Gift ideas for 65 year old DMIL

[Someaddedsugar]

DMIL is 65 at the end of February and we're stuck for present ideas!

Budget around £100.

Likes (or previous presents that have gone down well) her grandchildren, gardening, baking, family gatherings (not an option at the moment), walking in the local area, gold earrings and reading.

Doesn't really like ornaments, scarves or candles.

Previously we've bought her shopping centre vouchers, plants for the garden, a watch and National Trust membership (unfortunately they only visited 3 or 4 times). Between us and DSIL we've also bought countless photo frames with photos of the grandchildren and mugs etc with grandma written on.

We're so stuck this year as even things like shopping vouchers seem a bit of a useless present as she likes to actually go to the shops and DP doubts she'll feel comfortable until the autumn following conversations that we've had.

We bought her a kindle a few years ago and that's been a real hit - part of the present could be a voucher for buying more books on that as I know she tends to stick to the 99p books so she doesn't spend a fortune.

She looks after our DC once a week so that we can work and I'm so massively appreciative of the support that she gives me and our family that we just want to make sure it's a special gift that means something rather than something like a voucher for the whole amount that doesn't feel as thoughtful.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

I'm 65.Does she knit or sew, if so contributions towards materials or equipment are always welcome. If she likes walking then walking shoes or boots - I got some lightweight walking boots from Hotter for Christmas. Artwork? I commissioned a picture of our dog for DH for Christmas which he loves. Photo book made of pictures of grandchildren?

What about a tree for her garden?

How many DGCs does she have?

Could you buy a rose bush or a tree for each one and plant her a lockdown garden?

Thank you so much @CaptainMyCaptain.

She doesn't knit or sew.

Walking boots are a good idea - or perhaps vouchers towards them for a specific shop with a note re what the money was for?

Artwork could also be a nice idea. I hadn't thought of that. She likes things sourced locally so I could have a look to see if there are any artists that would suit her tastes.

We already give her a calendar each Christmas with DC photos (she hasn't yet said she's sick of them so we stick with the tradition!).

Would you be offended by a voucher for walking boots do you think?

@BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz we got a tree last year that has a special meaning for her.

I do like the idea of the lockdown garden @CormoranStrike - I could then ask DSIL if she wanted to do the same... DMIL is a fan of flowers such as poppies so we could get some different varieties maybe?

There are 4 DGC so that would be a nice amount of plants too.

Artwork could also be a nice idea. I hadn't thought of that. She likes things sourced locally so I could have a look to see if there are any artists that would suit her tastes.
I found the local artist in a virtual market place on Facebook.

I certainly wouldn't be offended by vouchers for boots. Everyone knows it's impossible to get out shopping at the moment.

As you say she likes baking have a look at the Great British Bake off subscription box. You can pay for 1 month, 3, or 6. It's £20 a month, but you get ingredients and baking equipment. DD and I are eagerly awaiting the arrival of my first one!

I'm 66. I love wine, a dozen bottles would be wonderful as a gift.
Also good quality consumables I would never normally splash out on, like extra virgin olive oil, expensive spices, good quality jams/pickes etc. One of my best xmas presents was a Fortnum's hamper. You could put together your own.
Amazon voucher so I can buy books for my kindle whenever I want (or anything else I fancy).....
Magazine subscription for a favourite mag.
A tablet? I use mine all the time. (Ipad a bit pricy, but you can get cheaper ones)
Garden gift vouchers? I am a keen gardener, but I really wouldn't want other people chosing my plants for me.
A garden bench?
Smart tv? Perhaps a bit expensive though.
What I wouldn't want are spa days or 'experiences', or things like candles, throws, picture frames etc. Something I can use and will be fun is much better.

I'll have a look at the baking subscription boxes @LouLou198 (also will be looking for me and DC as they sound really good for lockdown things to do!).

@Reedwarbler she doesn't really drink much, but does like nice food items so a hamper would be a good idea, as would the throw and Kindle voucher.

What do people think of flower subscription boxes? I can't decide if they're a good idea or not!

Having said that we normally do flowers for Mother's Day so that might just end up being too much...