Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Christmas

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

Original poster

Gifts for DF to give to DM, no judging please...

182 replies

Courtney555 · 08/12/2019 06:41

Each year, DF has no clue (or time) to get DMs Christmas presents.

Standard procedure is that I'll investigate what she'd like on his behalf, and let him know. I then tend to go out and get it, and he reimburses me, more so he doesn't accidentally get the wrong thing (DM is very particular at times).

This year, I'm heavily pregnant with twins, and DM is keeping quiet...she says I should be relaxing, and she's interested to see what he gets her without my assistance. I understand where she's coming from, but I can answer that pretty easily... she'll get nothing. Not because DF is an arse, but because he honestly won't know where to start.

So. Given that she's not revealing anything, what would some lovely gifts be, that would look really thoughtful, or really well picked? Budget £300-400, 2 or 3 items.

Previous years have included:

Fairfax and Favour boots and handbag.
Jimmy Choo handbag (I think he was in the doghouse that year Xmas Grin )
Bread maker and Bread making course
Jewellery set
Perfume
Fitflop slippers
Ted Baker PJ's and dressing gown

She's early 60s. Very glam. Likes: Cooking. Skiing. Makeup (but this can be tricky, she's allergic to lots). Her two dogs. Country life.

Would not appreciate: Candles. Meal out/experience day. Undies or more nightwear.

Please no "useless DF" bashing. Thank you in advance!...

OP posts:
Adesignforstrife · 08/12/2019 08:07

*do you not think...

ineedto · 08/12/2019 08:35

Fairfax and favor gilet.

Esska boots - not for dog walks but beautiful and comfortable.

Rab jacket for dog walking.

Waterford crystal gin glasses.

Jo Malone bath oil and body creme.

TimpoTempo · 08/12/2019 08:46

Some good wellies.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 08/12/2019 08:48

She sounds a pita tbh.

I really like the suggestion of Liberty silk pyjamas. That's what I'd like if I had money to burn and pretty much everything I needed. Or maybe a cashmere robe.

Otherwise something for the home such as a huge, beautiful Welsh blanket or a gorgeous rug.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 08/12/2019 08:48

Or a painting by a local artist.

Veronicat · 08/12/2019 08:49

Turtle Doves cashmere neck warmer and gloves. I love mine as they are ideal for cold dog walks.

bakingdiva · 08/12/2019 08:56

Perfume discovery set from Penhaligons?

www.penhaligons.com/mobile/penhaligons-fragrance-library/

TheNavigator · 08/12/2019 09:01

It sound like what she wants is to see if her husband gets her a present, so why not give her that?

Bandia · 08/12/2019 09:15

Would she like a new dog walking jacket? Maybe with complementary jackets for the dogs?

Kitchen gadgets?
Alpaca wool jumper, scarf etc?
Le chameau wellies?
Something relevant to how/where they met, or a record of the first dance at their wedding?
At home photo session for her and children/grandchildren/dogs?

666onmyhead · 08/12/2019 09:20

I think I'm all honesty I'd be tempted to give her a box in a box in a box etc with a wad of cash in the smallest box, to buy what she actually wants herself, if you want to add a bit of spice also include a letter to let her know you/he's arranged an uber limo to take her to the sales at 10 o'clock on Boxing Day to spend it too . ( then you and your dad have a nice boxing day together !)

DisgruntledGuineaPig · 08/12/2019 09:22

So your mum issues a list of things she thought about and wants. Her daughter goes to buy them, using her husbands funds. Her husband hasn't actually bought her a gift for years, since his child was old enough to take on the one bit of christmas for him. Shes specifically asked you not to do it this year.

If you get involved, you will be interfering in their marriage. You need to step back and not do it.

Your dad is capable of going to a jewellers or a big department store and asking for help.

Step back. Let her have one gift from him, not just paid for by him.

If she sulks, then it's her choice. Let it happen this year.

DisgruntledGuineaPig · 08/12/2019 09:25

Oh and agree, if he suddenly gets something hed never have thought of and shes not hinted about, she'll know and sulk anyway.

Let him get it a bit wrong but be from him.

Tell him to think about her, what shes liked in the past. He lives with the woman, he can see what's in her wardrobe, he can get something similar. He can do it. He has only one gift to buy. If it's wrong, but bought with love, so be it.

Isadora2007 · 08/12/2019 09:27

I agree. The family dynamics are really skewed here and your mum has specifically asked you to not be involved. Yet you are. I would be honest with her and tell her that the idea of her being upset (if you’re being kind) or sulking (if you’re being honest and a little brutal) are actually more stressful to you than helping your dad come up with ideas. But please stop being a go between or a buffer in your parents relationship- once you have your twins you really won’t have the time or energy to do that and they really need to sort this issue out between them.

Mamia15 · 08/12/2019 09:29

Why not go with him to the shops - that way you're there to 'guide' him and he is buying it himself?

Thehollyandtheirony · 08/12/2019 09:33

Base layers from Perfect Moment.
Johnstons of Elgin fingerless cashmere gloves.
A raincoat from Stutterheim (not warm but very stylish and easy to layer up underneath).

TheGoldenNotebook · 08/12/2019 09:36

Your DF should make a £300 donation to the Trussell Trust. It sounds as though your DM has everything she could possibly want in life. If she must have something to open, maybe a book.

Fueledwithfairydustandgin · 08/12/2019 09:38

Well the no judging worked well Grin

PushkinTheCat · 08/12/2019 09:42

How about another “speciality” cooking course? Maybe something like macarons, or one of those “nose to tail” how to deal with fish/meat/potentially even game? Chocolate making?

combatbarbie · 08/12/2019 09:45

If she's style over substinance look at Dubarry..... The Longford country boots are my faves at the moment, their jackets, gilets, shirts etc are nice....

However she has asked you not to intervene for a reason.... I think you need to honour this and see what he produces with no help.

HarrietTheFly · 08/12/2019 09:46

Could your df pick out a few items - jewellery for instance. Not buy but show you a short list of say 5 items, and you can select which you think would be the most appropriate? (Or say no to all and steer him in the right direction if they're all wrong!)

pettswoodmumof3 · 08/12/2019 09:50

Links still have a sale on for jewellery if you have one near by. How about some glamorous snow boots? With fake fur bits? Goggles that track speed etc - quite expensive but fun.

Corcra · 08/12/2019 09:54

Expensive base layers for walking/skiing.
North face or Patagonia do gorgeous gilets with a matching fleece.

cocomelon23 · 08/12/2019 10:02

She wants your father to pick something so why are you still getting involved?

Original poster
Courtney555 · 08/12/2019 10:04

Well the no judging worked well Grin

Oh I know Grin some people literally can't help themselves. Half a thread wasted on pointless assumptions, but at least the other half has thrown up some very good suggestions.

The snow boots idea is great... What's a naice brand that's fur lined? A pair of boots and a new coat would be ideal...

OP posts:
Swipe left for the next trending thread