10 Best Gifts for a Retiree's Christmas chosen by a Retiree

Need to begin thinking about gifts for the retiree on your list? Here is the best that I could find. Let me know what you think.

It seems to me that grandparents are getting younger all the time! I find it true in our RV resort and here in our 55+ neighborhood in Oregon.  And since Christmas is on the way I think you need to keep in mind that what you want they want too. Crocheting has long since gone out of style and lifelong learning is in. Keep that in mind when you buy gift!

Fitbit from Amazon

1. A pedometer would be fun. A Fitbit is a wonderful device. If your parents or grandparents or are walking, why not give them a Fitbit so they can keep track of the miles they go each month. Walking made fun is good.
2. I cannot tell you how many women I talk to regret the fact that their spouse cannot waltz or tango. How about dance lesson as a couples gift.  Even a dance lesson video might be fun. I think my husband and I would be more willing to try this first.
3. I would love a gift card from Amazon or a book store. Better yet give the gift that gives all year...Amazon prime is one of the best gifts around.

   

   Runner headlamp from Amazon
4. I think one of those little headlamps that runners and bicycle riders use is just quirky enough for the man on your list. My husband received one for Christmas several years ago. We like to walk after dark when we are in the RV resort but in the fall and springs we watch for snakes. When my husband is trying to work in a dark place like under the sink it has saved us a lot of quarrels. (Can't you shine the light where I want it? he says.) You may have to convince the man to actually use it but once he does, he will love it. NOTE: Your grandchildren will love these too!
5. Does your favorite senior love to eat but have special needs like a gluten free diet, diabetic safe restrictions or no fat. Find that special treat online for them. Order meal through one of the many services that provide food ordered online. I have a friend that uses them and loves it a lot.
6. I think a mini iPad or something like it is a wonderful gift.  

   

   Mini from Amazon

    
7. If you senior owns an Kindle or a similar device, give them a gift certificate for some apps or publication on the device.
8. Rent a wheel chair so you can take your less mobile parents out for the day. If they have such a thing, make it a beautiful ride. Seniors like cool just as well as the next guy. Just because they are having a hard time getting around temporarily does not mean they should live in a cave.
9. Provide a service. Window washing (you can pay someone else to do this), a room painted, general cleaning (hire a housekeeper for a day), some yard work, spreading of bark dust...you add your own idea.  Be sure you can fulfill your promises though. If you plan to provide the service yourself, set a date for the offer and don't forget.  Your parents/grandparents can be disappointed too. If you are hiring someone, include a gift card for the service.
10. Wrapped presents...serious Grandparents/parents love gifts. If they say they don't, they are liars!  Even a small gift from a department store can be very special if the wrapping or container is beautiful. Your senior will actually find a way to recycle the box!  Make the container part of the gift.

So what would be your favorite? I personally liked the iPad mini. I can see me using it a lot.

Have a wonderful week end. Remember, shop early and avoid the stress. Who needs that?

b+

10 Best Gifts: Mother's Day Dreams

Luxury Hotel / Spa Collection - Waffle / Terry Combo Bathrobe, 
100% Genuine Turkish Cotton, Unisex - size L / XL

Well here it is for the third time (I think). I am going to tell you what to give your MOM on her day. I know, she has everything she wants but give her something anyway. The truth is Mothers like gifts even when we say we don't.

1. Perfume...I cannot tell you how long it has been since I had a new bottle of perfume. I like it lots.

   

   Obsession by Calvin Klein for Women,
    Eau De Parfum Spray, 3.4  Fluid Ounce

2. Flower pot...the emphasis is on the pot but it should be full of flowers. I love succulents because they require less care than most plants but are beautiful.
   

   

   I loved these succulents from the Marthat Stewart DIY website.

   
   

3. A gorgeous hotel bath robe...who wouldn't want that.
4. A beautiful table cloth.  
5. Concert tickets for 4...no one wants to go alone.
6. A cable knit throw for the couch.
7. Snack basket with good cheese and other yummy stuff. Gather the things up yourself and you are going to be the favorite child!
8. A Mother's Day card worth saving!
9. A subscription to a wonderful magazine...girls will be girls!



Ralph Lauren Cable Knit Throw----CAMEL (Light Brown)

10. A message at a day spa...if she is like me, she will need instructions on how to do that but she will love it.

Have fun.

b+

Links:

10 Gift Mother/Grandmother's Would Love 
Mother's Day is Coming....shouldn't you be shopping?
Links to all my Gift Post

10 + 1 Best Christmas Gifts for Senior Citizens by a Senior Citizen!

