Awkward mum & MIL

[WyrdByrd]

Lovely people but an absolute nightmare to buy for.

Mum is 76, uber practical, doesn't really do hobbies as such other than surfing the net. Doesn't wear jewellery or use smellies, not into reading or music.

MIL is 66, very active, also practical. Loves photography but I don't know what kit she has (they are minted so nothing we can offer is likely to be appropriate anyway), obsessed with British history & the royal family, also fond of Egypt & penguins but doesn't read - DVDs a possibility as she's an overnight carer but haven't found anything suitable so far.

Any ideas? Weirdly both our dads are ridiculously easy to buy for!

Mil also a fan of gardening.

We don't spend a huge amount so budget about £25 each.

A bacon subscription? A nice throw?

National Trust subscription for MIL although not sure how much that'd cost.

Bacon subscription?! Mum not a fan & MIL v into healthy eating. Might be a goer for DH though!

National Trust subs probably too expensive but I expect they have an online shop so will take a look there and at the British Museum web shop for MIL as she has spent much of this year boring us witless telling us all about the queen's reign & the magna carta!

Insect/ bee hotel or similar for the garden for your MIL?

A throw is a good idea for your mum. TK Maxx have nice ones for £25. Or a small hamper of unusual foods?

That's a great idea for MIL - will check with my green fingered friend what insect house to get so I don't encourage anything dubious. She likes wildlife and garden ornaments too.

Mum is fanatically tidy and would class a throw as unnecessary clutter. She doesn't eat unusual foods and is diabetic - told you she was awkward !

Well, thanks to your suggestions I think MIL is sorted (Magna Carta calendar, bee hotel and bee attracting seeds) - now it's just my mum.

I managed to track down her fave perfume from the 70's this afternoon but stupidly suggested to my dad that I get it for her from him!

Do you know what websites your mum goes on? Any subscriptions to those you can get for her? Does she watch many TV programmes or films? Diabetic sweet hampers or anything like that? (think Thorntons do them)

Does she use a laptop to surf the web? If so, what about a nice wooden laptop tray?

Finding out what she surfs the net on is a good start. If a PC, does she have a wireless keyboard/ mouse? If an iPad, how about a new case?

Have you looked at Amazon local deals to see if there's anything near her?

I got my MIL a blanket scarf from Joules. They're £30 but this one is online from the outlet for £14.95

Mum uses a desktop PC, and sometimes a Hudl which she acquired a few months ago - will see if it's possible to get her a personalised cover for it on eBay with pics of DD on.

I have ordered her a mini vacuum cleaner for her keyboard and may get her a USB mug-warmer too.

Have also seen a 'Strictly' annual today.

Thanks for all the suggestions, it's a pita having to think of presents that are both interesting and useful all the time. DIY gadgets used to be a regular feature, but given her age I don't want to encourage her too much - her most recent exploit was to dismantle the cooker and fit a new element using only a YouTube video for guidance !

I recently bought serene surprises, and absolutely loved it. Quite healthy, in that the surprises inside are natural and organic. Worth a look into maybe?

www.serenesurprises.com/

Cashmere Socks, soft leather gloves, gold leaf gardening gloves.

Rose stripper, for taking thorns off Rose's when putting in a vase.

Gardeners hand care set. Some lovely scrubs and hand oils bought for me last year.

Indoor Hyacinths in a pot.

Single stem vase.

(If any of my grandkids are reading, the above is also my Christmas List)