At a total loss - MIL's birthday

[Happymonster]

She's going to be 65, and is one of the most difficult people to buy for - I asked her - 'nothing really, maybe just a voucher' - but I know she'll go into a huff. She lives alone and is not into fancy things. No hats, scarfs, pyjamas, flowers, chocolates, booze, soaps etc....DH has not got a clue either (he never does - he once gave me a laptop case for Christmas, another time he bought me a canvas bag from French Connection men - he'd shown me it and I said its ok, thought he was getting it for himself...)

Magazine subscription for craft theme magazine
Gift voucher for somewhere like hobby craft
Books related to above
Alcohol (always ok for me)
Cashmere scarf, gloves, wrap
Perfume or luxury candles

Have a look at olive and sage- I’m sure they do cat planters for the garden as well as other gorgeous stuff

I bought one of these as a gift for a family friend. She loved it

I usually hate artificial flowers but love that this is made with scarves and brooches so can either be kept as is or actually used

www.etsy.com/uk/listing/771394452/birthday-floral-bouquet-scarf-and-brooch?ref=yr_purchases

My mum has a very big birthday coming up and is very hard to buy for. I have settled on a furry electric sofa throw thing as I think she will live it.

@HOkieCOkie

Spar day?

@Happymonster

Thanks everyone for some good ideas. Laughing at the Spar day tip - her idea of a nice day out is a trip to the local retail park!

She doesn’t drive, lives in a place with poor public transport and is diabetic so days out and food or drink too complicated ‘I can’t drink pink fizz it’ll send my sugars out of control, why did you waste your money’ was a response to the last time we got her something alcoholic.

She’s got a little yard and despite the moggie I think she has lots of bird things already, but she might like a garden themed present- she’s always got the best in street flower and pot display out front.

I hate vouchers myself - have a tendency to lose them or put them aside only to find them out of date later.

Maybe yes to cat embroidery or magazine sub. Anyone heard of People’s Friend?

Bloody hell! She's 65 not 95!!

Please don't get her People's Friend. If you bought me that I'd hate you forever!

Another vote for a heated throw here. I just bought one for my mum and she is thrilled with it. She is on her own and doesn't like to heat the whole house when watching (dozing in front of the) tv at night.

People’s Friend?? Ye gods.

May as well buy her a plot in the cemetery.

“ her idea of a nice day out is a trip to the local retail park!”

So what shops does she go to when she goes there? Get her a voucher for one of them. Just because you don’t like receiving them doesn’t mean she shouldn’t have one if that’s what she says she wants

I've given up with my mother in law. My husband has passed away, she's mid 80s and doesn't want any more things. I have in the past given her framed photos of her grandkids but now I just send her flowers.

I’ve just looked up People’s friend. Um no.

As for a ticket or day out, would the idea not be that your dh or all of you take her out?

Really your DH should be sorting this, she's his mum.

@DonLewis

I've bought mine a calendar that has a packet of seeds for every month. It's beautiful, from etsy.

I am also buying my other one some turtle dove handwarmers.

Lovely!

Crafters will always appreciate a new pair of Good scissors.

Please dont get vouchers. My hunk gave me a lot of vouchers for our religious festival as a present. Because of lockdown , It was months before i could use them .

I know I know Peoples Friend is archaic (and v boring) but she sometimes buys it to read! My Mum would hate it. MIL’s pretty old fashioned though. Hmmm

RHS membership - you get a magazine every month and free entry to some lovely gardens, I think it’s about £65.
Family photos
A winter plant arrangement in a nice pot
L Occitane Verbena shower gel and hand cream

A nice ceramic pot for outside?

National trust membership IOU? Obviously no point buying it now as it is for a year and will waste during lockdown but say you'll get it when you know she'll be allowed to use it. Covers history & gardening & they have some crafty events. Sorry if someone has already suggested this haven't yet read everything I'm in a bit of a hurry.

Cream tea delivered to her door. Try to arrange she has a friend with her when it arrives.

Sponsor her a cat through the cats protection? I think it’s about a fiver a month

Is she in your bubble, if so a day out at a nice garden centre and get her to choose something for the garden - pot and tree or climber. Apparently they are staying open in lockdown (making the huge assumption you're in England).

I'm not 50 yet and I'd love that!

I'd get her the voucher, If she goes into a huff tell her well you should be more specific, maybe it will teach her a lesson. X

I'm 65, nothing I love more than a voucher! I get to choose what I want and I always get something that is a TREAT - something I wouldn't have normally spent money on.

Do you have a craft store nearby? or a Hobbycraft? perfect. Give the poor woman what she's asked for!!!!

How about a subscription to the BBC History Magazine?