Gift Ideas For Father's 97th Birthday

By Artlady (Guest Post)

When my husband's father turned 80, we gave him things in increments of 80. Jar with 80 screws. 80 M&M's, 80 jokes, 80 bible verses, 80 golf balls (he likes to play golf), 80 marbles (he played marbles when he was young), 80 walnuts - you get the idea. He loved it. He was still looking at everything days later.

By Judy oodfield (Guest Post)

For my sisters 50th wedding aniversary the family got together and mad a dvd photo album of the family. It can be played on TV and the photos can be used on the computer as wallpaper.

By Lois (Guest Post)

For my Mothers 95th birthday we took pictures of her,made wallet size pictures on the computer, bought stamps and she sent them out in Christmas cards to her 50 descendents. She loved the idea.
You could take a picture of him playing pool, feeding the birds etc.
Everyone could bring one flower and together they would make a nice bouquet.

By

tedsmom

Just give him a hug from me, please! I think it is absolutely wonderful, and marvelous, that he is still interested in doing, and able to do, all of those things at his age. God bless you and him!

By (Guest Post)

A nice table radio (like a Bose) with a remote control, so he won't have to get up to change the station.

By

Kacisierra

Since he enjoys computers, call local computer stores and see if they offer having someone come to your home for a couple of hours to teach your father something new that he would like to do on his computer. It shouldn't be hard to find someone to do this.

By

thriftmeg

Since he likes to play pool, maybe you could look into getting him his own cue, with a case for carrying it in. Not sure how much that might cost, but it's a thought.

By

Noella

Light-weight blankets or lap throws are always nice as elderly people sometimes have trouble staying warm. His favorite food - especially if it is out of season is good. If he likes to read, books or crossword puzzles are good, or movies if he likes them, especially the older movies that he enjoyed when he was young. Another thing he might like is tapes or CDs of old radio programs. Sometimes they can be found on the internet.

By Debbie, Columbia, sc (Guest Post)

I bet if you made a photo book with photos scanned of his life and words reflecting how he taught you this or you heard him say that would make him smile every time he read and reread it. : )

By

youngster8

Have you ever had a "family tree" made? My mother found a jeweler that made one that was an engraved tree, my grandparent's names, birthdates and birthstones at the bottom, then their children (my mom & her 2 brothers) were the branches. Each person's name and birthdate were engraved on it as well as their birthstone. As marriages & births took place, more names were added. My grandparents loved watching the "tree grow" and it also gave everyone a reference for birthdays. And it is so important to be able to trace where you came from.

By Frances (Guest Post)

A winner in our family: A scrapbook of personal letters from each one of the family guests of special memories they have of the honoree. Add "memory pictures" of special times you have had together. Humor will crop up in the strangest places. Nothing beats loving thoughts for a wonderful gift.

By

Lily 59

I know just the thing! Go to CollectionsEtc.com or just google window bird feeder! I have one and it is WONDERFUL! The birds come right in your house! I've got mine right over the kitchen table! The inside is mirrors so the birds don't get spooked, it's very easy to fill from right inside your house and It's just glorious to hear and see the birds right at your breakfast table! It's only 7 inches high and fits in any window - it's so sweet! Here is a picture of my cat Toonces, watching for birdies! (smiles)

By (Guest Post)

My dad is 85 & we like to get him gift certificates to his favorite places to eat so he doesn't have to cook. If your dad does not drive, get them from his favorite take out places & maybe a certificate telling him you are taking him out for dinner a few nights. I'm sure he would love your company. Good luck & happy celebrating.

By

perfume and powder

How about some inkjets and copier paper? Or bags of birdseed? Do you live nearby? Maybe you could take care of his birdfeeders since he has trouble getting around.