Birthday gift ideas for 70-year-old aunt?
October 25, 2022 10:11 AM Subscribe
I’m looking for gift ideas for my favorite aunt who’s in her 70s. She likes what most ladies that age would like- she’s ‘basic’ if that weren’t a pejorative. Have you given a successful gift to a woman that age recently?
Gifts that have gone over well: throw blanket, nightgown, wine glasses, slippers, etc. Basic items that were a little special in some way. Thank you!
Gifts that have gone over well: throw blanket, nightgown, wine glasses, slippers, etc. Basic items that were a little special in some way. Thank you!
It's that time of year when elderly aunts really appreciate a nice cashmere scarf.
(Source: my mother is only a bit younger than your aunt, and pretty basic in the same way. A nice coffee/tea cup, maybe Emma Bridgewater, might also work. But I also find great mugs at Target for like 1/5 the price.)
posted by verbminx at 10:40 AM on October 25, 2022 [4 favorites]
(Source: my mother is only a bit younger than your aunt, and pretty basic in the same way. A nice coffee/tea cup, maybe Emma Bridgewater, might also work. But I also find great mugs at Target for like 1/5 the price.)
posted by verbminx at 10:40 AM on October 25, 2022 [4 favorites]
One of the best gifts I ever got was a little booklet from my daughter with a list of all of her memories of the things I "did right" as a mom. Since this is your favorite aunt, consider writing up your happy memories of her, maybe in a nice blank book. Include photos if you have them.
(I'm close to your aunt's age, and at this point in my life, I'm focused on cutting down on stuff. New physical objects just seem like something else to take care of unless it's something very useful, like a mug. Not everyone will feel that way of course - you know your aunt.)
posted by FencingGal at 10:47 AM on October 25, 2022 [11 favorites]
(I'm close to your aunt's age, and at this point in my life, I'm focused on cutting down on stuff. New physical objects just seem like something else to take care of unless it's something very useful, like a mug. Not everyone will feel that way of course - you know your aunt.)
posted by FencingGal at 10:47 AM on October 25, 2022 [11 favorites]
I have recently given successful gifts to older people (and TBH I think they would be successful gifts for anyone who lives on their own and does any kind of cooking/meal prep) by making up a box of fancy grocery staples, some from the regular grocery and some specialty. Things I include, varying based on their interests:
Luxury jam - locally made or from nationally awarded brands or even just Bonne Maman depending on what they like
Luxury beans if they cook beans - a package from Rancho Gordo
Fancy canned tuna or salmon - basically the fanciest grocery store Italian kind
Canned pate or spreads
Special but mass produced (so they are shelf stable) cookies or crackers
Some grocery store pepper grinders with fancy pepper blends - these are surprisingly good if you are just used to pre-ground pepper
Fancy dried figs
Various Japanese crackers or some other Asian candies or cookies - there are some really good sesame bars from China, for instance, or some imported cream crackers
A jar of pickled asparagus, local relish or some other special pickles
Capers, anchovies, any little savory thing in a jar that people like to have but don't always buy especially if they have to watch the pennies
Fancy olive oil
I usually walk through the store to see if there is anything else to throw in and then I sometimes pad out the package with non-food stuff like cute towels or an oven mitt.
And of course I look out for anything that the person would like in particular - savories for the savory-lover, chocolate for the person who likes chocolate, etc.
You can also put all this stuff in a nice basket or a useful bin - I get useful but attractive bins from Target.
posted by Frowner at 10:49 AM on October 25, 2022 [12 favorites]
Luxury jam - locally made or from nationally awarded brands or even just Bonne Maman depending on what they like
Luxury beans if they cook beans - a package from Rancho Gordo
Fancy canned tuna or salmon - basically the fanciest grocery store Italian kind
Canned pate or spreads
Special but mass produced (so they are shelf stable) cookies or crackers
Some grocery store pepper grinders with fancy pepper blends - these are surprisingly good if you are just used to pre-ground pepper
Fancy dried figs
Various Japanese crackers or some other Asian candies or cookies - there are some really good sesame bars from China, for instance, or some imported cream crackers
A jar of pickled asparagus, local relish or some other special pickles
Capers, anchovies, any little savory thing in a jar that people like to have but don't always buy especially if they have to watch the pennies
Fancy olive oil
I usually walk through the store to see if there is anything else to throw in and then I sometimes pad out the package with non-food stuff like cute towels or an oven mitt.
