Every year I ask my mother-in-law, Suz, for my annual favor – to crowdsource from her friends what Boomer moms really want for Christmas. When I first began this series, I was surprised and inspired by some of the responses (no framed photos anymore, yes to experiences). Many Boomers downsize, have too many things and still have finite money (most of them are retired). They are therefore very specific on what to buy and not to buy. Suz and her friends did it again which I can’t thank them enough. Ladies, you ladies owe me a round of Golf on Me:) Take that away Suz!
I would like to thank all of my friends for their wonderful gift ideas and memories. All of us ladies over 70 agree that we don’t want cutesy vases or ceramic decorations as we are all trying to downsize and be rid of those things. We want to learn new things and have experiences that will keep the dementia devil away.
Now let’s go:
Augustinus The Body Lotion| Kate Somerville Dry Skin Saver | Augustinus Bader The Body Lotion
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+ Sunscreen | EltaMD UV Lotion Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 Plus | Supergoop! PLAY Everyday SPF 50
Dry skin is a common problem. Body lotions are consumed by the gallon. You can also use sunscreen creams. Just check to make sure they aren’t heavily scented or too thin. These three products are highly rated.
Dermalogica Super Rich Repair Moisturizer| Dermalogica Super Rich Repair Moisturizer
Vitamin C serums have become very popular. I use ISDIN Vitamin C and Dermalogica Super Rich repair. I’ve even got Em hooked on that vitamin C serum:)
Electric Feet Callus Removers| Electric Feet Callus Removers
We hate wearing flip-flops or sandals during the summer because our feet are shriveled up and crusty. We love home remedies such as hydrating foot masques and callus removal.
One year, my children treated me to a six-month pilates course at my favorite studio. This is one of my favorite gifts. If they don’t love or do pilates, find out what activity your mom or grandmother does like and treat them to it. It’s a guaranteed winner.
Asics Women’s Gel Renma Pickleball Shoes: The Perfect Gift for Her| ASICS Women’s Gel-RENMA Pickleball Shoes
Pickleball has become a huge hit with our age group. I don’t play, but friends suggest paddles, balls, shoes & socks.
Ellen Merchant Bocce Ball Game | Bocce Ball Set | Bocce Ball Lawn Game
Bocce ball has also become a popular game. A membership to a nearby club would make a great gift. But if they haven’t played before (or in a while) but you think they’d like it, consider grabbing them a set to play with.
Foliage Fine Art: Watercolor Workshop
Learning opportunities: In-person painting classes or even online virtual classes like a Foliage Fine Art Watercolor workshop looks like a good one.
Black Faux Leather Mahjong Game Set | Leather Bridge Game Set
Mahjong, bridge and other games are popular. Lessons would be wonderful.
I kayaked for the very first time with my college best friend in Whitefish Montana. I loved it and would like lessons. Paddleboarding lessons too! P.S. Groupon has local deals!
Callaway Women’s 2023 X-Tech Golf Glove | Callaway Golf 2021 Supersoft Golf Balls | Women’s Golf Ankle Sock 3-Pack
Golfers can use golf cart seat covers in winter to protect vinyl seats from cold. They also need golf balls, gloves and socks.
Soft Lounge Sleep Set
The Relaxed Pant 27”| The Relaxed Pant 27.5″
Everybody loves comfy loungewear. Snoozies are the slippers of a friend. These slippers can be washed, which makes them ideal.
We’re always in need of mani-pedis. Or a really nice spa day… Massages are also very welcome. Who doesn’t like a massage??
AMC Gift Card| AMC Gift Card
You can give tickets to local theatres, concerts, lectures, or movie screenings. Experiences are the best.
Adjustable Cushioned Dog harness| Adjustable Rope Dog Leash | Adjustable Cushioned Dog Harness
We have so many friends who are adopting puppies or rescue animals! I don’t get it, but any pet toys or gear would probably be a great gift.
The Blouqs Co.| Flowerbx Subscription | The Blouqs Co. Subscription
My friend’s kids send her a bouquet of flowers every month. I love that idea.
I had several suggestions from friends for capturing grandparents’ memories:
My Life Story – So Far Journal
“My Life Story – So Far” from Uncommon Goods is great. I like that it makes you write down the answers to the questions. Bob’s parents did something similar years ago and I like seeing the actual handwriting.
Storyworth
Storyworth is also very popular. It requires weekly emails where questions and answers are selected. The book is then compiled at the end. This is a gift both for them and for you.
Life Story Interview kit
A game called “Life Story Interview Kit” is a game in which children and grandchildren draw cards with questions for the grandparents. This is so interactive!
7″ Digital Picture Frame with Mat Natural Wood | Aura Carver 10.1″ WiFi Digital Picture Frame
Many people love digital picture frames. A great way to enjoy your family’s adventures and memories without having the photos take over your house.
INNO STAGE Gardening Tool Set 10 Pieces with Storage Seat
I love to garden and saw a cute gardening kit – INNO Stage makes a 10-piece gardening tools set with a storage bag and most importantly, a seat to save back strain.
Green Acres Gift Card – CA and TX
Any gardener would love a gift certificate from Green Acres, or any other local nursery.
Helen’s Wine Club | Woman-Owned Wineries Wine Club
A membership in a wine-club is a wonderful gift for wine lovers. If they live in wine country or near one, local wineries would also be great.
There are 1000+ Sudoku puzzles for adults.|
Color Me Jane: An Adult Coloring Book of Jane Austen | Painter’s Palette Puzzle
For rainy days and plane trips: Magazine subscriptions, adult coloring books, jigsaw puzzle books, and Sudoku books. Keep your mind busy and have fun with a variety of activities.
Set of 6 Simple Flower Oil Paintings| Green Adult Paint-By-Numbers Kit | Simple Flower Oil Painting (Set of 6)
I love the paint-by number kits but not the complicated ones. There are many good ones available right now.
Photo books of my Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations would be great. Companies like Shutterfly, Artifact Uprising, Chatbooks, etc. All of them can do it.
Another great idea that came up while having lunch with high school friends was one of them said her favorite gift was photo book called “What I Love About Grandma” (or Sue Sue, or Yaya, etc). Under the photos were captions from grands like “because she reads to me, because she hikes with me, bakes cookies, dances, etc.
Amazing Grace Eau de Toilette
For those who like perfume, that’s always a nice gift. Be sure to ask what’s a favorite. Personal, I like Grace by Philosophy.
Born (Waterproof)| Born Ready (Waterproof!) | Zenyu Fan Chain Necklace Set
2-Piece Watch Chain Necklace| Toggle Chain Necklace Set
A thoughtful and stylish gift is stylish jewelry. The layered chain looks are popular with my group. It’s a big hit now.
Personalized M&Ms
One friend loved a gift of M&Ms with pictures of their grandkids on them. This is a great gift for someone who has a sweet taste.
A few friends have said that a surprise trip to the mountains with their children was their favorite gift. (No offense, Ems!) Some friends have said that they love going on vacation with their families. In Hawaii, one woman was surprised when her entire family showed up wearing shirts that matched the dress she wore. These are large gifts, but if you can make them special they will be.
I love when Brian or Emily fly our grandkids for a week to spend with us in the summer. Bobba, my wife and I spoil them. Last but not least we love receiving handmade gifts from our grandchildren and reading their writings. For those of us with grandchildren living far away, we would love to have a weekly FaceTime session. It’s all about staying connected that means the most.
I want to thank all of my friends for their contributions. I hope this helps.