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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask what you buy your parents for Christmas

118 replies

HappyDaze90 · 04/12/2020 20:07

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)

OP posts:
DianeChambers · 04/12/2020 21:30

My dad likes tools. Instagram adverts have weird tools advertised all the time. Last year he got one of those things that gets an outline of something like an 80’s needle box that you could take an impressions of your face. This year he is getting the star-flake screwdrivers and a magnetic arm band screw holder, thermal socks and toblerones.

My mum is getting a blanket as she now barely moves, port, a hair bonnet for hair drying and liquors.

Persipan · 04/12/2020 21:42

My dad genuinely really likes being given socks, so I usually get him a few pairs of nice bamboo ones. This year I've also got him a cookbook (he can cook perfectly well but lacks confidence); some CDs of a radio comedy he enjoys; and a key hook shaped like an octopus, which he happened to comment he liked. I often get him a bottle of single malt whisky, too, but I'm broker than usual this year cos I'm on maternity leave.

For people who don't want/need anything, I'd perhaps look at things that can be used up - so, a hamper of nice bits of food, or some scented candles, or whatever. Something they can enjoy but don't have to keep hanging around.

Elpheba · 04/12/2020 21:45

Lego for my dad, he loves it but feels guilty buying the expensive sets for himself. Electronic oil diffuser from white company for mum. Always do photo calendar from kids which they adore

Phyzzy · 04/12/2020 21:46

Ok so I am your mum. I'm old enough.
Unless your mum is truly, truly elderly or poor please don't buy food, luxury hampers etc. I can just order them from ocado or whatever if I want, groceries, however posh, are not a treat.

Wine or champagne.
Chocolate.
Flowers.
Plants.
Fab dressing gown - but not old lady one.
Hair/ body products.
I agree with no vouchers.

Dextersdaddy · 04/12/2020 21:50

I normally buy gig tickets for my parents, hopefully we will get to use the tickets I got them last Christmas in 2021!
I got my mum a smoked salmon (she loves the stuff) gift pack from the Pished Fish this time and she was very happy with it.
Someone suggested a Roomba, I got myself one this week and I love it so think that's a great suggestion.

Dee1975 · 04/12/2020 21:54

How about a charity present? Either a donation or some kind of subscription.
We’ve bought my mum one of the Facebook portals to help with video calls with the grandchildren.

nevergoingoutagain · 04/12/2020 21:57

My mum thought she was helping me by just asking for a spoon display cabinet....but it has to match the one she has lol I found one on eBay but it's full of spoons that she won't want so now I'm stuck with 10 souvenir spoons lol

I've also got her 2 puzzles.

Got my dad some stuff from present indicative...a binary themed mug and some socks with "go away I'm reading" on them and I've made him a Xmas cake.

TreaterAnita · 04/12/2020 22:07

I’m getting my mum a flower delivery subscription and my dad a merino wool base layer and some thermal gloves and a hat (he finds it really hard to keep warm outside, which is currently the only place they can see the kids). Not sure about MIL but might go for a hamper of some description.

Original poster
HappyDaze90 · 04/12/2020 22:11

@TreaterAnita

I’m getting my mum a flower delivery subscription and my dad a merino wool base layer and some thermal gloves and a hat (he finds it really hard to keep warm outside, which is currently the only place they can see the kids). Not sure about MIL but might go for a hamper of some description.
I really like the flower subscription idea. Will look into this 💕
OP posts:
UndertheCedartree · 04/12/2020 22:15

@WillSantaBeComingToTown - I need socks and deodorant/shower gel so always happy with socks or a Lynx set. So sometimes yes, they are a good present.

amicissimma · 04/12/2020 22:16

I could be your mum.

Please don't get me anything I have already got lots of or have to process or dust or throw out when it's got manky.

IME people say 'I can't just give her chocolates' so no one gives me nice chocolates, which I would really like. Not much good for anyone on a diet I suppose.

Athinginitself · 04/12/2020 22:19

Mums getting some slippers and a jigsaw, dads getting a jumper and a cartridge for his record player they are both also getting a stocking with a few bits they like mini booze, choc, socks etc.

WillSantaBeComingToTown · 04/12/2020 22:20

[quote UndertheCedartree]@WillSantaBeComingToTown - I need socks and deodorant/shower gel so always happy with socks or a Lynx set. So sometimes yes, they are a good present.[/quote]
And I need loo roll but that isnt a gift. It is just buying something for the sake of it as you feel an obligation to give.

Something personal bought with love-or nothing at all- not loads of crap for the sake of giving.

feministbias · 04/12/2020 22:22

Jigsaws and I usually one of those perfume things from the white company as she mentioned liking a certain smell.

Holothane · 04/12/2020 22:24

I’ll be honest I’ve spoilt my in-laws this year, they’ve had treats from f and m, Christmas decorations from Wilco and toiletries. Their actual Christmas Day presents are an oodie cat themed for mum, amaz0n vouchers for fil he loves this silk masks for mum an multi coloured leather purse.

YorkshireParentalPerson · 04/12/2020 22:25

A book each, box of shortbread and some home made fudge

pincertoe · 04/12/2020 22:27

Booze, treat hamper, photo calendar and I've made a scrabble name picture this year for her.

WayTooSoon · 04/12/2020 22:28

@HappyDaze90, nope, I haven't made preserves myself (more of a biscuit maker, or biscuit "attempter" to be more truthful!) although I have received plenty from work colleagues and aunties. They are always appreciated as the giver put a lot of time and effort into making them.

marly11 · 04/12/2020 22:31

My mum has asked for bamboo socks so she will get some of those. Also on her list - gardening gloves. I have bought some lovely biscuits from m and s, two novels that I know she will like and hasn't read and some yoga pants she wants.

lechatnoir · 04/12/2020 22:32

@passthemustard I've asked for bamboo toast tongs Grin

Op you mum is only a few years older than me and i could rattle off about a dozen things I'd love that don't require much thought:

Set of handbag size hand creams
Decent Candles and diffusers
Perfume
Hair conditioning treatments
Nail varnishes
Nice scarves
House plant and pots
Funky handbags
Costume jewellery
Books

Original poster
HappyDaze90 · 04/12/2020 22:35

@lechatnoir Thank you, these are great ideas! I think I’ll get her a nice houseplant as she doesn’t have any and they’re a bit longer lasting that flowers.

Hand creams for her handbag are a fab idea!

OP posts:
Ellapaella · 04/12/2020 22:54

I got my parents a 1000 piece jigsaw, some Falke slipper socks (very warm and really good quality), calvados for Dad, Estee Lauder perfume for Mum, a few books each and chocolate marzipan for my Mum.

wlv12 · 04/12/2020 23:07

My dad is the worlds most difficult man to buy for. He’s mentioned how he would like some jellied eels (grew up in London) but can’t get them. I’ve found a company that delivers them - so, that’s what he’s getting. And I know he will love them!