Suggestions? - Lincoln,NE

I would probably look for something for him to do...something to keep him busy and out of the house. I don't know what the budget is, but Golf lessons, or a tee time if he already golfs. Fishing trip of some sort. If he isn't outdoorsy maybe movie theater tickets, museum membership. A day out with his grandkids - something like the zoo. Something along those lines. Both of my grandmothers said that being home alone after their husbands passed was really hard in the beginning and since neither could drive, they were just stuck inside with all those memories.

Boy, that's a toughie without knowing something about your FIL. Maybe a boxed DVD set of some old series that he'd like? A gift card to dinner, with a note that he has to use it with you all as his guests (to get him out of the house and for a nice visit with you all)? Would he build a puzzle? (I love them...) I'm going to keep thinking...

Maybe a gift certificate to an activitiy like a woodworking class, bartending class, photography class... Something tha twouldn't remind him of his wife or put him around all couples.

Or maybe chip in on a family vacation with all or some of the kids, like a ski trip or beach house he can look forward to being with you guys.

My other thought is an iPad or Nook/Kindle with book and magazine subscriptions or games/apps preloaded.

Or furit or food or beer of the month club.

Only you kow your FIL, and what is less likely to spark bad memoires.

michaels artstores have blank wooden frames or other little wooden projects kids can paint.. maybe your kids could decorate one using paints (depending how old) even crayons.. and put a pic of them in it..
we did a heart shaped one for my mil.. in that case, it had her and her grandson.. but in this case , pics of the kids might be fun... they could write on it.. love you grandpa.. but as mentioned, there are other little projects they can decorate..

I'd get him things to keep him busy and occupied. Maybe a magazine subscription and some crossword puzzle books, maybe an electronic poker game, stuff like that to keep him busy. Think back to what he and his wife used to do, what does he like to putter around with? Go from there.

In all honesty, I would do something sentimental this year. It is his first year with out his wife, it is going to be hard, no matter what. He wants to know that everyone is thinking of her and is not forgetting her. He wants her to be remembered and honored. This is one thing we are doing for my mom (her mom passed away last year) - we (her children, their spouses, and the grandchildren) are making a "Love Jar". There is 52 notes in it. Once a week, every Sunday, she is to pull out a love note. We have all written happy memories we have of Grandma. We did this previously, but wrote all the notes to our mom, happy memories we have of her. She has said it is her all time favorite gift and it cost us nothing to make. You could do it either way, everyone writes memories of MIL on the notes, or everyone writes memories of times with FIL. Even being male, I am sure he would love it. :)

My other suggestion is, if people can afford it, take a winter getaway. Go somewhere warm together, or go to a winter cabin together. Spend time together, talk about MIL, enjoy each other. My thought is that this year is the year to do the sentimental stuff, as he is going to be thinking of her more this year than any other.

Good luck, let us know what you do.
S.

How about doing something instead of giving something? My father passed away 5 years ago and now for Christmas instead of my mother giving us gifts, we go do something instead. One year we went to a Christmas music concert and dinner another year we went to a dinner theater (both were a month or two after Christmas). They are great memories that I have and truly look forward to the event.

Just a thought as it might help keep his mind busy instead of thinking of your MIL. You could do a sports event, theater or concert event, or even just go out to dinner at a nice restaurant.

Praying for your family this holiday season. The first one is always the toughest.

Not a lot of info here to go on, but I would think that designating time to spend with him may be more valuable than just having "things" which probably have little meaning for him right now. The "first" everything is the hardest and he may just want to have a quiet night with his family.

If you would like to give him "something"...
Have the kids decorate a calendar for grandpa with everyone's birthdays and anniversarys and include pre-addressed and stamped cards for him to send (we did this after my grandmother died b/c it was important for my grandfather to stay connected, but it was always "her job".)