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Christmas gift ideas please

(22 Posts)
Marmin Sun 27-Sept-26 12:20:06

We volunteer at a local charity holding a weekly meeting for OAPs. A local shop has offered to allow us to tie tags to their in store Christmas tree. These tags would have ideas for inexpensive gifts written on them. There are over 100 tags so we are asking for ideas. About £5. We've got chocolate and biscuits but would welcome some inspiration.
We support people of both sexes and some have reduced mobility.
Many thanks.

Graphite Sun 27-Sept-26 12:47:08

My village library does this for a local care home for adult residents who have a variety of conditions, physical and cognitive.

It’s a generic structure rather than a tree so it’s suitable for other times of year. It usually appears for Valentine’s Day and Easter as well as Christmas.

The potential recipients (or their carers) fill out the tags.

Some say they would like a jigsaw or other kinds of puzzles including puzzle books, board games, books to read, colouring books, pencils and pens, art supplies and craft kits, toiletries, hats, warm socks, costume jewellery, small ornaments.

I hope that helps.

NotSpaghetti Sun 27-Sept-26 13:02:44

Easy-grip type jar opener
Long-handled shoehorn
Motion sensor plug in nightlight
Long-reach grabber tool
Extra long charging cable
Adult colouring books
Adult puzzle books
China mug
Gentle, non-irritating lotion/ crean for dry skin
Small posy of silk flowers
Spikey rubbery ball for foot exercises
Wheat bag that can be warmed in the microwave
Toiletries
Scent diffuser
Set of coasters
Soft scarf

pably15 Sun 27-Sept-26 14:34:14

Gloves
Woolie hat
Shampoo
Sweets

lilypollen Sun 27-Sept-26 18:58:24

Rechargeable reading light, clips onto a book.
Bought one last year on ebay, under £6.

Rocketstop2 Sun 27-Sept-26 19:10:44

Torch
Key rings
Bag Charms
Hand warmers (I mean the ones that you squeeze and it releases heat )
marker pens
Small diary
Notebook
Calendar
Hot choc sachets (They do sets with maltesers, galaxy, bounty sachets for under £5)
Small shortbread tin
Nail polish

Chardy Sun 27-Sept-26 21:55:21

Mandala colouring books are lovely, but there are all sorts of mindfulness books
The Works do a Granny Square crochet kit for £3, and other crochet kits too

StTrinians Sun 27-Sept-26 22:05:56

Warm gloves, warm socks, warm hat.
A beannie baby, or small cuddly toy.
Juggling soft balls.
Small bean bags.
A photo frame.
A small picture.
A nice cup or mug, maybe musical?!
A statuette.
A little music box.
A scarf.
Hand cream.
A shawl.
A nice bar of soap.
A small rug.

madeleine45 Sun 27-Sept-26 22:26:16

an oven glove set where you have a longer length with the pockets at either end. These can be easy to make and the ones in the shops now are too short.

An apron that really covers you to do baking in. Again any real cook will like a good cover not just one of those minute things that doesnt keep flour off your clothes at all

Marmin Mon 28-Sept-26 04:47:45

We are very grateful for all your ideas.
Thanks very much.

Margs Mon 28-Sept-26 08:18:56

Ooh, it's still too early IMHO!

NotSpaghetti Mon 28-Sept-26 08:27:51

I suppose Margs if you leave this kind of thing you don't have time to organise, implement, collect, sort, wrap things.

I used to do this for children of families in financial distress and children in refuge and had to start ridiculously early to get all the work done.
Even then I was often personally dropping gifts off on Christmas eve.

I don't know if that's why Marmin is early - but I expect so.

Astitchintime Mon 28-Sept-26 08:44:52

A not so small diary……..I say this because I was looking at some in the stationers just recently and the spaces to write were so small…….A5 would be my choice to be honest, yes I know it might not fit in a handbag but it’s a good size to be able to find and use at home!

NotAGran55 Mon 28-Sept-26 08:58:56

I was providing treats for a party at a care home, and it was suggested by the home, that Maltesers were popular chocolates as they were easy to eat.

Applegran Mon 28-Sept-26 15:57:25

Books

sharon103 Mon 28-Sept-26 16:29:15

I've just looked on the Boots website and they've got some really lovely things. £4, £5 and less and they look more expensive than that. Type in, gifts for £5

granto3 Mon 28-Sept-26 16:43:34

My "go to" is Google if I am stuck for ideas. Lots of things you can purchase if you ask Google for items for both men and women. Simples

BridgetPark Mon 28-Sept-26 16:44:14

I recently received two small reference books, illustrated, of garden birds and trees native to England. Lovely to flick through for finding information, only £4.99 each.

FranP Tue 29-Sept-26 19:00:36

Posh marmalade (preferably whisky one)
Individual Christmas or sponge puddings are very popular with elderly foodbank customers
Jar of good coffee

Bazza Wed 30-Sept-26 09:35:56

I’ve just received a soft padded glasses case from Etsy, under a fiver, beautifully home made in William Morris fabric, postage 80p. I love it and will be buying more for small gifts. No I’m not the one making them!

Marmin Sat 03-Oct-26 13:14:00

A final thank you, we have today submitted our ideas for gifts as October 3 was our deadline to do so.
Most of our ideas are taken from your many suggestions, so a big thank you once again.

NotSpaghetti Sat 03-Oct-26 14:57:56

Hope the appeal is successful.
Well done for sorting it. I know how much work it can involve!