I think it's a beautiful idea to give a family photography sitting as a gift. Find a local photographer you like the work of who will come to the house for a "lifestyle" session with the family or part thereof. They usually do a range of groups and poses. I have suggested this for a friend too.

My mother-in-law will be 80 in a couple of months. I am absolutely stumped as to what to give her as a special present. They already have too many pictures and knick knacks, don't drink very much anymore, are thinking of downsizing(so no good getting a special plant or tree for the garden), very rarely go out as she is completely immobile. She's not a great reader, either, even the biographies have given way to catalogues. I need some outside-the-box blue-sky inspiration - please help!