I do not have this book on my list but 

it is the most important gift you can give. Please, please look at this book on Amazon and order one for a family friend or anyone you love. Galen Pearl is a remarkable woman that wrote this book to raise money for the Edward Center in Portland Area. The center provides residence and vocational help for autistic adults. 

If grandma says she doesn't want t gift, she is a big fat liar! Grandmothers, mothers, and every woman and man on your list likes to be remembers at Christmas. It is an important acknowledgement of their value.

So here is my list of things I would like to have or have gotten in the past...I am assuming other senior citizens will feel the same.

If anyone in your family does not know about or own an Kindle/Nook or iPad, you can be the hero by introducing them to this piece of technology!  You get what you think is best. These devices keep getting better and better. The importance of keeping mentally involved is so important. For people that are suffering from cataracts they are a way of continuing to read.

1. Give a gift certificate for digital books or magazines from Amazon, Barnes and Noble or Apple.
2. Grandma/Grandpa love gift cards just as much as their grandchildren do...get them an Amazon gift card from the whole family.  They will love to just fritter away money without thinking that they should have given it to you!
3. If Grandma/Grandpa are a strong church member or loves charity they will love a gift that will allow them to donate to a charity.
4. Grandma/Grandpa love to snuggle...with a pair of house slippers or a beautiful blanket.I love a silk throw or shawl. Get something that has frivolous written all over it for Grandma.  Buy Grandpa something in plaid!
5. Grandma/Grandpa probably have favorite TV shows...why not buy them the whole television series of their favorite shows.  They will even enjoy a whole season of what you are watching. Grandma/Grandpa like to keep up with the times.
6. You know that fancy restaurant you told them about after you took yourself out for an anniversary or valentines day?  Well, they want to go there too. Make it a double date just like you would with friends.  It makes Grandma and Grandpa feel like they belong in your real life.
7. Grandpa like to watch sports and may love a magazine on sports or hunting.  If he is a techie, get him a magazine digital subscription to PC Magazine or Apple Magazine...the same hold true for wine, cigars, travel.  If there is a magazine on "Taking Naps" he will really like that one.  Grandma will love a digital magazine subscription more than you know.  She will even tell you which one to order!!!!
8. Give a gift card that can be redeemed for things you can do for Grandma and Grandpa.  They would love to see you over a cup of coffee in the morning. Get a pedicure with Grandma or go to the hair dresser together.  Maybe give each of them some time separately.  Be creative.
9. This Grandma loved the gift of a cooking lesson with a local chef...if your Grandma or Grandpa is into learning new things, a gift of a class at the local college is always a good idea.
10. This grandmother would love one day of help with cleaning kitchen cabinets. I would even fix lunch.

I could just keep on going.  My family has always been very creative.  Really it seems to me that if you love something then it probably is a good gift for someone in your family.  Often we share the same interests!

Happy shopping everyone.

b 


Note:  Be sure to check out these posts for more ideas-

• Pandora look-alike Jewelry at a fraction of the price!
• 10 Best Gift for Seniors 2011

or...even Grandma/Grandpa likes Christmas presents! 

Related articles

• The things she carried (crazyauntpurl.com)
• 10 Sources for Free Christmas Gifts (tjantunen.com)
• Christmas Gift of Senior Citizen (http://www.associatedcontent.com

Travel to Spain...Lonely Planet's Hot Suggestion

There is a place in southeastern Oregon where the Steens Mountains loom over the landscape. Very few people live in the wild wondrous place so few have seen the mythical herd of wild horses that are descendants of the Andalusian horses the Spanish explorers brought in their search for gold. I've only seen a picture of them one time in my life. Their long unruly mane flow over the side of their necks attesting to their wild and illusive nature. When I looked at the website for the region this morning I see no mention of them. For someone like me to even see such a horse was a dream or maybe I dreamed the whole thing!

