Empty nesters have spent years thinking about other people. Now it's time to focus on themselves. Look for something they'll really like, not something for the kitchen or garden. The more self-indulgent the better!
FOR EMPTY NEST MUMS:
- A gift voucher for a massage or manicure.
- Nail polish.
- Champagne
- Silk pyjamas
- Music
- A gripping empty nest novel: Us by David Nicholls, Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout (also on DVD) or Joanna Trollope's Second Honeymoon.
FOR EMPTY NEST DADS AND MUMS:
- A gift voucher to try something new - a riding lesson? a writing course? Dancing lessons? An activity to do together? Empty nesters are keen to try new activities - but they often appreciate a nudge in the right direction. So a book or voucher are great ideas. Organisations like Creative Breaks have Christmas vouchers for a variety of courses.
- An inspiring travel guide, like Lonely Planet's Ultimate Travelist
- 'Mamma Mia' on DVD - OK it's a cheesy old chestnut but it's very cathartic. Grown men weep when Meryl sings 'Slipping through my fingers' to her departing daughter.
- Two photograph albums - one for nostalgic family pics, the other for the adventures ahead. Shepherds near Victoria station in London has beautiful ones
