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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Is this a shit gift?

171 replies

OhhBetty · 10/11/2016 12:47

A group of friends and I are doing secret santa this year with a 15 pound limit. The person I've got is so hard to buy for! She just buys everything she wants as she is very wealthy! Things like bath stuff or anything girly is a no no. She does like her spicy food and spent a lot of time in India and her partner is Indian and she cooks that style of food.

I've come across a gift set with all kinds of spices in including some rare ones. Does this sound ok to you or does it sound like a shit present?!

OP posts:
YuckYuckEwwww · 13/11/2016 20:52

or, this I think makes a great gift for someone who is into cooking and it's much better quality than most others you can get. Plus in budget:

www.thegarlicfarm.co.uk/product/solent-wight-10-bulb-plait

Laska5772 · 13/11/2016 20:58

How about some unusual Indian chutneys? Have a look at Anilas They deliver and are really fab. .I recommend the apple chutney and the tamarind and date ones and also the the Tindoori Pickle (my favourite) . The carrot one is lush also ..

Laska5772 · 13/11/2016 21:00

Garlic Farm stuff is also great (I am lucky enough to live nearby!) Their pickles and chutneys are fab also .. ( also the garlic pesto)

rightsaidfrederickII · 13/11/2016 21:15

If she likes cooking, how about one of the recipe binders that Paperchase sells? They basically let you handwrite in your favourite recipes, so they're all in one place and pretty much become a family recipe book. www.paperchase.co.uk/gifts/home-and-kitchen-gifts/recipe-books

MissBattleaxe · 13/11/2016 22:22

How about a chili plant?

blueamberuk · 13/11/2016 22:45

A previous post suggested tea from Kusmi and I must admit that they are seriously one of the best upmarket tea makers, I personal think their Prince Vladimir tea is heaven but as its a Xmas gift their mulled tea is pretty good stuff as well and can also benefit from a drop of a good bit of alcoholic extra on a chill night uk.kusmitea.com/upsell/lovely-glogg.html?packaging=218

LonnyVonnyWilsonFrickett · 13/11/2016 22:53

Elle I once got a box of malteasers from the supermarket next door... And I'm not exactly hard to buy for booze so I think it's nice op cares...

LellyMcKelly · 14/11/2016 01:24

If she's a real foodie and has expensive tastes she'd probably prefer something like a really good bottle of balsamic vinegar or olive oil.

KirstyLaura · 14/11/2016 21:17

I'd get on Amazon and find a recipe book to suit her tastes for cooking. You could pair it with something foodie if it comes under price. I'd love that.

magratvonlipwig · 14/11/2016 21:39

It sounds lovely and thoughtful to me. You know she likes spices, youve got her some spices. How could anyone dislike that?

Those who say she wont like them as shes got better stuff are being gift snobs. I mean its only secret santa ffs

YuckYuckEwwww · 15/11/2016 13:34

Or if it's proving too hard, if you give a pair of these nice socks another pair of socks gets given to someone who is sleeping rough

AnchorDownDeepBreath · 15/11/2016 13:43

I'm surprised at how many people want socks - I've stopped DP buying socks for anyone, for any occasion - it's such a dull gift! I've also guided him away from bath sets...

I'd go with spices. I have loads but run out lots and it's a Secret Santa gift. I bet she'll be thrilled to have something she likes and will use.

AnchorDownDeepBreath · 15/11/2016 13:43

Didn't see your post, Yuck - That is a lovely idea and definitely the way to go if buying socks!

YuckYuckEwwww · 15/11/2016 13:49

I count on getting a few pairs of socks each at Christmas to replace the worn or shrunk ones.

Also love socks because if we run out and I buy them they're a quick nip to primark for some cheapo ones that'll "do" - gift socks are usually lovely soft M&S type ones

I'ld be sad if people stopped buying us socks, socks is such a Christmassy gift IMO Smile - but I do appreciate that they're not enough of a "treat" for some people, so when I give them its usually along with somehing else or part of a hamper..

What I hate is "Christmas socks" instead of functional socks - what am I supposed to do with them? wear them for a week then store them for a year by which time they'll be too small for DDs? I also hate all of the Christmas themed clothes they seem to get - so they'll have loads to wear for 4 weeks.. then it's all useless?

MrsRhettButler · 15/11/2016 14:00

Sorry, totally unhelpful for op but thank you wishingchair1 for the paneer info, I had no idea it was that easy!!

Totallybonkersmum · 17/11/2016 07:30

I think that's a brilliant idea. Failing that, why not buy her a nice bottle of wine or champagne? 🤔Another idea, is a pampering session to have her nails done or something similar for £15? Or does that cost more than £15 these days! 🤔 She could always enjoy the champagne at some point over Christmas!

m0therofdragons · 17/11/2016 07:34

I love cooking and would love to receive spices as a gift. Not sure why people are so negative Confused. I have millions of nice mugs and socks are so dull.

nooka · 17/11/2016 07:52

I like spices, but I'd steer clear of a gift set because it's an expensive way to buy them and they might be quite stale. I'd go for tea instead. Tea is always good :)

WorkAccount · 17/11/2016 12:22

My kids wear their christmas things all winter, then start again next autumn.

jumpjumpformylove · 17/11/2016 13:48

blueamberuk I could live on Prince Vladimir. (and the decaf Earl Grey is pretty great too)

impostersyndrome · 20/11/2016 20:54

Just popping in to say thanks to Showmeagain for the recommendation of the saffron set. I ordered one and love it. It's really dinky and much easier to use than my big mortar and pestle, which used to be really tricky to use for such tiny amounts.

And to everyone who recommended Spicery, thanks as well!

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