What can be bought for a person who has seen over 70 Christmas mornings, who has eaten more cured ham and buttered rolls than you have hairs on your head, who has received everything from James Wright's silly putty in 1943 to Scott Olsen's rollerblades in 1979? With the youth of the nation targeted by advertisements and commercials, what is left for our elders? How much longer will our grandparents be stuck with knitting needles and war memorabilia? Nothing says "Merry Christmas! It's amazing you've made it another year!" like jigsaw puzzles with massive pieces, economy-size pillboxes and Velcro shoes.
When asked what to buy a grandparent for Christmas, freshman Christy Hough joked, "I'd buy my grandpa a hearing-aid. Maybe even The Clapper."
Rather than adding to grandparent's compilations of Christmas collectibles and golf gadgets, why not make them something significant, or combine with other family members to give them a gift they will remember?
For students with grandparents local to Indiana, Indianapolis is an excellent source of entertainment. The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra hosts artists such as Amy Grant, along with the Indiana Repertory Theater that produces shows including Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." While creating a lasting memory, tickets to a production are inexpensive when the cost is split between family members.
Homemade gifts including scrapbooks, digital home videos, slideshows, and no-sew fleece blankets will leave a lasting impression as well.
For the sake of elders and grandparents, avoid the knitting needle temptation and the Hillary Clinton Chia Pet appeal. If necessary, spend your dining plus on roasted cashews and place them under the Christmas tree in a Ball jar. This year, instead of saying "Merry Christmas! Grandma, take out your respirator and sing carols with us!" let the gift say a simple "Merry Christmas!"
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