What are you buying for your parents?

[50ShadesofXmas]

I've got my mum and her partner and my dad and his wife. Last year I made them a stocking each, based on the "something to eat, something to read etc" and was thinking of BIG version of the "pot of gold" but can't think of enough gold things for the men!

I'd like the presents to have more than one aspect, was thinking hamper but can't decide on a theme.

Don't mind putting in some work/research/making things.

Thanks :-)

hampers this year. mix of homemade and shop bought. rather like a santa sack for grown ups.

so far i'm thinking;

sloe gin
christmas rum
blackberry jam
apple butter
biscuits
mince pie popcorn

kendal mint cake
red wine
smellies
slippers
posh cordial

I like to buy them luxury versions of things they like or things they didn't know they needed.

This year I am a Tassimo sheep (baaah). Last year I bought my Dad Joules socks which I see him use all the time (unique colours and anti bac etc) and I bought Mum a willow stair basket (which she asked for). I also bought them an expensive Christmas tree decoration

Tucked away in my "one day" list is a pet portrait.

We usually get them tickets to the theatre as they'd never pay to go themselves but love it. Then a bottle of rum/brandy each, chocolates, sweets and usually a DVD.

knackeredmuchly - i like that you have a 'one day' list

Cashmere socks?

For my mum I've bought an Avoca wool blanket, got it when I was in Dublin. She admired the Welsh wool blanket I was given last Christmas so much and they're kind of tight with the heating . So far for my dad I've got a wool Joules jumper (from their outlet) and very randomly a jar of colman's mustard with the retro advertising. I need a bday present for him too.

For MIL, also a Joules jumper and for her husband we have a whiskey book and a bottle of maple whiskey. Need a bday present for MIL too. For FIL and his wife we have a random selection of things, they'll basically have a giant stocking. So far it includes glass water rocks from the science museum and a bee badge. Don't ask.

I like the buying nicer versions of ordinary things ethos too.

Oh I have lots on there! It's my back up list x

Argh, who put that kiss there it wasn't me honest. ...

KnackeredMuchly..go on...tell us what's on it...go on go on go on....

My dad has hinted he wants the new jamie oliver book, so i will get that. I think i may get him a new jumper as hes, erm, got a bit curvy recently and i think he may struggle wearing last years winter stuff! (Probably linked to his jamie oliver obsession....)

I think i'm going to get my mum some new wellies, and some perfume.

I'm also doing them a joint gift of a memory stick full of all their favourite albums, that they can put in the car. Cheesy but they will love it :)

I'm getting this bird box camera for £60 inc p&p.

Other ideas.

I think this flask pack for £27 would make a nice present if they have days out and would appreciate taking a hot drink with them.

Or if you could give it without causing offence, this driving assessment for £35 would be a good practical present.

My mums getting a Cambridge satchel and Yankee candles with jelly belly beans as that's what she loves. Step dad have no idea yet

I have got my parents what they had last year. Trips to the local amazing rock and roll pantomime.

Dad used to take us as children, a couple of years ago he decided to give it a go but left it too late to get tickets. So the year after I got him a ticket to come with us when I took my girls. He raved about it, so last year I got tickets for him, us, and both of my sisters and their partners. They all enjoyed it, so I bought tickets again. It's going to be an annual custom now.

I also get them a token gift to open too. Chocolates, puzzle books, etc.

My MIL gets books, a calendar, a subscription to a magazine, barley sugar in a nice jar.

I bought my mum one of the tower of london poppies for her garden and some poppy oven gloves to open on Christmas day (since the poppies won't be delivered till Jan/Feb).

Dad will probably be some action film dvds or cinema vouchers.

This thread is brilliant, I'm stealing at least three of the ideas for DM, DDad and DGM. I'm getting step father a Kilmer drinks dispenser and recipe book.

got my mum a custard cream cushion, fil is getting a gorgeous chopping board, no idea what to get DDad or MIL yet

The Tower of London poppies is a lovely idea. Only 25 too!

I bought my parents a Tower of London poppy too, great minds! Lol

Chica! Stop!! I got my dad and FIL that same camera off eBay for £39.99 from the people that manufacture it. If you don't have an eBay account then Amazon fluctuate between £40-£43 delivered.

I hate seeing people get ripped off

Oh thanks! Who are the manufacturers then?

I always get DF a jumper. He never buys clothes and would wear something until it's fallen apart, so he really appreciates it when I get him nice M&S jumpers every Christmas and birthday because he would never buy one for himself.

I'm finding DM hard to buy for. Any ideas for a woman in her mid-50s in poor health who never treats herself to anything? She wouldn't be into a spa day and isn't one for candles and bath stuff. She doesn't read books. She likes pottering in the garden but doesn't do it very often because of arthritis. She buys all her clothes from charity shops. So far my idea is a dressing gown and slippers, which is a bit shit after reading this thread.

Grow your own mushrooms in a box - grows in used coffee grounds. Mum loves cooking and they both love coffee so ticks more than one box. grocycle.com/product/grocycle-mushroom-grow-kit/

Betty re your Mum and gift. Would a subscription to a gardening mAgazine or the Gardens Illustrated mag be any good ? She could sit inside and read/lok at the beautiful photos etc. failing that audio books ?

Thanks Bea, I'll have a look at that magazine. She and DF have lots of ideas for their garden so maybe a magazine could give her some inspiration while she puts her feet up

Chica - CCTV something x