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Christmas

Present ideas for terminally ill sister in law?

(25 Posts)
Rodborough49 Fri 20-Nov-20 21:30:28

My lovely sister in law is 73 and I cannot think what to get her for Christmas. Flowers are a bit obvious? Has anyone else had this problem and got suggestions of something that might be helpful/meaningful/comforting? Thank you in advance.

Buffybee Fri 20-Nov-20 21:45:12

How about a lovely warm soft blanket.

MellowYellow Fri 20-Nov-20 21:45:39

Sorry to hear about this. I haven't been in your situation but how about something from l'Occitane? Their hand creams are gorgeous. You can buy them online. Or The Sanctuary products, from Boots.

Grannynannywanny Fri 20-Nov-20 21:48:02

Sorry to hear your SIL is terminally ill. Would she perhaps enjoy a photo book? You could gather up a selection of photos of happy memories to browse.

My dil recently did one for her father. She gathered 40 years of photos, many in black and white, and uploaded them to an online company who made a beautiful photo book. He was delighted with it. It appeared fairly easy to do. She contacted several relatives and friends and asked for any photos they had.

merlotgran Fri 20-Nov-20 21:54:12

Skincare products containing lavender gel are very soothing and relieve any itching caused by medication.

Body Shop products are lovely as well especially their range of body mists.

I'm sure she'll love whatever you give her.

Nanagee57 Fri 20-Nov-20 21:55:28

How about a memory box?

EllanVannin Fri 20-Nov-20 21:59:54

I'd go with merlotgran with skin care products, always acceptable.

tanith Fri 20-Nov-20 22:07:10

How about a warm shawl and I agree about hand/body cream

Jane10 Fri 20-Nov-20 22:18:57

Flowers might be unoriginal but they are lovely. I still remember waking up in hospital to the lovely perfume of a bouquet a kind person had brought. So pretty to look at too.

lemongrove Fri 20-Nov-20 22:22:06

I would go for chocolates....really expensive ones.

Kamiso Fri 20-Nov-20 22:22:17

www.beautydespitecancer.com/shop/?gclid=CjwKCAiA7939BRBMEiwA-hX5JxVM5ETMEVHRgUMgWwCDuG6Kd05L-vM6luEpJaXKkZrg1LvezdrUfBoC-7kQAvD_BwE

Products designed for patients with cancer. Helps with dry itchy skin.

Is it for a Christmas present? She might prefer a day where Cancer isn’t at the forefront so may prefer something frivolous. Cashmere socks, or a silk wrap.

morethan2 Fri 20-Nov-20 22:22:21

I bought guerlain products for my dil. Her skin was very damaged by all the treatments. It’s expensive but was recommended because her skin was so sensitive, or Aveno range She really appreciated the electric throw. I also bought some things from a special cancer site that I can’t remember the name of but you should be able to google it. Talking books kept her occupied when reading became too much. Oh and silk pillow case was gentle on her face. I am so sorry your having to endure this sorrowful time

Marmight Fri 20-Nov-20 22:55:28

Morethan has suggested a silk pillow case. I would recommend this idea. It’s different, it’s luxurious, comforting and not illness-associated. Maybe along with a silk eye mask. (I got mine from Lilysilk. Easy to order, speedy delivery and wrapped in tissue in a small box.)

crazyH Fri 20-Nov-20 23:02:03

So sorry to hear about your s.i.l.
A memory box may be a good idea, but I feel that it may make her feel sad. I say this, because a terminally ill friend of mine used to have her eyes closed when her grandchildren visited. She said it hurt too much to see their little faces, knowing she would not be seeing them for much longer.

Jane10 Sat 21-Nov-20 08:59:02

Silk pillowslips sound lovely. Luxurious and the sort of thing your SiL mightn't buy for herself.

Nortsat Sat 21-Nov-20 09:16:45

When my lovely sister was terminally ill and bed bound, I often bought her hand and body lotions from Molton Brown and she loved them. I could massage the creams into her skin and that made her a little more comfortable.
She naturally, didn’t like that ‘sick bed smell’ so nice fragrances always lifted her spirits.

I sponsored a donkey in a donkey sanctuary for her birthday and she loved that too.

I am sorry that you are going through this difficult experience, your thoughtfulness and kindness will be a wonderful support to your SiL.
Best wishes ?

Grandma11 Sat 21-Nov-20 09:48:53

Maybe some supersoft cosy Nightwear made from Natural fibres, soft pure cotton jersey, nothing with too many drills and seams to irritate delicate skin?
A V-Shaped Memory foam Pillow for support, and a Pure wool Travel Rug for keeping cosy whilst sitting in a Wheelchair or going out in the Car.
These were some of the things that my late DD found helpful when she was undergoing palliative care, due to Breast cancer.
She passed away 5 years ago, aged 36yrs.

Grandma11 Sat 21-Nov-20 09:49:45

Woops, Frills not Drills!

FannyCornforth Sat 21-Nov-20 10:01:46

Rodborough
Sorry about your sister in law thanks
And flowers for Grandma11 - that is such a sad loss.

I wouldn't go with flowers - I find them depressing when you have to chuck them out.
I think a really good plant (orchids especially) in a loved pot is much better.
This week I phoned my local florist wanting an orchid, and she got me exactly what I had described from their suppliers.

FannyCornforth Sat 21-Nov-20 10:03:05

crazyH that is such a sad story.

grandtanteJE65 Sat 21-Nov-20 13:25:40

I am so sorry to hear about your sister-in-law.

I have been wracking my brains to remember what I gave my sister when she was dying, but I just cannot remember.

If you have time to visit frequently for short visits that might actually be the best possible thing, if she is able and willing to admit that she will not be here much longer.

Is she at home or in hospital /hospice? A potted plant is probably not acceptable in a hospital or hospice.

Would a book she is fond of in the audio version that she can listen to rather than read be a possibility?

Rodborough49 Sat 21-Nov-20 22:38:14

Thank you so much for all the lovely thoughts and suggestions. This is my first GN message and I am really touched that so many went to the trouble to answer. I shall sift through all the ideas - I am veering towards a plant or hand cream altho she has very sensitive skin. Sadly because of Covid, visiting is not possible so it will have to be postable.
Thank you again.

PamelaJ1 Sun 22-Nov-20 07:58:28

I don’t know if she likes music but if she does then put together a compilation of her favourites.
I hope she manages to enjoy Christmas.

lovebeigecardigans1955 Sun 22-Nov-20 08:16:58

Luxurious skin care products might be a good idea.

travelsafar Wed 25-Nov-20 08:05:03

Defo cashmere socks.
Nothing worse than cold feet when unwell.

Or a shawl made in a luxury yarn to snuggle into, you could tell her it is a cuddle from you every time she needs one.