need idea for gift

[tigerlilly01]

My mother in-law's birthday is this weekend and I would like to get her something really special but I don't have a lot of $$$$$.  Any ideas?  She is a very special lady and she will be 72. 

[CHANEYLAKEGIRL]

How about something homemade? Do you can, cook, bake, sew, crochet, knit, do woodworking? I always think homemade gifts are the best. 

[wiersmak]

My MIL loves tea, so I get her different varieties with a nice mug.  She also loves daisies, so she gets a boquet of those.

[dreamyxo]

Has she mentioned anything she wants or needs?  Have a conversation with her but don't outright ask what she wants if you want it to be a surprise.  Listen to clues as to what she likes or might want in a simple conversation.  Does she collect anything, is her house decorated in any themes?  What are her likes and interests? 

[Gerianne]

an afghan is a nice gift......a lap size one. hope you or a friend can make one.

[blondie71]

I use to run a small collectable and gift store and I also sold Avon and what I would do with some of it is make little gift baskets so that it was affordable.  But you would have to know what kind of bath stuff she likes or parfume.  Avon as a lot of little .99 trial size stuff that would make a good gift basket.  I don't run my store anymore but I do sell avon.  And I know they have great gift ideas and you could make a great gift basket with their stuff.

[catherinedwhite]

If she is 72, she probably doesn't go as much as she used to.
As people get older, they get lonely....the most valuable gift you
can give her is your time.
Take her out to dinner - to a movie - anything to spend time with her
and maybe get her out of the house.
You could even just have her over to your house for dinner and a surprise
birthday cake for dessert.

[Valerie1979]

homemade gifts are great -- or a picture of special people in her life, like grandkids maybe?
i like the something for her house idea
or a gift card for some pampering -- does she go get her hair done regularly or something like that?

I'm sure she will be touched with the thought you put into whatever you choose.

[CharmedPhoenix]

Being in the arts I'm surrounded by people in their 70's and above that are still quite active in the arts so never make assumptions.

I'm a crafter so I would look to make something.  I once gave an anniversary gift to friends of a crocheted coverlet that matched their decor.

Time is short so you need something immediate. 

How about a homemade coupon book of services you could provide her that would be special to her.  If you have computer graphic skills or scrapbooking skills that could be a beautiful thing.

Maybe a memory book or calendar with pictures of you kids or family get togethers or your husband's life or her life.  Walgreen's and Wal-Mart photo department and many places online could help you put it together.

The gift basket idea is great.  If she likes to cook and you knit, crochet or sew you could make her a kitchen set to match her decor and combine it with some fresh herbs, maybe a kitchen gadget.  If it's in your budget you could use a cooking or storage vessel (pot, pan, casserole dish, etc.) instead of a basket.

Does she like to sew?  Quilts?  Perhaps some supplies, quilt squares, etc. in a pretty storage container.

Is she a scrapbooker?  A bundle of cool background papers, letters and decorations (that apply to her life and family), tied in a pretty ribbon would make a nice gift.  Might even add a tool or two.

If she has a beloved pet you might create or purchase something for them along with some homemade treats.

There are many things you can personalize with photos these days such as mugs, keychains, tote bags, clothing... 

Does she like movies?  Perhaps a movie theater gift certificate or a few of her favorite movies on DVD.

A few of her favorite music CD's.

A book she has wanted.  Perhaps a biography of someone she admired.

Do you have a garden?  You could make a basket of fresh produce from your garden with some new recipes.

Good luck and have fun with it. If it's from the heart she'll love it whatever you choose.

[PMZ908]

how about a chia pet obama

[Lusie]

I agree with the spending time with her or making something yourself. If you live near her and you know what kind of hobbies she likes buy a few simple things that you and her could do together. My dads parents loved card games and checkers and going for drives so that is what we did for them for their special days.

[eveb]

i'm a big fan on doing things from the heart. going over and spending quality time with her, while offering to do dinner or even serving breakfadt n the bed will last longer than any gift she will reeive. My mom B-Day was last week Sat. my daughter and I ask her what she wanted n she said all she wanted was a personal chocolate cake. so of course my daughter went for it and just watchig her face light up as we talked and she went back 4 second was a moment to remember for a life time........It was from the heart.

[masked_brown_guy]

give her a hug. A two armed one, none of that one arm patting crap. they are affordable and make for great surprises.

[lorettahknox]

I would give her a journal and a golden pen to write down her life experiences to share with her children and grandchildren. I would get the most beautiful one I could find and put it in a decorative gift box, wrap it with a damask designed gift paper  almost like a wedding gift. I would adorn it with giant white fabric roses and streams of ribbons and bows. You would think it was a gift for the queen of england  and a card and have your husband and the children sign it. That would be a beautiful gift from the heart.