And of course I look out for anything that the person would like in particular - savories for the savory-lover, chocolate for the person who likes chocolate, etc.
You can also put all this stuff in a nice basket or a useful bin - I get useful but attractive bins from Target.
posted by Frowner at 10:49 AM on October 25, 2022 [12 favorites]
Give her the gift of your time and attention. Treat her to an outing that you know she'll enjoy. Depending on her taste that could be a concert, a museum, a movie, a meal, a fancy tea or maybe just a nice drive in the countryside.
posted by Too-Ticky at 10:49 AM on October 25, 2022 [12 favorites]
posted by Too-Ticky at 10:49 AM on October 25, 2022 [12 favorites]
I gave my mom at that age the Lego flower bouquet (10280) and from her response, I honestly think it was her favorite gift she's received from me ever. Lego also other botanical items.
posted by Tandem Affinity at 10:53 AM on October 25, 2022 [5 favorites]
posted by Tandem Affinity at 10:53 AM on October 25, 2022 [5 favorites]
If you know what she likes, the older women in my life often seem to respond well to baked goods.
posted by box at 11:02 AM on October 25, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by box at 11:02 AM on October 25, 2022 [2 favorites]
A nice robe? Moderately high-end toiletries (fancy shampoos, soaps, skin creams)? One of those foot massager things?
posted by praemunire at 11:21 AM on October 25, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by praemunire at 11:21 AM on October 25, 2022 [2 favorites]
Best answer: You know those old fashioned picture books? There's a series by Arcadia Publishing called Images of America. They have photo history collections from towns all over the US. Look for the town she grew up in, or perhaps the nearest city, and send her that.
This went over extraordinarily well with a 70-something person in my life a few years ago. Photos now are so ubiquitous, but photos that can evoke a childhood from some many decades ago are pretty special. Honestly, I felt like a genius with this one.
posted by bluedaisy at 11:30 AM on October 25, 2022 [7 favorites]
This went over extraordinarily well with a 70-something person in my life a few years ago. Photos now are so ubiquitous, but photos that can evoke a childhood from some many decades ago are pretty special. Honestly, I felt like a genius with this one.
posted by bluedaisy at 11:30 AM on October 25, 2022 [7 favorites]
I am (almost) 46, my adult kids are all still Lego fans, and my oldest (26) is a collector.
I somehow conned my way into receiving the Bonsai tree (10281) last year (from my ex-husband!) and was so happy. I can totally see myself desiring these clear into my old age. I'd be ecstatic to receive more from the Botanicals series; I'm just terrified to display them with an almost-four-year-old in the house.
Of course, use judgement regarding things like vision, fine motor issues, or willingness to put it together.
Other thoughts: jigsaw puzzles, puzzle books, coloring books, art supplies. Things she can use up or pass on once she's done with them, if desired.
posted by stormyteal at 11:36 AM on October 25, 2022 [1 favorite]
I somehow conned my way into receiving the Bonsai tree (10281) last year (from my ex-husband!) and was so happy. I can totally see myself desiring these clear into my old age. I'd be ecstatic to receive more from the Botanicals series; I'm just terrified to display them with an almost-four-year-old in the house.
Of course, use judgement regarding things like vision, fine motor issues, or willingness to put it together.
