My sister is turning 60 this summer. I’d like to get her something special but not too pricey (less than $200, unless the gift is a plane ticket for her son to fly home for her birthday). She likes to read and listen to books on tape. She jogs and swims when she has time. She has a small house and two dogs. She is divorced. I have no fashion sense and no artistic ability, so clothing and anything handmade are probably not good ideas. Any ideas? Thank you.
Wow, helping her S to fly in for a visit sounds like an awesome gift and probably one she’d cherish. As someone turning 60, I’m into decluttering at this point. If you live near her, perhaps a special meal out for just the two of you at a very nice place–creating memories rather than more stuff.
I agree, if you can swing getting her son home for her birthday that would be amazing. If that doesn’t work out, is there something the two of you might enjoy doing together that you can treat for (a show, concert, nice dinner out etc.)? I value shared time and experiences over physical gifts at this point in my life.
She would probably enjoy a fun girls weekend. She must crave having company.
I agree with others re: a ticket for her son or experience themed gifts.
How about passes to local museums? Gift certificates to try a new activity she might enjoy like wheel thrown pottery or dance classes or some other activity that suits her interests?
I also agree with doing something with her - dinner, spa (2 massages), concert, play, etc. I value time with people now more than gifts. I don’t need another shirt or crystal vase.
Not sure where you live but my D went to one of those painting & wine bars recently with a friend and they had a great time. Maybe a nice dinner and something like that?
I did something special for my friends 60th (sisters haven’t gotten there…yet).
I went to visit…and did fun things. BUT I also sent 60 small gifts. It was fun finding them. Many were inexpensive but somewhat useful things. They were all numbered and sent in a big box. The 60th was a bracelet I knew she would like.
She had fun opening all the “stuff”.
I agree that when you turn 60, you don’t need more stuff. My Husband suggested an iPad for me, even though I always said I didn’t need one. But it seemed like the perfect gift for s significant birthday. Now I don’t know how I lived without it!
So maybe something that she thinks she doesn’t need, but a special birthday merits. Otherwise, a gift that involves social intersection seems right.
I don’t know if there is a Muse Paint bar where she lives.
They sell gift certificates and painters packs. 3/5/8 sessions reasonably priced.
https://www.musepaintbar.com/events/packs
If you have any photos or home movies that she doesn’t have of your family, make copies for her. You don’t have to get all crafty…just get her the prints. My brother went through his albums and found a whole bunch of pics of my kiddo and mom from 20 years ago. LOVED this gift:)
If she’s into fitness, she might like the new fitbits. My best girlfriend got me one and it buzzes me when I’ve been sitting still for too long. Has been interesting to watch my sleep habits, my resting heart rate and a bunch of other weird stuff it keeps track of. Very useful for dieting, and keeping track of my weight. (but make sure this would be seen as loving and helpful and not critical)
I have to say, I think it’s very sweet that you’re planning something for your sister’s 60th birthday. I have a feeling no one will even notice mine as my niece is having her wedding 5 days after it.
A basic kindle plus a 100 dollar Amazon gift certificate. We got this gift for my aunt who loves to read for her 70 th birthday. She told us she wasn’t sure at first that she’d like it because she " loves the feel of paper books" but as it turned out the kindle had soooo many advantages:
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it’s easier, much easier, to hold a kindle than a book. You can read one handed instead of needing 2 hands to hold open a big paperback book and turn the pages. You can " curl up with a good book" literally something that actually awkward with many books.
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you can adjust font size so you don’t have to get out your reading glasses.
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you can slip,it in your purse to have to read while on public transport or in a Drs waiting room without being weighed down carying it around.
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on vacation you can take many books without taking up suitcase space.
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you can borrow books from library on it and when you buy books the kindle version is usually cheaper than paper books.
Bottom line: “Best present ever that I thought I would never want”
My Sis is turning 70 ( yikes) and her kids are throwing a party. I will be giving her money because she needs it. Her orthopedic surgeon former H of 30 years left her in a very poor financial situation because of his bad business decisions before and/ or during embarking on affairs with other women.
Although giving money is tacky, she needs it for a specific purpose. I am going to suggest that her kids tell friends to give her gift certificates at the restaurants she likes to go out to one night a week. (Her only entertainment) That way they will not feel uncomfortable about giving money. And she can put the money saved towards what she needs.
She use to live in a multi-million dollar house with an indoor pool, sauna and jacuzzi, 7 bathrooms, 6 bedrooms, three floors, three car garage,
One, of multiple, reason she needs money is because her former H told his kids to go to whatever college they wanted and he would pay. And they did. All to private schools. ( Understand, their elementary and high schools were all expensive private schools. Nephew went to school with one of Pres. Trump’s sons. Taylor swift attended their elementary school) He took out loans in their name. When divorcing my sister, his lawyer told him to abandon the loans because they were not in his name. And he did. My Sis, however, continued to pay them out of her alimony because she felt an obligation. As the kids earned more they took over the payments.
I agree that money would be probably most appreciated by your sister. Not sure how to best spread that message.
Me either Himom. That is why I thought a gift certificate may be a good suggestion.
I went for the easy but pricey gift: I paid for most of the airfare for my nephew to come home for the party. (Most because the price went up by $50 between the evening when my sister and I hammered out the details and the next morning, when she bought the tickets, and she said she and her ex would cover the difference.)
That’s a priceless gift, @rosered55.
Lovely – I can think of no better gift.