Buying for people richer than you

[Zaphodsotherhead]

Practically everyone I buy for (which is mostly my five adult kids) earns more than I do. Buying for them when they were students was easy, but now they can afford to buy most stuff themselves.

So I need help thinking of those things that you wouldn't normally buy for yourself! Experiences are popular, one lot are getting a llama walk, but several don't drive and live in a small city. So, suggestions, please?

I think useful, quirky, personalised or unique things can work - often things that they don't even realise they need, depending on the person. Eg a unique kitchen gadget for someone who likes to cook or handmade rug/throw, personalised poster etc. Etsy or notonthehighstreet are great for this kind of thing. My BF is a million times richer than me but she loves cooking and entertaining and wine etc so I often buy her stuff she COULD buy for herself, but might not have found - eg an interesting and pretty serving bowl to add to her collection or a new style of mini wine cooler or whatever.

I think Subscription boxes are a great idea here- there are so many to choose from - from beauty, stationery, craft beer, chocolate etc- that way they get a present each month that comes in the post and is always a surprise!

I love when I get nice smellies, nice pjs and nice socks. All things I could easily afford but never really buy myself. They make me very happy on Xmas morning

Last year DD got a distillery tour experience then the usual pjs,perfume a few bits and bobs. It isn't about the money they earn but the thought you put into a gift.

I know it's not about the money, but it's hard when they can buy themselves things that they want and need. It means I have to think of things that they both want and need but don't KNOW that they want or need! Five times over!

Subscription boxes are brilliant - I did a curry one for my son one year, might have another look at those. I am already a huge fan of Etsy too. and NOTHS, if anyone knows any lesser-known sites they would be gratefully received.

Thanks for the suggestions so far...

Another vote for the offbeat approach. I’m on EBay a lot this time of year eg have just picked up a really amazing second hand shirt for my son that I would never have paid full price for. My two adult children really appreciate “vintage” rather than high st new, and it’s personal.

I don't have an Ebay account or Paypal so I'm a bit stuck for that one, Fazabulous. But looking at vintage may be good for a couple of the kids. One has just moved into a new place so some vintage homeware may be appreciated.

madebyhandonline.com

Please have a wander around this site. Loads of my pals are makers and it is full of lovely things

Ooooh @NewAndImprovedNorks, this is why I browse MN. That website looks like a little gem

I always try to get consumables for xmas gifts. Gin, wine, perfume, candles, food etc.
I think theres too much pressure to get the perfect present, just get something nice. Spending time together is always the most memorable gift.

I am very anti personalised gifts or experiences. Unless you know the recipient will love it and can arrange it easily enough.

Like Claire84 I also love all the nice little extras like bath products, body lotion, fluffy socks, nice chocolates etc. My husband will usually buy me the main things I would like so its lovely to get the little things from someone. If someone gave me a terry's chocolate orange (dark obvs), a bottle of badedas, some cosy socks, a cafe voucher or a book token I'd be thrilled. Basically I'm an adult, nobody has to buy me anything and if they do I'm very grateful and touched!

I saw something called a box of notes or something simmilar which looked really sweet

Small luxuries that I like, but don't necessarily buy myself - silk pillowcases (about £40 in John Lewis), nice leather bound diaries, nice make up brushes (instead of the cheap crappy ones I grab when in a pickle), really good cotton PJ's and fancy foodie bits.

Oh, thank you, Norks! (I can call you Norks, can't I?) This is exactly the sort of thing I am after! Stuff that's a bit different but I wouldn't have hit upon by myself! So much of this is perfect (and I want it all for myself, is that wrong?)

@Zaphodsotherhead we have a present set of guideline in our house; they should be 1. Something that will make memories 2. Something to be treasured or 3. Something that will be used. It totally transformed my way of shopping for presents! It also means it doesn't have to be an expensive gift either if you go down the "be used" angle

I did try the 'something you want, something you need, something to wear and something to read' mantra, but it didn't work very well, because none of them live at home and so getting out of them what they actually wanted ('i don't know...') or needed ('ummm...maybe something for the kitchen, only not.. utensils or equipment or food or anything...') was a nightmare! And I didn't know what they'd already read, so everyone was getting socks. Which is fine but a bit dull.

@Zaphodsotherhead

Oh, thank you, Norks! (I can call you Norks, can't I?) This is exactly the sort of thing I am after! Stuff that's a bit different but I wouldn't have hit upon by myself! So much of this is perfect (and I want it all for myself, is that wrong?)

Hahaha! Yes, “ Norks” awaayyyyyy

I am so glad you like the site. My pals have had a tough time lately (obviously) but they are such a great bunch and they really DO do a happy dance when somebody buys from them!
Most of the makers who are my friends are young women, with small children, battling to carve out time to make lovely things and innovate.

Thank you

I would like wine, a massage voucher, a white company voucher or garden centre voucher, expensive Shea butter hand cream, socks (bamboo or cashmere), a small box of really expensive chocs or a well chosen book. I’m not rich though.

Cashmere socks, a really nice photo of a loved one (dead relations are usually popular..) in a good frame. Nice garden pot or planter, cheapest in local auctions so you have to wait for the right thing to come up.

I have several relatives who have everything they could possibly ever need materially. Over the years I have bought them books and the odd nice ornament, but I have concluded that food and booze are the best things - they can be consumed or regifted and you can get some really nice things from small independent shops that don't cost the earth.

For your kids, if you used to bake biscuits or even if you got them a certain type of treat then could you get them something like that? My mum made me a sherry triffle birthday cake one year as I was a bit obsessed when I was a kid (still am) and that was one of my fave gifts ever.

Maybe scan childhood photos and get a copy framed or turned into a photobook for something else. There are lots of ideas on sites like Photobox and Snapfish and they often have special offers.

Escape room experience

Photobook is a great idea! May also get them some old fashioned sweeties (although none of them are really sweet eaters, a jar to dip into now and again may be fun).

I don't really think Escape Rooms are their kind of thing!

Great ideas though.

Gin subscription, house plant subscription.
I like subscriptions 😂