Things To Consider When Shopping For Senior Women On Mother’s Day

When you get to my age, gifts on Mother’s Day are less significant. The majority of us don’t need “stuff”.

What is important to me is time spent with my children and grandchildren (albeit difficult when we live in different states), or with near and dear people to help me get through the day.

I understand the need for tradition and recognition and with this, the passing of gifts. Families gain pleasure when they treat their mothers and grandmothers with a gift. However, the majority of us, particularly once we get into the sixties, seventies and eighties, find our need for the average gift changes.

We don’t like waste and prefer to be practical. Naturally, we appreciate what we receive however, we also would like the givers to think carefully about what to purchase.

To be brutally honest, our life span is shorter, our needs are minimal and many of us are at the stage we want to reduce our possessions in an attempt to de-clutter. Psychologically we are in the process of preparing our exit strategy, whether we like to admit it or not.  

My recommendation is to consider your mother’s/grandmother’s  circumstances and interests when buying a gift. Do they live alone, are they mobile, active and independent, financially strained, forgetful and/or sensitive to commercial products? I am sure you will think of more.

Why is it important to think this way? Candles may be unsafe for someone who is forgetful. Also, as the skin ages it becomes sensitive and may react to those lovely scented body lotions. Many older women have limited income and may benefit from a food voucher. If they have poor vision, books may need to be in large print, or if they are tech savvy eBooks may be the way to go.

Some of us love massage vouchers while others say they feel uncomfortable stripping down to their undies, or that their joints are too painful to touch.

When it comes to clothes shopping, whatever you decide, be discreet and research their needs before you buy.

Inexpensive shopping ideas for senior women on Mother’s Day:

1. Vouchers – only if you know they will be used (I love Bunning’s & Spotlight), massages if they like them but ensure they are from their local area. Multiple store vouchers are great if they can be used at both supermarkets and department stores. Choose stores they normally shop at and remind them of the expiry dates. Movie vouchers, normally we get seniors discount so don’t pay full price unless they are still working.
2. Body products – caution on these as they may have a collection of moisturisers from the previous Mothers Day. Many products lose their effectiveness and you can definitely have too many jars in the bathroom.  Always check to see if they have a particular brand for their level of skin sensitivity and tone.
3. Gifts in general – if candles are not suitable (unless they are battery operated) there are various types of diffusers that are safe. If you choose an electric evaporative style, ensure they have a timer, the same with the melt diffusers or at least ones with a cut off point when the melt bowl becomes empty. Essential oils in a jar with diffuser reeds are fabulous as they dispense the scent around each room and are safe. You can never have too many. If unsure of the correct scent lavender is a popular choice. Jewellery, unless specified, we don’t need any, and the same for ‘things that sit on the shelf at home’. Consider IT items and assistance if they are learning about computers and social media, or download Apps for seniors.
4. Personal hand-made gifts will be popular for the obvious reasons and we will always find a spot for recent photographs. Photobooks can be ordered via Facebook and are a fitting gift.
5. Take them to a place that interests them i.e. garden nursery, theatre, galleries.