Excellent presents for women that aren't...

[WhirlwindHugs]

Because @monkeymamma's thread for men is genius.

I'm looking for gifts for women (especially older women) that aren't:
Candles
Chocolate
anti-wrinkle cream
perfume
anything really twee and covered in flowers.

Particularly struggling with my mum this year, she is really into South American art and media. Budget 10-20 pounds.

I, random woman of 45, would LOVE:

• a cookery class
• a beauty box subscription (love lula, feel unique, whatever)
• cashmere or merino scarf
• good quality faux fur throw in neutral colour
• voucher for spa or beauty treatment (I love them but never do them)
• books by new writers I might like (only possible for people I talk to about books so they know my taste)
• really good coffee/chocolate
• magazine subscription
• good quality bath stuff or cosmetics

I think I am relatively easy to buy for, and I love getting gifts and giving gifts. It's fun and a treat.

MIL and I always overspend on eachother's gifts because we like exactly the same stuff, so it is easy to buy for eachother

I love love love Harris Tweed things, as do my DM and DGM, it just feels so luxurious. Currently on my christmas list is this amazing purple set and I'm thinking about getting this camera strap as a little gift for my brothers girlfriend.

Having mentioned this thread to my 70something DM and her friend, they suggested a really good idea for recipients who aren't keen on extravagant gifts...but nevertheless appreciate joining in with the fun of unwrapping something on Xmas Day.

Small, thoughtful and practical, not wasteful of their loved ones' money:
Similar to my 1st post for OP's DM: a selection of nice postcards...but each WITH A STAMP STUCK ON, all ready simply to jot a few lines upon, address, and stick in whichever postbox passed.

Even better if illustrations are quirky and meal/dinner/drinks-themed, for busy socialisers to send as thankyous.
(Cheerful "get well"/ "bon voyage"/ "congratulations" etc. would be equally used, I would think).

They both agreed it's rare these days to have about you a book of stamps (which are so flipping expensive as well, and a hassle to remember to buy), along with the appropriate card, when you most need them!

Cards, above, bought from:
here
and
here

^ DM's other (random ) idea which she'd prefer to chocolate/ cake/ coffee etc. is a massive pork pie from Melton Mowbray??!!

A massive pork pie is a fabulous idea

Oh I really want pork pie now.

I bought a personalised one last year: www.eleysporkpies.co.uk/christmas/

Those pies are amazing.

Presents we have given that have gone done well

Photo blanket
Foot spa
Nightwear
Makeup accessories (make up bag, brushes etc)
Jewellery
Baking stuff (for an avid baker)
Spice rack with spices (for an avid cook)

I have just finished my Mum (60’s)
Hush wrist warmers as mentioned previously, l’occitane hand cream and a meal for 2 with wine on buyagift using a £10 off code from the referral thread. Contemplated a spa treatment but thought she would probably enjoy taking a friend out for a meal more!

Silk pillowcase went down well amongst both those I know well and those I don't. Also posh handcream.

Also I share an interest in historical fiction with my MIL and crime writing with my mum, so I get them newer or more unusual books I've read and liked.

I think a bird feeder is a nice generic gift because even if they don't particularly like birds, the birds will benefit (if they use it).

Would anyone be kind enough to link to the other thread for men's gifts? I can't find it...

So. Really good presents for men that are NOT...

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/Christmas/3079770-So-Really-good-presents-for-men-that-are-NOT

@captainwarbeck thank you

those wanting mugs try anthropologie - wonderful mugs and other things.

Nice suggestion, Building2017.

1. For bird/nature-lovers, esp. those who are also crafty cat owners like myself, receiving a clear, squirrel-proof (and definitely cat -proof) window suction cup bird feeder (food and water), would prove popular, too.

(A 3rd floor flatbound friend gets so much enjoyment from watching her regular visitors: apparently, they quickly suss her movements inside aren't of threat to them and it doesn't put them off!)

[some good models here ]

2. On the same note, though for somebody for whom you've allotted a sizeable budget, I'm sure a webcam bird nesting box would go down a treat.

[ webcam nesting boxes uk online store ]

3. Also, wildflower seed bombs for bumble bees are great small gifts/stocking fillers for anyone with a garden. No fussing required...you just chuck them.

Just to repeat a massive thanks to everyone for such interesting ideas and suggestions on this thread: I've finally sorted out a couple of really difficult gifts entirely down to you.

toboldlygo,
Sorry! Forgot to thank you for the pork pie link. Looks perfect for her.

Just be aware that they are HUGE.

Not a problem! Her place is virtually a 24hr drop-in for friends/ family/ passing waifs and strays over Xmas and New Year...no chance of wastage.

I've just seen an advert for these people on Facebook, I'd not heard of them before but they have some great ideas:
www.radicalteatowel.co.uk

Thought I'd share some of my 78 year old MIL's recent birthday/Xmas lists:

• amaryllis from Sarah Raven (I'd like this too!)
• Moshulu slippers
• half bottle muscat
• handheld blender
• new brightly coloured glasses case (she loses them all the time)
• wall mounted garden hose
• Land's end cardigan
• various classical music cd's (I won't detail here!)
• new gardening books or books about gardens

(I am planning to get her new Penelope Lively gardening book this year)

• Molton Brown shower gel (yawn)
• photos of grandchildren

Very, very niche, but I'm thinking of getting something like this for my dsis who is a bit of a scif-fi geek:
www.etsy.com/uk/listing/572862117/origami-unicorn-earrings-in-silver-and?ref=shop_home_active_1

And some nice wall art for my other dsis who has just moved into a lovely new place after a horrendous break up (don't know what yet.) I wouldn't get that kind of thing unless I really knew the other person's taste well though.

I generally run away to Etsy when I'm really struggling with gift ideas!

A recent gift that was appreciated by a 50 plus girlfriend was a constellation necklace for the appropriate star sign (very pretty even if you aren't woo), about £20 on Etsy.

And for those who are absolutely not woo at all the latest craze among my (biologist) workmates are necklaces with your initials in amino acids.