To ask what you are getting for your parents this Christmas?

[Reesewithaspoon]

Because this year my brain has turned to mush and Christmas seems like one big stress fest and I am desperate for some inspiration other than the normal smellies for mum and a Next jumper for dad!

Last year I got my parent & partner (aged early 80's) a wine advent calendar. We usually see them end Nov but not at xmas due to long distance. They like a glass of wine and I thought it would be nice to spread out in the month. Then just a nice quality chocolate present each to open at Xmas. They appreciated it and due to lockdown Ive arranged for another one to be delivered.

Photo calendar of the kids,and a couple of homemade Christmas tree decorations. They're both mid 70's and have said they don't want anything, they genuinely don't

Im making hampers, thought it would be easy but its actually hard putting things in them!

Nothing for my Dad, he died in May.

Mum..
bloody lock downs mean that she isn't able to meet new friends in the village they moved to before lockdown and she's lonely!!
My sister and I do our best, but me particularly, work in a school, I can't see her as often as I like now. During the summer, she and I would sit in their garden and have a cup of tea....

She's just! Been given a couple of puzzles to while a way the time 🥺

If anyone has any suggestion, I would be glad .

Lady Glenconner's autobiography and a sufragette scarf for my mum, WW2 book and a couple of clugs for dad (they're mini bike racks, he'll love them!). They're 69 & 70.

DSis and I are going halves to by Dad an exercise bike.

Mum wants M&S vouchers so she can get some new clothes. But will probably get her a nice bottle of wine or something to go with it.

Mum, mascara, eyeliner, a dandelion paperweight she's always wanted, slippers, pjamas.
Dad, scarf, pjamas, smelly set, a special poppy pin badge and a toblerone

Im doing some framed paintings for mine. My dads is a Ford capri and my mams is one of her two dogs, both done in black and white then a black wooden frame. I feel like they appreciate something like that much more than something I'd buy from a shop.

I’ve crocheted scarves for mine. Also jigsaw puzzles, puzzle books, a panforte for Dad, gin miniatures for Mum & a photo from their 70th anniversary party earlier this year in a nice frame.

My Mum, Cointreau, slippers and perfume
My Dad, limoncello, slippers and aftershave

@RedElephants so sorry to hear about your dad what does your mum like doing? Reading, crafts, cooking? My mum doesn't like any of this stuff, she's so hard to buy for but I know she hates beauty treatments etc. Could you make her a scrapbook? Or something you know she's never buy for herself, i.e. My mum doesn't but herself new duvet covers or pillows until they're past it, so I get her these most years

RedElephants, maybe an Audible subscription? Or could you print out all the family photos currently online & put them in an album for her?

@RedElephants
Get her going on t'internet - lots to explore there. And U3A.

Thankyou Empress and Minnie, it's been a hard few months,
she's doesn't have WiFi, smart phones etc.. and doesn't drive.

A photo book might be the way to go, thanks for your suggestions.

Tesiot have tried to persuade her, but she is adamant that it's not for her..

I actually brought her a second hand ipad and iphone.. 🤷‍♀️

I’m getting vouchers for the local garden centre. They spend a lot of time in the garden, I want to support a local business and anything they want/need, they usually just buy.

I got mine a Bonne mamón j advent calendar, it's so hard to buy things for people who live alone and have everything!

Getting mum some a London trip mainly to see a musical. Optimistic I know but it's not until September. We've gone on trips in the past which have gone down well, and this is of her favourite film. Dad no longer with us.

Got them both hats from here Wonky Woolies which is a fab small business, love their designs
Photo calendar of DC, matching personalised grandparents key rings, ancestry paperwork sheets to properly record their research, new hot water bottle, sleep spray and candle for mum (she gets the same one every year, wouldn’t be Christmas without it apparently ), bamboo socks for dad.

Just a card. They have everything they need/want.

I've made my mum a Christmas cake - she asked me for one. Total pain in the arse, will cost a fortune to post and she could have bought about 5 for the cost of it. It'll be made with love though..... and some slippers

Dad is getting a Sodastream (found in the Middle of Lidl for £40, months back!)

Mum... not a clue

Planning on getting DH’s parents a case of wine but am waiting for DH to speak to them and check what they like.

No idea for my mum. Dad - a book about the wildlife of the area they live in and a CD with some old classic songs on it that he’ll love. Both those are a bit niche and of no help to anyone I suspect!