[marjorie]

I can't believe that I'm the only one who has one or two especially difficult people to find gifts for. Thought his thread might be a place where everyone could contribute ideas...

 

[marjorie]

My first quandry is finding something for one of my nieces. She has very little muscle control, so she can't walk or do most things with her hands that other people can. I often give her shirts with no zippers, buttons, or clasps but I think it's gotten old for both of us. Regular pants are out of the question and her wheelchair prevents me from making some items I normally would. She does not cook-at all. I thought about making some meals up for the freezer, but she can't open the containers. She is handicapped enough that she can't hold a book or reliably use a fork for that matter. She is sweet and considerate of everyone around her and around 25. A few extra dollars toward audible is about all I've come up with, but it seems like there should be more options. Ideas?

 

[imagine]

My first quandry is finding something for one of my nieces. She has very little muscle control, so she can't walk or do most things with her hands that other people can. I often give her shirts with no zippers, buttons, or clasps but I think it's gotten old for both of us. Regular pants are out of the question and her wheelchair prevents me from making some items I normally would. She does not cook-at all. I thought about making some meals up for the freezer, but she can't open the containers. She is handicapped enough that she can't hold a book or reliably use a fork for that matter. She is sweet and considerate of everyone around her and around 25. A few extra dollars toward audible is about all I've come up with, but it seems like there should be more options. Ideas?

Are you wanting to make something or can it be store bought. Do you have a dollar amount?


I am thinking about hubby's aunt when she was recovering from a stroke and the physically disabled teenager my mom taught.

Would your neice like perfume. Or body spray?

Does she like to listen to music ? Or watch movies or Tv?

Does she eat out?

Does she collect any pretty things?

Does she like hats? Slip on shoes?

Would she like a poster or picture for her wall?

 

[Contrary Housewife]

My experience with that age group is that gift cards for Amazon, iTunes, or the movie theater are generally appreciated.

Are you able to go out with her? (I don't know how close you live) Handmade IOUs for a trip to the theater or other performing arts events, the zoo, museum, etc. might be an option.

 

[CookieLee]

I also immediately thought of an itunes card. On the higher dollar amount side, a Bose radio is exceptionally easy to operate. Once it is set-up, one large and easy button is pressed to turn it on / off. Does she need decor for her wheelchair? A bag that hang on it to help her carry her stuff or extra pillows to sit on or tuck around her? Duct tape so it can be dressed up in different colors? Do her parents have suggestions on what she needs or wants? Does she give ideas?

 

[marjorie]

How very kind you all are to give your time (and great suggestions) to help. My niece eats out al the time. She lives around 7 hours away. I'd love to give experiences to her, but without a wheelchair van excursions become a trial or extremely expensive. I normally spend around $20 per kid, but her income is very limited so I'd happily spend more. She had an Ipod when she was in college. It took months and months to make modifications so she could use it, and it only lasted a few months. She seems to like getting things just once... I bought her some jewelry one year without clasps or anything- elastic thread rather than string, etc. It was a huge hit... once. Her parents had gotten her gold jewelry but she was never comfortable with it. Not only was it impossible to put on and take off my herself, but it made her a target. Disabled as she is, she tries hard not to do/wear anything splashy. I'm more than up for making or buying something for her. I crochet well. She watches tv, movies mean taking 2 trains and 2 elevators, so she doesn't often go. I tried cologne one year. I repackaged it into a spray bottle with a large handle. It sprayed wonderfully well, but she couldn't hold it still enough not to spray her eyes. I don't know what she'd consider pretty things. Her shoes are special, because they have to work with her braces for her to be able to transfer. Home decor or Amazon sound great. The Bose does too, but I can't fit that into my budget. I might speak with parents about that- they have a hard time with ideas as well. She wants nothing for her wheelchair- so emphatically I didn't dare ask why. I suspect it's a reminder of how differently she would choose to live. Her mom and dad struggle with gift ideas every year. It sounds as though I should go with Amazon, Audible or perhaps restaurant certificates. Thanks again for all the great ideas, very helpful!

 

[CookieLee]

Other thoughts ...

~ I love those LED, battery operated candle-look or real wax scented candles. They are inexpensive and once they are turned on they will "burn" for a long time without running out of battery power. Some even plug in and, since they are LED, can be left plugged in. They give the ambiance of candles burning without the danger of an open flame plus it acts like a nightlight.

~ Since she loves eating out and movies, gift cards are your best bet ... especially considering the distance. They are at least easy to ship.

~ An easy to access purse?

~ Photos - this might be a good one for her parents to do since it becomes expensive if you're not careful. If you go to Snapfish (or a similar company) you can upload photos for an event or just a whole year and then make a custom lay-out and get it printed. You could do a book for her childhood or one of all her friends. I make a book every year for DD - like a yearbook but it is pictures of all the interesting things she did that year. I made a collage poster for my mother-in-law of all her children and their extended family. Alternately you could look for a reasonably priced electronic picture frame for her and load it with a bunch of photos. Some have memory cards (less expensive) and some are wireless so you can upload new photos from afar.

~ Pay for a Netflix account for a year?

~ It sounds like she wouldn't enjoy anything that is "for her handicap" so this might not help but I love the catalog "Active Forever". They have a website.

 

[sunshine]

Crocheted blanket for her bed? Cr9cheted hat/scarf/mittens?

 

[marjorie]

Have done several crocheted winter accessories. Very polite thank you notes A blanket or something might be an idea though. I made a huge afghan one year for a wedding gift (large enough for her new sil and brother to completely wrap up in. It took 8 months because it ended up about 6 x 8 or 9 feet. My nephew is extremely tall!). She told her mom she'd like something like that, so certainly a possibility.

 

[CPA-Kim]

I'd get her an Amazon card so she can get what she wants.

 

[marjorie]

Of all the silly things when I was able to see her and ask if there was anything special she wanted she asked for inexpensive baking pans. Inexpensive because she doubts she can use them, but she's trying hard to become more independent. She also asked what she could cut vegetables with- how did I become the family expert on cooking?- and I suggested a hand chopper. I'll let her mom know they have them for under $20 in easy grip, dishwasher safe at Bed,Bath and Beyond. Most strangely of all, she wants a heart shaped medical alert id. I have one that I use as a pendant, and get lots of compliments from the 20-30 age group. Her mom is not too thrilled with this idea as she doesn't think it would be beneficial. I think she's seeing it as a fashion statement! lol Thanks again all!