AIBU to ask what people are buying their female friends for Christmas this year?

[ohcarolina2001]

Normally my friends and I buy each other experiences or treats - Spa days, beauty treatments, dinner at a favourite restaurant, comedy show tickets etc. But it's not clear when people will be comfortable to go out again so this year it needs to be something wrapped - which is always much harder as we are nearly 40 and have most of the stuff we need (the smallish stuff that we can afford to buy each other anyway). What gems of ideas do people have in the £20-50 price bracket? My friends are all a little different but all enjoy nice quality and maybe a little unusual gifts. One is an environmentally conscious teacher and a mum, one is self employed engaged and doesn't want kids and is moving to the country soon, one is a single athletic brainy research scientist who spends a lot of time running, cycling and in the gym, another has just moved into and renovated a new house with her partner and works on international development issues. Any ideas? Thanks x

Local business vouchers for things? Supporting local businesses and a bit more of a personal touch

I’ve tried to think out the box this year, I’ve done movie night boxes with a classic film I think they’d like then popcorn, choc, gin, sweets etc. We are keeping cost down this year but I’d of included lovely pjs to have a cosy night.

For birthdays I’ve done pamper hampers with nice face masks, foot masks, candle, creams, drink, magazines, nice pen, note pad etc. I put a personalised small picture with the whole group framed, they went down well.

I’ve done just eat vouchers with alcohol in a hamper for a ‘let’s stay at home’ hamper...

Tried to make them really personal to each person. Although be warned it can end up costing a fortune

I usually buy my best friend a spa/ restaurant voucher.
This year I had to think differently. I bought her a lovely cashmere scarf and gloves from a local independent shop. I met up with her last week, she had the bloody same scarf on. Her mum had bought her it for Christmas and gave it early. WTF
I'm giving another two friends vouchers for their hairdressers.

I generally have the easiest friends to buy for as alcohol is always a good one. This year was a clementine gin and a book called 'Women who read are dangerous' for one of my best friends,another got...M&S sparkly gin, a candle with a polar bear on (she likes them) and a packet of Baileys biscuits.
There are some really nice 'intellectual' type gifts around or you could adopt an animal/ get a goat from Oxfam Unwrapped etc.

I like the idea of Just Eat voucher and a bottle of fizz

I got a Birchbox gift subscription for a relative who is very into spas and pampering. Otherwise, mostly boring but nice to have stuff like perfume, booze, chocolates. Oh and a weighted blanket for a family member who has bad insomnia and has been wanting to try one.

I have bought Turtle Doves cashmere fingerless gloves for my best friend, mince pie gin for her DH, earrings for her eldest DD and make up for her younger DD.

One an Oodie
One M+S snow globe gin

Have just bought myself a weighted blanket waiting for it to arrive, so optimistic that it'll work.

For friends, alpaca socks, cotton face masks (generally aim for £20 rather than £50), excellent chocolate.

I love picking up on things that people say they'd like throughout the year, so I found this year really hard, as it's the stuff that comes out in casual chat that there's been a lot less of this year.

Friend that only goes with 'suggestions' for my gift - Christmassy pyjamas, a particular pair that I covet, or a Christmas duvet set (with suggestions of ones I like so I don't end up with something gaudy bright red or green)

Oh, and got some mugs photo printed, people's pets mostly, so several people will have a mini-stocking of small gifts.

I've some funky stationary from paperchase for a friend of mine who likes funky stationary.

I have one friend with kids who I often buy 'family presents' for, so I've bought a gingerbread house making kit for them to do together as a family.

Marks and Spencer hamper, contains Prosecco, chocs,hand cream and candle and because it came over £30 got the £20 beauty box so she is having that too.

I just went into a few stores and picked up things I know she would like- stationery, bath stuff, make up, chocolates- and am going to make it up in a nice box with a gift card for Asda so she can “have a drink on me” 😂 We won’t get to see each other this year sadly so just posting it to her.

Mines getting gin and smellies

I have bought Turtle Doves cashmere fingerless gloves for my best friend

I was going to suggest these, they are just wonderful. Or Biscuiteers, if you're posting and they like biscuits.

You're all very generous with your friends. Mine are getting Beebombs and wine!

www.beebombs.com/

I have ordered festive flowers from our local florist to be delivered on Christmas Eve alongside a box of chocolates and a bottle of champagne from the deli next door. They have teamed up so wanted to support them.

The most amazingly addictive bingo game, £5.99 from B&M (for zoom Boxing Day bingo) and a Christmas Colin The Caterpillar cake pre ordered from M&S. She will be thrilled!

These are all brilliant ideas ladies, thank you.
I see there is an offer of £10 off the cashmere fingerless gloves at Turtle Doves at the moment too.
Never heard of Bee bombs but look interesting - presumably best for the gardening types?