Every holiday season, there are a few people on the gift list with a question mark by their name—and more often than not, those people are parents, grandparents, or friends in their golden years. What do you get someone who seems to have everything? To make your busy holiday season a bit easier, we asked some Maple Grove seniors what they wanted for Christmas, and the resounding answer was, “No more stuff!” They have lived longer than you and have acquired all they need over the years. What they want are memories.
So this year, skip the gadgets and things that gather dust. Take a look at our guide and see what Maple Grove (and beyond) has to offer the senior on your list.
For the home
Though they might say they don’t need anything, there are few gifts as sentimental as a classic Christmas tree ornament, says Leah Just. It might be a “thing,” but it’s also “something to hold and bring back memories,” she says. To pick out the perfect one, go to Maggie’s Hallmark here in town. The tree can use a few more baubles, and your senior will appreciate the sentiment and think of you each year.
While you’re at Maggie’s Hallmark, see if there’s anyone else you can check off your list. Shelley Nerdahl says she would love some stationery. It’s perfect for writing thank-you notes and everyday notes (especially for those who haven’t quite adopted e-mail)—and pretty stationery can be both decorative and highly useful. Step it up a notch by picking out a monogrammed set for the serious letter-writers on your list. Chances are you’ll see the gift in use shortly after the holidays as thank-you notes arrive.
But what if the senior on your list truly doesn’t want anything? Marian Holmquist says that having someone help clean her house would be fabulous. Hire a house-cleaning service or turn the gift into “precious time spent together” by doing the tidying up yourself. And while you’re at it, it’s December—shovel the driveway and sidewalk, so that they are clear of ice to help keep your senior safe.
For some pampering
Everyone deserves a spa day once in a while, but no one more than mom or grandma, the women who raised you. Madeleine Gamer suggests a gift certificate to the spa, or a girls’ day out. Maple Grove’s Kalla Lily has a wide selection of services, including massages, facials, manicures and pedicures along with various packages. Their range of options is great for experienced spa-goers and newbies alike, and even for those who want a customized service. A luxe spa day will help ensure that everyone feels their best during the busy holiday season.
For a night out
Sometimes, the best gift of all is one that gets us out of the house. This year, why not follow the advice of Steve Dibble and John Becker and pick up some tickets for a show at the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis, or the Ordway in St. Paul? Escort your guest to a surprise holiday production, or let them pick a show they are interested in seeing. Yellow Tree Theatre, in our own backyard, premieres a Christmas comedy production this December called A Hunting Shack Christmas, that is sure to offer a good dose of holiday spirit (see page 32 for more information). Having a reason to dress up and hit the town in the cold winter months is something to celebrate.
For something a little more low-key, treat your gift recipient to a good old-fashioned movie night at the theater, or simply “buy a few passes and let them take who they want,” says Chuck Rydquist. The smell of movie-theater popcorn can’t be beat for making an outing special.
For the Foodie
A few items got multiple votes on our list, and Donna Hewitt and Chuck Rydquist say a bottle of wine will make them happy. It’s the perfect gift for someone who likes to cook at home, or for someone who simply enjoys a good glass for sipping. To show that you’ve put some thought into your selection, head to Maple Grove’s Haskell’s, featuring 20,000 square feet of beer, wine and liquor. Haskell’s employees know their wine, so walk in with a little knowledge of what your senior likes, and walk out with a quality bottle they’re sure to enjoy.
If the older adult on your list wants to skip spending time in the kitchen, one of the most popular responses to our “what’s your perfect gift?” question was “dinner.”
Take your senior out to dinner yourself for some great conversation. Or a gift card will allow your recipient to enjoy a night out with a friend.
“Maple Grove has many reputable restaurants,” says senior Gene Heezen. “A gift certificate to cover the bill for two is a great gift.” Head over to 3 Squares Restaurant or Pittsburgh Blue and pick up a gift card. As Heezen says, “[It’s] kind of like the old adage: ‘If you can’t eat it or wear it, you don’t need it.’” And having someone else take care of the cooking is always a treat.
For the Memories
The reason most seniors say they don’t want anything for Christmas? Sometimes, they truly don’t need anything—and if they do, they can and often prefer to purchase it themselves.
This sentiment was repeated by most of the seniors we talked to. “Gifts we like are items for which we don’t have to find a place, or items we do not have to dust,” says Dibble. So find other ways to show your holiday spirit, like that night out on the town or, if your giftee is housebound, spending quality time with them at their home.
Of course, seniors who are grandparents want to spend time with their kids and grandkids, and several of our sources mentioned that the best gift they ever received was simply the Christmas when the whole family was able to make it to supper.
It’s a good reminder during a stressful season: Time together is the best gift of all.
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Haskell’s
15304 Grove Circle N.,
763.400.7888
Kalla Lily
9851 Maple Grove Parkway N.,
763.416.1700
Maggie’s Hallmark
16425 County Road 30,
763.494.9575
3 Squares Restaurant
12690 Arbor Lakes Parkway. N.
763.425.3330
Pittsburgh Blue
11900 Main St,
763.416.2663
