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Christmas

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

Please help with my SIL!

16 replies

GlomOfNit · 14/12/2019 00:18

Ok. I've finally realised that she has a rather crap Christmas, present-speaking. Her only child isn't really old enough to get anything for her and her DH is a bit crap and buys generic things for her at the last minute. Her (and my DH's) parents are Odd and decided that the instant their offspring bore their own offspring, that was IT. No more presents, presents are all for the children now. Which is ok I suppose (it's not a money thing but it's their personal choice) but they do get gifts from their grown up children and I think would expect it. (same with birthdays.) Anyway, SIL doesn't get anything to unwrap from her parents, boring last-minute generic stuff from her DH - apart from that, we're the only people who get her anything.

And she is hard to buy for! Allergic/sensitive to wool, even cashmere, so scarves, jumpers etc are out. Loves cosmetics and posh toiletries but it's so personal and I think she buys a lot of that for herself - we don't live locally so I have no idea what she's into. She's sensitive to base metals but doesn't wear a wide range of jewellery anyway, otherwise I'd make or get her something nice. She reads but of course I have no idea what she's READ. She loves chocolate but I can't just get her chocs for Christmas. She likes clothes, but I'm unsure of her size. We usually end up getting her PJs and this is just boooring.

What do I do? I really would like to send her some nice little things to open this year. (DH is clueless and doesn't really get the sadness of her own DH also being clueless.)

OP posts:
justilou1 · 14/12/2019 00:23

Spa voucher? Silk scarf? Leather gloves? Hand blown glass jewellery (pendant), Oil diffuser and oils, Gin kit?

MairzyDoats · 14/12/2019 00:24

The white company do some nice gifts? I love getting PJs if they are nice ones. One of my favourites was a pair of brushed cotton cream ones from joules, with a fabulous vintage floral pattern. Still love them 5 years on. Handbag from tk Maxx perhaps? Perfume selection from the Perfume Society?

73kittycat73 · 14/12/2019 01:54

If she likes reading, how about a Kindle?

katy1213 · 14/12/2019 01:59

Could you make her a really lovely stocking? Whatever you buy, you could make it special, with beautiful wrapping paper and bows.

chardonm · 14/12/2019 02:51

Why don't you send her a text asking for her size and what brand of cosmetics she likes?

CoatyMcHangerson · 14/12/2019 23:10

Thanks - I do like the idea of a lovely stocking, since the things we are likely to get are small-but-luxe adult stocking fillers really - sleepy oils (essential oil roll ons to help you sleep), posh chocolates, beautiful socks, a piece of fun jewellery, etc. But that would rely on the help of her DH and I'm fairly sure he won't 'get' the joy of her having a stocking to unwrap at the end of her bed!! Her DD may actually still believe in FC...

I'll have a think. She probably already has an eReader but I'll see if DH knows. Asking her outright about preferences is hopeless as she just deflects!

KC225 · 16/12/2019 06:58

What about a magazine subscription. It sounds as if she likes the luxe life - so something like Vogue or TATLER would be a special treat and personal to her. There are some great deals at the moment.

You could get do a little presentation box for her to open - maybe add a few posh chocs to make it even more special.

Newbie1981 · 16/12/2019 07:04

That's sweet of you OP but some people (like me) really don't give a fuck about presents. It's about time with the family, lush food and GIVING. Honestly, I don't get much and some say they feel sorry for me but genuinely I do not need stuff to enjoy my Christmas!

Alanna1 · 16/12/2019 07:09

Food hamper? Can do a DIY version easily in waitrose.

Elbeagle · 16/12/2019 07:09

But you’re not the OP’s SIL, are you Newbie1981? So how you feel about presents is largely irrelevant. Maybe the OP’s SIL does like presents Smile

BatleyTownswomensGuild · 16/12/2019 07:16

Newbie1981 it's not necessarily about the gift, it's about knowing someone was thinking about you enough to make the effort.

OP, What about a nice make up bag and a decent set of make up brushes? Or a nice leather purse? If you don't want to invest in the wrong type of make up - what about some nice lip balms? Glossier do fab ones....

jay55 · 16/12/2019 07:29

Get her chocs to open and a spacenk voucher (or other place that sell posh makeup brands).

Newbie1981 · 16/12/2019 10:36

@Elbeagle hmm not sure irrelevant actually. Am merely suggesting maybe she's ok with it and it doesn't have to be such a drama.

Elbeagle · 16/12/2019 11:25

She isn’t making a drama, she’s asking for gift ideas for someone she wants to buy a gift for.

cccameron · 16/12/2019 12:07

It's hardly a drama is it, being thoughtful and buying someone a nice gift at Christmas. I don't think that there's many people who would be unappreciative of that.

I think your idea of a luxury stocking is lovely OP.

userabcname · 16/12/2019 12:12

How about one of those mini perfume sets? I love those as it gives you a bit of variety and they do last a fair amount of time. Plus she may find a new favourite! I bought myself a No 7 skincare set from Boots recently with day and night cream, eye cream, a serum and cleanser - I love it and it's a nice brand without breaking the bank. Something like that?

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