<p>I posted something similar to this before but I'm looking for new suggestions. I'm a recent college grad who is undergoing some major medical issues, living at home and having my parents wait on me hand and foot as I recover. They seriously are doing everything for me- bringing me every meal, helping me go to the bathroom and shower, etc. This will likely go on for the next 7 months or so. Not to mention the medical bills, including installing a ramp to my house, chair lift on my stairs, wheelchair, walker, etc! Basically I am feeling very grateful for my wonderful parents and want to show my appreciation.</p>
<p>Does anyone have cute thank you gift ideas? I'm hoping to stay around $20 for each parent (I am unemployed during this time!) I definitely have more ideas for my mom (jewelry or perhaps something sentimental from Willow Tree) but I have no ideas for my dad. Any suggestions are appreciated :) Thanks y'all! </p>
<p>Write them a nice note! We got notes from our kids thanking us for various things…and those notes are framed in my office. I can’t think of a gift I cherish more than kind, written words from our kids!</p>
<p>When you are on the mend, do something nice for your parents…cook a special meal, take,them out someplace nice. </p>
<p>Notes are treasured a great deal, because they truly come from the heart.
Maybe a note with a pledge to accompany your dad with one of his hobbies, like fishing or ?</p>
<p>If he enjoys books, something upbeat about Fatherhood about a beloved Dad. My kids gave their Dad such books by Bill Cosby ("Fatherhood’) and Tim Russert (“Russ and Me”) but there may be more current ones. You can inscribe the book with your heartfelt note. An advantage is you can research and shop this online from home and have it sent to you. A new paperback is usually less than $20.</p>
<p>If he’s not a reader, perhaps a music CD for the car? I bet you know his favorite bands. Try a “best of…” album from someone you’re sure he likes. You could ask your Mom for his favorite groups, too, without giving away the surprise.</p>
<p>Or if he’s very sentimental, consider the sweet, pretty CD of Art Garfunkle (from Simon and Garfunkle), "Songs From a Parent to a Child " (2006).The parenting themes are universal, although the album cover shows a small child. </p>
<p>We really treasured CDs our D burned for us, with songs she liked that she thought H & I would like. It made us think of her.</p>
<p>They will be SO happy as you regain your health and treasure notes and even photos of you when you’re feeling good and looking and feeling better. Sounds like you are a very thoughtful kid. </p>
<p>Our kids have chronic health issues and we have spent a lot of time and energy getting care for them. We really have been happy watching their health return and strength build. Those were priceless gifts, as well as the notes and the CD D made us.</p>
<p>This brings back an old memory for me. My now 60 year old sister made a wallet for our dad when she was 10 years old. I think it was part of her occupational therapy at the home for crippled children where she was learning to walk again after her illness (Guillion-Barre). He used that wallet for years until it fell apart, refusing to replace it with the newer one that we bought him for Christmas because sister had made it. I think this is definitely the occasion where “it’s the thought that counts” applies. As a parent, I just want to be appreciated, not taken for granted. </p>
<p>Thank you for the ideas, everyone. I ended up buying one of those Willow Tree figurines from Hallmark for my mom. It’s an angel with a heart that says “I feel the strength of your love.” Still thinking for my dad though! </p>
<p>Can you use your hands? Would it be fun to learn to knit? If someone you know has the skill, they could teach you and you could make a scarf for your dad. It also might give you something to do during your recovery.</p>
<p>If that’s not practical, you could find something with a cute saying on it- an apron if he grills, or a mug if he’s a coffee drinker. There are a lot of websites that you’re probably familiar with that have a lot of ideas. Even a phone case with a photo of the two of you…</p>
It’s nice to hear that those simple gestures are treasured by parents, though. </p>