Gift/ package for ailing family

**Denvergirlie** · 11-17-2008, 08:34 AM

My father, step mother, step grandfather and brother (18) kid live in the Phoenix metro (sister away at college in her senior year (22) ). I am not terribly close to them as I grew up with my mother, but of course care for them all the same.

My father is the glue in this family unit. My step mother has had a variety of health issues since moving from the Chicago area to Phoenix in 1994. Her father now lives with them as well at her insistance, he's not a very enjoyable man to be around.

My step mother's health issues have continued to escalate this past year. She had some surgery in the summer and apparently they didn't sew her up right and now has a massive infection in her spine. They are talking about putting her in a short term care faciliaty. My dad needs to work still, so he can't just continue to take time off unpaid. Plus he's dealing with her father (once again not a very nice guy to be around) and kids still in highschool and college.

My step mother loves to shop, loves her scottish heritage and enjoys singing at church. That's really about it.
My dad is a bit of a practical joker (but it's dimished over the years of dealing with the above and the hostile living environment) and likes his flight lessons.

I am trying to think up of some care package that I could put together to cheer them all up, but am coming up a loss. I thought about sending some gift cards to various fast food place, but that's not really personal and knowing my dad, it would be most likely put in a drawer someplace and forgotten about.

Wondering if anyone might have any ideas of what I could send along to lift their spirits?

**DonnainME** · 11-17-2008, 09:01 AM

Corny but maybe some whoopee cushions. Maybe a joke book.

For her maybe something she can pamper herself with - some nice lotions, maybe a nice multi sided nail file and polish.

I wish you luck in coming up with things for them.
It's very nice of you to send them a care package.

**rainbowgc** · 11-17-2008, 12:59 PM

Geesh I really have no ideas but I wanted to cheer you on for wanting to do something for these family members!

**Denvergirlie** · 11-18-2008, 08:42 AM

bumping back up for any other ideas. Thanks!

**Buc-O-Mama** · 11-18-2008, 09:34 AM

What about a box of snacks and such. Nuts and jerky, Scottish shortbread, licorice and such. Then you could also include dry soup mixes, maybe cornbread or roll mix as well. Knorr makes some nice "just add water" type soups.

I'd also second the whoopee cushion, maybe a joke book, some crossword puzzles or sudoko book. If there's something of particular interest to your dad, if he's a sports fan for example, send him a subscription to a magazine. Just be sure to send him a note to let him know it's coming so he can let you know if it doesn't.

I'm a fan of silly socks to brighten spirits. When someone isn't feeling sick, there's something about socks with frogs wearing tutus to make them smile. A little hand held electronic game could be fun, nothing fancy, there's a baseball one that my grandma has had for over 20 years. Every member of our family, of every age has spent hours with this game:

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Arco-Toys-Ltd-43386-Baseball/dp/B00005YWNI"]Amazon.com: Mattel Classic Baseball Game: Toys & Games[/ame]

Most of all, you are so sweet for thinking of them.