Answer Angel: Gift ideas for 97th birthday?

Ellen Warren, Tribune News Service on Aug 4, 2026

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Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I’m a faithful reader of your column over the years, but this is the first time I have asked for your help. My partner and I are invited to a birthday celebration for a friend who is turning 97! He’s still vigorous, charming and delightful company. (We all should be blessed with such a good long life.)

Not surprisingly, the invitation specifies, “No gifts, please. Your company is the best gift of all!”

Nonetheless, we would love to give him something to mark his long and memorable life. But besides a note of appreciation and admiration, is there a gift that you can suggest for this man who needs and wants nothing but our friendship?

--Anna K.

Dear Anna: My usual reaction to “no gifts” invitations is to breathe a deep, grateful sigh of relief and follow directions. After a certain age, many birthday celebrants don’t need or want more stuff. And they mean it.

But that’s not helpful if you are determined not to show up empty-handed. I put your question to my creative friend Pamela who credits her husband, Jerry, with this brainy idea: Jerry asked A.I. and the internet for products that were introduced in 1929 and came up with these items, which can be packaged with a personal card explaining the “why” and wrapped up with a giant bow on top:

*7Up

*Twizzlers candy

*Pine-Sol household cleaner

*Slim Jim dried meat snacks

*Pepto-Bismol antacid

*Popeye cartoon character (include a picture)

*Harland “Colonel” Sanders opens his first fried chicken restaurant (photo of the Colonel)

*Sunglasses

This idea would work for any birth year, man or woman, and provide an inexpensive, creative, occasionally tasty and even useful gift. A big plus: It takes only a few minutes of research and a quick trip to Target or Walmart to roundup a gift for those who already have everything they need.

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I am 5-foot-6 and 150 pounds. I have always worn pants or jeans, but in the heat of summer, I am finding myself a little jealous of women wearing these easy breezy summer dresses. I would love to get a few, but I am rather bowlegged (which is getting more pronounced with age) and have no idea what length or shape would be most flattering. Any recommendations?

--Brenda D.

Dear Brenda: What you’re looking for is a “midi-length” dress that hits mid-calf. This is a flattering look for most but especially those of us eager to draw attention away from upper legs or derriere; the fuller the skirt the better.

Fortunately, midi dresses (and skirts) are popular in prints or solids this season in breezy, lightweight fabrics that will flatter you. Look for skirts and dresses with generous non-clingy silhouettes. You’ll find a good selection, many of them on sale now, at department stores and online.

If you’re happy with your waistline, accent the positive. No need to hide it with a dress or long top with no defined waist (a muumuu effect) or dresses with “waists” that start just below the bust line, which always proliferate in warm weather. One of my favorite styles is the classic button up shirtwaist (with or without sleeves) with a full skirt belted not too tightly at the waist.

Angelic Readers

Kathleen H. writes: “For your reader who found that the aggravating thing about clothing coming out of the wash turned inside out (and often tangled), it was the front-load machine itself. The tumbler bars inside the machine were set at an angle, causing the clothes to twist and knot themselves together. When I was in the market for a new machine, I looked inside and made sure the tumbler bars were set inside straight and not angled. Problem solved.” From Ellen: Another tip from readers: Don’t overload and many recommended front-load, not top-load, machines for best results.

Reader Rant

Mary L. writes: “I am so sick of my 3-year-old punching the buttons on my dishwasher and starting a load when I’m not looking. It’s a waste of water and a pain in the neck. I bet a man designed that dumb idea! Why don’t they make dishwashers with buttons a little kid can’t reach?” From Ellen: Done! My dishwasher and other newer models now come with the buttons at the interior top of the washer door and out of reach when the door is shut. This is no help to you, but problem solved for a new generation of moms. Readers: If you have a solution for Mary that doesn’t involve buying a new dishwasher, please tell us!