This is an odd request but can't think of a thing! My parents are going on a senior bus tour to NYC end of April, first of May. They will take a carriage ride in Central Park, see a show etc. My Mom's birthday falls during the trip so wanted to send an early birthday/travel gift. Any suggestions? I've thought of a watch, a travel guide.....

Thanks ahead of time,

American Express Gift Card - she can spend on whatever....

GREAT IDEA!!

Not sure how much you want to spend, but for around $100-$150 you can get a cute piece of silver jewelry from Tiffany--a letter necklace from Paloma or something.
Order in advance and have them hold it at the store for her. Then send her a card and tell her to stop at Tiffany where her birthday gift is waiting for her.
Another idea is to have something waiting at the hotel-chocolate dipped strawberries or something.

If their meals are not included in the price of the trip how about a gift certificate to a nice restaurant? You can call, purchase over the phone with a credit card & they will mail it to you in plenty of time to give it to your parents. If you want to do this let us know what type of food they enjoy and I am sure you'll get some great suggestions for restaurants.

Just a heads up, I have read about some bad experiences with the Amex gift card-or possibly it was the the travel card--some stores not accepting it, not being able to use up the entire amount on the card. Here are some other issues.
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/credi...ift_cards.html

I think the idea of something she can use wherever or whenever she wants is a good one, but I'm not sure the best way to execute it.

I also like Margo's idea, picking a restaurant for them that you think they'd like and arranging to pay for the dinner. Depending on how much you want to spend, maybe pay for another couple to join them.

How about something more specific to New York City? Whether a current guidebook they could refer to along with their tour, or maybe even better one that showed the history with old photos of the streets and buildins might be interesting to them.

I also have heard problems with using the Am Ex Travel cards. It would be ashame for them to run into trouble trying to use your thoughtful gift.