Small gift idea

[RanDe]

I work with a lady who retired from here several years ago and then came back to work with us part-time when her husband passed away. She's always wanted to go to Alaska and she's going to treat herself to an Alaskan cruise (her first cruise) this summer for her 70th birthday. She'll be going with one or two of her sisters. She is a very sweet woman and has always been good to me. I'd like to buy her something as a small gift that she might be able to use on her cruise. I thought I'd come here and pick your brains since some or most of you are experts on Alaska and see if you had any ideas.

 

De :)

[MrBassBone]

I work with a lady who retired from here several years ago and then came back to work with us part-time when her husband passed away. She's always wanted to go to Alaska and she's going to treat herself to an Alaskan cruise (her first cruise) this summer for her 70th birthday. She'll be going with one or two of her sisters. She is a very sweet woman and has always been good to me. I'd like to buy her something as a small gift that she might be able to use on her cruise. I thought I'd come here and pick your brains since some or most of you are experts on Alaska and see if you had any ideas.

 

De :)

Whenever I go home, I check out all the small items in "Alaska Shops" areas of WalMart and other stores in Anchorage. What I usually end up with are the small hand painted gold pan magnets. They are inexpensive and make nice little gifts.

[mii]

I work with a lady who retired from here several years ago and then came back to work with us part-time when her husband passed away. She's always wanted to go to Alaska and she's going to treat herself to an Alaskan cruise (her first cruise) this summer for her 70th birthday. She'll be going with one or two of her sisters. She is a very sweet woman and has always been good to me. I'd like to buy her something as a small gift that she might be able to use on her cruise. I thought I'd come here and pick your brains since some or most of you are experts on Alaska and see if you had any ideas.

 

De :)

 

RanDe, how about a travel journal or a photo album if she takes pics. I do not know if she has an umbrella but that is also a good idea. Here is another idea. How about a tote bag for her to take on her excursions or while shopping. They have alot of inexpensive ones out there.

 

marilyn

[JuneauWhatIMean]

I think a gift certificate to use onboard any way she likes would be a nice surprise when she embarks. Most cruise lines also have gift packages you can purchase in advance.

[sea_u_onboard]

Several nice guide books that may come in handy. If you would like the list I have compiled just shoot me an email - put BOOK LIST in the Subject of the email. I took all the suggestions I could find from the boards and compiled it into one list.

[tangerinebunny]

a new makeup bag, a small flashlight or travel clock, a cute knit hat or gloves for the glacier viewing days, a shower scrubbie thing and some nice travel size shower gel

[Fergus]

How about a lanyard and a single hole punch? An older person might not think of taking something like this along, but it would be very useful. A bonus would be if you could find an Alaska-themed lanyard!

 

Libby

[california mike]

Maybe binoculars if she doesn't have them.

[RanDe]

Thank you all so much for your wonderful suggestions. You've given me lots of ideas to go on. :)

 

De

[alwayscoldmom]

here is one more idea. How about a sac jacket. They are really small and easy to carry around so you are ready for the unpredictible weather.

[RanDe]

here is one more idea. How about a sac jacket. They are really small and easy to carry around so you are ready for the unpredictible weather.

 

That's a great idea too! I've read about them on these boards, but most people wouldn't know about them and they sound really nice.

 

De:)

[fleckle]

If she does not already have them, I think some of the best things you could give her would be links to this Alaska board, and the message boards for the cruise line she will be going on, and the roll call for her cruise. They would give her lots of good ideas and add hours of enjoyment to the time she spends in planning and anticipation.

 

If she does not know how to search and find things online herself, you could also look up reviews of her ship and itinerary that were written by previous passengers, and bookmark them for her to read at her leisure, or just email the links to her.

 

If she has not spent much time on boats, you might prepare a "Just in Case" zip lock bag for her with sea bands, ginger capsules or candy, and a box of Bonine. On my first cruise, I would have appreciated that much more than anything else anyone could have given me. I heard someplace that they now have ginger chewing gum too.

 

I think the Anne Vipond book "Alaska by Cruise Ship" would be a perfect gift for a first time cruiser. It has a nice big pull-out map for plotting her ship's itinerary. I think it is about $12 at Amazon.

 

If she uses the public library, she could ask her local library to reserve some books on Alaska and cruising for her too.

[sea_u_onboard]

Anyone know of any chain sporting goods places that sell Sac Jackets? Or a website with good prices?

[randolph]

Eddie Bauer, The Bass Pro Shops, Cabella's etc. Go to their websites, look for "rain gear" and you'll find them. Don't pay more than $25. Lots of colors to choose from. They are NOT for warmth, only to keep rain and wind out. You may want to get one size larger then normal so you can "layer' and still be comfortable.

[tangerinebunny]

You can also compare on-line prices by trying froogle.com. Just type in whatever you're looking for.

[sea_u_onboard]

Thanks you - I wnet to some of the chain sites and did a search but came up empty handed. I'll check the ones suggested.

[showdog]

what about www.earbags.com

 

these are great. most people wear a size medium.

[RanDe]

If she does not already have them, I think some of the best things you could give her would be links to this Alaska board, and the message boards for the cruise line she will be going on, and the roll call for her cruise. They would give her lots of good ideas and add hours of enjoyment to the time she spends in planning and anticipation.

 

If she does not know how to search and find things online herself, you could also look up reviews of her ship and itinerary that were written by previous passengers, and bookmark them for her to read at her leisure, or just email the links to her.

 

If she has not spent much time on boats, you might prepare a "Just in Case" zip lock bag for her with sea bands, ginger capsules or candy, and a box of Bonine. On my first cruise, I would have appreciated that much more than anything else anyone could have given me. I heard someplace that they now have ginger chewing gum too.

 

I think the Anne Vipond book "Alaska by Cruise Ship" would be a perfect gift for a first time cruiser. It has a nice big pull-out map for plotting her ship's itinerary. I think it is about $12 at Amazon.

 

If she uses the public library, she could ask her local library to reserve some books on Alaska and cruising for her too.

 

These are really, really great ideas!! Thank you so much.

 

De

[RanDe]

what about www.earbags.com

 

these are great. most people wear a size medium.

 

I've never seen these before....what a great idea....thanks! :)

 

De

[showdog]

I loved these ear muffs because they hide easy under your hair and they just kind of snap on your ear. like I said, most people wear a medium unless you have pretty small ears.

[Love Cruis'n]

Does she have a camera - of not, you might consider geting her one as a gift, although it might cost a bit more than something "small":o