Present ideas for parents who have everything?

[justwinginglife1]

As the title says really.
They enjoy socialising with friends and spending time with the grandchildren etc. Dad likes football and rugby. No other hobbies - both always busy with work and taking care of elderly relatives. Don't think they would be interested in a spa day or anything like that. I'm am literally out of ideas on what to get them.

Their birthdays were last month and I got dad a football shirt and made mum a memory book of her adventures with DC since they were babies which she loved.

They get endless amounts of flowers, candles, alcohol, sweets etc from other people anyway so I don't want to be getting them more of that.

I usually look at getting tickets or vouchers but because of the uncertainty with everything going on at the moment I don't really want to do that this year. I feel like they have everything they want or need and I have already used up every other idea possible over the past years.

If I ask them I just get the 'we don't want anything, just spending time with you all is enough' but I couldn't not get them anything.

What would you get them?

I'm getting mine weighted blankets. My mother especially is always cold & quite anxious, so it's good for both.

What about doing your own luxury hamper for them, with all their favourite treats in?

My girls made presents for all grandparents a few years ago which they all loved. They made little santa sacks out of felt, baked mince pies, cookies, made home made body scrubs and popped in little jars of jams and pickles. These were for all older relatives (so all in their 60's or 70's) and they all really appreciated the time and effort which went into the presents. They were also not wasteful presents because everything was edible/useable.

I have this issue with FIL

he likes watching sports on tv (any sport all day long) but doesnt support anything or collect sports things, has no hobbies and he just like socialising with his brothers and grandkids (but wouldnt like kid made 'tat')

everyone buys alcohol so avoiding that but I have no idea what to get

Along the vein of 'consumables', we like gifting plants for the garden - things they can look at and enjoy everyday. For a bit of fun I've bought my PIL some Seedboms this year as part of their gift. If they like gardening, you can add these to a garden-inspired hamper, using a trug for the basket. Add some kneelers, gloves, some nice plant labels, seeds etc

I agree with the growing things idea. Even with little time and space you can get indoor kits to grow veg, herbs, even Bonsai trees. Just avoid anything high maintenance. Or how about a cheese making kit? You can even get Dairy free ones if they are dairy free or vegan. I think Lakeland do them.

But definitely avoid alcohol and chocolates/biscuits and smellies. Everyone goes for these and not much use if you are allergic or don't drink etc.

The thing my in-laws like is new tech, installed ready to go, and with a support line (us) while they get up to speed on it.

e.g. iPads, home tech like hive thermostat/lights/plugs, Alexa, video door camera

@AnnaMagnani

When they tell you what they want, why don't you listen?

They have everything, they are really happy. If you must get something, because you can't get nothing, why not some food/alcohol you know they like so it won't be wasted and neither will it be yet more stuff which nobody needs.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-politics-20515895

A ‘Letterbox’ flowers sub from Bloom and Wild, smoked salmon/trout or other goodies from e.g. Inverawe.

Or how about doing a food shop just for your local food bank, take a pic of it all in the trolley, and say that’s their present? Maybe with just some special chocolates or some other nice nibbles?

🤔 If they have already said that they don't want anything then don't get them anything. For some people having things given to them which they don't want is actually stressful.

Last year we gave my dad an ornament for his garden, my father in law is happy with an autobiography and some shortbread and last year we gave my mother-in-law a silk scarf. This year don't have a clue for my dad or my mother-in-law who has dementia so a lot of the things we used to give her are no longer appropriate.

@goose1964

Last year we gave my dad an ornament for his garden, my father in law is happy with an autobiography and some shortbread and last year we gave my mother-in-law a silk scarf. This year don't have a clue for my dad or my mother-in-law who has dementia so a lot of the things we used to give her are no longer appropriate.

Sorry about your dad and mil goose. I hope this comes across in the way I intend but dementia as I understand can cause regretion to an earlier time in people's lives if that's true for your folks could something be appropriate for this? I have even heard that for women with severe dementia a doll can help (if they miss having young children) and childhood toys but it depends on individuals of course. I don't claim to know anything specific about dementia but do they have carers who can make suggestions? I sincerely hope that I didn't cause you any upset.

I'm doing hampers this year of local produce - cheeses, wine from the local vinery, pork pie from the farm shop, locally sourced chutneys etc. my mum is very keen to shop local and support small businesses so i know this will go down well. It will also be a treat given that we don't know if we will be allowed to be together so if they're in the house on their own at least they've got a little bit of luxury.

@doodlejump1980

Bird box with a wifi camera in. Best present I ever gave my folks. They loved watching the birds build nests and feed their young. Fascinating to watch

I know this is an old post but im hoping you may see this what brand of bird box did you buy may I ask ?