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Christmas

What on earth to buy my DM?

22 replies

Terramirabilis · 04/12/2015 20:04

So my Mum does not want and will not use:

perfume
make up
candles
jewellery
fancy toiletries
anything personalized
artwork

It is impossible to buy her clothing, accessories, or shoes. What can I buy her? She likes gardening and knitting somewhat. No other hobbies. I don't leave anywhere near so I don't see her enough to be able to monitor exactly what she has or hasn't got for those hobbies.

Budget about 30 GBP.

Help!

OP posts:
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FormerlyKnownasFK · 04/12/2015 20:06

Have you asked her?

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kazzaF21 · 04/12/2015 20:27

Could you take her out for a meal? Framed family photo? x

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Terramirabilis · 04/12/2015 20:32

If I ask she'll just say it doesn't matter in a slightly martyred way.

A meal isn't really possible on 30 quid and last year we paid to have a group family photo done as a Christmas present so we've done the family photo. I appreciate the suggestions though!

OP posts:
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booksrock · 04/12/2015 20:34

My MUM has a magazine subscription, she says everytime she gets it she thinks of me Grin

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RatOnnaStick · 04/12/2015 20:37

I got my mum an English Heritage subscription a couple of years ago. Would she use something like that, or National Trust?

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Terramirabilis · 04/12/2015 20:41

Magazine subscription could be a possibility if I could think of one she would like. We're not from the UK so an English Heritage or National Trust membership wouldn't work but there might be a local equivalent.

OP posts:
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Slowjog · 04/12/2015 20:42

Christmas hamper of goodies

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TheOriginalMerylStrop · 04/12/2015 20:45

theatre or cinema vouchers
books (about gardening)
My mum is a gardener and always needs new gardening gloves.
garden centre voucher

(prime candidate for a goat, your mum)

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nattyknitter · 04/12/2015 20:59

She sounds like a vouchers sort of person.

Knitters like yarn. Do you know if she makes anything in particular? eg socks. You can also get knitting kits to make a specific item that come with everything you need in them.

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Strictlyobsessed · 04/12/2015 21:02

Posh afternoon tea voucher ?

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ChipInTheSugar · 04/12/2015 21:02

A bee hotel!

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mimiasovitch · 04/12/2015 22:33

A bird table? That's what my MIL asked for.

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ChristmasFairyLights · 04/12/2015 22:40

How about a beautiful shrub or tree for the garden. I'm not v good with plants but if you go to the garden centre they can advise.

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Nibbl3s · 04/12/2015 22:41

A handmade food hamper! buy a nice basket and add some of her favourite treats Smile

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recklessgran · 04/12/2015 22:58
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Tinklebinkle · 04/12/2015 23:09

Do the home made IOU's. They are so simple (and free) for example, I owe you one oven clean, one garage clean out, one ironing bundle etc. I did this one year with a different task for every month, went down a storm. My mum sounds exactly like yours. I rip my hair out every year. I have started doing the garden as well, so in Autumn I plant bulbs, in spring, bedding plants. i used to spend a fortune, she hated everything. Now I just do tasks. Works a treat. Xmas Grin

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Busyworkingmum71 · 04/12/2015 23:24

My dm loves her garden too, and has every conceivable tool, gardeners diary and book going. Last year I bought her a bird table and this year I've got her a toad abode. This isn't the exact one, but gives you an idea. £22 on eBay.

What on earth to buy my DM?
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Tinklebinkle · 04/12/2015 23:35

TOAD ABODE!!!! Iove that so much. I have a toad living in the mud under my blackberry bushes. I have made him a pond but now I feel obliged to buy him a toad abode! Xmas Grin

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Tinklebinkle · 04/12/2015 23:36

*derails Wine

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FormerlyKnownasFK · 04/12/2015 23:58

My exMIL always did the martyred shrug when asked about presents.

She got the goat.

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KittyCatPumpkin · 05/12/2015 12:15

nice knitting bag? if she online shops, maybe some vouchers for wool warehouse?

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Lovelydiscusfish · 05/12/2015 20:03

Gardener's mug, with a lid to stop flies going in it?
A posh kneeler for her gardening?
Would she use a nice gardener's hand cream, or would that count as posh toiletries?
Garden centre vouchers, or vouchers for whatever your national equivalent of Hobbycraft is?
Or, does she like any foods or drinks? Could you make up a hamper of her favourite treats?

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