Is this a terrible present?

[maskingtape]

I'm really strapped for cash. It's a family member's anniversary on Sunday. They always get me amazing presents for birthdays etc so I can't get them nothing. I was thinking of doing a hamper in a canvas bag. Most of the things are unused things I have in my cupboards: prosecco, sparkling water, sweets, chocolates, pasta etc. I'll then spend around £5-10 adding to it e.g. fancy hand wash, a magazine each etc.
Is this a terrible gift or can I get away with it? I already have a card.

Give your card together with the Prosecco, nicely wrapped. This is enough. I don't think many people would really want a bag of oddments, however well intentioned, and if you are currently strapped for cash, you need to hold onto your larder!

Unless it’s for a big anniversary most people don’t give presents. Maybe a card, but generally not even that.

One of the gifts I still remember most was a little bag with half champers, fags, comfy socks, mags, chocs and a silly toy. None overly expensive but all suited to me and a lovely day!

Sorry I should explain about the sparkling water. The woman is pregnant so can't drink the prosecco. The pasta is because she's gluten intolerant.

You need a bit of a theme. Prosecco and chocolates- and buy a paperback book? A relaxation evening collection. Or prosecco and posh orange juice? A Bucks Fizz kit.

That's really sweet, I love this idea!

Why are you giving them an anniversary gift? Is there a party?

Sounds great and very thoughtful of you

beautiful gift; I'd be delighted to receive it!

For those asking why I'm giving an anniversary gift it's because it's the done thing with close family members in my family.

I might do the prosecco, sparkling water, chocolate and some flowers. Would that be ok?

Prosecco and a bunch of Aldi flowers would be enough. Pasta is a no!

You could get a great bunch of flowers for £10 to go with the prosecco and chocs. Forget the rest, these three things are a lovely gift on their own. I’d be pleased with just the prosecco!

Terracotta plant pot and a peace lily from the supermarket. You’ll get change from a tenner and it’s a really easy to look after and impressive looking gift.

Ahh, just read your response! Why not flowers and chocs then, as she’s pregnant?

Yes, maskingtape, the water, prosecco, flowers and chocs would be a fab gift. Do you have a pretty gift bag you can recycle?

Yeah I've probably got a gift bag lying around somewhere. Thanks everyone.

A box of gluten free chocolates on its own would be a nice present because they could share it. The prosecco would be a gift just for him - does he particularly like it? Magazines, hand wash and other everyday items are not necessary.
Chocolates and a card would be a decent gesture.

Gluten intolerant or not...pasta is still odd.

Don’t worry maskingtape my family always did anniversary gifts too, they stopped before my wedding though

Best place for flowers is Sainsbury’s or Asda. You can get nice bunches of roses for £3-4 .

A bottle of non alc fizz, some flowers and a card I'm sure will be enough. You sound so lovely and thoughtful. Don't break the bank though and don't raid the pantry - the pasta sounds like a harvest festival gift to OAP's to me - sorry!

I get the gluten intolerant thing but instead of giving her pasta, can you make her a treat, eg gluten intolerant cupcakes. Maybe some nice bubble bath.

I wouldn’t mind being given gluten free pasta in my hamper!

Terrible gift. Just give the prosecco with a bow on it