What on earth to buy my DM?

[Terramirabilis]

So my Mum does not want and will not use:

perfume
make up
candles
jewellery
fancy toiletries
anything personalized
artwork

It is impossible to buy her clothing, accessories, or shoes. What can I buy her? She likes gardening and knitting somewhat. No other hobbies. I don't leave anywhere near so I don't see her enough to be able to monitor exactly what she has or hasn't got for those hobbies.

Budget about 30 GBP.

Help!

Have you asked her?

Could you take her out for a meal? Framed family photo? x

If I ask she'll just say it doesn't matter in a slightly martyred way.

A meal isn't really possible on 30 quid and last year we paid to have a group family photo done as a Christmas present so we've done the family photo. I appreciate the suggestions though!

My MUM has a magazine subscription, she says everytime she gets it she thinks of me

I got my mum an English Heritage subscription a couple of years ago. Would she use something like that, or National Trust?

Magazine subscription could be a possibility if I could think of one she would like. We're not from the UK so an English Heritage or National Trust membership wouldn't work but there might be a local equivalent.

Christmas hamper of goodies

theatre or cinema vouchers
books (about gardening)
My mum is a gardener and always needs new gardening gloves.

garden centre voucher

(prime candidate for a goat, your mum)

She sounds like a vouchers sort of person.

Knitters like yarn. Do you know if she makes anything in particular? eg socks. You can also get knitting kits to make a specific item that come with everything you need in them.

Posh afternoon tea voucher ?

A bee hotel!

A bird table? That's what my MIL asked for.

How about a beautiful shrub or tree for the garden. I'm not v good with plants but if you go to the garden centre they can advise.

A handmade food hamper! buy a nice basket and add some of her favourite treats

My mum loves gardening and has asked for a new gardening apron.
I am getting her this;
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/291389841830?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
and this;
www.jarrold.co.uk/departments/books/hobbies/making-a-garden-by-carol-klein-(hardback)?gclid=CLW1lv2mw8kCFYQfwwodMZkIug

Do the home made IOU's. They are so simple (and free) for example, I owe you one oven clean, one garage clean out, one ironing bundle etc. I did this one year with a different task for every month, went down a storm. My mum sounds exactly like yours. I rip my hair out every year. I have started doing the garden as well, so in Autumn I plant bulbs, in spring, bedding plants. i used to spend a fortune, she hated everything. Now I just do tasks. Works a treat.

My dm loves her garden too, and has every conceivable tool, gardeners diary and book going. Last year I bought her a bird table and this year I've got her a toad abode. This isn't the exact one, but gives you an idea. £22 on eBay.

TOAD ABODE!!!! Iove that so much. I have a toad living in the mud under my blackberry bushes. I have made him a pond but now I feel obliged to buy him a toad abode!

*derails

My exMIL always did the martyred shrug when asked about presents.

She got the goat.

nice knitting bag? if she online shops, maybe some vouchers for wool warehouse?

Gardener's mug, with a lid to stop flies going in it?
A posh kneeler for her gardening?
Would she use a nice gardener's hand cream, or would that count as posh toiletries?
Garden centre vouchers, or vouchers for whatever your national equivalent of Hobbycraft is?
Or, does she like any foods or drinks? Could you make up a hamper of her favourite treats?