Gifts for older neighbors (late 70s - 90 years old) who are recording their house histories with me.
I live in a Victorian neighborhood that was built around 150 years ago. It went into decline in the 1900s. In the 1970s, a group of dedicated individuals moved into the neighborhood to restore the old homes to their former glory. They literally saved the neighborhood from being knocked down for a highway.
It’s a great place to live now, but it wouldn’t even be here without these urban pioneers.
Some have graciously accepted an offer from me to record their stories. I’ve been meeting with them in a recording studio to get their histories. It takes around 2 hours a session. Sometimes longer.
I would like to gift the neighbors who participate a small something to thank them for their time and all of the energy they put into these sessions. I plan on writing and sending thank you notes. It’s a diverse group, who I’m sure are at an age when they don’t want more stuff. I don’t know that alcohol would be a great gift for them (plus I’m sober, so that might be weird coming from me.) Any ideas? I was thinking a small donation to the neighborhood park conservancy, the neighborhood association or maybe our local library might be a good gift? Looking for other creative ideas that might be fun, surprising and that might make someone’s day. Thanks in advance.