Over the Hill Birthday Ideas
Posted in Over the Hill, Someone Special on November 7th, 2005Over the hill? It’s a term that most of us would rather not hear. But does anyone really know what qualifies us as being past our prime? Is it a magic number left unspoken or is it in the way we walk or talk? Is a sign of being too far to turn back now when you notice the hottest new trends have already been the hottest new trends a couple of times before? If the idea of black balloons, over the hill banners or gag gifts like a bottle of Metamucil and a package of Depends seem a little harsh to you, here are some "sympathetic" gift ideas that are designed to bring lots of laughter, not tears, to your aging friends and family members. Old Age Shirts: Old age t-shirts that sport a timeless statement are fun to wear and fun to give as a gift. Some of today’s most popular quotes include: When did my wild oats turn to shredded wheat; Older than Dirt; I’m not old, I’m a recycled teenager; and Seen it, Done it, Can’t remember most of it! You can find them online in a variety of colors and styles including t-shirts, long sleeved t-shirts and sweatshirts. Most designs are available on mouse pads, mugs and other gear, too. Large Print Crossword Puzzle Books and Magnifying Glass: The large print books would have been rotten enough. When coupled with a magnifying glass, this gift is sure to bring a lot of laughter to the recipient. Let them challenge their mind and pass the time without straining their eyes. Most local book stores carry a nice selection of books in larger print. Step Stool: A dirty look or two will be shot your way after they open this present. Want more of a reaction? Buy one equipped with hand rails. Large Button TV Remote Control: If Goliath had owned a television, imagine the size it would have been! Well, now you can buy the remote that would have gone with it! Nothing could be funnier than an oversized remote control fit for a giant. The numbers are huge and light up at the touch of a button. They’ll never lose this one or have trouble seeing it! You can buy these online for around fifty dollars. It has been said that the biggest disadvantage of old age is that you can’t outgrow it. So help those closest to you ease into it with a fun gift to celebrate their special day.

Mom. There’s no one quite like her. Through the years she has been a walking tissue whenever you were hurt and a flamboyant cheerleader whenever you scored a point. One part lovely and one part enchanting, her powerful smile and soothing voice have always turned grey skies into a sea of blue. Yes, she has the Midas touch and the Betty Crocker magic. No one can replace her in the kitchen, on the sidelines or in your heart. So on her birthday show her your love and appreciation for everything that she has ever done with one of these special gifts from the heart: Gift of Music: If your mom loves music, then this is the gift for her. Put together a CD collection of her favorite melodies and watch her eyes light up. Opera, country, hip hop or jazz, this gift is sure to be a hit. Arrange the CDs in a nice wicker basket lined with a luxurious satin throw. She’ll love to use it while she’s curling up listening to her favorite CDs. Jewelry: You can never go wrong with jewelry. Look for something unique that matches her whimsical, personal style. Maybe a Victorian or Edwardian reproduction. Or something modern such as a gold bangle or a platinum pendant. Estate and period jewelry, with a little bit of history, also make for an ideal gift selection. Weekend at a Country Inn: Ah, rest and relaxation. If your mom never seems to slow down, a weekend getaway might help her to rejuvenate and catch her breath. Smaller inns will usually work out a special weekend deal for you, particularly around the off-season. Wine Country Tour: If your wallet is friendly, tie in your mom’s weekend getaway with a fabulous wine country tour. She’ll have a ball sampling complimentary wine tastings, learning about the art of winemaking and strolling through the myriad of shops along the way. New York, Virginia, California and Florida offer the most options. Go online and do your homework. Then call your travel agent to work out the details. Music Box: Music boxes of today are very different than those of yesterday. These days you can choose a melody or even compose your own. It’s a great item if your mom is a collector or loves a bit of nostalgia. It has been said that no one can replace a mother’s love. Show her the depth of yours with a thoughtful gift from the heart.