Christmas gift ideas for 85 year-old man?

[zanana1]

I just learned than an 85 year-old man will be joining us for Christmas. To complicate matters, we hardly have any money left. It'll have to be an inexpensive gift. I've been driving myself crazy trying to come up with gift ideas.
I'd really appreciate any ideas you can give me. You're a creative lot, so I'm sure you'll be able to come up with something. Help!

[zanana1]

1. Hey! Come on! Think! nt

[mnhtnbb]

2. We need more info...

most people at that age don't want more stuff. But if he's living on social security and/or small pension,
then a gift card for groceries or the local theater might be appreciated. If he no longer drives, give
a card promising him he can call you for a ride somewhere once a week for the month of January.

If money is no issue for him, then try to think of someway to provide companionship.

If he has a pet, get a gift certificate for the pet store, or stop by and get a toy for the pet.

[mac56]

3. Stamps and a nice stationery tablet and envelopes.

[NightWatcher]

4. Roll him a big fat joint. Congrats on making it to 85 Christmases

[Fla Dem]

5. If he's a sports fan, how about a team jersey, just a t-shirt one, not an expensive one.

[eppur_se_muova]

6. A new prostate would probably fit the bill. nt

[dionysus]

10. .

[Kali]

13. ...

[Arazi]

7. Homemade cookies/fudge/jam/bread etc

Or something local to your area - a jar of local honey or a 6 pack of a local craft beer

If he drives how about a car wash gift certificate

[pinboy3niner]

17. Food basket was my first thought

If you can find out his likes, it's even better.

And if he likes booze, a bottle of his favorite would be appreciated,

[TuxedoKat]

23. Marshall's and T.J. Maxx

Have food baskets already prepared with gourmet items or you could make up your own, buying different jars of jams, mustard, etc., to put in a basket.

[TexasBushwhacker]

24. I would avoid sweets

A lot of seniors have to watch their blood sugar and/or salt. I'd go with fruit and/or cheese.

[Sherman A1]

28. Agreed

something home made would be most thoughtful and I suspect very much appreciated.

The other thing I can suggest is your time, "be with him" in the moment as much as you can be.

[Laffy Kat]

8. I'm sure just including him in your festivities will be enough.

But if you really want to give him something, give him a consumable gift or maybe lotto tickets, gift card to a theater, booze?

[dionysus]

9. As one poster said.. perhaps a gift card? Do you know his interests, maybe a book about

something he likes or is interested in?

[rurallib]

11. perhaps a pair of slippers?

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

12. A gift certificate for hookers and blow?

Seriously, maybe some old photos in an album (if a relative), or something he likes to eat or drink. A warm scarf or socks?

[Kali]

14. pie

bake him a pie

I don't know of any man (or any person, really) that doesn't like pie

[milestogo]

15. 85 year-old woman

[True Dough]

16. Barbara Eden and Olympia Dukakis are both 85

Just sayin...

[handmade34]

18. yup!

my dad is 88 and all he really wants is a (age doesn't matter) woman

[Donkees]

19. How about heated slippers or shiatsu massager for about $20, or a basket of foot soak powders, etc.

All under $20

[zanana1]

29. Good idea, donkees. nt

[shenmue]

20. Dr. Who DVDs

[MrsMatt]

21. Food items or a gift certificate to a grocery store

At age 85, most people have enough material goods that they don't want any more. It just clutters up their life.

I used to give my dad (before he died) wild caught salmon, smoked fish, etc.

For the past two years, we've given my 83 year old mother in law a subscription for a monthly fruit basket. She loves it.

[femmocrat]

22. That's a great idea.

We used to give elderly relatives gift cards to the supermarket in a little Christmas stocking. They loved it.

You might offer to take him to the store to use it, too.

[nadine_mn]

25. One year I made baskets of candy for my family:brittle, rum balls, cookies

My grandma was all over those rum balls and was trading stuff out of her basket for other people's balls (and that is a weird sentence to write) and if they didn't trade willingly, resorted to emotional blackmail (I'm your mother and I raised you now give me the rum balls).

I see that it has been mentioned that some have to watch their blood sugar so I understand that too. But comfort stuff like food/booze/warm slippers.... maybe a gift card to a book store? I think people just like to know that someone thought of them enough and care to get them something. I would suggest music too - but that is a tough gift to give if you don't know someone well

[Kaleva]

26. A toilet mounted bidet

[applegrove]

27. People that age like things they can use up. Get her some fancy soap.

I once got my blind and deaf grandmother a plastic ornament that smelled of Christmas spices. She loved it.

[zanana1]

30. Thanks to everyone who gave me an idea.

I always come to DU when I need a question like this answered. You guys are the best and the most creative!