Gift Help

The annual wringing of hands over gifts for my secretary and the rest of the business staff is upon us. In the last year I've changed secretaries, and the one I have now is extremely difficult to buy for. Let me paint the scene, just so you will know who we are dealing with (and I should say at the outset that she is fantastic at her job):


Significantly overweight, set to have gastric bypass surgery in spring/summer of next year
Diagnosed with diabetes in the last year (so can't drink alcohol or eat sweets)
Would probably self-describe as redneck, of the former Arkansas/current North Cobb variety
Is a grandmother twice-over, even though she is in her early forties
Does nothing but work, work, work and take care of the grandbabies (who she is raising)


Just trust me when I say that this is not a woman who would enjoy flowers, or jewelry, or scented bath products. She is not someone who would ever use a day at the spa or a gift card to a store like Banana Republic or Ann Taylor.

What do I get this woman for Christmas? I hate the idea of giving cash, and I already exhausted the mall gift card option for her birthday. I also don't want to give her something that is so practical it is likely to be used not for herself, but for her family for whom she is primary breadwinner.

All suggestions appreciated.