From Lonely Planet:  10 of the World’s Unsung Places
"Some places stay persistently off the beaten track, despite their many charms. Here’s a sampling of places overlooked because of geography, chance and the presence of more glamorous neighbours."Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/italy/friuli-venezia-giulia/trieste/travel-tips-and-articles/77017#ixzz1pUQGqrU0

I was reminded of that dream when I saw an article on the Lonely Planet website this last week.  The article was about 10 unsung out of the way places that people are missing when they travel.  Jerez de la Frontera was number nine on the list.  When my husband and I along with friends took our very first trip to Europe twelve years ago, our friend asked what we wanted to see above anything else. Each person took their turn...The Alhambra, Rhonda, Seville.  I wanted to see the Andalucian horses at the Royal Academy in Jerez de la Frontera.  It was not on the beaten track but somehow we managed to go there.

Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art is perhaps one of the finest examples of living art you could ever see.  The afternoon we found the academy in Jerez was warm and horses were in corrals where you could approach and even touch them.  We purchased tickets to watch the show in an arena on the grounds.  Classical spanish guitar music filled the space and as the horses began to perform we could not help but be filled with the awe.

Flamenco Dancers and Andalusian Horse

Jerez is that kind of place.  It is famous for not only the Royal Academy but also for being a city that produces sherry in bodegas and of course the flamenco.  When Lonely Planet listed Jerez de la Frontera as one of 10 unsung places I was surprised.  I have been singing it's praises for 12 years now!

b
Related articles

Santa Semana...Easter Holy Week 2003  It Crossed My Mind Blog

• Festival De Jerez, Spain: Part One
• Spain: A Foodie Guide
• What do you do all day now that you're retired...try on wigs and drink wine?

10 Things I Cannot Live Without...all available online!

Somethings cannot be purchased online
...family, friends, sunshine! :)

I am inviting you to think about this...10 things that you could not live without.  I am retired, 69 and live in a small space.  If you were wanting to shop for my favorite things this is what you would look for:

1. My microroplane zester...I yearned for one of these for years but just could not make myself buy one.  I even used a rasp from my husband's shop for a while.
2. The exfoliating gloves I use in my shower.  
3. My Kindle reader...this device has made it possible for me to read again.
4. My Apple iPad 2.
5. Girly shoes.  I love shoes.
6. The Pendleton blanket that belonged to my parents.
7. My NeckPillow by Tempur-Pedic 
8. Apple iMac 7-Inch Desktop 
9. Dyson Vacuum Cleaner  Really, I will never own another brand.  It is the best.
10. My iphone (4s is coming next)...I even take most of my pictures for this blog with it.

There you have it.  If I were to go shopping for all your favorite things was would you suggest?

b

Related articles

• Quick Guide to Online Shopping (retireinstyleblog.com)

10 Small Gifts for Her ...Tuesday Gifts!

A picture of a special occasion is perfect!

Let me explain...a Tuesday gift is one you give for no reason at all and in my world it is a "small gift for her".  It can be a chocolate or a piece of silver.  The gift is not what matters.  The thought that someone thinks of you for no reason but that they like you does.  Here is a list of my favorite Tuesday gifts:

• Packet of certificates for a car washes.  I received this as a gift.  I actually keep them in my glove compartment and when one of my older grandchildren stop by I give them one.  They really like that.  It is the gift that keeps giving.
• Book Marks.  I have magnetic book marks, ones that have been given to me as gifts by merchants, ones I have made or even bought.  I include them in a thank you card or a book I am lending for the person to keep.
• Packets of blank cards.  These are so handy.  If a stamp is on the envelop so much the better.
• Seeds.  All my friends garden in pots or small beds.  It is so fun to pop them into the ground and have the gift show up weeks later.
• A single chocolate.  All girls love these and one is the right amount!
• A recipe in your own handwriting.  
• A printed picture of a special occasion you have shared with the person. (Our computers can be our best friend.)
• A book that you have read and want to share.  I love a used book better than anything.  Be sure to write a note in the front and encourage the person to do the same when they pass it along.
• A loaf of homemade bread or anything that is special from the kitchen.
• And one of my favorites; a rock I use as a paper weight...a friend brought it to me from a famous golf course.

I was given a Tuesday gift several years ago.  The idea is one I have embraces with enthusiasm.  The idea was probably the best gift of all.

b

Related articles

• 5 Great Ideas for Holiday Fun with Grandchildren (retireinstyleblog.com)
• 10 Links to Gifts for Grandchildren...Cyber Christmas!! (retireinstyleblog.com)
• $15 Credit At Top Online Sale Website...just for the asking! (retireinstyleblog.com)
• Euro Beads (Pugster.com) -- an Inexpensive "Pandora" Look for Christmas!! (retireinstyleblog.com)
• 10 Creative Christmas Gifts for non-aging Seniors! 2011 (retireinstyleblog.com)

10 Easy Smartphone/iphone Apps I use for Traveling!

Image via Wikipedia

AroundMe Icon

Traveling using your iphone or Android apps can make all the difference.  You can struggle to get the information you need or you can get smart and make your smart phone work for you. You can get along without them but it will not be as easy.  Really!

