Can someone give me gifting ideas for someone in his 70s?
Posted by Kim_Beckett@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 30 comments
I have to gift someone in his 70s. There is a generational gap between us. He was my mentor at Uni. I work now so was thinking of getting him something. Any ideas?
Secure_Music_6062@reddit
I have read the suggestion that you buy him something from when he was born and I suggest that, plus some Werthers Originals, just to make him feel young.
*honestly though, it isn't his age that should determine his gift. His interests should.
EUskeptik@reddit
Two years ago my wife bought me a book and DVD from the year of my birth (1954).
I haven’t opened the book nor watched the video and have no intention of ever doing either.
-oo-
OldLondon@reddit
His age is totally immaterial. There’s not a list of things people in their 70s like. Treat it the same as any other preset and but according to their interests. Or ya know ask them what they’d like.
gerrineer@reddit
Whisky .that's what id want.( a good one)
moreidlethanwild@reddit
That’s what we got our former uni professor. He loved it!
TimeTimeClock@reddit
Same and I asked him the exact one because I have no idea about whisky. I even asked if he'd prefer those tasting sets and he said no. To be fair I did some research and those tasting sets include at least two fillers.
C2BK@reddit
There's nothing he'll appreciate more than an email telling him how much you appreciated him being your mentor, especially if you include a few examples of how his input has helped you.
Yes it's tempting to take the easy way out and just buy a "thing", but the vast majority of professionals in their 70s will have already bought everything they want; the one thing they cannot buy, and which is free for you to provide, is appreciation and the knowledge of a job well done.
Webbo_man@reddit
A tortoise. Preferably a baby one. 🫢
User-1967@reddit
It would outlive him, how can you do that to the tortoise?
Old_Champion824@reddit
Buy him a nice watch
reddiuniquefool@reddit
I'm not yet in my 70s, but I'm heading in that direction.
A lot of older people have too much stuff and are regretting it. So, not something that needs to be stored. Maybe something like a consumable. Wine or fancy food (try Harrods), but check for dietary preferences.
watchingonsidelines@reddit
What did he specialise in at uni? Get a meaningful book, special edition or signed.
GuybrushFunkwood@reddit
A VHS of Confessions of a Window Cleaner
Barbora1519@reddit
Get a bottle or some edibles . I am “only” 58 and hate it when people give me crap that I feel I have to keep out of obligation. All my nicknacks (I don’t have many ) are of high or sentimental value (like it used to belong to my dad , for example ) and I have no need adding to that . I have enough pens and don’t want any picture flames , flowers in flower pots or anything that would in any way clutter my home . But I would appreciate it if somebody wanted to take me out for a nice meal . Depends on your budget , obviously .
cluelesstwonk@reddit
A voucher for a hip joint
dread1961@reddit
I'm 65 in a couple of days and I don't want a fucking fountain pen or a framed photo or anything like that. Don't buy me whiskey, you'll only get a shit one. Werther's is just taking the piss. A card is fine, I'll get my own present.
gerrineer@reddit
Penderyn.
BigMagic88@reddit
Dinner vouchers? Most people like to go out for a little something now and then. And you’re not choosing for him as such.
Food and drinks is hard cos if he doesn’t like it you’ve wasted money and he’s stuck with something he doesn’t want.
If it’s the thought that counts then a nice card is plenty. No shitty gifts required.
Scarred_fish@reddit
A PiPico kit of some description.
A few of my older family members are late 70s early 80s and that generation loves building electronics/computers.
painful_butterflies@reddit
Based on what I bought my nan for her most recent birthday....
Mud.
She doesn't want "crap clogging up the sideboards" but she loves gardening, so bags of soil.
Jamsie82@reddit
Find out what he likes. He may have a million pens and would prefer a rose bush, or malt whiskey. I’m honestly not being facetious.
Once you know what he likes then it becomes much easier to decide.
Don’t overthink it!
happygoldn@reddit
Waterstones gift card maybe?
Specialist-Web7854@reddit
What does he like? He was your mentor, you must have some idea? It’s more important to get something thoughtful, than a generic gift aimed just at his age range.
Opposite_Radio9388@reddit
What's your budget? Do you know anything about him and his interests?
RayaQueen@reddit
Only useful comment so far. (Apart from the one about a card).
reddog_72@reddit
What year was he born?, use a search engine to look up things that were invented or produced and sold for the first time in his birth year, might find something cool.
Failing that there are loads of things like t-shirts, caps, coasters, bottle openers that have a year on them.
Or just think about something that may relate to a hobby or interest he has.
DigitalGravyboat@reddit
A nice fountain pen and a box of Fox's biscuits.
SuzCoffeeBean@reddit
A framed vintage photo or art print of the uni?
Left_Condition2044@reddit
If it has to be a gift (rather than a thoughtful card you’ve chosen and a heartfelt message, which would be lovely), does he have a garden? There are roses that are called things like “Thank you”
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