Top Ten Gift Ideas for the Woman Over Sixty-Five

Women over sixty-five like many of the same gifts that the rest of us do. Don't think that because she is over sixty-five that she likes little old lady gifts. Remember, people in this age group were in high school or in their twenties when rock music came on the scene and when the upheavals of the sixties hit. When you think of gifts for women over sixty-five, think sex, drugs, and rock and roll. At the same time, a woman over sixty-five may not enjoy or feel comfortable with a high tech gift, although most use computers and the Internet. She is probably not going to be interested in downloading music onto her ipod or in cell phones with lots of toots and whistles. Here are ten gift ideas for the woman over sixty-five.

1. AN ELIPTICAL BIKE

An older woman may want to stay in shape but the young hard bodies in health clubs probably intimidate her. Wal-Mart has a bike with handlebars that work out the upper body as well as the lower body. It is called the Stamina and sells for around $90. The bike needs to be put together so, unless the woman is especially mechanically gifted, she may need some help.

2. LIVE THEATER TICKETS

Almost any woman over sixty-five would enjoy the gift of live theater tickets. A plus for you is that many theaters have a senior discount so that you may be able to get tickets for around $20. Study the offerings of the live theaters in your area and pick out something she would enjoy. Don't assume she would like only revivals or moldy oldies.

3. MARIJUANA

If she has been part of the fifties or sixties, your over sixty-five-year-old woman has smoked marijuana. She has probably gotten out of the habit of using it but would appreciate a little toke now and then. Be sure to remind her that today's marijuana is much more powerful that what she smoked back in the day. Marijuana isn't cheap like it was in the olden days either. A gram will cost you $15 to $20 a gram.

4. A PREPAID CELL PHONE

Many women over the age of sixty-five do not see any point in having a cell phone but, if she ventures out of the house, it would be a nice gift in case of emergencies. Tracphone has nice, reconditioned phones and 450 prepaid hours good for a year that cost $99. They also have shorter programs going down to two months for $19.95, including phone. Once she has experienced the safe feeling that a cell phone will give her, she may decide to continue the service.

5. "WOMEN" BY ANNIE LEIBOVITZ AND SUSAN SONTAG

This is a wonderful photography book with portraits of woman from all walks of life, from the famous to the infamous. It is especially strong in its portraits of older women that show how beautiful an older woman can be.
There is a nice introductory essay by Susan Sontag. It can be found in paper back at most bookstores and online at Amazon ranging from $33 to $45.

6. TROPICAL FLOWERS FROM HAWAII

What woman doesn't enjoy the gift of flowers? Exotic tropical flowers from Hawaii are sure to brighten up any gloomy winter's day. Tropical Flowers Direct, located in Hana, Maui sells exotic bouquets from $60 to $150, including shipping. The flowers arrive moist and fresh and smelling of the tropics. They last two or three weeks.

7. UNDERWEAR

Your sixty five year old woman may have gotten into the habit of practical underwear but most all women enjoy pretty underwear that is slightly naughty. Panties from Victoria's Secret are just the thing. Don't go for thongs. Briefs would be safe and Victoria's Secret has some very nice ones that range in price from five for $25 to three for $50.

8. EYEPILLOW

This is a nifty little luxury. It is small satiny cover for the eyes that is full of therapeutic scents. It's just the thing to use when the stresses of life get to be too much. You can find it at Amazon for $12.95.

9. ROCK AND ROLL

Your sixty five-year-old woman grew up with rock and roll but probably has gotten out of the habit of listening to it. Melissa Etheridge has been around for awhile but many older women are not familiar with her. Give your older woman a classic Etheridge album like "Yes I Am" and she is sure to rock out. The album sells for around $12.95 at most record stores or online.

10. GIFT SETS FOR THE BATH AND BODY

Almost any woman enjoys special lotions, oils, and soaps but the over sixty-five crowd tends not to buy these things for herself. These gift sets can be purchased at many places but Bed, Bath, and Beyond has some especially nice ones for $20 to $30.

There you have it: ten gift ideas for the woman over sixty-five.