1. Google Maps  Even though we have a Garmain for our car, I still find myself going to this wonderful app on my iphone.  I can find my location, enlarge the map to see the streets nearby and get directions along with the map showing my location in relationship to my destination.  I can even type the name of a store like Safeway along with the name of the city I am and it will show me all my available choices in relationship to where I am located at the moment.  We have gotten very dependent on this tool.
2. AroundMe  Have you even just wanted to get some food but couldn't seem to located the restaurants nearby?  Here is just what you need.  You click on the app and find the category your are looking for (gas, food, groceries, hospitals).  Your phone locates where you are and then gives you a list along with how far you are from the business.  You can click on the map and it will tell you where it is, the phone number and even let you click "route" and take you there turn by turn.  We have used this tool for several years.  
3. Yahoo Weather or The Weather Channel  Both of these are free to download.  I have both on my phone.  The Yahoo version is very straight forward and stores several location for you so you can just slide from one screen to the next.  The Weather Channel gives me 10 days of weather, a video if I want it.  Honestly I use them both.  Really, there is nothing worse than driving blind when it comes to the weather.  It is just a matter of being safe.
4. foursquare is a social networking app.  All my family has an account and we track where members of the family are at any given time.  Any social networking app will work but we have kept this semi-private between family members.  We just take a second and check in at the place we are having lunch or where we are staying at night.  It has turned out to be very valuable for us.
5. TripTracker is going to come in handy on our trip to the far east this next week.  It will track flight information, hotels, etc.  We need lots of back up for all our information.
6. Flashlight  I thought this was a silly app until I began using it.  I have one called "light" that uses the flash for my camera as a laser light, SOS signals, and a flashing light.  I use it in motel rooms, inside my purse, walking at night and when I drop things on the floor.  This one is just priceless.  I see that most smart phones have something that is similar.
7. RedLaser  This one of those little tools that you will use all the time.  This app will scan the bar code on items and tell you if it is available somewhere nearby for a lot less.  I tried this at Best Buy yesterday.  I don't know about you but travel and shopping go hand in hand.  I don't like buying a beach chair and walking in the next store to find it is on sale at 1/2 the price I just paid.  This is one cool little toy!
8. Password  This app will allow you to store 4 passwords for free or you can pay $9.99 a year to store all those precious keys to your world. I have used other tricky ways of storing these but I always wondered what I would do if I lost my iphone or my computer were stolen.  It is just a thought.  We are a password coded universe and no matter where we are we need a password...usually one we can't remember.
9. Currency XE  I just installed this on my phone.  We are traveling to China in a few days.  This one is will help with a quick translation of how many RMB is in the dollar.  You can add the country you are traveling to.  Shopping and bargaining is a part of this travel experience.
10. Games  I will let you name your own poison.  These just make long flight and car rides go by faster and more fun!

I just thought you needed to know.

b

Technorati Tags: technology, travel, apps, smartphone, iphone

10 Links to Gifts for Grandchildren...Cyber Christmas!!

Technorati Tags: christmas, shopping

Files under:  10 Best

We are doing all our shopping online this year.  When you are not at home with your family, it takes some creative thinking.  Here are some good websites to help you on this Cyber Christmas gift hunt!  Have fun.

• Grandma's Briefs Holiday Gift Guide 2011
• Gifts and Toys from Grandparents.com
• Amazon Christmas Gifts
• Gifts for Teens
• Best Teen Books for 2011
• 5 Great Gifts for Grandchildren

If you have a list of your own or an Etsy Store where you are selling,  just leave a comment with a link to your stuff.  

b

Related articles

• $15 Credit At Top Online Sale Website...just for the asking! (retireinstyleblog.com)
• Holiday Toy Gift Guide For Kids (Or Those Who Refuse To Grow Up) (scrapsofmygeeklife.com)
• Gift Registry? Weddings, Birthday, or Christmas Ideas (retireinstyleblog.com)
• 10 Creative Christmas Gifts for non-aging Seniors! 2011 (retireinstyleblog.com)
• Euro Beads (Pugster.com) -- an Inexpensive "Pandora" Look for Christmas!! (retireinstyleblog.com)
• 10 (actually 11) Great Graduation Gifts for Young Men in 2011... even better than money! (retireinstyleblog.com)

$15 Credit At Top Online Sale Website...just for the asking!

