This year
all my gift shopping was done at the supermarket. I put together individualized
gourmet bags containing cookies & crackers, chocolate truffles, flavored
teas/ coffees, dates, nuts, jams, etc.; items that don't require immediate
refrigeration.
With the
current price of groceries these have become luxury items! And remember this
time of the year groceries add specialty items that disappear after the
holidays.
We are older
ladies who don't need another bauble or dust collector, plus we already have a
plethora of fragrant candles, faux fur throws, hand lotions, and scented soaps;
but we still like to eat.
One
Christmas, a friend gifted me with a large bottle of PURE maple syrup. Most on the store shelves are just maple-flavored corn syrup. Groceries do
carry the pure but it's far more expensive, however it's worth the price and
healthier. I love the taste over ice cream or plain Greek yogurt with a variety
of nuts, ditto for honey.
Most of my
friends, like me do not drink alcohol; one who does can't anymore for health
reasons, doctor's orders.
Food gifts
are always welcome as long as it is something the recipient can eat and enjoy! Besides
gourmet, many supermarkets also have an international section which is
interesting and fun.
Other items
seniors appreciate are eyeglass stands and large print anything; also gift cards
& movie passes. And since many of us live alone I would add hand sirens and
mace.
Also postage
stamps, especially eye-catching commemoratives with exotic flowers or birds,
even movie stars. Years back some featured the gorgeous likenesses of Marilyn Monroe
& Audrey Hepburn.
Nowadays I purchase
gifts only for a small few since most of my friends have either died or moved
away. This makes the ones remaining all the more special and precious.
