What are some things that don't take up a lot of space or cost a lot of money that I can give my mom for the holidays? I've recently bought her plenty of new clothes, as quite a few items disappeared at her old facility. I already keep her stocked in things like lotion and candy. She's not allowed to have any kind of small appliances. I am out of ideas.
Can she leave the facility? A gift certificate so she can buy lunch or dinner if she can.
What about nonperishable food items that she can share or a fruit basket with soft fruits.
Homemade goodies are always a hit.
or
A small fruit arrangement from Edible Arrangements
https://www.ediblearrangements.com/christmas-gifts
I know from personal experience that people FLIP OUT when they lay eyes on the Edible Arrangements......they are remarkable. The H&D pears are so large you have to eat them with a spoon. Both of these gifts my parents love(d) to receive.
If it's possible, with her mobility and sight problems, take her out, such as to her favorite local place, or to have her hair and nails done, or anything else she may have mentioned in passing that she misses seeing or being around.
It doesn't have to cost much other than your time and energy (yeah, I know it can "cost" you a lot in energy to take out a person with issues). Perhaps a favorite haunt from years past with friends already here to greet her and reminisce.
If she can't or shouldn't leave the facility, perhaps a gathering of friends just to say, "I love you".
I'm now 68 and it's truly the little things that bring me the most joy and comfort.
And I leave them out all year long and when my eyes fall on them, they bring me so much joy and pleasure.
Note: Even if they are not on Medicaid, residents can have a personal needs account.
I think your idea is great for someone who regularly spends their monthly "allowance" and needs it!
Travel size lotions, shampoo, dollar store holiday/seasonal decorations, individual kleenex packs, wrapped candy/always makes someone leave with something sweet... allow your loved one to give what they received. It is a joy for them to be able to do so.
If the person is a woman, then girly things might be enjoyed. I'm 82, and I still like soft socks and feminine underwear and nighties.
In regard to clothes, tell others not to buy them for this simple reason: They buy something, it doesn't fit or is a style mom doesn't like. You, then, will spend a lot of time returning things. If other family members prefer, tell them to send you the money for clothing - you buy it, it fits, and you can send them a picture of the item when mom wears it.
If she likes to read - some books. If vision a problem, audio books. Does she knit or crochet? Supplies and patterns. Crossword or word search books (good for exercising the brain).
pretty blankets, not fleece or anything else that melts with high heat, again commercial dryers. and make sure to add a good size label with name.
pictures for the walls, shadow box with small momentos. (Box allows for display and keeps them contained so they don’t disappear or get scattered about.
if there are privacy curtains you may be able to hang a prettier one if the facility allows.
books, magnifying lights for reading, hard candies (if she can have them) for her and to share with friends.
Good slippers/shoes.
if she uses a walker or wheelchair you can get a basket or hanging bag so she can carry things with her instead of holding it.
Gripper socks. Amazon has lots. Get extra large for big feet and swelling.
Hand lotions and face moisturizer. My mom loves Oil of Olay.
2. My mother had a number of long-stitch projects nearing completion before she went into care. I have finished them both and, while they were originally meant to be framed for the wall, I have turned them into cushions for her recliner lounge or to make her wheelchair more comfortable.
3. My mother was bored looking at her plain cupboard doors when in bed. My school-teacher sister made up some 3-D pictures of a garden and stuck them up with velcro tape. They get changed periodically to keep up mother's interest. When she is no longer occupying the room the velcro can be removed without any damage - we have already checked.
4. Taking (3) further more as a general hint, my mother never knows when we are due to visit. We visit 5 days out of 7 between the 3 of us. My sister has put up individually laminated days of the week on a cupboard door in clear sight of my mother. She has laminated each of our names, then stuck them against the days with velcro tape. If there is a change in the roster we change it on the door so the staff have a diversionary tactic - we need to shower/change/dress/clean your teeth etc now because so-and-so is due soon. We don't want to get into trouble for not looking after you.