To buy my mum mugs for a retirement gift?

[PreviouslyZeus]

My mum retires this week after many years as a civil servant. She isn't really into anything fancy (she likes knitting etc). She does likes bags and purses but I have done this to death over the years. She isn't keen on going out due to CV19 so I'm doing food at mine for just the immediate family and have banners and balloons etc. But I'd like to get her a gift too but I have no idea what.

The only thing I can think of that she would need and like are some more Queens mugs by Churchill. Ok they are just mugs but she broke one earlier last week and was pretty annoyed by it. Is this an insulting gift?

Also any idea welcome. She doesn't want to go out and she isn't into beauty or fashion. She hates vouchers. Obviously I'll get some flowers but otherwise I'm at a loss.

I genuinely didn't know buying your parents gifts when they retired was something people did.

If you want to get her the mugs and you think she would like them then I dont think its a terrible gift. She will probably be happy to receive them and it is a nice gesture given she recently broke one.

If she likes knitting could you get her some really fancy wool and some nice patterns? Sort of a 'you'll have more time for this' parcel? I love knitting but can't justify the cost of fancy wool!

Maybe with a mug and nice teas and some good books? Like a 'fun retirement' kit?

Is a present necessary? Surely it her colleagues who will do that! I’d like a planter or propagator.

She's been working from home for months and I'm not sure what, if anything, her work are doing. My dad's work did fuck all for him and I know he was upset as he was there for years. My mum does so much for me and my sister I'd be upset for her if it just went by without nothing marking the occasion. It's a massive life change for her. I could get her fancy wool etc but she has loads of wool already. I will look into it. The gift is just something little really hence the mugs.

I'd buy her the matching teapot if there is, or something fancy like a cake stand or something to make it more special.

My sister recently left a job and her colleagues sent her a Fortnum and mason tea hamper , you could do something like that with the mugs .

I think the mugs sound like a great idea . I've retired this time and it has been a strange time to retire I agree . She should get something to Mark it perhaps get a cake with happy retirement on as well to have with the brews - if she likes cake ?

In which case - a lovely mug! I’m usually happy with mugs (as long as they have animals on them).

The food will be decorated with happy retirement as I have ordered a picnic platter and cake platter (who doesn't like cake?!) from a local cafe. I have decorations. She loves coffee, so I could go a fancy coffee hamper to go with the mugs.

@SerenityNowwwww they have paradise birds on them and they are lovely.

What about a magazine subscription, knitting or cookery then she will have something to look forward to x

A subscription could work actually. I'll have a look at that too.

Does she like to travel?, there is a lovely magazine called Food and Travel, its a very nice coffee table magazine.

I love mugs! I’d be happy with a new mug for any occasion. An expensive new posh mug would be ace! I never get bored of them.

Some paints, canvases or paper and brushes! Hopefully a hobby she might have a go at! Or a book on how to draw accompanied by a set of pencils ranging from b to b6.
Mugs can be very nice of course.

Does she have a nice knitting/craft bag?

Bottle of Champagne (and the Mugs) if she doesn't want the champagne I'll have it!

I'm retired, love knitting, and would love any of the ideas suggested so far.

How about a weekend away with her?

I'd be quite happy with a gift like that, they're fairly expensive for mugs and you know she will love them and use them. Very thoughtful x

If she likes circular knitting needles and doesn't already have a set, something like these would be appreciated. They're one of the best, and most-used, gifts I've ever been given. I prefer the steel non-sharp ones but she may be different. There are other brands - Addi are good too. Once you get one brand you're tied in to them because the fixings are brand-specific.

If she doesn't already have a Ravelry account (free), set one up for her and show her how to search for knitting patterns.

Is there a knitting magazine you can get a sub for?

O well since you’ve sorted all the food out and everything the mugs sound great . Wishing your mum a long and happy retirement xx