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Gift Ideas for the Dying 
Started by eastam
29 Nov 2005, 12:58 AM

My Mother-in-law has until about Jan/Feb time frame. We of course want to have a family Christmas. My sister-in-law is making a picture collage which is a fantastic idea, but we are having trouble coming up with other ideas - does anyone have any thought?

thanks, and blessing to you all

Ann
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Reply by PSB
13 Dec 2005, 6:43 AM

Hi Ann;

A manicure/pedacure along with a massage or beauty treatment would be a welcome gift I'm sure.
Hope this will help.

Paul
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17 Dec 2011, 5:51 PM

These are lovely gift ideas. Does anyone have others they would like to share?

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19 Dec 2011, 6:25 PM

Maybe a soft blanket or cozy slipper socks.

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Reply by Plum1
20 Dec 2011, 12:35 AM

While volunteering in palliative care, some of my most sacred moments were in offering foot massages to patients. When they said they would appreicate a massage, they were very open and found it to be extremely relaxing. Some had never had massages in their lives, but had discovered in the hospital how much they loved the experience and looked forward to it. So I would offer a foot and/or hand massage. It is a very intimate way of expressing love.

Song and music can also be a very special gift. Perhaps singing a song which your loved one greatly appreciates  would be a gift of love.

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29 Nov 2012, 5:52 PM

How about a collection of photos? There are many ways to collect photos these days from electronic picture frames that cycle through photos to getting them made into a book.

What about making a scapbook with photos, momentos and stories? You can give the book to your loved one with some pages started with a photo or ticket stub or other momento and then during the holidays add stories from all family members. It will become a family treasure for years to come.

Who has other ideas to share?
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Reply by Cath1
30 Nov 2012, 3:37 PM

I like your idea very much, Colleen!:)

Many years ago when my Nanny turned 80 I made her a special book and filled it with stories, photos, artwork, poems and cards that I had collected from all of her children, grandchildren and even her great-granchildren. The book seemed to have a magical affect on everyone who contributed to it and my Nanny treasured it! My third child was only eighteen months old at the time the book was compiled, but I included a picture that she drew. I love looking at it all these years later.

My Nanny adored the book as did our extended family members. It was a catalyst for conversation with my Nanny and it encouraged everyone who saw the book to take a sentimental journey down memory lane. It inspired smiles and tears. It is a family keepsake now that my Nanny is no longer here to enjoy it. It's wonderful to celebrate and honour a person's life and their importance in the lives of those they love by showering them with special attention while they are living even when we know they are dying.

I think when it comes to gift giving, one's love and presence is the best gift of all.  

With affection -hugs- -xo-
Cath1 
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08 Dec 2013, 4:16 PM

As the holiday season approaches, let's continue to share gift ideas. I think presence is more important the presents too. However, how do you manage respect for the person's need to rest and quiet too. Holidays can mean a house full of people. Do family members stay in hotels this year?

How are you spending the holidays to offer presence with someone who is dying?  
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22 Nov 2014, 9:00 PM

Early snowfall this year has many of us thinking about the holidays sooner than normal. I like to bring this thread back to the front page. 

What ideas would you like to share?
Colleen
 
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Reply by jaindough
22 Nov 2014, 10:29 PM

When mom was very sick, she had a hard time focusing on any one thing both mentally and physically as her attention span was affected as was her eyesight.

I liked to give her manicures and pedicures (sometimes she would only let me do one hand on one day and the other hand the next). I also massaged her legs and she seemed to be soothed by that.

Because mom had a hard time to even watch tv for any length of time, I would read to her at times. My most special memory of the time we spent together at the end of her life was when I hired a local violinist to play just for the two of us. She loved it and she didn't have to strain in any way to enjoy the experience. It was very peaceful and moving for both of us.
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