*Help* Can anyone suggest a present for my grandads 80th?

Question

Hi everyone, I need you help.

Can someone please help me with a gift idea for my grandad who is 80 in september, he is a typical old guy so a walking stick maybe? I need it to look/be special. He does have a bad heart so nothing too exciting please. If you can make a suggestion THANK YOU! and it would be even better if you have a link.

Thank You Everyone

Cade

=]

Answer 1

Without me knowing what your grandpa likes and dislikes, it makes it very hard to know what he might like and might not like.

My dad is 85 and for his birthday I got him a cane every year for the past 5 years or so. The canes don't look alike nor are they the same style either. That way he can pick the one he wants to use when he is at home or when he goes to town. Folks that will use a cane normally don't just have one cane, they have several of them. I will tell you that the first cane that I got for my dad, he didn't like it very well at all, but in time he was thankful that he had one. Although from time to time he tries to get out of using it, but I think that is just to get attention.

Another thing that I got for my dad was an aquarium. I got different fish in it with many different color (male and female guppies and neons for sure), and also a miniature African frog. Before you start mixing different kinds of fish together, make sure they are compadible with each other. He has been known to sit and watch that tank for hours on end. He really gets a thrill out of watching the little frog. Just make sure that if you decide to get him the aquarium that you are the one that is to clean the tank. Also keep him supplied with the food that is needed for the fish so as it will not be an expense on him. When I first got the aquarium, he acted like he didn't like it. But as time went on, he fussed at me when he thought that I was taking it out.

And last but not least, do get him a birthday card. If he likes humor, then make it a humorous card.

Answer 2

Do NOT give someone a cane,

unless you are positive that it will NOT be an insult!!!

If this does not apply to your relative?

Find the store that has canes, then take your grandad there -

Let him pick out the one he might enjoy having?

Older folks can use a lot of LIGHT for seeing/reading.

Bookstores have neat little lites that clip on for this -

  

Answer 3

Supscription to 'Reminisce' magazine. I think he would really like it. My dad is 84 and he as well as I have subscribed to it for several years. It is chocked full of stories, old pictures and memories from years gone by. Here is the link. It isn't very expensive.

http://www.reminisce.com/Default.asp?r_d...

Answer 4

We just had a family member turn 80 in July and we gave her a subscription to "Reminisce" magazine. It is a wonderful way to remember all the great memories of the past and people write in their stories. So much info and fun. Here is the website to take a glance:

www.reminisce.com

*edit*:  Jackie and Short beat me to it. lol. They are right. Great idea.

Answer 5

How about getting together all the photos you have of him and asking your rellies if they have some of when he was growing up and get them to write a bit about the photo and put together a "This Is Your Life Book" for him.  Or may be present it as a Power Point Presentation at his birthday party.

Answer 6

When my Dad was in his 70s, his absolute favorite gifts were annual passes to the local racetrack (he loved the ponies, and enjoyed nothing more than playing the $1 exactas and getting a super cheap lunch).  He also enjoyed being taken to baseball games and concerts (the last one we took him to was Johnny Mathis' Christmas show).  Both of my folks really enjoyed the evenings out with a "chauffeur" (my husband) because they no longer liked to drive at night, or navigate a busy parking lot, or a will-call window.  Also, they liked that my husband could man Dad's wheelchair if he was too tired to use his cane.

One more.  Dad used to be an avid fisherman.  Even though he wasn't physically able to fish anymore, he still liked getting fishing papers and magazines (on the west coast, a good one is Western Outdoor News).

Oops.  One more.  I made my parents (who were fans of the big bands) mixed CDs, which they LOVED.  Be creative.  My Dad's all-time favorite song was "Danny Boy."  I made him a CD with 16 versions of the song, ranging from the Glenn Miller Orchestra, to Mario Lanza, to Harry Connick Jr., to Roy Orbison.

Answer 7

you should be able to find a good book on the history of places where your grandad grew up etc., try amazon, i'm sure he will find this very interesting,

i bought my elderly dad one,showing the streets,areas, shipyards etc. where he was involved when he was younger.

it's difficult to know what to suggest not knowing your grandads interests. if he likes gardening, how about bird boxes so he can enjoy the wildlife or some kinds of unusual vegetable or flower seeds/plants.

Answer 8

That is a good idea if he needs a cane. I would suggest a nice family photo. Keep the memories going for him, every time he looks at that he will think of those he loves.

Answer 9

Recently, I bought myself and my 87 year old Father a very large magnifying glass with a light in it .So many directions/instructions on medicine in particular are so small this comes in real handy.It was $20.00 in a drug store. 8/19

Answer 10

Go to a store where they sell unique canes and get him one.  It will always be a conversation piece with people to strike up a conversation with him!!  He will love it!!!!  They love any attention they can get!!  My 96 year old friend is full-blood Ponca and his cane is beaded and he is really proud of it.  Give him something that is "him"!!!  Know what I mean??  Kinda personal!!!!

Answer 11

Something you make yourself would be wonderful. For example, you could approach people who know your Grandad and ask them to write a story about some thing they know about or did with him. Put them together with some photos and create a memory book. Or burn your own CD of music that means something to him. Or collect some of his favorite foods and fruits and make a goody basket. Last idea: create a "coupon book" of things you will do with or for him over the next year. Let him "redeem" them as he chooses. One could be a Saturday matinee. Another a trip to a favorite restaurant. Another could be vacuuming out his car. You get the drift.

Answer 12

A vibrating Gilette razor with triple blades for a really close shave.

http://www.gillettefusion.com/us/custom/...

A "Senior Living" magazine subscription if he reads.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_mag?ur...

Answer 13

It's hard to suggest because you didn't give us any insight of what his interests are, what type of personality he has, how mobile he is...

A house plant or tank full of fish is always good for elderly people, it gives them something to do during the day and watching a life form grow under his/her constant care gives them great satisfaction.  I think elderly people need most is some sort of meaningful activity to fill up occupy their day.

That is, of course, if your Grandpa is interested in cultivating things.  If not, then maybe a CD walkman for him to listen to when he takes your walking stick for strolls in the park.  

Answer 14

see if you can find a hard copy of ":the moral compass" it is a great good for all ages -- i have one and i call it my apt book -- everytime i go someplace where i know i will be waiting from 10 minutes to an hour i take it and use it to pass the time!!!

Answer 15

How about a recent family photo put into a really nice frame or a recent photo just of you?

edit: Jackie Blue...You are so right about the magazine. I subscribe to it & I love it. Good Old Days is another great magazine.

Answer 16

Give him a nice Music CD to listen when ever he feels lonly. May be some nice classic music or meditation music. If not a nice shirt up to you. But don't think too mush.  

Answer 17

Yes a nice walking stick and a photo of him with it. Then frame the photo and give it to him.