In Laws

[GloGirl]

Help! I've left shopping for them really late, especially bearing in mind that I would like to shop from smaller businesses to support the economy.

And I'm too lazy and pissed off with this year to make a better effort. Don't ask me what they like, who knows. At times I've spent hours hand choosing delightful presents only to never see them again once gifted. So

Food related, but ideally on the healthier side due to declining health. Crockery for her is ok. Maybe nice slippers each. She is fairly into natural health care - rose quart lamps etc (but has enough)

He loves football and travel. They are fairly into technology but each set in their own ways so if they like one thing they buy 10 of it themselves.

Something for the home ok - anything for the garden no.

What are you getting your parents? Can I steal your idea please?

If it helps I bought my parents a Hotel Chocolat velvitiser.

Why is your husband not expending his brainpower and Sunday afternoon furiously working out what would be lovely gifts for HIS parents?

Might be a stupid question - but why isn’t your DH/DP sorting his parents out? Unless you’re separated and the kids want to get DGs a gift. But then, why wouldn’t ex go out with the kids to get the pressie?

DH has bought his DM a Gtech hoover this year. Not very ‘Christmas’ but she can’t manage a heavy one or a hand held Dyson (arthritis).

Last year my daughter and her husband put a food hamper together, it was great as had some stuff in we wouldn’t normally buy.

Herbal tea selection box - look at both Jing and Offblak
A cordial selection from Urban Cordial
James White drinks selection www.jameswhite.co.uk/product/special-selection/

Shouldn't they be getting whatever your husband grabs half an hour before the shops close on Christmas Eve? If he's not bothered - and they're hard to please- why put yourself out?

OK you don't like buying them gifts, and find it stressful. Why isn't your dh doing the planning? Even if you are the one with the time to go pick something up, he should be the one coming up with ideas. Dont let him say that you are better at it than him, because clearly not as you are asking strangers on Internet to help you out.

Personally, if you can't get it right, stop trying. Suggest he looks for a nice scarf each from somewhere like M&S or John Lewis that will give a gift recipt so they can change it for something they prefer. Don't make it all about shopping locally if that means you have to make more effort than you have time for.

Next year, around November time, remind your dh to ask them if there's anything they'd want.

I've been married 24 years and not once did I worry about, buy or wrap presents for my MIL and FIL. My husband did that.

Just leave it to your husband- I assume he's not stressing about your parents' gifts?

I wouldn’t be doing anything. Rule in my house is l sort my parents and my fiancé sorts his parents. I wouldn’t fall into the trap of the person who sorts Christmas

I tried to get DHs help last year, ultimately didnt work. We split responsibilities well, he does well over his fair share but giving gifts is not his thing. And his attempt gave me more anxiety than it relieved!

To be clear, he's currently driving over to my mother's house to put her Christmas decorations up.

I'd just rather sort the presents and any physical suggestions would be very welcome.

Thanks so much so far, i like the thought of scarf and hoover already so appreciate your suggestions. They're staying for a couple of days so a Food Hamper will be surplus as I'll practically stock the house with similar.

If she likes crockery, Whittards have some beautiful cup and saucer sets. . .

Le Crueset crockery? TK Maxx usually have a great range.

I've got my parents a joint present of a dinner set, which is what they wanted, I've also bought a jumper for my dad and a loungey cardigan for my mum. We've got my husband's nan a heated blanket and a few balls of wool as she likes to knit

Nordika slippers
Cosy fleece full zip jacket
Theatre voucher

Anyone I'm stuck on, including the in-laws this year, I give consumables. Either a hamper or them nice stacking boxes that are each filled with different sweet treats.

I feel your pain! I’ve struggled with my in laws this year and ended up buying them cardigans from M&S.
However, last year we bought garden centre vouchers and then we took them to lunch at the garden centre, so we could spend time with them and they could have a browse to see what they fancied spending the voucher on. Squires also does an afternoon tea voucher. You could pair the voucher with some token gifts to open (e.g. nice toiletries. Shower gels, soaps etc). Good luck! Why are so many men so bad at present buying?!

I've bought my dad a pebble picture. God knows what we've got my in-laws as DDiL opened their Christmas present on his birthday.

I bought my Mum a terrarium kit and my Dad a nice bottle of whisky and some whisky stones. I’ve also got them joint presents of a board game and the David Attenborough book. They are also getting a photo calendar from the grandchildren.

I have no idea what the in-laws are getting as my DH is sorting them out, as he has done for the 15 years we’ve been together. I might help him out with ideas if he’s stuck but that’s it. It’s his job. I have done them a photo calendar from the kids though.

General suggestions...purse, pen, nice hand cream or other cosmetics type gift, socks, books, magazine subscription, nice mugs, puzzle, board game...

We're just discussing what to get my mum- some of her wish list might help?
Earrings, new mugs ( expensive ones in her favourite shape) specific plants, a few books, maybe a cd. Turtle dove gloves, a chenille jumper ( because it's warm). Might get a coaster that heats up and keeps track hot.

Tea not track