I'd like to invite you to join One Kings Lane, my favorite destination for top-brand & designer furniture, decor, art, gifts & vintage items up to 70% off. And there's a $15 credit waiting for you! Sign up here:  One Kings Lane Sign-up Page

Is it the color or the design...no matter.  We can all dream!

One Kings Lane is a sale site online that can inspire you.  From the $18.00 sale clock below to the beautiful sofa, you are going to find yourself thinking about what you can do to make  someone's life just a little brighter...maybe that someone will be you!

Creative Co-Op Table Clock (One Kings Lane)

$18.00

I am on a roll. I have the need to shop...but you know how it is. Online "window shopping" has to work for me today.  On Friday I will venture out into the world just to get a feel for what people are buying.  In the mean time here is a darling tabletop clock that any woman would love to receive..and look at that price.

Since I have a $15 credit from One Kings Lane just for signing up I think I will use it for an item priced $30 or more.  Here is a link so you can do the same!

Wow-wee (This is a reproduction of vintage flash cards used to teach children to read.

 They are printed on archival paper and framed 

in handsome black wood and protected under glass.)

$45.00

$90.00 Retail

Have a wonderful day!

b

Related articles

• Quick Guide to Online Shopping (retireinstyleblog.com)
• 3 Beautiful and Unique Hostess Gifts (retireinstyleblog.com)
• Gift Registry? Weddings, Birthday, or Christmas Ideas (retireinstyleblog.com)

Euro Beads (Pugster.com) -- an Inexpensive "Pandora" Look for Christmas!!

Pugster Winter Jewelry

Pre-made Euro Bead bracelet.
Pugster (I found one of these
locally.)

If you gift list included women of all ages, I think I have found the perfect gifts for you.  This is the years of the "Pandora Charm Bracelets and Necklaces".  Every jewelry store worth it's salt has a beautiful "Pandora" jewelry display.

I love this style of jewelry but I don't like the price.  Chains for charm necklaces or bracelets can go for around $40 up to $1400.  It all depends on what precious metal you select.  After that purchase you will need to select charms.  The birthstone charm will run you anything from $45 up to $85...each.

So this morning I went on a search for a website for "Euro Beads".  On a website called Pugster.com you will find a very large selection of beads and chains.  These beads are advertised as "Pandora" compatible.  The only difference is the price.  They look very expensive but they are not!

They have a page of beads that go for around $1.99.  I am satisfied with the variety on this page but if you want to go to the best sellers you will find them priced at around $13.00.

The euro bead accessory chains begin at $5.99.  The selection included silver chains and silicone lanyards.  I gave my granddaughter the lanyard and beads for a necklace for her birthday and she wears it daily.

I even love the idea of a charm bracelet.  These make a nice statement, are reasonably price and every woman on your Christmas list needs one.

b

Technorati Tags: gifts, shopping, frugal, EuroBeads

Related articles

• 10 Creative Christmas Gifts for non-aging Seniors! 2011 (retireinstyleblog.com)
• Gift Registry? Weddings, Birthday, or Christmas Ideas (retireinstyleblog.com)
• 10 Online Offer Websites (Groupon, GoogleOffers etc.) or How Maddie Became Famous (retireinstyleblog.com)

Question #2: What 10 things would you buy?

I am inviting you to think about this...10 things that you could not live without.  I am retired, 69 and live in a small space.  If you were wanting to shop for my favorite things this is what you would look for:

1. My Microplane Zester...I yearned for one of these for years but just could not make myself buy one.  I even used a rasp from my husband's shop for a while.
2. The exfoliating gloves I use in my shower.  
3. My Kindle reader...this device has made it possible for me to read again.
4. My Mac computer...how would I ever live without it.
5. The counter top oven/toaster Pacific Coast ® Down Around ® Standard Pillow(good for small food items).
6. The Pendleton blanket that belonged to my parents.
7. Hooks for clothing.
8. The magnetic wall rack for my spices (a great space saver).
9. My Dyson vacuum.  Really, I will never own another brand.  It is the best.
10. My iphone...I even take most of my pictures for this blog with it.

There you have it. Give me a list of 10 things you like for your small space.

b