Anti-clutter present ideas on a budget

[JennyBlueWren]

My mum is starting to declutter her very cluttered house. What can I buy her that won't add to the clutter? She doesn't really need anything and I can't afford any of the "normal" anti-clutter presents such as tickets or gift experiences. She doesn't use make up or perfume or jewelry.

We won't be seeing her over the winter as we are at opposite ends of the country but are otherwise fairly close so I want to get her something decent.

Are chocolates too dull? Last year (the first without my dad) I bought her the chocolates that dad used to. Turns out she's not that keen on them (but ate them anyway)!

I could do baking but she'll be at my brothers so he'll probably just eat them! Could do a big joint hamper for her, my brother and his family but that wouldn't really be for her would it?

Any ideas welcome!

Is there nothing useful your Mum needs specifically such as a nightie or dressing gown. Those wouldn't cost too much and aren't clutter if it's what she needs.

I am anti-clutter too. Last year my GCs bought Me nostalgia sweets from my childhood. Lots of things that you don’t see today. Liquorice wood, blackjacks, old fashioned toffee. They lasted for ages but were delicious.

Sounds like consumables are the way to go. Food, drink, any posh toiletries you know she’ll use (the in-laws always buy me nice shampoo, and I buy MIL the sanctuary body scrub).

Maybe a facebook post trying to get ideas for "favourite old sweets we don't get anymore" ideas out of her.

She is very basic in her toiletries and has lots of toiletry gift sets sitting around gathering dust (literally -I suggested sending them as presents or to the charity shop!)

I was trying to keep an eye out for what she might need on my last visit but she seems to have everything somewhere!

If she's the sort who has everything already, would she like to sponsor an animal? Either in a zoo, or 'buy a goat for a family in a developing country' type of thing?

Does she like gardening? What about a fruit tree for the garden, you can even get dwarf fruit trees that live in patio pots.

Flowers?
Voucher for garden centre - if she's not a gardener she could spend it on bird food or tea in the cafe!!

I used to get my grandad national geographic magazine subscription. You can use Tesco Clubcard points for good housekeeping mag or Something?

M&S has some lovely indoor bulb sets. The problem is the temptation to keep the pots when they’re dead I guess.

You don’t have to get a whole year, but what about a monthly magazine subscription?

What’s the budget?

Voucher for cinema or coffee shop?

Need to know the budget really

Does she read? A really good book at Christmas is a winner... in my book :) yes that pun was intended ;)

If she has a garden, then some bulbs or a small plant or two for the garden.

Or some nice food item (doesn't have to be chocolates) that she likes, but wouldn't normally buy for herself. Maybe some good quality biscuits (ones she can keep until she gets home and eat herself) or something else that will keep long enough for your brother not to eat!

Or does she drink alcohol? A bottle of something to treat herself with maybe.

My parents love those jars of fruit in booze... cherries in Kirsch, peaches in brandy etc etc.

Prices around a tenner. M and S have them but Waitrose and Sainsburys are cheaper.

A silk pillowcase. Silk pillowcases are cooler to sleep and stop wrinkles apparently. You can get them boxed from Amazon. If you van stretch to a nice pillow to go with it. People don't replace pillows enough and a good one make a difference

Thank you for all the ideas!

Budget of about £10 (plus postage) although would stretch a bit if there was something ideal.

She has lots of books (more books than shelves) but I could parcel up some of my books that we both like! That's a good idea and would help clear some of my shelves too.

She has a garden but too many dead plants in pots both inside and in the patio so they really don't need adding too. Something for the birds might be a good idea though -a new bird feeder...

My dad used to bottle up fruit and there are still many many jars in the house!

She does a lot of woodwork, keeps bees, is involved in various local organisations especially around nature and history. I've often ended up buying her some sort of bee ornament/ novelty item but when visiting recently realised how many of these "gifts so can't throw away" she has.

Thinking I'll get her some sort of bird feeder or maybe birdbath (don't think she has one but heavy on the postage), add a couple of my books I know she'll like and some chocolates.

I bought this hummingbird rain gauge for my dad and his wife last year off Etsy. It’s a bit more expensive especially if shipping from the states but I’d have a look on Etsy to see if there’s anything similar made in the UK. It was hit!

www.etsy.com/transaction/1215368012www.etsy.com/transaction/1215368012www.etsy.com/assets/dist/images/about2014/assets/etsy_logo.20160609191623.png

Bird feeder sounds like a great idea, and you could maybe include some bird food to start her off. RSPB have a good range of different things (you can buy online).

A nice candle? it's consumable, useful and re-giftable. And fits any budget. Doesn't have to be scented either if she's not into smelly things.
Or a flower arrangement, or potted poinsettia (mine always wither by mid January so definitely not clutter)

I know it doesn't suit everyone but could you order something from Amazon, gift wrapped and sent direct to her or your brother?

Thanks for more ideas.

She makes her own candles and doesn't like flowers really.

A rain gauge might be a good idea. Don't think she has one.

Someone on the bargain thread recommended a bird feeder that's clear and attaches to the window, that's been popular with older family members. If you ask on there, someone might remember more than me!

A diary, or an organiser? Some pretty labels or scents for drawers and cupboards??