Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

What the FRIG do I buy MIL for her birthday??

54 replies

Milkymilkshake · 29/01/2019 17:51

I saw ‘I’ but obviously I meant on behalf of DH Hmm

Late 60’s.

Lives for animals - takes leftover food for foxes/owns horses, dogs & cats/takes in any waif and stray she sees. She already has wellies, riding gear, waterproof walking gear etc.

Loves (tacky) crystal animals and all animal-related ornaments but has no room for any more crap.

Buys herself flowers weekly.

Alcohol isn’t an option. Nor is skincare, make-up or toiletries due to allergy.

VERY fussy with food. Sticks with her own brands.

Doesn’t read books as she has no interest in them but subscribes herself to animal charity magazines already.

Would never wear new clothes. Made the mistake of buying her a White Company voucher last year and she let it expire Angry

Doesn’t do holidays because of her animals so no good buying Euros etc.

All obscure, bizarre and frankly weird suggestions welcome please!

OP posts:
Leeds2 · 29/01/2019 19:30

Animal experience at a zoo.

Bird bath, for the garden.

Hedgehog house.

Caribbeanescape · 29/01/2019 19:33

You can get a bird box with a tiny camera inside, and you can watch it on wifi. Would she enjoy that?

Dafspunk · 29/01/2019 19:40

Genuine question... does she actually want a present?

Zoe2411 · 29/01/2019 19:44

What about a donation to a rescue or animal sanctuary she loves x

WhiteOrange · 29/01/2019 19:50

What about a bloom and wild subscription where she will get a bouquet of flowers delivered to her every month for the amount of time you choose?

MouseUtopia · 29/01/2019 19:56

Seed bombs for guerilla gardening?

HoHoHolyCow · 29/01/2019 19:56

We got my son a window mounted bird feeder for Christmas. It sticks on with suction cups. I was dubious about whether birds would use it but it's amazing! We've seen robins, blue tits, long tailed tits etc. Would definitely recommend!

Original poster
Milkymilkshake · 29/01/2019 19:58

Wow - thankyou so much! I will investigate more tomorrow.

Just to say DH struggles with online shopping due to dyslexia amongst other things, hence it’s easier for me to do it. But I can see why you say that! Wink

OP posts:
LordPickle · 29/01/2019 20:28

A hedgehog house

Lucylugs · 29/01/2019 20:49

What about automated pet feeders.You set the timers and they open on rotation. We use them so wet food doesn't go off/ dry up if we're away over night. what we usually do is freeze a couple of foil pouches of pet food and they defrost in the feeder ready for when it opens.

Mulberryandthyme · 29/01/2019 21:03

How much do you want to spend?

CountFosco · 29/01/2019 21:04

Rather randomly the best present I ever got DDad was a weather station with a controller inside. He drove Mum mad talking about the weather. But if MIL loves her nature she'll probably like that as well.

30birthdayholiday · 29/01/2019 21:16

Is she into historic houses? National Trust membership?

PoohBearsHole · 29/01/2019 21:21

how about a donation to street vets/DOTS on her behalf?

NoTeaNoShadeNoPinkLemonade · 29/01/2019 21:30

adopt a goat?

Hersetta427 · 29/01/2019 21:32

An animal print scarf or apron?

xsahm · 29/01/2019 21:37

Tickets to Crufts!!

I'm properly pleased with that suggestion - please don't knock it Grin

BarbaraofSevillle · 29/01/2019 21:40

wildlife camera.

See if she can catch foxes in her garden etc, although I'm currently using mine to try and catch whichever or my kittens keeps going to the toilet in places other than the litter tray.

Or a window bird feeder so she can see the birds up close from inside the house.

Shops other than Amazon are available of course, but just examples.

I understand the frustration about the expired White Company voucher. Years ago, before there were so many dupes around, I bought my sisters Molton Brown handwash and cream for special birthdays and they both didn't touch it for two or three years and then threw it away.

xsahm · 29/01/2019 21:42

If she owns horses then a shiny new head collar and lead rope are always a thing of beauty. You just need to make sure you get the right size (and brand) of head collar.

AdaColeman · 29/01/2019 21:43

Gel hand warmers

Small pair of binoculars for bird watching

Get a local artist to paint her horse/dog from a photo

Original poster
Milkymilkshake · 29/01/2019 22:31

Am getting excited now - big big thanks!! You all deserve a pat on the back!

Off the top of my head I guess budget would be about £70 as I have already organised a Bloom & Wild delivery Smile

Gifts will be expected as we have a newish DD that should be included.

Will update over the next few days but in the meantime thankyou! for some wonderful ideas!!

OP posts:
caesio · 30/01/2019 09:08

Cat/dog/waif/stray heat pad

SAFE 12 V Petnap Electric Cat Dog heat pad mat 33cm x 44cm
by Petnap Ltd
Learn more: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00265EVZW/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_hKwuCbY3BY40C?tag=mumsnetforum-21

arseabouttit · 30/01/2019 11:11

Or..one of those cooling mats for pets in case we get another hot summer 🤞

WhiteOrange · 30/01/2019 13:58

Lovely - glad you liked the bloom and wild suggestion. Their bouquets are gorgeous.

ladyratterley · 30/01/2019 14:03

Echoing previous posters I’ve bought my parents a hedgehog house and a bat box before.
Or a nice bird feeding table. My parents have theirs so that they can see it from their french windows in the living room & enjoy spotting the different birds visiting the garden. It really is lovely.