Hello there,

Does anyone have any ideas for an unusual present that I could buy my mother? (not an item of clothing or a souvenir - she's 70+).

She's arriving tomorrow for 4 days and I'd like to buy her something when we go shopping to Lucerne.

Thanks for any ideas.

I bought my elderly mom one of those musical boxes from the Swiss Heimat shop. Played a lovely little tune and she uses it to keep her rings in. She loved it.

I would have suggested a silk scarf or a hat, but does a Swiss pocket knife count as a souvenir?

If she likes sweets, and if there is a Lindt & Sprüngli shop in Luzren (I tried checking their website but couldn't get this info about their branches)you could look at their Luxemburgerlies (they are not chocolates).They are really nice and are sold only in shops which are within an hours drive from where they are produced. And of course, they are fabulously delicious.

Musical box is still going strong after 20 years. But a ring? Now there's an idea - thank you very much that's a good idea (off to the jewellers then).

A rollator.It would help her for shopping.

or a photo(Frame it,a family photo) which reminds her golden days

How about some Swiss lacework or some form of wood carving?

Hi
What I think will be good is , try to spend maximum time with her in these 4 days, cook what she likes, share your childhood stories with her, take her for brisk walk holding her hand, try to give her a feeling that you are you because of her.... This is what she will love from you at this age, the best Swiss present so to say in your words...

Might sound strange , but I come from a place where we spend our quality, time with our parents, but here I often see from my kitchen window, old lady with trolly bags, panting in the middle of the road, and then continuing their walk.. I feel sad for them, and often I feel I want to extend a helping hand to them... hence the opinion...
Anuradha

That was simply put............tear jerking. Thank you very much.

...and then, when you say good-bye to her at the airport as she's about to leave, give her a lovely present to remember the trip. I like distinctive, utilitarian design things, so this would be my choice.

Dear Mod,

I'm on Tapatalk at the moment, I can't 'thank', please give Anuradha a green blobby.

Thanks.

Thank you for the tip. My girlfriend and I once met Ian Paice and John Lord in the 'Brown Cow' in Zermatt.

All the best.

Switzerland is known for it's precision mechanical music boxes.
The most famous brand is Reuge (made in Ste Croix)

http://www.reuge.com/index.php?optio...fr&language=fr

Some of the complex ones could be considered elegant ornaments for a sitting room

These ones are my favorites. You can hear the sound:
http://www.reuge.com/index.php?cPath...755f2162b18005

just a thought

This is some very useful information. Could you throw some light on the price range we would be looking at?

Well.... in my day.. they were already expensive (a few hundred).

The one I bought 20 years ago was from 'Casa Grande' (total rip yes I know) and it was CHF160.--. Still reminds my mum of Switzerland every time she opens it - worth every rappen.

You could also get those black cut paper things in a frame.
Not sure it's "unusual". But it's nice.