Stuck for Xmas gift ideas

[cjt110]

For my parents. I am that person that gets them the same shit gifts year on year. Socks and cups for my Mum. Tshirt and socks for my Dad with other gifts thrown in.

My Mum said about 6m ago "I've got a load of those fluffy socks in my drawer unopened - no idea where I got them from or why because I never wear them" and she's also told me not to get her any more cups as she has loads and has given a few away.

They arent social butterflys so tickets to a show or what have you is no good.

What on earth can I get them?

[acquiescence]

Voucher for a meal? Do they go out at all? What do they do in the spare time- are they into the garden? Instead of socks- slippers, scarf, hat, etc? All xmas cliches but a variation on the theme!
Framed photos of you as a family?

[CockacidalManiac]

It's always worth mooching around Firebox, IWOOT and Notonthehighstreet.

[Heirhelp]

Magazine subscription?

[cjt110]

acquiescence They do go out yes but not to shows/restaurants betc. They are more of a... everyday kind of place to eat. Eg. they are eating out on christmas day - options of lots of lovely hotels and restaurants but chose to book into the Toby Carvery instead as they've been before, like it and feel they don't have to go dressed up etc.

They don't really have any hobbies. My Dad is ill and so my Mum looks after him, and him her as she suffers from anxiety - hence the lack of desire to go out. They had the garden gravelled over in the summer so no gardening stuff would be of any use.

[Sparlklesilverglitter]

Do you live near your parents? Would a voucher for lunch/afternoon tea with them work?

do you have DC? What about coasters of the children or a canvas shopping bag wth DC on it

You could of course get a tin of posh biscuits? And some fancy tea bags?

[cjt110]

CockacidalManiac I love you! I just went onto IWOOT (never heard of it before) and the first thing on screen are star wars construction kits. My Dad is a real star wars geek!

[Birdsgottafly]

I get my Sister, a more expensive version of what she likes, so usually Alcohol and food/cake.

Others get gift vouchers, for shops, meals, cinema, beauty treatments etc.

[cjt110]

Sparlklesilverglitter Yep, just a few miles away. Good idea on the coasters. Will have a look at what I can find.

[CockacidalManiac]

Lol, thanks 😎 Loads of great stuff and stocking fillers on those sites. Far easier than traipsing round shops.

[CockacidalManiac]

The customisable Polaroid glass photo coasters on those sites often go down well too; they look quite cool and retro.

[CockacidalManiac]

And if your getting stuff from IWOOT or firebox, search online for discount codes. It's usually easy to find at least 10% off.

[Note3]

If buying on iwoot.com then register with quidco.com to get cashback.

Dotcomgiftshop is fantastic for reasonable price gifts for your mum. Lots of stuff like handy storage items.

Think Toby Carvery do a gift card...as you said they like there

[PunkAssMoFo]

Would your mum like a magazine subscription?

[cjt110]

Awesome suggestions all. I really appreciate them.

Note3 How does cashback work? I don't understand it.

Punk I don't think so no :(

[Imawishfulthinker]

I always try to get unique gifts you cant buy in the high street as I they just end up with the same thing every year so...

Family Tree Frame
Spa/Paper day
Keyring with childen/grandchildren name attached to it
My dad loves trains so I'm getting him a train plaque with his name on it for his train shed lol

[BarbaraofSeville]

YY. To Toby carvery gift card, If thats what they like. Get some chocs, biscuits or booze as well if you want to spend a bit more.

[BarbaraofSeville]

My dad liked local history books. There are always loads really cheaply in the works or other discount book shops, or in museum gift shops.

[Note3]

Ooh a cashback virgin...you're in for a treat!
Register with quidco.com. and topcashback. Anytime you want to buy anything from a shop (literally anything and include household utility suppliers and car insurance and such like) go to the two cashback sites first and search the place you want to buy from. If they have a cashback arrangement in place they give you cashback on the purchase you make so it's like getting a delayed discount.

For example, if you want to buy from iwoot.com they have something like a 7% cashback agreement with quidco.com. You therefore log into quidco, search for Iwoot and click the link they provide that says something like 'visit retailer and claim cashback'. They track your purchase and a month or 3 later the cashback clears at quidcos end and you can withdraw it to your bank account.

I've used it for click and collect at argos, buying insurance, hiring a holiday cottage, all sorts. One yr I earnt around 250 total cashback from just normal purchases I planned to make so reduced price overall.

Quidco charge £5 a yr fee but they don't bill you if you don't earn cashback, they just keep the first £5 you earn that yr then everything above is yours. If you don't collect any cashback or less than £5 then it's written off and you're not chased for the money but if you use the site regularly you easily rack up way more than £5 due to things like gas and electric deals and insurance renewals.

[Note3]

The reason I say go to both cashback sites is generally one pays more than the other for certain shops

[HazelBite]

If they have had their garden gravelled over what about pots ready planted with bulbs that will flower and give colour in the spring and of course will continue year after year. I ordered some from Dobies.

[cjt110]

If only they didnt have a dog that eats everything in sight Hazel :(

[SaucyJack]

Was does your mum actually like? Always a good place to start :-)