What are you buying your parents or inlaws?

[hidinginthenightgarden]

I am really struggling with my parents. They are mid 50s, mum has horses and Dad goes walking. They go dancing together but have already done a dance n the blackpool tower and tickets to strictly/dance lessons..
Looking for inspiration through what others are gifting!

I've given up trying to think of anything 'new' or 'different' and buy my parents the same thing every year now:
bottle of single malt for my dad
bottle of 'good' Cava for my mum
a book or two each - something I've enjoyed during the year that they've probably not come across
'nice' biscuits or chocolates to share

Yes I was thinking about going stuff like that but even that isn't straight forward. They don't really drink or read that much. Don't own a bath tub for bubbles/like makeup/massages etc.
I have been looking at subscriptions but they are either not what they would like or too expensive.

In that case, maybe an 'upgrade' of something they like/use - eg: cashmere scarf
leather gloves
walking boots / thick socks to wear with walking boots
nightware
snuggly slippers

For your mum:
Horse and hound magazine subscription
Winter Riding gloves like these: www.onlineforequine.co.uk/mar-todd-thinsulate-winter-gloves?ps=MTY1PTcmMTc0PTMzMzE=&gclid=CjwKCAjwyOreBRAYEiwAR2mSkpcSjPkTpQ2gQFQ13zonCKIYysbBP-E5DLqrUFpF_n-aTtdrTz--XhoCWAcQAvD_BwE#165=7&174=3331

Love those gloves!

I've done foodie things for my parents on the past, so thought I might upgrade to a few bits from Fortnum & Mason maybe.

I'm also going to get my Dad some Sealskinz gloves, but have no other ideas for my Mum, whose birthday is on the 27th as well!

I have made up hampers for family members who are difficult. My friend puts in home made jams, chutney, sloe gin, and other goodies for her mum.

The only parent left now is my oh's dad, who is in his 90s and I have got him a heated throw because he really feels the cold (even in a heated room!).

Same as Remus.
Every year I make loads of effort trying to find something that people will love but life is too short and everyone has enough tat. So a bit simpler for a change.

Ski socks for your mum? Nice ones are expensive and I think many equestrian types use them in winter for riding/working around the stables (not in the least bit horsey so maybe double check that)

Do you live near them? I saw a monthly paper journal thing that you upload photos online and they get printed and sent out to someone once a month. If there had been a 4 times a year option I’d have been tempted- but we wouldn’t do that many photos in one month.

Hamper is a good idea though... and outdoor clothing vouchers maybe?

Can't you just ask them.
I'm in their age group, my DCs ask me, and I ask them what they and their DC's want
Win/win

My dad and his wife are in their 80’s, and love eating out, especially fine dining! I always buy them a voucher for their favourite Michelin star restaurant. Alternatively vouchers for afternoon tea, and include an offer to chauffeur them to and from the venue.

Loving the chauffeur !

My parents (mid50)

Mum - caudelie skincare set, Armani perfume, Guerlain lipstick

Dad- expensive whiskey, interesting autobiography, shave balm

PIl (mid 60s)

Mum - hand cream and nice nail file, maybe a nice scarf and gloves, nice shampoo+conditioner set

Dad - fancy chocolate, and fuck knows

Musical?
Bag for sewing bits
New coasters or homeware bits
Hamper?

DM-A hamper of flavoured tea’s and posh chocolate.
DF and DSM-we’ll pay for a nice day out for them (we aren’t really sure what they like so the easiest thing to do is just get them tickets for a musical)
DFIL- Some vinyl records
DMIL-Lush sleepy hamper, she struggles to sleep.

Thanks all. Some great ideas.
I have asked what they want and they don't know.
Think I will go for the gloves for my mum, warm socks, some nice hand cream and a nail file maybe an engraved one? (she asked if I had one she could use last time she visited)
Still not sure about my Dad. Maybe a book on walks in his local area and a fancy coffee canister he can take with him.

I’ve been really boring this year and bought my in-laws a pair of leather gloves each, my FIL a leather wallet and my MIL a gorgeous scaf all from Ted Baker which is their favourite shop. I usually try and find something a bit more exciting but they’re rarely impressed so thought I’d be boring and hope I’m closer to the mark.

A Haas grooming brush for your Mum, they are lovely and give such a nice finish to the horses coat.

He Lippizaner is a good place to start
eqclusive.com/collections/haas/products/haas-lippizaner-women-ladies you might find it cheaper elsewhere though.

I'd be chuffed if my Non horsey family got me something like that

Hamper for inlaws. Cheese making kit for my mother, I think.

Not sure how much they are / your budget but....What about a lesson on a mechanical horse for your mum?

Mum,a lovely handbag.Dad,a new winter coat

Kleen Kanteen and FOSH do some brilliant insulated coffee cups/bottles and u konserve also do insulated food jars for walks that are easily carried (guess what I have bought my dparents!)

I ask normally but my mum/PIL are over 80, they don’t want anything they have to display, store or similar.

So we go often for practical gifts like scarves, books, food & drink.

In your case I would look for an upgrade of something they use anyway. My horse riding DD looks often at nicer items than what we buy if she needs it so we treat her at Christmas and birthday with a nicer version of gloves, boots etc. I found this site good for getting ideas

www.kramer.co.uk

For your dad, maybe a Chilly bottle to take with him on walks as it keeps the liquid nice cold or warm depending when he goes.