To ask what you buy your parents for Christmas

[HappyDaze90]

My mum and her partner are so difficult to buy for. Usually my mum will say “don’t bother getting me anything” or she’ll ask for something for the house.

This year she has categorically said not to buy her anything (like I’ll listen) I would usually get them a gift card for M&S or Debenhams so they could both buy something they liked each. But she’s said not to get anyone gift cards this year due to how things are. I was looking at Afternoon Tea experiences, but again, it may be a risky choice.

I just haven’t a clue. She has so much lovely jewellery, an abundance of perfumes and the house is cluttered with random things us kids have bought in the past 😂

For background, mum is 55 and step dad 65. It’s been a difficult year financially and we have a baby on the way, so trying not to spend too much.

So what are you getting your lovely parents (if that’s not cheeky to ask)

My mum wanted a cake tin to store larger round cakes in and my step sad is getting some big plastic plant pots to grow potatoes in.
Have got them both bits and bobs to go in the bigger presents but only if I see something they like rather than buying for the sake of it. Mum has chocolate scrabble and dad has some seeds

I always struggle so im watching with interest.

Nothing for my lovely dad.
He died in May.

Mum..." she's asked for a full Length Velour, buttoned, dressing gown.
In purple.

There doesn't seem to be one 🤷‍♀️😮🥺

I find my mum & stepdad so hard to buy for & like you have a very limited budget this year.

I've got my mum some winter wax melts & an electric glass wax burner (she currently has the ones you use candles with).

My stepdad has a music room so I've got him a clock in the shape of a guitar.

& as a little extra I've got them Grandma & Grandad caravan mugs off my son for their first & new caravan.

Mum is getting perfume and cheap wireless earphones. Dad is getting decent sheepskin slippers.

We always do our parents photo albums of our kids. They love them and look forward to them every year. This year I've had calendars printed with the kids' drawings on. I often get other bits and pieces from the photo websites - tins, coasters and a cushion one year.

On top of this we spend around £25 per parent. This year we've got our mums a nice tree ornament and a seed bomb, and a book. My dad has a book about ponds and a phone case and my fil a jigsaw with a photo of the kids on it. I think hampers make nice gifts too - especially themed ones, with a cookery book.

Roomba.

OK I'm still reeling that your mother is a few years younger than me (and I still have kids in school)!
My parents have passed away, but I have given them framed photos of all the grandkids together, tickets to theatre, and fancy bridge set in a wooden box.
My mother in law is still alive, does not want more stuff, but is pretty much house bound due to ill health. I'll be sending her a nice bunch of Christmas flowers, something she can appreciate for a few days then throw away.
But in your case, as you need to save money, why not bake or cook your parents something yummy? Make some jam or chutney and buy a few cheeses and give it to them on a nice bread board?

@RedElephants

BELLOO Ladies Soft Fleece Dressing Gown Full Length Fluffy Bathrobe Zip Up https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07C8C78WG/ref=cmswwrcppapifabcc_BPPYFb0ST0JF7

This year we won't be seeing my mum and dad due to covid and my mum being vulnerable. So I have put together a hamper of goodies. Nice biscuits, sweets, xmas cake, mince pies, christmas pudding, chutney, crackers from M&S.

Nothing. My parents and l agreed not to bother anymore. If l was seeing them on Christmas day l would get a token gift like a bottle of wine or biscuits. As it is a new ce card posted they like cards. See also silly for them to buying me stuff and me then when we can buy what we need. We have not but for children in our family.

My mum is getting a chiminea and giant "pass the pigs" game (she has a lot of garden parties 😅 and they like to play games)

My dad is getting oil paints and a wooden art storage case

Usually theatre tickets of some description, no idea what it will be this year.

My mum wanted toaster tongs. They are £2.99 🙄

My step dad wanted Jurgen Klopps book.

I will get them some other stuff like socks, chocolate and wine to go with.

Im getting both of them a sonus speaker to add to their collection.
My dad i have bought him a sausage attachment for his kitchen aid and a kit to make chorizo. My mum i have bought her some shortbread and some slippers and a glasses holder, i may also get her earrings. I have also bought them a sphericator.

I bought my man van dal Chelsea boots and my Dad a mw radio and book.

My parents live abroad so I buy them small gifts that are light and not too bulky as they are expensive to send over. This year they have -
CD, socks, Xmas cookies, chocolate. Small perfume, puzzle book and a jokey loo roll and a general knowledge card game.

Last year I sent them an Alexa

Usually I buy them tickets to theatre or vouchers for a meal or something similar, and then I go with them. They don't need anything but what they really enjoy is spending time with us their family so whatever the present is it's an opportunity to do/go somewhere together.

Last few years: Coffee from local roasters (they also do decaf), lose teas from nice shop, beeswax natural hand care from one small place, illustration print with small personalisation, local honey, goat milk soap... I enjoy picking up little odd things😁

@passthemustard

My mum wanted toaster tongs. They are £2.99 🙄

My step dad wanted Jurgen Klopps book.

I will get them some other stuff like socks, chocolate and wine to go with.

Why?

they told you what they wanted

Topping it up with consumer crap is just a waste of your money and would really piss me off.

Socks is never a good gift- they are the Lynx gift set of I couldnt give a shit gifts but need to make myself feel good by getting you stuff you don't want or need.

@gwenneh

Usually theatre tickets of some description, no idea what it will be this year.

Online theatre?

the old vic has loads and others too

And theatre yearly ticket, but well...🤷🏻 Sticking to only little odd things this year as it has to be shipped

Bought my Mum a pretty necklace, a book, perfume, a flamingo eggcup, handcream. Got my dad a chelsea football history book, another book, a mug, a peacock eggcup. All good stuff

Last year Alexa was a big hit!

I always do a personalised calendar with photos of the family members each month. This has become a tradition, and I know my Mum treasures the past editions, and uses them as a quick-catch-up to distant relatives who come calling!

This year - fancy box of Thorntons, Michelle Obama book, Kannu-Mason family CD, and some posh gin.