Other thoughts: jigsaw puzzles, puzzle books, coloring books, art supplies. Things she can use up or pass on once she's done with them, if desired.
posted by stormyteal at 11:36 AM on October 25, 2022 [1 favorite]
a suggestion up thread made me think of metal bird. if she's into that kind of thing. my parents (in their 70s) really liked the one i got them.
posted by misanthropicsarah at 11:43 AM on October 25, 2022 [3 favorites]
posted by misanthropicsarah at 11:43 AM on October 25, 2022 [3 favorites]
I asked this same question about my beloved then-80-year-old aunt all the way back in 2007, and we ended up getting her a yearlong flowers subscription. She got fresh flowers each month, often seasonally appropriate (daffodils in spring, a poinsettia at Christmas, etc.), and it was a big hit. She'd call every time they arrived and was always effusive about both the prettiness of the bouquet and the excitement of answering the door for the delivery.
posted by AgentRocket at 11:46 AM on October 25, 2022 [10 favorites]
posted by AgentRocket at 11:46 AM on October 25, 2022 [10 favorites]
Had one more thought...
Seriously consider whether or not she's as "basic" as you think, or whether she is just being polite that you remembered her and cared enough to give her a gift, so she'll show appreciation no matter what.
The number of suggestions like slippers, robes, etc, sort of horrifies me. Unless you REALLY know what kind she finds comfortable, what colors she likes, and that she WANTS more, just don't.
(The one real exception to this, so long as the person doesn't have something like circulation issues that make it a problem, or just hate socks, is individually chosen fuzzy/warm socks. Especially better quality ones. Socks wear out, they get lost, and there's a lot less risk of the TOO MANY factor.
The same goes for anything with fragrances, or any sort of skin-applied item. Consider possible allergies or scent dislikes. (And just don't do candles. *Maybe* heated wax, if you know preferred scents, but no candles.)
With foods, because so many people are on special diets or have allergies or dislikes, again, be aware and considerate. Only do something like this if you really KNOW the person.
Even something like live plants can be a burden.
Because otherwise, these items will sit in the cupboard or closet if guilt prevents the person from passing them on, taking up physical AND mental space. And chances are, the person will never ever tell you about it, for fear of hurting your feelings.
And that's not what you want to have happen from your good intentions.
posted by stormyteal at 11:49 AM on October 25, 2022 [5 favorites]
Seriously consider whether or not she's as "basic" as you think, or whether she is just being polite that you remembered her and cared enough to give her a gift, so she'll show appreciation no matter what.
The number of suggestions like slippers, robes, etc, sort of horrifies me. Unless you REALLY know what kind she finds comfortable, what colors she likes, and that she WANTS more, just don't.
(The one real exception to this, so long as the person doesn't have something like circulation issues that make it a problem, or just hate socks, is individually chosen fuzzy/warm socks. Especially better quality ones. Socks wear out, they get lost, and there's a lot less risk of the TOO MANY factor.
The same goes for anything with fragrances, or any sort of skin-applied item. Consider possible allergies or scent dislikes. (And just don't do candles. *Maybe* heated wax, if you know preferred scents, but no candles.)
With foods, because so many people are on special diets or have allergies or dislikes, again, be aware and considerate. Only do something like this if you really KNOW the person.
Even something like live plants can be a burden.
Because otherwise, these items will sit in the cupboard or closet if guilt prevents the person from passing them on, taking up physical AND mental space. And chances are, the person will never ever tell you about it, for fear of hurting your feelings.
And that's not what you want to have happen from your good intentions.
posted by stormyteal at 11:49 AM on October 25, 2022 [5 favorites]
All the gifts I've given my mom (nearly 80 now) that have gone over well have been based on observation of her words and actions. For example, I noticed she was constantly tugging the couch blanket over her shoulders so I got her a lined robe made out of sweatshirt material that she lives in from October to April. I noticed she was banging jar lids with a hammer so I got her the same jar opener I use. She liked it so much she bought a copy to keep in her Florida condo. Anything I got her that "seemed like a good idea" but we just based on hunches I had about what would be a nice upgrade, like a lightweight Rowenta iron or an Instant Pot, have never come out of their boxes.
posted by MagnificentVacuum at 12:15 PM on October 25, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by MagnificentVacuum at 12:15 PM on October 25, 2022 [2 favorites]
I am older than your aunt. I like gifts of food, wine, and toiletries, because I can use them up. What I really like is when people buy me things that are more expensive and fancier than what I buy for myself.
