Big-time gift ideas for parents

As my parents continue to plow through retirement and the costs of medication and Social Security payments keep fighting each other, I've decided that, with both of their birthdays rapidly approaching, I would give them each something to lift their spirits a little bit. I haven't spent any significant time with them in several years, and I think that some kind of companion trip and/or one-on-one attention would proabably be good than the usual card and flowers I've been pouring in for some time.

My father used to play poker pretty regularly - and still plays online all the time - but used to always recite these grandiose stories about his exploits with buddies of his from years past. From what I understand, he competed in the World Series of Poker in the late 1970s, and while that may be an entirely unfounded and possibly untrue claim, it's no secret that it's something he's always had a passion for. Thus, given that he hasn't been to a casino in years and I don't think he's played against someone else in that amount of time, I thought I'd take him out, hook him up with a couple hundred bucks and the two of us could tear up the tables for just one night. It wouldn't be a whole lot - and plus, if he's really that good, I could get that money back - but I know the emotional kick would be a ton for him.

On the other hand, there's my mother. She hasn't really left the house in quite some time - from what I understand, her average night at this point in time is just sitting around watching TV until she and my father fall asleep at 9:30. She doesn't have a lot of interests outside just being neat and tidy and holding down the fort, so to speak, and to be honest, I don't know what I could do for her that would compare to what I could do with my father.

Thus, I turn here for opinions. The whole spa/sauna retreat is something that comes up often, and while I'm sure she might enjoy that, it seems too basic (and plus, I'm not going along for that). I've contemplated partnering up with the rest of my siblings to send them to the Bahamas or some other tropical resort for a week in the winter, but none of them are responsible enough financially to be able to reliably foot a quarter of the bill with me.

Has anyone had any kind of knock-down idea that they've pulled off in the past?

Thanks in advance.

 

Could you take your mom to a play or something and your dad to the poker tables?

They'd probably enjoy that more than going off to the freakin' Bahamas on their own.

 

The best gift I ever bought anyone was when I was 25, making decent money for the first time, for Christmas I gave my parents two plane tickets to my town. And took them out to dinner a couple times the weekend they visited.

 

Zebracoy,

Sounds like you have a good idea for your dad. And I like Ace's idea for your mom.

One other thing to consider doing is, while you're out at dinner with each of them, explain a little bit about what prompted you to do what you're doing.

And then, tell them you love them. Say the words.

 

I like Ace's idea, too.

Aside from fun, cool stuff (which I'm all for) is there a service they might need that you can provide? Maybe a few sessions with a financial planner if they're concerned about retirement costs, or time with a nutritionist, cleaning service, personal trainer, even something like fishing lessons. They may be too shy to do it on their own, but if you set it up, it could help.

 

Ask your mom's best friend for some ideas, but swear her to secrecy.