Is this a shit present?

[HiyaMeAgain]

I am struggling what to get my DM for Christmas. So far she has some perfume and a box of sweets from the grand kids. I was thinking a nice cashmere scarf and gloves? Is it a bit shit? Shes 65(ish [hmmm] ) if that makes a difference?

@ivykaty44

peony is a winter buying shrub and Clair Austin does some beautiful plants

Thank you, I was looking at the best shrub/bulbs to but now for spring blooming.

Things I have bought for my Mum in the past include:

Mobile phone
Jigsaw puzzles (the back to front ones)
Seed catalogue & voucher
Hotel chocolate subscription
Good food magazine subscription
Whisky
Naice toiletries
Nightwear
Shopping voucher with promise of day out & lunch included
Book about the city she was born in
CDs of music from her era
Binoculars for bird watching

Hope this is helpful

@baubling

Whether it's cashmere or sackcloth it is still a scarf. And a scarf is a shit present, sorry. It's what you resort to when you can't think of anything else.

DP bought me a scarf one year to top up the present pile.

I can't even remember what else he got me, because every single year since, I have been complimented by random colleagues in different jobs (and a few randoms when out) on my scarf when I've worn it.

It's easily been the most 'visibly successful' present he has ever bought me.

I would love a cashmere scarf and gloves. It is a luxury you wouldn’t buy yourself.
As a gardener I always love something for the garden. If she is picky maybe a garden voucher. Are there any fantastic gardens near her perhaps a ticket. A beautiful frost proof pot getting late for bulbs but you could chose some that have been started in a plastic pot. There is a beautiful Lenten Rose which is a creamy white with a deep marrow colour in the centre and a little green. Sorry I don’t know the name of the variety. Lenten Roses come out in March /April and will continue for a long time.

My husband bought me a Brora cashmere scarf last year. It's one of my favourite presents ever.

@baubling

Whether it's cashmere or sackcloth it is still a scarf. And a scarf is a shit present, sorry. It's what you resort to when you can't think of anything else.

How is a cashmere scarf shit? I've never had cashmere in my life. I'd think a gloves and scarf set was naice , I wouldn't if it was sack cloth though.

I haven't read all six pages, OP, but what about a magazine subscription? It sounds like your DM is home a lot, so it might suit her. A general interest one, or for a more specific interest.

I’ve had a couple of lovely scarf and hat sets over the years as gifts which I wear lots - I’ve got others less successful. If you get it right it’s a great gift.

I bought a Winter flowering Clematis as a gift one year for a keen gardener ... it’s still on their garden

I don't have my mum any more but I have just bought my auntie some very pretty shell candle coasters from Etsy. They've been decorated with decoupage. I find Etsy a fantastic source of lovely gifts, most of them you would never see in a shop and most things are very high quality. I've discovered some fantastic card makers this way too so didn't have to send everyone who had a birthday through lockdown a card from Sainsburys!

Yes...if you get it right it’s a great gift. But it’s so hard to get it right. Hats are so personal, like jewellery. Scarves less so unless you’re a picky twat, like me.

@MarchionessofActon

So cashmere is ‘a bit shit’ is it?

OP is this a stealth boast about having money for cashmere

Well, there was an entire thread the other day saying it was a shit present 🤷🏻‍♀️

@HiyaMeAgain. I think it's a lovely present, especially if you know what colour your mum would like!

Yes that’s why I would go for scarf & gloves - generally a safer bet.

Honestly, I do hats. People know I do hats and sometimes buy me a hat as a gift. The only hats I ever actually wear are those I have seen, tried on and bought myself.

@carrierbags

I'm struggling with mine and have decided to get her a flower subscription. What you've already got her sounds lovely though.

DSis and I are getting our DM a flower subscription as well-think its a fab present-I'd love to get it!

If you choose garden stuff choose Niwaki secateurs they are truly amazing, yes they are expensive but they make the perfect gift as they are beautiful and expensive.

Something gardeners would love but not splash out for themselves.

Ah yes I am much less discerning about gloves as it goes, will generally wear anything. If they’re actually nice AND warm, so much the better.

@Bowerbird5

I would love a cashmere scarf and gloves. It is a luxury you wouldn’t buy yourself. As a gardener I always love something for the garden. If she is picky maybe a garden voucher. Are there any fantastic gardens near her perhaps a ticket. A beautiful frost proof pot getting late for bulbs but you could chose some that have been started in a plastic pot. There is a beautiful Lenten Rose which is a creamy white with a deep marrow colour in the centre and a little green. Sorry I don’t know the name of the variety. Lenten Roses come out in March /April and will continue for a long time.

Any idea what bulbs you can plant in the spring?

Only read page 1.

It's not just any scarf and gloves it's cashmere. Id love cashmere scarf and gloves!

Most people would surely unless they were drowning in cashmere...

@baubling

Whether it's cashmere or sackcloth it is still a scarf. And a scarf is a shit present, sorry. It's what you resort to when you can't think of anything else.

That's a bit harsh!

Present buying is hard! I'm going to give you my list..& let you crack on with it 🤣

I think if it feels lovely & in a colour you like, a scarf is a nice present 🤷🏻‍♀️

Not quite as old as your mum, but on my list this year is:
Lyme Bay Sloe gin ( i put this on the list six times as a bit of a hint)!
Pjs, dressing gown, colouring in books x2, gloves, a purse, a hat with a huge pom pom,

Les Mes soundtrack to listen to in car, socks ( funky ones) and lindor chocs.

I like anything that has taken any thought. Flowers, wine and Thorntons chocs are a bit meh

Sarah raven voucher then she can choose bulbs herself?
Peter nysebn for tulips etc you could Google top bulb people.

@KarmaStar

Before you buy cashmere,read the PETA web page on how the hair is gathered,you might change your mind op and opt for something ethical. Otherwise,gifts sound thoughtful.

Thank you for this, I had no idea how bad it was. www.google.com/amp/s/www.peta.org.uk/issues/animals-not-wear/the-cruel-cashmere-industry/%3famp I already own a cashmere jumper so I will continue to wear that, but I won't buy it again.

Op you're a little late for bulbs right now... The ground maybe too hard to plant them...

No, not at all!! Provided it is good quality. Unless you think she is already overrun with scarfs and gloves, or just isn't someone who appreciates nice quality accessories. You know your mum, we don't. Generally I'd much rather have a high quality version of a "small" gift than a mediocre quality version of bigger gift. In fact I miss my mum for buying me things like this as she was very good at it and nobody else really buys me this stuff.

Turtle doves fingerless gloves are lovely!!! I've bought them for myself (more than once, as I lose them I'm afraid) and for others. Especially those who appreciate the recycled eco angle. I'm not so keen on the look of their other products, but that's just a matter of taste.