Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Christmas

From present ideas to party food, find all your Christmas inspiration here.

If you were my mum, what would you want for Christmas?

62 replies

Firstbornunicorn · 11/11/2018 20:03

Apart from a more creative daughter, that is!

My mum's in her early 50s and is a bit fussy. She's always been a tricky one to buy for. I usually get my thinking cap on and come up with something decent. I don't know if it's because I'm pregnant, or I've just used up all the good ideas, but I can't think of anything at all this year. Here's some info about my mum.

  • she works in a garden centre and likes outdoorsy, gardeny stuff.
  • she loves tea sets and delicate China. I tend to try not to buy this as a gift, because everyone else inevitably will!
  • she's partial to a cuppa
  • she bakes sometimes - mostly stuff like soda farls and wheaten bread.
  • she's a bit Christmas mad
  • she got a FitBit for her birthday and is obsessed with it
  • she's pretty good at sewing but doesn't get much time for it
  • she recently got her ears pierced, but insists that her delicate skin must only be pierced with gold, because she reckons she's allergic to everything else.
  • she has recently started to show an interest in browsing in Argento and nearly bought herself some Pandora stuff, but decided it wasn't worth the money.
  • she quite likes cats
  • she lives with my dad and my brother, but my dad will soon be away for 1 week per month for his new job. Brother isn't home much either as he works a lot.
  • she's a very good mum and has helped us out a lot when it has come to setting up our new home.

What do you think? Budget of about £60. Would be able to stretch it a bit for something she'd really like, though!!

C'mon, Mumsnet. Help a girl out!

OP posts:
Ragwort · 11/11/2018 20:07

I am a bit older than your mum & also fussy. I really dislike ‘stuff’ so I would appreciate something like a nice afternoon tea out. Also I love ‘charity goat type’ gifts as I honestly have everything I need in my life & like to share my good fortune. Maybe the Pandora bracelet would be a good option as you can add to it each year?

Firstbornunicorn · 11/11/2018 20:12

@Ragwort I had thought of afternoon tea, but I wouldn't like her to think she had to take me, if that makes sense? She does have a good friend who would also enjoy it, so perhaps I could write a note about taking her along, or something.

I'll look into the Pandora bracelet. I'm really not into jewellery myself, so I wasn't sure if they were still fashionable or not. Presumably they are? And those Nomination bracelets - are they considered to be quite nice or a bit common?

OP posts:
waterandlemonjuice · 11/11/2018 20:12

A kitten?

waterandlemonjuice · 11/11/2018 20:13

Pandora = waste of money imo

Laska3Meryl · 11/11/2018 20:14

Does she read? Kindle. I love mne

FritataPatate · 11/11/2018 20:16

jo malone candle, leather gloves, books , anything cashmere... but that's just me!

letsdolunch321 · 11/11/2018 20:18

Does she like scarves - I am 52 and love my neck to be warm in this chillier weather.

Afternoon tea would be a thumbs up for me.

Pandora, not. my cup of tea but very good for future pressies with the add on charms.

AJPTaylor · 11/11/2018 20:22

I am 50 and prefer troll beads.

sparklepops123 · 11/11/2018 20:25

Even my useless present buying dh has bought me nice ear rings from pandora ( I can’t wear cheap metal either) or look at azendi

Firstbornunicorn · 11/11/2018 20:30

@waterandlemonjuice that would be lovely - unfortunately I currently have the last "kitten" (now 9 years old) she was gifted as my dad is allergic!

She does have a Kindle, which she loves. My brother bought it for her after hearing me say I was going to get her one 🤔

She does like candles but is a bit funny about scents - she's got the nose of a bloodhound!

Scarves seem like a good suggestion. I did buy her one from a trip to NYC last year, but apparently it's too nice to wear. So maybe one that's nice, but not quite that nice 😂

I've never heard of Troll beads?? Or is that a joke?

OP posts:
askjeeves · 11/11/2018 20:32

Swarovski have a new charm based range out, some of which is quite pretty (some is also gross, you have to wade through a bit.)

It does remind me a bit of pandora, but doesn't look quite as instantly recognisable. You can also mix up the chains to make bracelets and different length necklaces.

https://www.swarovski.com/en_GB-GB/c-0108/Categories/Jewellery/Swarovski-Remix-Collection/

AnarchyKitty · 11/11/2018 20:36

Turtle Dove fingerless gloves made from recycled cashmere. Perfect for the garden centre. I wear mine for work in cold rural Scotland. They are amazing!

Stickerrocks · 11/11/2018 20:45

I second the Turtle Doves, but take a look a their snoods & neckwarmers as well. I've bought a neckwarmers for my visually impaired cousin to wear whilst walking her guide dog for miles each day and my neighbour who virtually lives at her allotment.

MrsEricBana · 11/11/2018 20:46

I agree with pps, voucher for treaty afternoon tea somewhere nice with a specific note that you thought she might like to go with your dad or "Sally" (I am around your mum's age and nearly all my friends are called Sally!) (Ie not you) plus a bunch of flowers for the day itself would be perfect. I think earrings, scarves etc are a bit subjective. Something I always appreciate is a voucher too as I can buy what I'd really like but can't justify. What a lovely thoughtful daughter you are 😊

Jakethecob · 11/11/2018 20:46

I would like sealskinz gloves and a good torch

SummerintoAutumn · 11/11/2018 20:50

A dressing gown or scarf from One Hundred Stars

Fishandthechips · 11/11/2018 20:53

Troll beads are like the Pandora charm bracelet beads (same idea, you get the bracelet and then buy beads to put on it). They can be slightly more individual as there not as popular so less people will have the samr beads.
Im absolutely useless at present advice so cant help you there. I clicked on this to get inspiration for present ideas Smile

MrsEricBana · 11/11/2018 20:55

Sorry just realised Christmas not bday. Fresh flowers too hard. White orchid?

Nanasueathome · 11/11/2018 21:00

Have a look at the dressing gowns in Verry Kerry

PoshPenny · 11/11/2018 21:04

A different strap for her Fitbit rather than the standard issue ones they come with? There are so many to choose from for not very much ££ at all on amazon.

Lulu1919 · 11/11/2018 21:11

Kindle
A local baking workshop voucher
Voucher for her hairdresser
National trust membership
I’m 49

waterandlemonjuice · 11/11/2018 21:31

Just watching Mary Berry at Highclere Castle, you can have afternoon tea there

highclerecastleshop.co.uk/categories/afternoon-tea

Firstbornunicorn · 11/11/2018 22:26

Lots of good suggestions! I looked up Trollbeads and the Swavorski charm bracelets - both a distinct possibility.

Those Turtle Dove gloves look nice - does anyone know if they wash well?

Verry Kerry Kimonos - I want one now! Sadly not in the budget this year :( I've been off work sick since the start of the pregnancy more or less so money's a bit tighter than usual.

I'm sure she'd love afternoon tea at Highclere castle - bit too far to travel, unfortunately, but there is a nice castle closer to home I'll check out.

Thanks to everyone for the great ideas :)

OP posts:
KC225 · 11/11/2018 22:29

I'm not a fan of Pandora, I think it looks dull and 'meh'. I spied a vintage silver chunky charm bracelet in eBay. One with an old pound note folded up in a glass box charm, other classic charms the ballet slippers, a spider, a windmill. Stunning. Cost 45 quid including postage. DH has put it away for Christmas - I can't wait.

Or get her some nice gold earrings, your budget will stretch that far.