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There are only so many gifts of soap, slippers or nightgowns you can receive in a lifetime. After the first few birthdays and gift giving occasions, it would be difficult showing enthusiasm at yet another lavender smelling fragrance.

Upon asking my mother in law what she'd like for her birthday, I always get the same response, "Just a nightie will do me." In the nine years I've known her, each birthday, mothers day and Christmas, guess what she asks for and receives? How much bed wear and slippers does one want? So I went in search of the best presents I could find, presents that are purposeful, enjoyable and are not boring and are sure to be more useful than yet another pair of slippers. This is my list of gifts she has lined up for the next few years.

CONCERT AND THEATER TICKETS

This is number one because this is what she recently received as a gift. Always being a major fan of Anthony Warlow, my mother in law received a ticket to see The Phantom of the Opera. When the show finished she turned to my partner, her son and said, "I'll remember that for the rest of my life."

So tickets to any Broadway shows or live theater is one gift that I highly recommend.

FAMILY MEMORY BOOK

For those of us handy with crafts, or anyone who loves to scrapbook, putting together an album comprising a celebration of your loved elderly persons life will be memorable and appreciated. You could do an individual album, based on their life or comprise and album of family celebrations and days.

MAKE A PERSONAL EMBROIDERY

The year before my grandmother passed away, I sat watching as she opened up gifts of soap, perfume and scarves. My gift was left until last, one that I had toiled over for months. It was beautiful silk ribbon embroidery that had a vase of ribbon flowers and butterflies on black silk. I had purchased a gold antique frame and framed it myself. She was literally stunned when she opened it, the first time I'd ever seen her virtually lost for words.

It provided much joy for myself just seeing her face and more for her when she looked at it daily, where it hung on her wall in her room.
I cannot explain the immense feeling of happiness I felt at creating something for her, and having it received so well.

So anyone handy with a sewing needle and thread, do a cross-stitch or embroidery design to give as a gift.

PHOTO QUILT/PILLOW

There is also a marvelous new technique of transferring your favorite photos onto fabric. Have family celebration photos transferred and make a memory pillow, quilt

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