super chic. I found this one online, but it is already sold out. It was my favorite and by Donna Karan. I added it so you could see how cool the new robes can be.
Here’s another that I found online at Amazon. Click on the picture and you can see it better. You can purchase it here, too, if you wish; but I need to let you know that I receive a small commission for anything you purchase here from my blog page.
I also found some really pretty sweater robes at Talbots in their store. They also have one that ties, but I like the ones that are open.
A New Yoga Mat
Place this one in the need category. I have back trouble, but it has been under control ever since I started doing Yoga twice a week. I practice a very ancient Yoga that is slower and more careful, though; and I have worn out three Yoga mats already.
Yoga Gift Certificate
One of the problems of old age is that our joints don’t move as easily as they used to. I’ve found, though, that Yoga takes care of that problem for me. I never ache and I have good movement all over.
My yoga studio has gift certificates. I go to Halfmoon Yoga, but there are many other studios in Tallahassee. I try to go twice a week, and it costs me $60 for five sessions. I don’t consider it exercise, but something I do for my health. The only thing that decompresses me as well is a morning in the turkey woods :), which is only a springtime thing. Yoga is year around.
You need to do your homework, though. Not all Yoga is the same, and you can get hurt if your practitioner isn’t well versed in the art. There are also different kinds of Yoga. I believe hot Yoga is for the younger. I go to Yoga to relax and decompress, along with the other health benefits. Gift certificates are usually available.
Pedicure Gift Certificate
This is a no brainer, but make sure she likes a pedicure. There are the occasional people who don’t like it. I use Classic Nail Spa in the Carriage Gate Shopping Center here in Tallahassee. They have gift certificates available.
A Good Scrub and A Buttery Cream
As we get older, our skin gets drier. I use a good scrub, either salt or sugar, to soften my feet, cuticles, elbows, etc.
Then I follow up with a good hand or body cream. I like fragrances, but not everyone does.
PJs
I gave up gowns a long time ago. As we age, we go through all kinds of changes. One is hot flashes and sweating. I need something between my legs to capture the moisture. Also, I get colder now.
PJs are the perfect choice for me. My mother always seemed to be too hot, so she used lighter PJs instead with short sleeves. For winter I need long sleeves and shoulders. I just get cold some nights.
A Silk-Filled Pillow
I got a silk down pillow in China, and I’ll find another one when this one wears out. I love this pillow. Actually these pillows are a good gift for both grandparents.
For Grandpa
Full Body Sensing Bathroom Scale
Full body sensing is important to us since our doctor checks us for muscle mass now. He says that maintaining good muscle mass is very important to our health as we age.
With this Body Composition Monitor and Scale, you get a comprehensive understanding of your body composition to help you reach your fitness goals. The Scale measures seven fitness indicators including body fat percentage, body mass index (BMI), skeletal muscle mass, resting metabolism, visceral fat, body age and body weight. We have this scale, and it changed our entire outlook on how we view our health. I can literally see how a 15 minute session of using light weights increases my muscle mass. Again, this is a good gift for both grandparents.
Work gloves
Chuck’s hands need protection, because our skin thins as we get older. I’ve noticed that he is always asking me to help him find his work gloves. He has several pair, but they are all just about shot.
Below is a good pair that was chosen for dexterity, comfort, and good reviews. They are pricier, though, than he would choose for himself; but these are a gift and of good quality. There are cheaper gloves especially by Carhartt.
Portable Fireplace
We recently bought one for our back porch and now Chuck wants one for the Coasthouse. That’s how much he liked the one at the house. We got ours from Tractor Supply.
Here’s another one from Amazon. It is about three inches shorter than ours, but comes with free shipping. Another gift for both grandparents.
Bathrobe
First, check and see if he needs one. Chuck’s hangs his in our bathroom, or you may find it in his bedroom. Chuck’s can also hang in his closet. If you don’t live close enough, ask someone to check for you or just ask him. But be prepared to be told that his is ok when it isn’t. They get too attached.
Gardening Shears & Wheelbarrow
If either is a gardiner, new pruning shears can help. A gift for both grandparents.
Check their equipment to see if anything needs replacing. I had to buy a new wheelbarrow in the past year. I like this kind because it is easy for me to maneuver, load and unload.
Guest Towels
Does their house need new visitor towels for the guest bath. The other day I was in a friend’s home. She is almost 90, and she still lives alone. Her eyesight is failing, and I noticed that her hand towels for guests were faded and dusty. This is what I bought her. I got her two with her surname initials on them.
What about out on the porch. Anything need replacing? Sofa pillows? Knick knacks on the tables?
Check out his tools and their work bench and/or potting bench. Anything look tired and worn out?
Best Gift of All, Though…
Is the Gift of You! If money is a problem, give them the gift of “you”. Maybe give them a hand-made certificate for an afternoon of help in the yard or a morning of help in the kitchen. Your time is a gift worth even more because they get to spend it with you.
So these are some of my ideas for grandparents. Maybe, you have a good suggestion, too. Please add yours in the comments below. Together, we can help everyone find the perfect Christmas gifts for Granddaddy and Grandma.