Thursday, August 6, 2009

Gifts for the Elderly

A friend asked me today for gift ideas for her grandmother's 90th birthday. Most elderly people don't need any more "stuff" but they'd appreciate knowing how they made a difference in someone's life.

Here are some simple ideas to get you started on thinking "outside the box" when it comes to gift giving:
1. Write a little story with a few memories of things you have done together.
2. Create your own greeting card with your own thoughts & words, with a favorite photo.
3. If you have time, you can make a scrapbook page with photos & some journaling, then frame it for them to keep.
4. Make a favorite recipe from your childhood, such as strawberry pie or chocolate chip cookies.
5. When you take them the gift, spend some time reminiscing about family get-togethers and the events you remember.
6. If you can't spend time with them on their birthday, then please call them. Too often our loved ones sit and wait for us to stop by or call. Go ahead - make their day (and yours, too!) by talking with them often.

EASY FRESH STRAWBERRY PIE

1 Cup Water
3 Tablespoons Cornstarch
1 Cup Sugar
4 Tablespoon Strawberry Gelatin (or one package Sugar-Free)
2-3 drops Red Food Coloring
1 Pint Strawberries
1 baked Pie Shell
Cool Whip, if desired

Cook first 5 ingredients until thickened, then cool.

Wash & hull berries and fold into cooled Glaze.

Pour into cooled Pie Crust.

Serve with Cool Whip, if desired.

8 Servings

5 comments:

Barbara Sher said...

Such great ideas, Beth! The world should know about you. You take an approach that is sound because it comes from the heart of a very smart lady.

I've shown your book and site to about 4 people, all of whom said the same thing: I've always been so overwhelmed by the idea of writing down my parents' histories, or mine for that matter. But I could actually do this!!

I'll be taking your advice myself, very soon. Warmest regards and thanks for all you do.

Beth (Elizabeth) LaMie said...

Barbara,
Thanks for your kind remarks. I try to help people understand how they can start with one small story or even a fragment of a memory.

Writing family stories should not be an onerous task, especially once you get several family members involved. In fact, it can be fun when everyone compares what they recall from a particular event.

Patty Newbold said...

These are great ideas, Beth. Any suggestions for those of us who missed the scrapbooking craze? Where's the best place to get ideas for scrapbook page layouts?

Beth (Elizabeth) LaMie said...

Patty,
That is a great question. One of the easiest ways to get started is to look at a website like www.scrapbooking.about.com. They have a blog, newsletter and lots of helpful snippets by topic.

In fact, your question deserves a blog entry of its own, so please watch for it tomorrow.

RachelZCornell said...

Ooh, I like the idea of baking someone their own specialty treat.
Something they had been known for.

Then I could get pointers from the "expert" if it needs a wee bit more of this or that.

It would a great way to open up a conversation and have more than a superficial visit. That really seems to be at the heart of what you offer us Beth, a way to be closer and talk to loved ones! Thank you!