posted by ALeaflikeStructure at 12:17 PM on October 25, 2022 [12 favorites]
posted by ALeaflikeStructure at 12:17 PM on October 25, 2022 [12 favorites]
The best gift my mom has received in years is, according to her, my brother’s impulse buy of a tablet pillow. It is very similar to this one. Mom is a daily ipad user and every evening as she is relaxing on the couch she plays maybe forty five minutes of puzzle and casual games. She also is a voracious reader and library volunteer. Furthermore she has ongoing posture challenges and joint troubles in her wrists and hands. So this pillow thingy holds her iPad in its protective case at the right angle for her to game on the couch hands-free, and she can rest a book on it, and she can use it to elevate her ankles, and so-on. I think my brother grabbed it at bed bath and beyond when he bought some pans. Of course if your aunt is not as technologically inclined as my #gamermom, this would not be a good fit, but Mom was so pleased about it after a week of use she apparently brought it to mahjong night to show it off to her friends.
posted by Mizu at 12:25 PM on October 25, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by Mizu at 12:25 PM on October 25, 2022 [2 favorites]
Every year I get my aunt an amaryllis (forced indoor bulbs) in November or December. She loves it. I have also given her herbal teas, lacey baby alpaca wrist warmers/fingerless gloves (she has trouble keeping warm), sugar free chocolates from a local chocolatier. And she really likes cards from pictures of me and my kiddo. I got my mom a digital picture frame and keep it regularly supplied with grandkiddo pics and she really likes that.
posted by carrioncomfort at 1:17 PM on October 25, 2022 [5 favorites]
posted by carrioncomfort at 1:17 PM on October 25, 2022 [5 favorites]
A lot of the lovely 70 year old ladies in my life have a lot of STUFF, so I've given them memberships to local museums/botanical gardens with great success.
posted by Countess Sandwich at 1:27 PM on October 25, 2022 [10 favorites]
posted by Countess Sandwich at 1:27 PM on October 25, 2022 [10 favorites]
Literally the only thing that I've found that's well received is nice jewelry. Pay attention to what they wear and get them a nicer version of what they like. My parents and inlaws are all downsizing, so "stuff" isn't super welcome. Jewelry is small enough that I don't feel like I'm giving them something that they'll need to get rid of in a year or two.
posted by little king trashmouth at 1:51 PM on October 25, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by little king trashmouth at 1:51 PM on October 25, 2022 [1 favorite]
Downsizing is a thing.
While knickknacks and kitchen/bathroom/hobby supplies sound nice, they are not reasonable for someone with more stuff than they can store.
Clutter is not fun. Trying to remember who sent what so it can be regifted is not fun.
Trying to sort the things that are actually used often from the trinkets that need to be taken to a thrift store is exhausting. See also well-meaning "replacements" because the gift went over so well last time -- not.
Give something that does not take up permanent space and can lead to resentment or misunderstandings if it is discarded.
Shared experiences. A meal, a trip, an adventure. Something that makes memories and a few photos or videos.
A gift certificate to a business that you know they have used before. These tend to go into a sock drawer or wallet and expire, but maybe they will be used.
Ask if you can get a gift membership for them to a local business, since they may already have one.
My go-to for my adult children is a card and cash, which they can use for necessities or to splurge.
posted by TrishaU at 2:24 PM on October 25, 2022
While knickknacks and kitchen/bathroom/hobby supplies sound nice, they are not reasonable for someone with more stuff than they can store.
Clutter is not fun. Trying to remember who sent what so it can be regifted is not fun.
Trying to sort the things that are actually used often from the trinkets that need to be taken to a thrift store is exhausting. See also well-meaning "replacements" because the gift went over so well last time -- not.
Give something that does not take up permanent space and can lead to resentment or misunderstandings if it is discarded.
Shared experiences. A meal, a trip, an adventure. Something that makes memories and a few photos or videos.
A gift certificate to a business that you know they have used before. These tend to go into a sock drawer or wallet and expire, but maybe they will be used.
Ask if you can get a gift membership for them to a local business, since they may already have one.
