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Original poster

I have £50 to spend on, quite possibly, the most materialistic woman alive

245 replies

PumpkinPatchMum · 15/09/2018 08:42

My mum.

Under 60yo.

Has no hobbies (other than shopping).

Buys herself whatever she wants whenever she pleases. So never has a wishlist.

Only likes designer labels which are way out of my price range.

Things we've previously tried which have failed:

  • sentimental gifts like a photo book or professional prints of DC ("I can't hang it up, it doesn't really fit with my decor")
  • gift vouchers ("It's quite impersonal. It's just like handing me money. What's the point?")
  • taking her out for a meal or an afternoon tea (where she will only sip on a cup of tea as she is permanently on a diet)
  • theatre tickets (she has already bought herself tickets for the same show with better seats, or has another show booked for that day)

I have no idea what to get her. Every year it stresses me out. She'll receive the gift with a smile then will give it over to my sister a few weeks later.

She spends £££ on me and DC each year and I always feel silly buying her something so small in comparison.

Whenever I ask her what she'd like, she just says "Surprise me!"

I need to get her something she doesn't know she will like (as she will have already bought herself it)

I need to get her something not clothes, jewellery, accessories, homeware, makeup/perfume-related as she only likes designer stuff

She's not one for homemade gifts or sentimental things like photo cushions or photo books.

She doesn't eat or drink much at all so no fancy foods or hampers.

Total nightmare!

My siblings are a bit better off than me and can afford to buy her the makeup she likes etc. My mum never places any pressure on us to do so but I hate seeing her change in expression after seeing her opening my sister's expensive purse or perfume set next to my Primark onesie i bought for her!

I need to go for something wacky and wonderful.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance!

OP posts:
Blacksquirrellysock · 15/09/2018 08:43

You could get a Jo Malone candle for £50?

PamDooveOrangeJoof · 15/09/2018 08:44

Jo Malone candle?

PamDooveOrangeJoof · 15/09/2018 08:44

Ha great minds!

lisaorris99 · 15/09/2018 08:44

Buy her something like sponsoring a child overseas, or an animal, or a reading scheme overseas.

If she complains you can say ‘you’re very hard to buy for so I thought I’d try something that helps others that you might enjoy’ Smile

picklepost · 15/09/2018 08:45

A beautiful lipstick?

CrumpetandSausage · 15/09/2018 08:46

A bunch of flowers and a card. No put in getting her something she isn’t going to want.

starryeyed19 · 15/09/2018 08:48

A Tom Ford lipstick? Some Charlotte Tilbury? What about a National Trust membership? Or membership to the V&A?

EarlyModernParent · 15/09/2018 08:49

Yoox.com is having a very good sale at the mo. You could try getting her a designer scarf, key ring or purse. For £50 you will have a lot of choice. Lots of little things she may not need or use, but the designer label will send the right message.

SouthWestmom · 15/09/2018 08:49

Clarins hand cream and lip balm.

Classic and decent brand. It isn't a 'thing' to clutter her home.

Finfintytint · 15/09/2018 08:49

A tree?

Nowisthemonthofmaying · 15/09/2018 08:50

Chanel lipstick/nail varnish or a scented candle - Jo Malone or Dyptique

MeanTangerine · 15/09/2018 08:50

My first instinct was to tell you to get the kids to make a picture of her house out of dry pasta and stick glitter all over it.

But it sounds like you genuinely want to please her.

I think (own personal preference) that, for the same money, I would prefer to receive a small, quality present than a larger one made of cheaper materials - a box of 4 tiny truffles than a kilo of Dairy Milk, iyswim.

For £50 you can get her something from Charlotte Tilbury, for example. Sounds like your mum might rather get one lipstick she'll really use than a huge palette of hundreds of colours.

Does she read?

mycheapshoes · 15/09/2018 08:50

I’d go for a fancy candle too.

SouthWestmom · 15/09/2018 08:51

This book

I have £50 to spend on, quite possibly, the most materialistic woman alive
FunkyBoldRibenas · 15/09/2018 08:51

Can you ask her what she wants with your budget?

Or ask your sister what she would like, as she will get it eventually anyway.

Whipsmart · 15/09/2018 08:51

Is there a gadget she doesn't know she wants yet? MP3 player, a roku for the tv (don't know how much they are off the top of my head), a little printer for photos from her phone?

PurpleWithRed · 15/09/2018 08:52

Ask your sister for help. Although I do love the mildly passive-aggressive 'I bought you an African cow because...' idea

cameltoeflappyflapflap · 15/09/2018 08:52

Designer purses in TK max for £50. Kate spade and Michael Kors.

Almostthere15 · 15/09/2018 08:53

I think a silk scarf could work well. There will be a couple at that price that are real silk, like this one from John Lewis. www.johnlewis.com/modern-rarity-mini-confetti-floral-print-silk-scarf-ivory-multi/p3713182

The other option is to trawl tkmaxx for something 'designer' like a good basic cashmere jumper perhaps, or a nice purse.

Though she does seem a bit ungrateful really I can understand wanting to get the right thing.

Toofle · 15/09/2018 08:53

A beautiful bunch of flowers.

NonaGrey · 15/09/2018 08:54

For £50 you could buy her a really beautiful hand painted silk scarf on Etsy.

DesdemonasHandkerchief · 15/09/2018 08:55

Quality not quantity, she knows the value of things so she'll realise what the tiny gift cost!(Although it should be the thought that counts obvs!) Jo Malone Bath Oil, something from the Jo Loves range (set up by Jo Malone founder) cashmere bed socks from White Company (come gift boxed), ridiculously overpriced posh diffuser, vintage or Krug champagne, two Reigel balloon G&T/champagne/cocktail glasses etc

SmellMyBeads · 15/09/2018 08:58

A facial or massage?

BananaBonanza · 15/09/2018 08:59

Big bunch of flower (That colour coordinate with the decor)

DesdemonasHandkerchief · 15/09/2018 08:59

*Riedel glasses. Anything Kate Spade.