Marking an 80th birthday: What to give?

Of the many occasions when we present gifts birthdays are among the most significant. "I'm glad you were born", we get to say, "and I wish you many, many more celebrations of your life." It's not about achievement (graduation) or a religious observance (Christmas, Hanukkah). No made-up occasion day (Mother's, Valentine's) can match the one that honours you.

And the "0" birthdays call for a little extra attention.

My MIL turns 80 this June and I'm thinking hard about what to give her. She and FIL (Monique & Maurice, known as "Mo and Mo") live simply, and she's not acquisitive or interested in fashion trends. A textile artist, she has instinctive good taste and sense of design, loves fine things, and receives them graciously.

I refuse to go the gift card route, which is what her three children did for FIL's 70th, to my disappointment- but he was happy.

I want to delight her. Some ideas so far:

1. A swath of cashmere?

Luxury Basketweave Pure Cashmere Throw Blanket (from Overstock.com) is one idea; it's about $125 (in US dollars), and comes in luscious colours. But is it personal enough? (We gave them cashmere cardigans for Christmas so I've used that idea.)

2. Stylish luggage?

They spend several months in Florida in winter and travel through Quebec each summer. Vera Bradley rolling luggage in "Java", a 26-inch rolling duffel is $250 from Village Luggage and Gifts.

3. Earrings?

She's allergic to silver and dresses very "Land's End" in sweaters and wash-and-wear pants. But she wears earrings, so maybe something like these buttons from Netaya: 14K Yellow Gold Garnet & Diamond Button Earrings, $115 on sale. I would not choose this pair; I think the diamonds are too small, at .2ct total weight. But I could take this design to my jeweler and see what he can make.

4. A getaway for two?

Mo & Mo love to travel. I am thinking, if all the children would contribute to a joint gift, of a stay, for example, at Le Chateau Montebello, a gracious red-cedar lodge a short drive away in Quebec. Le Duc would handle the negotiations with his sibs. I think this would really thrill her.

Any ideas are welcome, but I should add she would not like a spa, and has difficulty walking distances, so no hiking.