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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU... to ask for your help finding a boring gift?!

41 replies

Bubbleswithsqueak · 19/12/2023 18:31

My niece is very lovely, but very dull. And with VERY different taste to mine. She has no hobbies, doesn't cook or garden, isn't interested in hair, beauty or smelly stuff, doesn't read or do puzzles... I just CANNOT think of anything to get her.
Now it's an emergency situation, and whatever I get will have to come from the dreaded Amazon.
Budget <£40
Please help!!

OP posts:
Tempytempy · 19/12/2023 18:32

Chocolates, wine, scented candle?

Skyblue92 · 19/12/2023 18:33

Just get a £40 Amazon voucher? That way she can buy what she wants

SapphireOpal · 19/12/2023 18:33

Does she sit at home a lot? Heated throw?

Sorrynotsore · 19/12/2023 18:34

Chocolate
Voucher
Money
Food hamper (snacks)
Booze
Heated blanket

AnneKipankitoo · 19/12/2023 18:34

Wind proof gloves out of an outdoor clothing shop that begins with r

Original poster
Bubbleswithsqueak · 19/12/2023 18:34

@Tempytempy dairy free, doesn't drink, doesn't like scented candles...
@Skyblue92 I would love to do this, but she always gets us something really thoughtful and personal, so it feels awful!

OP posts:
Foxblue · 19/12/2023 18:34

Oh that's hard. Have you ever seen her wear a particular colour more than others - maybe a scarf/gloves style gift?
Nice mug (if she drinks hot drinks)
Candle??
What does she do in her spare time?

AnneKipankitoo · 19/12/2023 18:34

Oops missed the Amazon bit

caringcarer · 19/12/2023 18:35

Bottle of Baileys.

Foxblue · 19/12/2023 18:35

Sorry, just seen your reply about the candles!

RandomMess · 19/12/2023 18:35

Can you arrange a day out with her?

Vouchers for a decent restaurant?

Original poster
Bubbleswithsqueak · 19/12/2023 18:36

@SapphireOpal and @Sorrynotsore already has a heated hoodie, an oodie and a heated throw
Doesn't drink alcohol.

Nice mug a vague possibility...
Gloves a possibility - do R... do next day delivery? And are the gloves particularly good? @AnneKipankitoo

OP posts:
Foxblue · 19/12/2023 18:37

A big fluffy blanket is a great idea. Who doesn't love a big fluffy blanket.
Is she into cooking, dairy free recipe book?

HouseIsOnFire · 19/12/2023 18:37

Does she have pets? Or collect anything? What does she do in her free time?

Original poster
Bubbleswithsqueak · 19/12/2023 18:39

God knows what she does in her spare time. She's a mum, but I don't think she's particularly interested in anything or does anything outside of home.
They have a cat, but it's more the kids' than hers!
Restaurant vouchers are tricky as they'll need to organise childcare, and we're too far away to offer.
Argh!! (but at least it's not just me being rubbish that makes this hard)

OP posts:
RandomMess · 19/12/2023 18:40

Take away vouchers?

John Lewis vouchers?

SapphireOpal · 19/12/2023 18:41

Does she work? Commute? A good travel mug (also useful if she has small kids!)?

Mamofteenager · 19/12/2023 18:41

Is there a local panto or kid friendly show/activity in her area? Maybe you could get the family tickets/day pass so she can take her DC out for a treat? If they enjoy that sort of thing of course

Hotchocolateand5marshmellows · 19/12/2023 18:42

Does she paint her nails? A nail varnish gift set and hand cream/nail kit.

CrapBucket · 19/12/2023 18:44

What does she get you, and how is it thoughtful and personal? Yet you don’t know what she does with her time. I’m not having a dig, I’m wondering if in fact she’s not that thoughtful but you are just much easier to buy for.

Poppsidoppsi · 19/12/2023 18:45

I bought my DD (who isn’t boring 🙈) a puzzle and all the pieces were animals. It was in a really lovely box and it took us hours to complete. The pieces are tiny but very well made! Lots of different animals too.

AIBU... to ask for your help finding a boring gift?!
Original poster
Bubbleswithsqueak · 19/12/2023 18:45

Maybe a travel mug could work. Any recommendations for particularly good ones?!
@CrapBucket I think I am definitely a bit easier to buy for!

OP posts:
Skyblue92 · 19/12/2023 18:46

In that case personally I would send the following message. Hi x, hope everything is okay with you, can’t believe Christmas Eve is Sunday! Where has the year gone. Is there anything specific you would like for Christmas this year? Having a complete mind blank.
Love @Bubbleswithsqueak

Cheeesus · 19/12/2023 18:48

Perfume
A cushion if you know her house colour scheme
Brass and glass jewellery box https://amzn.to/41wZvSh

jewellery
scarf eg https://amzn.to/41rH0Pn

Daffodildilys · 19/12/2023 18:48

How about a lovely pen? Everyone uses a pen.

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