She's 62 years old (not old, but still young!) -- she had surgery because she had a stroke in her intestines and they had to remove all but 3 feet of it! :eek: I'm trying to think of what I can give her other than flowers, food, etc... She's going to be in the nursing home for long-term (feeding tube, oxygen, etc.)

I was thinking of a throw blanket or something like that. She's wheelchair-bound so it can't be too long, yk?

The catch is -- I can only spend $15 including shipping right now. It doesn't have to be a throw, but something that she can come to appreciate and not feel so alone, yk?

Thanks mamas!

Anyone? :confused:

A blanket would be a great idea! The only thing I can think of right now would be a plant (I know you said you didn't want flowers). I saw the most beautiful teeny tiny rose plants at the grocery store the other day (they were potted, so they wouldn't die like cut flowers). I'm sorry, I'm not that creative, wish I could think of something else.

why don't you make her a fleece blanket, I bet you could get your supplies and do it for within your budget. Here is one of many sites that gives some no-sew instructions

http://www.womenbygrace.com/home006.html

Sarah

Our Joann's has those no-sew fleece throws. Maybe one of those would be good. Nursing homes are soooo cold!

HTH

I got one of those no sew fleece blankets for a baby gift and I absolutely love it! I'd definitely make one of those for someone in a nursing home. They're wonderfully soft and they look so pretty!

Ohh, I did think about that but I can't cut straight, lol... will have to see! That sounds like a great idea though!!!!!!! Thanks!

fleece throw is a gret idea-also

have your kids draw a picture-scribble is fine. It is so cheerful to see childrens drawings on nursing home walls : )

You don't have to cut straight, if you get one of the kits at Joann's, and sew up the edges rather than do the fringe. That's how I've done my kids' and DH's throws, and they've held up very well! If you need a 50% off coupon for Joann's LMK, because they keep sending them to me and I don't always get the opportunity to use them.

When my grandmother was in the rehabilitation center (pretty much a nursing home, except that they are trying to rehabilitate you with the goal of going home), one of the best gifts she receieved was this thing that allows you to reach things that are far away. I've seen them advertised on tv. They are kind of like those kids clutch toys. It has a long section and a grabber at the end. You hold it with your hand and reach things and grab them with it. Anyway, my grandmother really appreciated that gift and it was very useful for her to reach things on the various side tables and backs of chairs around her hospital bed. If I find a pic of one or a link to buy one I will come and post to this thread again. I don't think it is expensive.

Ok, I found it. I'ts called the Gopher:

http://www.asseenontv.com/prod-pages/Gopher.html?gid=

It's only 9.95 but, but sh is 9.99

There are quite a few on Ebay...search for "gopher tool". The buy it now's are typically below $9, but the shipping charges vary so you would want to hunt for the best deal. I'm sure you could get one, shipped, for within your budget.

I know this isn't exactly what you had in mind, but I wanted to suggest it since my grandmother made it clear she really loved this gift (it wasn't from me) and it was a lifesaver for her. Since she was in pain from the surgery, reaching very far, or having to get up to go get something she needed was quite painful. So this reaching tool helped out a lot.

NAYY

- Anne

I think you can get the Gopher thingy or something like it at a local drugstore-so no shipping : )

The gopher grabber is a great gift - my grandmother had one when she was in the nursing home.
Another idea is a letter writing kit - stamps, envelopes, stationery, etc. Maybe a greeting card kit - a few birthday cards and other occasion cards so she can keep in touch with family and friends. Postage stamps are a biggie - hard to come by and so important.

Thanks so much, mamas, for your awesome suggestions! I'm going shopping this week so I'll see what I can find. I know Joann's accept Michael's coupons (or at least the ones near me do) and I'll get the no-sew blanket. If I don't see any coupons this week, Margaret, I'll PM you for your extra coupon! Thanks!

Will look for the gopher -- sounds like a great tool! She might have it already because she has been in a wheelchair all of her life but I can ask her daughter.

Thank you mamas!

What about a wheel-chair caddy/tote. Sort of a tote bag that hangs from the back of the chair and has pockets for whatever she needs. I'd be glad to make one for you. Was going to make one for my grandmother, but she died last month so I didn't get the chance...