It's easy to get lost in life's business. But at the end of it all, above all the hustle and bustle, family is one of the MOST important things that truly matter.

Do get them gifts, no matter how small. They won't be around for too long. It's the heart behind it that matters. My dad had his 70th birthday recently. I had almost nothing in my account. But I got wind about someone who makes great wooden frame/paper back plaques with inscriptions... pretty basic but beautiful.

It was affordable and so I got him one. And it really went a long way. I could see it in his reaction.

He hung his plaque from his son proudly in the living room like a balon D'or, and that meant much more than any expensive gift I could have gotten him.

So I believe you can get creative with a gift even while it's inconvenient.

Here is what the plaque looked like. It was 6000 naira (about 3-4 USD) at the time I ordered for it.