Desperately need many recommendations for a special gift!!!

[foxgal]

This is a wonderful thought for a retirement - I love it! I’m going to disagree with the other posters about a gc. I don’t think a gc would have the impact of giving her a real designer bag just for her. The important thing will be to ensure it comes with a return/exchange policy so she can choose something else if she wants to.

Since she likes Coach canvas, I think a higher end designer canvas is a great option, and the hand lotion is less of an issue. The Gucci one is a great option. Saint Laurent also makes a monogram camera bag at the $1000 mark. If you could stretch the budget a bit, a Louis Vuitton Alma BB in Damier Ebene is an absolute classic that is casual, classy and timeless.

 

[foxgal]

Thinking about it some more, I’d say Gucci canvas is the second most popular and renowned behind Louis Vuitton monogram. If you can’t find anything in LV canvas within budget, here are two more Gucci options, depending whether she likes camera-style or hobo style. Again, if she chooses she doesn’t like it, then she’ll have credit at Gucci to get an SLG or scarf or something else special.

 

[sonicxml]

LV favorite MM is 20$ above your budget; it is a bit difficult to get though

 

[serenityneow]

I'm with foxgal. This is such a lovely idea, and so rare nowadays! To me, a gift card just says, "we didn't really make an effort," and in any event, I think the perfect gift is something that the recipient would adore but would never buy for themselves. So, I love the idea, and agree that it should be new and returnable.

For what it is worth, my boyfriend and I considered buying his elderly mom a handbag recently, and decided that it should be lightweight, crossbody, a color (not crazy, but not black), and secure (not open top). The brands that immediately leap to mind are Mulberry and Mark Cross, because they are classic and beautiful. Mark Cross is harder to find at this price point, but it can be done. Here are some ideas:

https://www.mulberry.com/us/shop/ba.../belted-bayswater-satchel-elephant-silky-calf (slightly over-budget but you may be able to find coupons or lower-priced options. There is a red one on Italist.com for $936, but returning it would be a hassle).

https://www.mulberry.com/us/shop/wo...d-bayswater-satchel-black-small-printed-grain (less expensive version).

https://www.farfetch.com/shopping/w...-shoulder-bag-item-13684583.aspx?storeid=9580

 

[southernbelle43]

Thinking of hands free cross body to make it easier on her with age and also prevent darkening of the leather handle....
Polene has nice shoulder and cross body options - no, I don't think any bag would be too “young” for any age ☺️, and you still have funds for more

https://eng.polene-paris.com/?gclid...iw5poSG81lSvqBqZFSIzQltUeyaMGbIhoCOqoQAvD_BwE

I have to say that being retired and older the Polene is really heavy. I love mine! But it might not be the best choice for her.

 

[BigPurseSue]

I like Serenityneow's suggestions and perspective. Gift cards are nice but haven't the emotional oomph of a thoughtfully chosen gift. And a lightweight crossbody is the perfect choice for an older retired lady.

Is there any way you could show her some photos of purses, OP, tell her you're shopping for a present for your sister or mom, and would like her opinion? That may be transparent but at least you'd find out if you're in the same ballpark as her taste.

That said my family threw me a surprise party last year and numerous relatives pitched in and bought me a purse. I absolutely love it. Adore it! It's not something I would have chosen for myself but it's perfect. A lightweight cross-body that is so very practical I use it all the time. Plus the thought of it, and all those caring people, just gets me in the heart every day I sling it over my shoulder. I got gift cards too, but I used them all to buy gifts for DH.