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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU being unable to think of a present I actually need/ want?

99 replies

7strees · 01/12/2020 10:47

DP has asked me to pick a Christmas present, value c. £60-70. He wants to get me something to keep, not something disposable or for the house. I am really struggling. He's getting something along those lines, think fancy pen.

However I already have nice pens, tech stuff (although that doesn't really fit the brief) and I am at a loss. I did suggest jewellery but he refused as I am too fussy and won't like anything he picks.

I absolutely have to come up with something and am totally out of ideas...

I don't mean this insensitively btw, I know some people are struggling to afford anything this Christmas, we are lucky in that I am working and DP has been able to rely on business savings to keep afloat (as he isn't eligible for furlough or other payments).

OP posts:
Holothane · 01/12/2020 13:53

Silk pillowcase I’ve got two put away for Christmas.

SinkGirl · 01/12/2020 13:56

I’m like this too - can’t think of anything this year.

For our anniversary I got DH some laser wood cuts of maps of the cities we’ve been to together - they are lovely and make us smile. Got them from Etsy.

maddening · 01/12/2020 14:03

Night at a hotel? Voucher for an experience?

merlotormalbec · 01/12/2020 17:40

I'd get a new loungewear set

Macncheeseballs · 01/12/2020 17:46

Tickets for something?

ApolloandDaphne · 01/12/2020 17:47

I have asked for a lovely cosy blanket for using to keep me warm when watching TV

Gingerkittykat · 01/12/2020 17:58

I'm in a similar position, I don't drink, try to stay away from sweets, don't wear jewellery, only read books on Kindle. I have loads of candles and general assorted clutter too.

The only thing I can think of is some Lush goodies, same as last year, maybe some audible vouchers if they do them but people like handing over a physical gift or a nice big blanket like scarf.

Twerking9to5 · 01/12/2020 17:58

What about something from space nk or similar? DH bought me some bath stuff that was to die for - a definite treat! It was Suzanne Kaufman. Think it was called mallow or something.

HomeSliceKnowsBest · 01/12/2020 18:31

DD6 has 'ordered' a Disney tea set for c£50 (real life, grown up one). I can't wait (I love tat and dust catchers!).

cricketmum84 · 01/12/2020 18:34

I asked for a bread maker. Yeah I know it's something for the house technically but it will make me very happy :)

itisnotqyiteasitseems · 01/12/2020 21:00

A posh pen ?

Queenie8 · 01/12/2020 21:51

Nice keyring - I was bought a silver one from a great aunt for my 16th, and I still use it now 20+ years later.
Leather Wallet
Kindle
Liz Earle skincare bundle - John Lewis or the LE website has some great deals.
Cyberjammies.co.uk
Sheepers slippers
Perfume
Hairdressers voucher
Beautician voucher

lemonsquashie · 01/12/2020 22:16

Subscription box?

7strees · 01/12/2020 22:16

We have done nights away or meals in previous years. Last year he bought me an airfryer which is bloody marvellous (if anyone hasn't got one I urge you to do so).This year he's asked for something that's to keep, and to get something similar for me.

It's difficult because a lot of the things suggested I either have (admittedly cheap versions of, for the most part) or they feel wasteful to buy expensive versions of. Like a throw for instance, I have one that was less than £5 from Primark or Asda Blush. I cut and dye my own hair, do my own nails.

I've banned everyone from buying me candles and bath stuff as of a few years back as I've got loads I never use. My perfume is super expensive so I always buy it myself.

I have 2 lovely Waterman pens already that I never use. Might make it a resolution this year to actually use them rather than keep saving them for best as I have for the last 20 years!

At the moment I am thinking some kind of artwork if I can find something in the right price range. I'd like something either of a favourite place, or I have a picture I love by an artist called Sam Toft, it might be nice to have a limited edition one maybe. It's that or some silver jewellery if I can find something I really like. I'll think about books too, I have hundreds but I might be able to think of one I don't have but love that it would be nice to have in a special edition.

OP posts:
Slothkin · 02/12/2020 13:37

@7strees if you like cashmere but worry about keeping it nice the M&S cashmere range is lovely and machine-washable - they have some gorgeous colours this year and they wash brilliantly! www.marksandspencer.com/pure-cashmere-round-neck-jumper/p/clp22491941?color=BLACK#intid=prodColourId-22495885

(I bought myself a couple a month or so ago because I realised I had started to look completely bonkers whenever I left the house; metal band shirt, snow boots and my husband’s donkey jacket was certainly...a look!).

Rachetine · 02/12/2020 13:40

Ugg scuffette slippers? I live in mine!

HollyandIvyandallthingsYule · 02/12/2020 13:40

@7strees

I would like something cashmere but would never dare to wear it so it feels a waste!

Art is a really nice idea but I have no idea where to start, I had a look on Etsy but it was all either cheap prints which were in budget, or originals/ limited editions which definitely were not.

I run, and definitely need new trainers but I'd rather buy those myself.

I keep coming back to jewellery but I think he's not keen, even if I specify what I want. I'm going to find something I like and keep that as a back up suggestion in case I can't think of anything else.

Just replying to the first sentence:

A cashmere scarf is a wonderful treat - so lovely and soft, warm and cosy. And you don’t need to worry about it in the same way you might with clothing.

There you go, there’s your gift for this year all sorted!🎄😊

SchrodingersImmigrant · 02/12/2020 14:03

If you are looking for interesting art have a look at local artists on Instagram. I occasionally get myself some nice prints from our local ones. They can even be often personalised which makes it really lovely

FinallyHere · 02/12/2020 16:57

Cashmere socks another winner.

I'm a big fan of M&S cashmere jumpers. Very fine and lovely and warm. Does actually spoil me for any others. Sigh.

5foot5 · 02/12/2020 17:04

What about Lego? That is what I have asked for. Some of the sets would go way over the £60-£70 limit but there are still lot you could get for that.

Slothkin · 02/12/2020 17:28

They’re fab aren’t they @FinallyHere! I’m just back from the shops in my hot pink one and still feel lovely and warm.

Slothkin · 02/12/2020 17:34

Oh and I’m going to get this for my sister-in-law and my mother-in-law having found it absolutely wonderful: www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B07C2H9CS7?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title&tag=mumsnetforu03-21

FinallyHere · 02/12/2020 17:59

@Slothkin absolutely

katy1213 · 02/12/2020 18:10

I'd so much sooner have something disposable, like seriously lovely chocolates or a good bottle of wine. 'Something to keep' is exactly what I don't want!

Slightlyunhinged · 02/12/2020 23:12

Ooooh @Slothkin that sounds perfect for my difficult to buy for SIL!