My sister has been caught again by our Dad and now she's dragging me into it!

[TroysMammy]

My parents pick up my niece from school so my sister sees them more than I do. It's that time of year again and our Dad has said to her "get your Mother something from me for Christmas and I'll give you the money".

He will but we haven't a flaming clue what to get her ourselves without our Dad passing the buck again. Now my sister has text me and we need help.

Our DM has no hobbies. They don't go out dining or doing anything together. DM can't wear perfume, doesn't wear jewellery except a wedding ring and a necklace. Doesn't wear makeup. They are in their late 70's, still active. She has a kindle and mobile phone. Any ideas anyone, please?

I got my mum a heated throw, as she feels the cold more than my dad, so she likes the hearing on full, and he doesn't . Hopefully this will help stop the bickering

Subscription to Freddie’s Flowers?
A lovely throw?
A coffee machine?
A coat?
A magazine subscription? Maybe The Week?
An outdoor patio plant?
A token for a posh afternoon tea?
A really nice pen?
A nightdress!

Alexa? we got my mum one for her birthday and she loves it. what about a pandora bracelet? that way you.can all buy charms to add to it. its an expensive outlay but it might be nice for her to wear special occasions if not a daily basis.

Does she need anything like new PJ's, a warm jacket, jumper - anything like that ?
Does she have any TV or film favourites you can get on DVD (you can et nice collections of old films if she is into that kind of thing)
Something for the garden
One of those subscription things where you get a box of edible treats delivered once a month.

Doesn't your Dad have any ideas what she would like ?

Some vouchers for kindle books?

Or an audible subscription with some headphones.

I LOVE my heated throw!! Got it last winter

Amazon vouchers? Firestick with Netflix voucher?

An original newspaper from the day she was born.

Browse the House of Bath catalogue.

Beautiful slippers from Designs [[https://www.bohemiadesign.co.uk/collections/moroccan-slippers/category-womens]] . I have a pair and they're beautiful and so comfortable

Whoops. That link really didn't work. Apologies.
Bohemia Designs
www.bohemiadesign.co.uk/collections/moroccan-slippers/category-womens

My brother and I had a chat with our parents who are impossible to buy for -we have decided not to buy any gifts for each other but are going out for a nice meal instead.
Is there anything similar you could do?

He is an adult. Why is he delegating the job of choosing a Christmas present from him to his own wife? You are not his secretaries and this isn't the 1950s.

Would your mother ever say to your brothers (if you don't have any then imagine you do) "Get your father something from me for Christmas and I'll give you the money"?

Having just watched the Martin Lewis Christmas present video for the first time I have to say this is a perfect example I think. Why are you even buying a present in these circumstances?

If the closest family members can't think of something a person needs or wants it's time to stop wasting your money

My dad used to this to me every year. I'd then ask DM what she wanted, but it, wrap it, give to dad in exchange for £. He'd give it to mum who'd unwrap it and act surprised.

Sorry to derail but could the heated throw enthusiasts tell me what they bought?
I think I'm stealing that idea for my parents!

Theatre tickets? Honestly though he has a bit of a crap attitude! The whole point of giving presents is to show the thought you've put towards getting someone something personal that they'd enjoy. If I were your sister and you I'd make suggestions but leave him to decide what he goes for, and organise actually getting it.

This is the throw I have. I think you can get them cheaper than this, though.

My granny's new favourite item is her new tablet.

I was bought a Dreamland Intelliheat single throw last year and I love it. Great when the heating hasn’t warmed the place up totally or if you feel the cold or have aches and pains etc. The only thing I’d say is this one is on the narrow side and if someone were broad or chunky they’d not be able to snuggle up under it very well. I’d check the width before you order and if in doubt get a double.

Theatre tickets
Voucher for a day out somewhere
Pandora ring or bracelet
Voucher for a course, watercolour, yoga, stained glass window making for example
Named rose bush for the garden

Something that's ordinary but upgraded?

-If she drinks tea go organic posh tea bags or loose, fancy bone China cup, a cute dangly steeper thing if its loose leaves, etc.

-Again if she prefers coffee get her a grinder and an a fancy (Australian brands are good) thing to make it in.

-Chocolate but posh handmade chocolates?

• a jumper, scarf, socks etc - I LOVE socks and don't get why they are seen as a naff gift. Go cashmere or British lambswool from Celtic and Co.

Or what about a family photo shoot?

Thanks for the blanket links

Joint subscription for National Trust or British Heritage.
Subscription to a national newspaper or magazine
Voucher for kindle books
Hot air balloon ride (my Mum did this in her seventies & loved it)
Red letter days gift card
Voucher for local garden nursery (if she likes plants/gardening)

I also think the suggestions for an Audible subscription with headphones, a heated blanket, tablet, firestick with netflix or amazon prime are all excellent ideas.