One-stop mail order gifts for a family

[StargazyDrifter]

Hello, lovely Christmas peeps!

I’m after ideas for where I might be able to order wrapped and labelled gifts for a family of 5 people (40ish parents + three DC aged 7-13), in one go.

It’s for distant relatives. Last year, I painstakingly bought, wrapped and labelled everything and posted it to them in a beautiful box in good time. The recipients whipped up a mini drama in the family about how this meant we definitely didn’t want to see them over Christmas. I thought I was doing a good thing, especially as DCs were involved and it’s Christmas after all. We had a slightly poorly young baby at the time and had already told everyone we would need to spend the festive period at home. It was all a bit dispiriting. This year, frankly, I’d rather save myself the time and effort.

I’m a little reluctant to use Amazon, so if anyone is aware of department stores or smaller independents that would wrap and post in a single shipment, I’d be very grateful. Alternatively, a whole-family present would do, too.

Thank you in advance.

PS I have been lurking on here a bit since August, as this board seems to be the last place of joy left on the whole of the internet. Keep going!

I guess you're in luck this year as they'll probably be restrictions in place so you won't be able to deliver a present. I'd go for a whole family gift rather than individual. What sort of budget? Could you buy them a voucher for a family day out (but maybe just do them an IOU until we're back to some more normality, then buy them the actual voucher when we can actually do stuff properly again). Obviously depends where they live & budget as to what sort of activities could be suitable. Or maybe board games] & a hamper with some goodies.

Ooh a hamper and games might be a good present for them all in these times. Budget probably ~ £200. Could stretch a bit for the right thing.

£200 on a miserable bunch of drama queens?!?

What do you get for the people you like

I agree, just send them a card!

Bath Fine Cheese Co do Cheese Christmas 'cakes' (stacked cheeses with a sparkler).

Fortnum and Mason I used to gift the Bellini Box sometimes but they don't do it any more, but plenty of other consumables.

My dm and dad always send us a Hamper, various different ones over the years, universally disappointing until the last two, which were from Booths and then Aldi, both full of lovely stuff.

Heeheee it’s DH’s weird family, he sets the budget and pays. I wouldn’t even send a card myself. But I do end up helping him find the gifts.

Thank you, all very helpful leads!

I wouldn't bother - they sound horrible. But I appreciate that is not what you asked. I think if you called most independent shops they would work out a way to help you with this in return for such a good big order.

There’s a Scott’s cinema package on the Christmas thread 8 for £20 which looks huge & spot on for a family that size.

Cinema voucher. For the film, sweets, coffee and popcorn.

And if you want to spend more may be a voucher for whatever restaurant come burger place next to the cinema?

The cinema angle is super helpful, thank you! Would never have thought of that, but it really works, especially with a local burger place they all love. Plus cinemas and restaurants could use the cash at this time, even if that lot probably won’t really appreciate anything.

I will also have a think about independent stores and phoning them - again a bit of a common sense failure on my part there! Great backup plan.

Thank you, lovely Christmas peeps! 😊