need to prepare stocking for my Mum way before Christmas... any ideas?

[lilolilmanchester]

Have been doing a stocking for my Mum for ever - 30 years or more. We live a long way from her , and she will be at my DBs for Christmas this year. Although she has a few visits to us planned between now and then, she worries about her case being too heavy, so would like to take her stocking fillers with us when we go visit her, probably this month/early Oct.

But having done her stocking for so many years, am out of ideas would really like something original.

The following isn't a complete list, as I really can't remember everything, but thought I'd write down what I can remember from past stockings a) so you know what I've put in in the past and b) for others looking for ideas.

She doesn't like smellies, is a young-at-heart mid-70s.

sweets/chocolate/mini-Christmas puddings/tins of travel sweets (but can't do that now as she is diabetic)
hankies
tights
lipstick/eyeshadow/other makeup
nail varnish/emery boards/nail varnish remover pads
writing paper/notelets/stamps
lottery tickets
cleanser/toner/moisturiser/night cream
pens/post-it notes/other stationery items
diary/calendar
seeds
books/magazines
costume jewellery
scarf
travel mirror
DVDs
various vouchers (e.g. for manicure)
stuff for card-making (peel-offs etc)
photo albums
puzzle books
pens

Any suggestions gratefully received :-)

I done a similar thing last year for my DM, some things I got that went down well -

Snuggle blanket
Slippers
Microwave heat pad with lavender
Hand warmer
Bath bombs
Nice pen set
CDs of radio shows she likes (from £land! Bargin)
But her fave things were all matching from superdrug, felt a bit of a skin flit buying sd 3 for 2 gifts, but she loved them most of all, they were all matching in an orla k type print, mini umbrella, key ring with super market coin, note pad and mini handbag sized address book, fold up bag for life type shopper.
Photo frame with pic of DC.

Hope this helps somewhat :)

thanks onadiet... have bought a few of the things you've mentioned in the past. But there are a couple of new ideas on there - thanks!

Hand cream
Smelly candle - nice smelly that is!
Fragrance sachet
Make-up bag
Wash bag - filled with mini shampoo/body lotion/shower gel

thanks fivefoot - have put most of the others in recent years, but not put in a make-up bag; and mini-toiletries are always a good idea.

Some nice tea (does she like Earl Gray or English Breakfast?) and a lovely fine china mug (Lakeland have some nice ones in their Christmas book).

www.lakeland.co.uk/search/mugs/q01.r16.1

CD of Military wives choir if she doesn't already have it. My MIL loved it last year.

Some Mrs Bridges (or other brand) chutney/preserve jars. Yummy. Avail from Lakeland and other places.

www.lakeland.co.uk/brands/mrs-bridges?intcmp=INTSRCH:mrs%20bridges

In fact, just anything from the Lakeland catalogue! Not too old - I'm 38 and I'd like ANYTHING from Lakeland!

Mini umbrella
Whittards tea -they do a lovely nighttime variety
I would second the Lakeland catalogue for ideas - love it
Photobox do lovely photo books and other gifts -something personalized?

Does she play cards? You can get all sorts of packs of cards with lovely designs on the back.

Also, if you search for some of the things you have previously purchased on Amazon, it comes up with lists of what other people have also looked at/purchased when they bought the same item as you - that might give you some ideas?

Oh yes, I love Whittards stuff too. Must check out their site. They are normally in Outlet centres too

I used to put in cans of Pimms or ready made G&T in MILs stocking. Small bottle of fizz?

Nice china cup? John Lewis do some lovely ones
CathKidston have a nice range, depends on what she likes

thanks!

She doesn't really drink alcohol but I could put one of those mini-bucks fizz in. They usually come with chocolates. which she shouldn't eat cos she's diabetic but I know she does indulge sometimes!

I have given her tea in the past, but can't make a stocking with completely new stuff, so yes, I think tea of some description would be good. China cup would be a good idea but she seems to get one every year off someone or other. A great idea for anyone else looking for suggestions tho.

She's more playing cards than she'll ever use (we used to collect them from wherever we went on holiday) but again, a good idea for other folks.

Military Wives CD/DVD - that's a great idea, she'd like that.

Will take a look at Amazon suggestions, and Lakeland definitely worth a look - we're lucky enough to have a shop not too far away so will go browse.

Photogifts suggestion reminded me that she probably hasn't many recent photos of our family - might get a selection printed from during the year and put them in a photo album.

Thanks again all,

How about a personalized calendar, one photo per month. They are fab. My mum loves hers and always makes one if no one buys her one!

Bulb for Amarylis or similar
Nice teatowels
New hand towels x 2
Maybe bathsheet-if not too big!
One of those towelling turbans for wet hair
Novel set- book people eg they have a light reads set for £3
Digital photo frame thing
Room fragrance spray things (maybe safer than scented candles)
Posh jam, fruit in alcohol, ginger or elderflower cordial
Think L'ocittane do a solid perfume that would be a bit different
Little tin of vaseline
Book mark

some more great ideas, thank you both

uk.loccitane.com/cherry-blossom-solid-perfume,83,1,29831,270203.htm
Solid perfume is £7.50

Mug/plate/tile with DGCs handprints
Book token
Aromatherapy room spray
Feet cream/pedicure set
Warm, snuggly socks
Coin purse

thank you both... cashmere, as previously stated, she doesn't like smellies (don't ask - but am sure others reading this thread for ideas will love your suggestion)

mamij - DGCs are teenagers (hence my problem, have been doing these stockings FOR EVER! ) But I will look for some diabetic friendly foot cream (if anyone knows of any, please let me know)

hey presto

Does she like puzzles?
Something like this www.google.co.uk/products/catalog?q=36+cube&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&client=safari&redir_esc=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=8393089715283216204&sa=X&ei=oxNNUPywD8OR0QXgkYCwAQ&ved=0CEsQ8wIwBg

One of those bird feeders that goes onto a window and some bird seed, you could also include a bird book if you want to run with the theme.

Cookie cutters (can use diabetic recipes)

Tapestry/cross stitch kit

Swimsuit

Origami kit

Westlife CD

Last year, I did my mum an "emergency winter car kit" (she was diagnosed with diabetes about 3 years ago).

I included lots of things that are normal - winscreen wash, de-icer, ice-scraper...
A small flask and a couple of sachets of hot choc mix (individual ones).
Torch and space blanket
Key light
"No water" handwash (like hospital gel) and small packet wet-wipes, pack of small bin-bags (the kind sold as "handy for car or handbag")

But also, as she's diabetic, I included some re-chargable handwarmers, thermal socks, and diabetic sweets and chocolate bars.

If you don't want to give her diabetic sweet things, then you could give things like dried fruit and nuts instead as nice snacky treats?

I see you mention tea - rather than a new cup, would she like one of those little ball infusers with a nice loose leaf tea?

Or some nice spoons, as a nod in that direction?

Will put my thinking cap on....

some really excellent ideas - thank you all. Keep em coming, will take note for next year and am sure others will find these suggestions useful too. Thank you!

Coffee shop gift card if she likes cafes!
Hairbrush
Cup that's like a flask to keep drinks warm
Kitchen things-e.g. Trivet, drinks coasters, silicone baking things, nice bottle stop so if she did open wine it would keep, nice napkins.
Jewellery box- eg small one for earrings
Jewellery roll for travelling
Christmas pot pourri- might be hard to get now
Candle holders with fancy festive designs
Wool for knitting
Came think of anything else!

Wine charms if she entertains?