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Original poster

Help I'm totally stumped

101 replies

PoffleWaffleWoo · 29/08/2019 16:12

I have to get my 66 year old Auntie a birthday present and I'm totally stumped, please help.

She doesn't drink, she doesn't appreciate nice toiletries, if you get her a nice candle she won't burn it, it just sits there wrapped in plastic. She doesn't like flowers. She doesn't like jewellery. She doesn't like new books as why pay for them when you get just get them out of the library.

She's very close to my son so last year I did her a big picture frame of pics of the two of them but I can't do that again

Budget about £50. Help me, I'm stumped!!

OP posts:
SierraNevada · 29/08/2019 18:08

A heated throw? I love snuggling up under mine and watching tv.

0blio · 29/08/2019 18:16

Blimey, some of the suggestions on here! A Dignitas voucher?! that did make me snigger though

I'm a little bit older than your aunt and very au fait with technology - most of us older people have been using computers since the 1980s fgs! And I'm still working full time so no daytime crafts for me.

By the time we have reached this advanced age OP, we don't really need more 'stuff'.
You sound a lovely thoughtful niece and if I was your aunt I'd just enjoy your company over a nice lunch or afternoon tea.

MidweekObscurity · 29/08/2019 18:29

A photo book of your son and as many photos as you can of her.

It's a shame she's resistant to tech, DH has a 97 year old relative who uses an iPad and joined FB etc.

Grambler · 29/08/2019 18:50

Fitbit
Happy socks - socks with photos of her dog on
Jigsaw of a photo of her and your DS. Or the dog. Or DS and the dog.

FatTwat69 · 29/08/2019 18:57

Does she have an iPad?
Readly subscription?

National Trust membership?

Does she live near any country parks?
I buy an annual car park pass which covers our local ones and it’s £50.

Original poster
PoffleWaffleWoo · 29/08/2019 19:38

Nt membership is an idea actually, she lives in Yorkshire so loads of places

She doesn't have any kids of her own so we see a lot of her as she dotes on ds

OP posts:
stayingaliveisawayoflife · 29/08/2019 20:00

Does she have a garden? You can get a garden subscription where something arrives every month. This is one of the cheapest which my mil will be getting for her birthday.

Help I'm totally stumped
winewolfhowls · 29/08/2019 20:09

One of those pet portraits where you send a photo and they paint it, many styles available.

Hamper through the post from Betty's.

Those cover things that go over your trousers and wellies to keep mud and water off.

Hand held hoover, good for pet hair on sofa.

Ticket to local dog show, or crufts.

Walking pole for icy weather

Waterproof hat.

YogaLite · 29/08/2019 20:20

I am a bit younger but wouldn't want more "stuff". I would say an outing together, something like Highgrove, Wisley, Balmoral,
Sandringham,Cliveden or some other beautiful place, maybe Oxford botanical gardens?

GemmeFatale · 29/08/2019 20:27

On the theme of dog stuff I would be delighted to get a dog drying coat. Fantastic for when you have a wet/muddy dog and need to get in the car/house while minimising the mess. Even if she already had one a second is still good as they’re constantly in the wash in bad weather.

steppemum · 29/08/2019 21:09

well, if you can't go out for a meal, would she let you take her for an afternoon somehwere as a birthday treat? Like to a national trust place, or drive her somewhere lovely for a dog walka nd picnic?

Bluefargo · 29/08/2019 22:53

Find out where she gets her hair blow dried / done and get her a voucher for there?

NewNameJust4Today · 29/08/2019 23:02

Does she have pets?

FoxFoxSierra · 29/08/2019 23:28

Voucher for a massage?

Original poster
PoffleWaffleWoo · 30/08/2019 07:49

The concept of her getting her hair dried 😂

She hasn't been the hairdresser in about thirty years, she cuts it herself in the kitchen. I offered once before to pay for her to go and it went down like a lead balloon.

OP posts:
SmartyPants0 · 30/08/2019 08:00

Does she like gardening? If so a local garden center voucher.
Does she drive? If so maybe a car valet voucher.
As she's 60 can you arrange a suprise get to gether with friends and family.

Shannith · 30/08/2019 10:29

Sounds like my mum. Even though you have done it before photos always go down well.

Poutintrout · 30/08/2019 11:51

A hardback notebook with a photo cover of her dogs. Snapfish do them. Tote shopping bag, maybe with dog photo?

Footle · 30/08/2019 12:36

Tickets for something she can take your son to.

BarbaraofSeville · 30/08/2019 14:36

Why not agree to stop exchanging presents? It sounds like you're effectively swapping the same £50 twice a year and it's probably causing both of you stress.

Or the NT membership might be a go-er as the unlimited entry/free parking might appeal to her thrifty nature if she likes to get out and about.

SuzieQ10 · 30/08/2019 14:51

I just bought a kindle fire tablet for about £40 from Argos. You say she's really not keen on technology but what if you took the time to teach her how to use it, if she's not already using the internet etc? 66 isn't really very old to have written off technology. Is there any chance as all she'd like the opportunity to learn how to use a device? You can also get free 1 to 1 learning sessions at libraries if booked in advance. Might make things easier for her in the long run as we become more and more reliant on everything being online. (Just a suggestion, don't shoot me!! Smile). Also love the NT membership idea.

Owlsintowels · 30/08/2019 14:56

My grandparents were awful to buy for, no hobbies and ungrateful for everything

For the last 5 years I've bought them posh ready meals from Donald Russell, a Scottish gourmet butcher who sells online

My grandfather phoned me up to thank me for the sausages which taste 'like real ones used to'. I don't know about that but they are bloody delicious. They also do a nice pie selection, lasagne etc.
The food does taste delicious and you can get a decent amount for £30-£50, it feels like a real treat

*not affiliated, just a big fan. I stock up on their meat at the beginning of summer now for bbqs, there are good offers on, and it's all organic so I feel a little less guilty

Original poster
PoffleWaffleWoo · 30/08/2019 15:04

SuzieQ10 she literally will not, I have tried a million times to persuade her to no avail.

I would love to stop doing presents but I have suggested it before and she got very offended. If you ask her what she wants she says oh you know me, I like anything. She definitely doesn't Hmm

OP posts:
meditereb · 30/08/2019 15:19

If she likes reality TV Hayu subscription ?

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