Mission impossible! What to buy for very rich, exacting, posh old aunt?!

[LifeOfPee]

We're spending Christmas at her big posh house too so it can't be something token.

I'm completely broke, living off stat mat pay, so it can't be expensive.

Great options, huh? I am at a complete loss

Lakeland?

Gin.

Family photo in a nice (but cheap) frame?

Are DCs able to produce any artwork - could you find a craft project or art project that results in something she'd like?!

Anyone you can ask about her favourite childhood books or games and find one second-hand?

Good luck! That is a serious mission!

What does she like? Ebay may be your friend. Is she traditional ?
How about a vintage liberty scarf? or Royal Doulton figurine

Home made food hamper:

Some biscuits, jams, preserves, oils, flavoured gin etc?

Offer to make some dishes to take with you to be eaten while you all stay - a casserole, lasagne etc that can be frozen, stored and easily reheated at her end.

Then you might feel more comfortable in giving a small personal gift - a nice quality hand cream or candle maybe?

Have a look at Not on the high street. There might be something there as they're all quite unique and varying prices.

Edinburgh Waterford

or Stuart crystal vase?

Royal crown derby?

Frilly knickers. Bet no-one else will give her underwear.

ebay for a small and interesting antique. What are her interests? And what, realistically, is your maximum budget?

Frilly knickers like it.

When I say old it makes her sound like an old lady. She's almost 70 so not young but she certainly isn't an old lady. She's one of these people who has impeccable taste and style. She's also seriously rich, we're talking a helipad in the grounds of her French holiday home rich.

I don't think she's particularly interested in antiques and I'm not confident enough of her taste to buy something like that.

I suppose we could afford up to about £50 but I prefer not to spend more than about £20 for Christmas presents, when there's 10+ people to buy for it gets pricey even if you only spend £20.

I suppose I could give her a set of flashing finger lights I got from the xmas bargains thread I bet she won't be expecting them.

She has a little dog she is very fond of, a terrier of some sort. I found a shopping bag with a picture of a terrier on it. Sounds a bit awful but I thought it might be quite cute?

Is there any way you could get your hands on an old photograph of maybe her parents wedding or her siblings? Would she appreciate an old photograph digitally enhanced and blown up in a nice frame? Might not work if she's always been rich and has family portraits everywhere.

TK Maxx might be good for some posh guest soap, hand cream or a nice scarf. If you can get to Costco, they have a food hamper type thing in beautiful stacked boxes or really thick throws for £15, The quality is as good as M&S or similar without the £50+ price tag.

Absolutely not any sort of ornament or glass - it won't be as good as she could buy for herself, unlikely to be to her exact taste, besides which most people by 70 really don't want more 'stuff' - other than perhaps photos of the kids.

The bag sounds like a better idea - it shows you've thought about what really matters to her. Maybe get something for the dog!

Last try.. how about Chanel le Vernis nail polish?

Okay, a bit of a rethink. I'd definitely head for TK Maxx and look for an Oakley coin purse or something else small but indulgent from the designer ranges. Failing that, I'd buy a posh umbrella from John Lewis.

and wrapped up with a posh bow .. id go for a racy Red if I was 70 ..

Ooh tricky. I'd tend towards books I think. Is she nice? Will she be gracious whatever you give her?

Something cashmere from TKmaxx. My mum got some lovely gloves...not sure how much they were but they were definitely a bargain. They feel very soft and luxurious!

How about this? May be a bit random but saves you trying to get something for expensive tastes very cheaply? They have other dog related gifts on the site, some are a bit naff but some are fun.

Yes I like the nail polish idea too. Think glam - expensive - luxury - but tiny, and therefore not actually costing much. Nail polish or a beautiful, very posh lip balm or hand cream is something that gets used up so it won't matter if she already has some, and you can choose a colour/scent etc you think she would like.

A rose bush or clematis

does she read?

books are good for everyone, and the quality doesn't depend on the price

try the Book People for gardening, poetry, biography, books of photographs, etc, and see the bargains thread for a free delivery code.

eg books about dogs? or frocks or roses

I think your little terrier bag sounds nice, for her

£20 candle from The White Company - very acceptable.

A nice edition of a classic novel?
Fake flowers from Bloom?
A mug with family photo on it?
Posh Liberty soaps?

The V&A museum website also has some lovely things on it