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)

Love all these ideas! Especially a nice cheese board/hamper.
I’ve just seen the new Pinch of Nom book is released on the 10th, so I’ve preordered that for my mum. They’ll get the usually chocolates and bottles of booze too.

My parents don’t know I’m pregnant yet. 12 week scan next week so there’ll be the big reveal for that. I was going to bake each a cute little baby themed cookie and pop them in a nice bag with a card and the scan photo inside. I don’t want this to become the “present” in any way though 😂

My parents both like to read so I got them a book by an author I know they like and some favourite chocolate.

Nothing. My mum finds it too stressful now so we agreed just to send a card.

Normally I struggle as I am really keen on getting something that shows I’ve thought about it, I’ve nothing against receiving a gift set mind!
This year we did actual lists for each other to be able to pick from (me, DSIS and DP) which has worked really well, using amazon wish lists and iPhone notes that we can all access.
Mum has a sewing book, rotary cutter (big crafter), gel nail polish set, external hard drive, travel mug, Thomas sabo bracelet (split cost of all with DSIS).
Dad has got a personalised keychain, beanie hat (specific brand asked for), capt morgans spiced rum, wallet and lambland slippers (THE BEST 😍) — again all split with DSIS.

Hope this helps x

My dad is getting some smellies, hamper of cheeses, crackers, nuts and some wine.

I used to go a bit OTT on my mum, I bought her the one thing she would love, summer house, telescope etc, I regret not getting round to booking the Orient express.

Bottle of Baileys chocolate
Turkish delight
Posh brandy liqueurs
DVD Box set

Maybe just get her nice Flowers if she genuinely doesn't want anything.

We say don't get us anything but we really do mean it and appreciate the people who listen.

My Dad (81) asked for a hoodie. He’s never owned one in his life and I’m happy to get that. He’s also getting a subscription to a history magazine.
My mum is getting a craft tool that she’s asked for (not expensive) some “everyday but nice” wineglasses since she has mahoosive balloons or posh crystal. I’ve also got her an antique silver thimble and I’ll get them a bottle of port

@Spied.... do we have the same parents 😂 That’s exactly the treats I get mine

Speaking from the ‘other side’ my adult daughter asked this, she is very broke as a single parent. I suggested some face cream which I always use, l oriel fairly cheap in Sainsbury. I also love l’occatene verbena shampoo.

In the past my children have booked afternoon tea somewhere posh and a couple of times plays (which we have loved) and once a wine tasting course.

Of course budgets are variable and I would hate money to be spent if it meant they became short themselves.

Mine want nothing whatsoever and, as I haven’t seen much of them in person this year, I’ve not got much inspiration.

So they are havin:

Some novelty Christmas decorations that we saw in Liberty when went out last Christmas

Some fused glass tree decorations and a 12 or so inch tall decorative white Christmas tree to put them on (v tasteful, the complete opposite of the novelty decorations)

A framed limited edition print by an artist they like (an original as a Christmas gift for them wouldn’t go down well as they know how much they cost and see this as too expensive)

Two chutneys that I’ve made (or will make - next week)

A potted plant (I was going to do spring bulbs but they bought what they wanted before I had a chance)

A Christmas decoration that the DC make

Some chocolates

I only give - and only ask for - things that can be eaten! So much pressure and wastage buying people things they dont want, so now we all just buy each other local yummy stuff - cheese, chocolate, biscuits, smoked nuts, bacon from friends pigs, cider, fancy salad dressing etc etc - and spend our time together eating it.

I really would not want my daughter to buy me objects I don't want or need when I had specifically specified no presents. Can't you just go with her wish?

@GreenBeeSW

I only give - and only ask for - things that can be eaten! So much pressure and wastage buying people things they dont want, so now we all just buy each other local yummy stuff - cheese, chocolate, biscuits, smoked nuts, bacon from friends pigs, cider, fancy salad dressing etc etc - and spend our time together eating it.

I love this! Might have to do a bit of digging to find out where around here I can get these sorts of bits with their being no markets.

I like socks - so long as they are wool walking ones and super comfy as would one of my sisters if not both of them

@missmouse101... I know what you mean but it’s not in my nature. I’m a very giving person and even if it’s just the smallest of things, I can’t bear the thought of my family having nothing to open from me on Christmas Day. Especially when I can’t be there with them.
She says not to buy her anything but I know she always appreciates whatever my sister and I buy her. We don’t buy rubbish that she won’t get use out of... I think that’s why I find it so hard as it would be easy to pop into a store and pick her something up, but I want to get her something useful or thoughtful.

Both of my parents want for nothing, so I just get them consumables - nice chocs, wine, and shower/bath things for my mum.

Better something they'll use than something that will just get pushed to one side and never used again.

RedElephants
www.suzannecharles.co.uk/housecoats/NW6321RED3XL.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiA2af-BRDzARIsAIVQUOc1eQQYc3_pe8UT3HvtA--32UQ66Oqc_-QvBFCSxxJ7J4ALfbCLnB8aAncVEALw_wcB

Slippers, a calendar, selection of chutneys/preserves, orbiscuits are my go-to for ideas for parents.

But if you have a baby on the way, I'd take her at her word. She doesn't want anything and would rather you put your money towards your baby. When I was pregnant and saving, my family all got homemade gingerbread men for Christmas. It won't break the bank, won't clutter up their house & your parents will appreciate the gesture. Any favourite cakes or biscuits they might like?

@WayTooSoon They don’t know I’m pregnant yet. I get to tell them on Christmas Eve as I’ll be passed 12 weeks and have planned to give them a gift bag with a little baby themed cookie and a card with the scan photo 🧡
I really like the idea of chutneys/preserves... do you make your own?!

Calendar
Potted bulbs
Magazine subscription
Chocolate
Photo frame of her nearest n dearest
Our time

We are all music fans and so I get concert tickets for me, my Mum and Dad.
We go out for a nice tea and enjoy a lovely concert together. It’s a special thing for all of us... we’ve all missed live music this year....

Similarly we always get theatre tickets for DH’s Mum. Me, DH and MIL go out for a nice tea and have a good time together. The additional upside on this is that me and MIL have got very similar tastes in theatre.... win win

make a little afternoon tea food hamper for them, mg parents love food hampers

I always buy my parents and in laws a meat hamper from a local farm shop. They both love it

For in-laws who don’t live very near a home made “hamper” with goodies for a special tea, so tin salmon, chutney, nice jam and marmalade, special savoury and sweet biscuits, packet tea, maybe small portion cheese, fruit cake, tins of fruit.

This always seems to go down nicely. Anything they don’t want they can add to food bank.

My parents. A meal out together with us and with everybody paying for themself. Solves their present to us at the same time. Everybody happy just being together.