Last minute gift idea

You could call the assisted living facility and ask them what she needs. It could be something simple like a new dressing gown and slippers or a heavier blanket. Maybe a really beautiful reading lamp. Because she has downsized, I would focus on disposable, useful or both. Large print magazine subscriptions or books, flowers, a potted plant, all good things that you don't have to keep forever.

I was coming here to also suggest sending flowers. They might seem frivolous, but they brighten up a room, lighten your mood, and aren't something many people purchase for themselves .

Picture frame. Mug & personal size teapot. Book, even though she doesn't love them. She doesn't even return your calls, so don't worry about the gift being ideal. A radio. Throw/afghan. Decorative bowl/dish.

My mom has gotten a lot of use out of a lap desk while she has been in assisted living. It's useful for writing a card or a letter, working on a crossword puzzle or doing a craft project and can even double as a tray for eating a meal or snack. And, it doesn't take up much room.

When my grandmother was in assisted living, the following gifts went over well: soft, comfortable socks nice slippers (make sure they have good traction on the soles) a pretty housecoat flowers a flowering houseplant something to hang on the wall (framed photo of loved ones or, because my grandmother was very Catholic, religious pictures, crucifix, etc.) nice lotion or perfume You could also consider sending an Edible Arrangement (call the staff to see if she has dietary restrictions that would preclude this). We also brought her cookies and other baked goods. Even though she couldn't necessarily eat them all herself, she liked sharing them with the other residents and being able to say her family brought them. On preview, seconding the idea of calling the staff and asking them what she needs.

Flowers really are a lovely gift in these circumstances. They have a limited shelf-life, so they don't add to her "stuff" quota; they're likely to be appreciated by her fellow residents at the assisted living; and they are fancy and frivolous, which makes them festive. Cut flowers, of course, not a plant (which she would need to take care of and which would take up space).

And roses are considered really elegant and extravagant by many people of her generation. On the other hand, if there's another flower you remember her growing and loving in her gardening days (iris, peonies, whatever) it would be thoughtful to send that. But you probably can't go wrong with roses.

Yes, a potted plant or flower arrangement. No more "stuff." And there's always the option of no present, you know.

Flowers, and/or a basket of fresh fruit.