• Selecting a gift for someone turning 70 can be tricky, since she has probably acquired many items already, and has seen every type of birthday gift. Try to go beyond typical birthday gifts to find something she would really want and enjoy. Unless you know she collects them, avoid knickknacks and other items that will sit around the home and become clutter.
  
  

An Entertainment Basket

• Does she like to read novels, do crossword puzzles or peruse magazines? Purchase an attractive, reusable handbasket (make sure it isn't one of the kinds that can splinter), and fill it with a personalized selection of fun materials. You could include a paperback novel in her favorite genre, some magazines, a book of sudoku, word searches or crosswords, or perhaps even a jigsaw puzzle. (Elderly individuals sometimes prefer large-print editions, so be sure to find out if she needs them.) For a nice touch, add a pen and pencil set.
  
  

Items That Aid and Assist

• Look for products designed for seniors that will help with everyday tasks. Jar openers, reachers/grabbers and playing-card holders are examples of things that she might find useful. The Internet will give you access to many stores that cater to seniors and sell items like these. (See Resources below)
  
  

A Spa or Salon Day

• Seniors want to be pampered too! Although store gift cards can seem impersonal, a gift certificate for a trip to the spa or salon can be personalized by your recipient when she schedules her appointment. Ask for a gift certificate based on a dollar amount rather than one that only allows for specific treatments, so she can select them herself. A manicure, a facial and perhaps a massage will give her a full day of pampering. So she doesn't have to worry about anything, arrange for her transportation to or from the spa by offering to take her and bring her home. (This is especially helpful if she has any mobility limitations, and needs assistance.)
  
  

A Special Photo Album

• Put together a photo album for her with pictures of family and friends, labeling each photo with the names of the subjects, where it was taken and a date. If you are not a family member, you will need to enlist one for assistance with this project.
  
  

Your Time

• What she will probably enjoy the best is just time to visit with you. But you could also make her a book of coupons that she can exchange for having you do little jobs around the house for her on the weekends, especially physical tasks like mowing the lawn, vacuuming or washing the kitchen floor.