My go-to for my adult children is a card and cash, which they can use for necessities or to splurge.
posted by TrishaU at 2:24 PM on October 25, 2022
I'm that age. I was just wishing someone would give me a simple cashmere knit hat like the one I wore for so many years until I lost it. If she lives somewhere cold and is not worried about messing up her hair consider this. Here's one that looks like the one I had.
posted by mareli at 2:31 PM on October 25, 2022 [3 favorites]
posted by mareli at 2:31 PM on October 25, 2022 [3 favorites]
My mom just turned 75. We took her out to a Broadway show and dinner. She loved it.
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 3:31 PM on October 25, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 3:31 PM on October 25, 2022 [1 favorite]
My MIL is in her 70s, and she still likes to dress nice when she goes out. Scarves, necklaces and earrings have been well received. She also really enjoyed receiving a digital photo frame to display a revolving slideshow of pictures of her grandchildren, vacation photos, etc. She likes flowers and chocolate, and she's an artist so she's always happy to get nice brushes. Does your aunt have any hobbies? If so, maybe research to find out what are some nice high-end supplies for said hobby.
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 4:39 PM on October 25, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 4:39 PM on October 25, 2022 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Thank you guys so much, these are great ideas! Those Images of America books will make great holiday gifts for a lot of people, too. There are a lot of good suggestions here, I’m going to start shopping. Thanks again!
posted by dianeF at 5:08 PM on October 25, 2022
posted by dianeF at 5:08 PM on October 25, 2022
> She likes what most ladies that age would like-
As far as my experience goes, that means pickleball paddles and dedicated bags to carry them in.
posted by The corpse in the library at 6:44 PM on October 25, 2022 [3 favorites]
As far as my experience goes, that means pickleball paddles and dedicated bags to carry them in.
posted by The corpse in the library at 6:44 PM on October 25, 2022 [3 favorites]
I am almost 70. Would like to second Magnificent Vacuum's response: gifts based on personal observation will always go over well - and it doesn't matter how old/young the recipient is. It really is the thought part that counts - it says, "I know you, I like you and I am interested enough to notice small details about you and remember them when a gift-giving opportunity arises." I would caution against gift certificates unless you are absolutely certain your aunt will use them - if they must be redeemed online make sure she's up to that.
posted by flowergrrrl at 6:46 AM on October 26, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by flowergrrrl at 6:46 AM on October 26, 2022 [2 favorites]
My go to gift for older relatives is Zingermans cinnamon rolls (unless they are on a special diet or something). They come in a nice box, and you just heat them up to eat. Zingermans is a well known family run bakery in Ann Arbor, and when I first moved there everyone made a point to suggest I go try them. They were correct, these are the best cinnamon rolls I've ever had, and all the recipients have loved them.
posted by ananci at 6:56 AM on October 26, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by ananci at 6:56 AM on October 26, 2022 [2 favorites]
My mom once told me that you spend the first half of your life accumulating, the second half offloading.
I think I hit the offload phase myself.
So consumables are always a safer bet.
A magazine subscription, either to something that relates to one of her hobbies or general interest (Real Simple, Better Homes and Gardens, and Southern Living can make good gifts).
And not for nothing, my husband's gran was delighted to receive a little basket of my homemade preserves, and my in laws like a tin of my city's famous cookie. A food gift with a little extra thought will always win.
posted by champers at 7:46 AM on October 26, 2022 [1 favorite]
I think I hit the offload phase myself.
So consumables are always a safer bet.
A magazine subscription, either to something that relates to one of her hobbies or general interest (Real Simple, Better Homes and Gardens, and Southern Living can make good gifts).
And not for nothing, my husband's gran was delighted to receive a little basket of my homemade preserves, and my in laws like a tin of my city's famous cookie. A food gift with a little extra thought will always win.
posted by champers at 7:46 AM on October 26, 2022 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
A bird feeder
Garden ornaments, like for example the little verdigris copper dragonflies and such that you can nestle into a bush
Coffee table book of a subject she likes but isn't an expert in
posted by phunniemee at 10:19 AM on October 25, 2022 [3 favorites]