A dear friend, Marcelle, age 85, is recovering from a minor stroke. She's almost back to her capable self after a stint in rehab. I'm about to send a gift to celebrate her return to her gracious home on Cape Cod. (She doesn't read blogs, so my surprise remains secret.)
Here are some options, which may be useful to those shopping for Mother's Day, spring birthdays or other April occasions.
My mother could sniff out an "old lady" gift faster than substandard gin in her Collins. Those were relegated, after perfunctory thanks, to the depths of her guestroom dresser. So I take it as a mission to find gifts that are kind to the challenges of mobility and vision but aren't dull or dispiriting. Tell me how I did!
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| Pendleton lake blue heather cardi |
A washable three-quarter sleeve cotton cardi does up easily and makes a snuggly spring layer. Price, $98 from Pendleton.
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| Tagua nut bracelet |
The organic shape and gorgeous colours of this tagua nut bracelet from the Art Institute of Chicago makes a chic spring accessory. It's a stretch style, so no fiddly clasps. Price, $72.
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| Silk marble-printed scarf |
A 56" x 11"
silk peacock marble scarf is less fabric to manage than a shawl, rich, elegant and so pretty with nearly any colour top. Also from the Art Institute of Chicago; price, $65.
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| Victorian print rain boot |
Spring is rainy on the Cape, and my friend is longing to get outdoors again. These cheeky, cheery
Victorian print rain boots will get her going. And I know her size, it's the same as mine. Hmm, rain boot twins? Price, $49 from Shoebuy.com.
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| Frivolous Pink by Marcelle |
But for another woman, I'd pick lippie
in a beautiful case: the
Guerlain Jewel Lipstick Compact designed by Place Vendome jeweler Lorenz Baumer. One click opens the lipstick and mirror, perfect for restaurant touch-ups. (Not that the elder would refresh her make up at the table!) She'll get major powder room props when she flicks this open with one click. Price, $46 at Sephora.
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| Guerlain Jewel lipstick compact |
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| Hanro waffle-texture robe |
An elder Mum appreciates beautiful loungewear as much as her daughter, but delicate silk requires too much upkeep, and she might not want to answer the door in it. Hanro's waffle knee-length robe wraps her in textured cotton with a pretty trim at cuffs and hem–and it's washable. Price, $160 from Bare Necessities.
Writing this on a drizzly morning, I'm leaning toward the rain boots (for both of us!) But I'll wait to hear your ideas, or your vote.
Comments
Darla
Francie
I like all your choices, although the robe isn't exactly thrilling and may duplicate. The rest are really quite fun.
I had already admired the sweater in a recent Pendleton's catalog, but don't need it because I have something similar. I think it would be a GREAT gift.
I had never thought of giving someone lipstick before. I have given a lipstick case. Coach used to make them with a little mirror inside. Sadly, they don't have them any longer.
Now I must say, my very manners-conscious grandmother used to pull out her lipstick and tiny mirror after a meal and give herself a quick, deft swipe right at the table. From this I always took it to be acceptable. When I posted about this on my blog way back, the Nay's outvoted the Yea's by 2-1.
All your choices are lovely, but the boots made me smile.
C.
The 'no clasp' bracelet would be a good gift also.
Thanks for the excellent suggestions.
I loathe the cardigan. My 88 year old mother would smell 'old lady' on it fifty feet away. Besides, it doesn't have pockets and is a boring colour. If you want to get her a robe, get her a floor length turquoise fleece - old ladies like warm.
What about some great designer earings with hooks instead of stud fasteners? Something from L'Occitane? A bottle of Glenfiddich?
My rule is to never buy anything for an old lady that I wouldn't wear or use myself. When you add mobility and vision issues into that mix, you do indeed have some challenges.
William is so right - you are a valuable and valued friend with great taste and generosity and a great big heart.
I think the cozy sweater would be a wonderful gift. I agree with the others that the lipstick with her name on it is a "must" to include. I think these two items would be fun to open, as well as useful.
P.S. My mother finds it hard to put on high boots at her age; perhaps a lower pair would be easier for Marcelle, if you go that route.
P.P.S. Great post! I usually buy my mother something from Talbots. A cardigan sweater that Pseu recommended was a big hit.
Interesting how polarized the votes are, people love/hate both the cardi and rain boots. And thanks for the ideas I haven't thought of like a cashmere tee.
Anon@4:57- Her son has deluged her with movie dvds, it's a great idea.
diverchic: Wouldn't give a fleece robe, polyester is neither her thing nor mine.
My sisters and I often give our Gran (soon 98) a generous gift certificate to a small local bookstore. She loves going and getting recommendations from the owner. Since she's a voracious reader, it's a perfect gift.
And as cliched as it may seem, our other gran loved getting exotic fruit-of-the-month gifts -- the kind of thing you won't find in the local supermarket, like cherimoyas, mangoes, etc. For those on a reduced budget or with limited mobility, that sort of treat is often out of reach.
My friend has a Kindle- brilliant as every book can be large print.
The sweater speaks of comfort but also of staying home (recuperation) and although the lipstick promises more, the bracelet says there is life beyond the current setback, if it is her style, of course.