What the hell can I get for my impossible parents?

[BabCNesbitt]

DM and DF don't really do anything except read thrillers from the library, watch TV, and take the occasional trip out to an NT property or shopping centre. They don't eat out much except sandwiches from said NT cafes/shopping centres, they don't drink, they don't eat chocolates (well, DF would but DM moans about his weight), they don't go to the cinema or theatre (theatre token gifts from a few years ago still unused). We bought a basic Kindle tablet for them a couple of years ago but that's also unused apart from occasionally Skyping their granddaughter.

DM not very mobile, doesn't have any particular interests, doesn't express enthusiasm for any gifts received. Perfume, jewellery, scarves etc all get an "oh, that's nice" then shoved in drawer. DF more mobile, interested in old buses, trains and trucks, but I feel that we've exhausted the "book/DVD/calendar of old transport" route. Does anyone have any ideas apart from more variations on the 'steam train/Ian Rankin books' theme?

[rogueantimatter]

Digital photo frame? Could you put the pics on it for them yourself before you give them it?

[BabCNesbitt]

I do like that idea, but our laptops with most of our photos were nicked a month ago, so we don't have much to put on one :/

[BabCNesbitt]

(Last year we got them a calendar with pictures of DD from the previous year, and they seemed to like that, but same issue this year - not that many pictures left!)

[JennyOnAPlate]

Box set of a tv series? Do they have NT membership?

[Ohtobeskiing]

Put together a hamper? Naice tea, biscuits, jam etc etc...??

[SleepyForest]

What about a nice planter for the garden?

[ihearttea]

Nice wellies or walking boots?
Nice wooden cheese board & a selection of cheeses?

[MorrisZapp]

Ask them what they'd like. Or just keep going with the drawer fodder, it isn't harming anyone.

[Avebury]

National Trust do charity gifts similar to the Oxfam goat etc.

[ChristmasEvePJs]

NT membership?

[TheABC]

I think NT does a gift range. Maybe order a something from them online? I also second the hamper idea.

[BabCNesbitt]

They don't do outdoors and DM can't really walk very far (unless it's in a shopping centre when she miraculously regains her strength and can potter round M&S buying acrylic rollnecks for hours). I've done fancy cheeses before and got the 'what's this muck?' look. Think some kind of (very bland) hamper probably the best idea!

Morris, you're right that it doesn't hurt, but we're pretty skint this year and I kind of resent buying things that get wasted. (I know, that's what happens to lots of Xmas presents... sigh.)

[BabCNesbitt]

And for all the suggestions, btw! Sorry for sounding so negative They really are just very difficult to buy for...

[TeddTess]

a framed picture?
new fluffy towels are always nice and something you/I don't tend to buy

otherwise i would go with the food hamper idea. easy to put together a bunch of things and make it look like a substantial present without spending loads and it should get eaten.

mine are difficult too. and i have a big family, and they both have late autumn birthdays. bloody nightmare.

[Holstein]

A magazine subscription? There are definitely some about old engines etc

[Phalarope]

Bird feeder for the garden?

[rogueantimatter]

Don't worry about being 'negative' - my ILs are similar to your parents...

Another thought - decorative plant in a lovely pot for the doorstep (or indoors)?

Very sorry to hear about your laptops.

[BabCNesbitt]

They live in a flat (they're DEFINITELY not outdoorsy!) Towels sound lovely but they have a whole airing cupboard full, so they couldn't fit any more in! Think the hamper will be it - they tend to live off ready meals and things from tins, so maybe... fancy tins? Waitrose finest garden peas?!

[florentina1]

Betty's the Yorkshire tea shop place do cake deliveries. Fondant fancies are lovely, and they range from £7 to £15.

[CremeBrulee]

What about an Amazon Fire tv stick or an Apple TV box depending on budget? Would give them access to Amazon Prime, Netflix etc if Arab is their thing?

[BabCNesbitt]

I think the Fire stick would be beyond them - they still won't learn how to read text messages! The fondant fancies sound great, thanks!

[traviata]

Radio Times subscription

[thunderbird69]

M&S giftcard?

[CremeBrulee]

TV not Arab - that was a weird autocorrect!

[xalyssx]

I'm getting my hard-to-buy-for relatives a delivery of Rodda's cream