What do I get my fussy DM for Xmas?

[ILikePaperHats]

She's 75, in good physical shape and likes the finer things. My budget is under £50. She doesn't like perfume, toiletries, ornaments, candles, or food or drink items ('already too much food around at Xmas'). Jewellery and clothes are out as I'd probably get it wrong. She likes reading, but my taste and hers are not the same. She doesn't cook. She likes gardening but wouldn't want a book on it. It has to be something I can put in the post as I won't be seeing her this Christmas due to distance. Vouchers are a bit boring aren't they? I'm totally stuck. I bought her tickets to Wimbledon last year which went down a treat but unfortunately my finances are a lot tighter this year. Any ideas, Mumsnetters?

Helicopter lesson? Might make her chuckle.

Actually scrap that, they cost more than 50 quid.

Oh god no! Made me chuckle though 😆

A flower or garden show?

She doesn't like flying. Or boats. Gets travel sick. Told you she was fussy.

Cashmere socks
Scarf/Gloves
Kneel on pad/secateurs/Gardening tin/gloves/markers etc
Letter opener (but random I know, but my Mum still uses the one I bought her 10 years ago)
Throw
Scarf - dressy indoor type one
Subscription to a magazine

....

Ooh yes a flower show she'd like that. Are there any near Devon as she's not keen on travelling especially if it's in that there London. She's been to the Eden project and wasn't massively impressed.

Subscription to a magazine? Yeah maybe. Thanks. Not sure which one though

Who cooks? Just out of curiosity.

How much are Chelsea Flower Show tickets? Or Hampton Court (less crowded and better in some ways I've been told).

Cashmere socks? Any gadgets she might like?

If you had more time you could have maybe sourced her some rare orchid seeds. Like the hanging man or the parrot shaped ones. eBay do shit like that, but its a bit of a risk getting the correct seeds. Trial and error.

She does do some cooking obviously but it's not something she's that keen on, and just does basic stuff so anything culinary is out. She likes going out for meals. Don't blame her at her age.

National Trust membership?
Voucher for her and a friend to have a Devon cream tea?
Nice gillette or wellies?

www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show#mobile-nav-menu

This link might take you to the list of RHS shows but it kept jumping to Chelsea so I'm not sure, but you'll get the list through the menu in any case.

Cooking isn't my thing either OP!

Cashmere socks are a good idea. Seen a pair on Amazon for £31! Do you think that sounds a bit extortionate for just one pair of socks?

No need to spend that much, no. Google rather than amazon

Cashmere isn't that easy to look after as delicate. As a gardener myself I'd say a good make of seceturs. It's always useful to have more than one pair. Or an expensive pair of gardening gloves or a hat to protect her whilst gardening on the summer.
.

Plenty of gardening magazines
Or most of the subscription companies do vouchers & then your mum can choose one herself

A gilet! Great idea!! She lives in the country so that might be perfect. Although I've never seen her wearing one before. She's got a decent pair of wellies already I think.

Tickets towards a meal out.

Chelsea tickets

A plant in the post. There are Christmas ones. A lemon tree, if she is ambitious.

A really expensive scarf

A merino snood

Cost if a haircut

Amazon vouchers or John Lewis.

Silk pillowcase. Not joking.

Gardeners World subscription maybe? She watches the TV programme. Thanks everyone, some great ideas here.

Garden bench, bird table or bird bath. Order from local garden centre and I'm sure they will deliver for you!

Tickets for Afternoon tea for two

I’m getting my picky mum (Same age, sound very similar!) a shopping trolley. In a funky fabric print so not a naff one. She enjoys walking 30 min to the shop but struggles carrying the plastic bags home.