£20 present needed ASAP for female

[jocktamsonsbairn]

DM has just landed me with a request! She forgot she's seeing her friend (pretend aunt) and her daughter on Thursday and has a present for my aunt. However she forgot about needing a present for her daughter who is lovely abd who has helped both her mum cans mine out during covid. She's 56, likes reading, eating and drinking but quite fussy apparently. Quite well off and likes quality over tat. Not into make up, scarves etc. No idea of her likes/dislikes other than this (and that she likes going on lovely villa holidays and city breaks) as I've not seen her since we were kids!
So oh wise shoppers of Mumsnet, any ideas?!! DM can't use internet and can't get to shops till Thursday!

Budget £15 - £20. TIA

How about a nice bookmark, something like this?

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07GGZDR11/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?psc=1&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&ie=UTF8

You can find little “read and pamper/blind date with a book” book boxes on Etsy, they come with a few books and things like face masks & tea bags/chocolate. I got one for my mum for Mother’s Day as I was flat broke and she really liked it.
Just search “book gift box” and there are lots to choose from.

Book token

Gaaad … Why not just get her a book?

Something recently published, possibly from a prize shortlist. Look them up, decide and your mother can pick up from a bookshop on Thursday. Or you could order tonight to arrive at your mother’s address in a couple of days.

This seems so obvious to me, I’m wondering what the difficulty was …

(Bookworm.)

(Cannot believe anyone would think a reader would prefer a bookmark to an actual book!)

Problem is I don't know what kind of books she enjoys otherwise I would def go down the book route. When I suggested it I got "she's fussy!" Hence the problem!

@Mumoblue

You can find little “read and pamper/blind date with a book” book boxes on Etsy, they come with a few books and things like face masks & tea bags/chocolate. I got one for my mum for Mother’s Day as I was flat broke and she really liked it. Just search “book gift box” and there are lots to choose from.

Ooh will have a look! Thanks. If they come with a variety of books then maybe one will hit the spot!

She doesn't want to give a voucher or token...

Go to TK Maxx and get a lovely large Sand & Fog scented candle.

Smart sponge bag for travel.

Hmm …

I am, oddly enough, quite close - descriptively - to the intended recipient. I wish I were well off, but the rest applies. I can tell you honestly I would much prefer a single, well chosen, new this year, volume - from say the Forward Prize shortlist (poetry) or the Baillie Gifford shortlist (non-fiction), to a random selection box including tea bags or face packs - neither of which are likely to be what I use. Because I’m fussy. Even if the book is not exactly the one she would have chosen she will be flattered by the thought. Trust me on this.

Likes reading and food. How about a copy of Nigel Slaters Christmas book?

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0008260192/ref=as_li_tl_nodl?linkCode=as2&linkId=dff5eb5d4d352b03b8c3288cae65caa1&creativeASIN=0008260192&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&ie=UTF8&creative=6738&camp=1634

Probably already has it …

(That’s why I suggested a newly published book.)

Mosaic123 - a that's a good idea! Maybe one of those that open flat out in a circle?! Will have a look thanks and that will suit DM too!!
Will also have a look at the Baillie Gifford shortlist as am intrigued by they for me too!

Can't get to the shops unfortunately as at work and nowhere near a TK Maxx.

Nice bulb planters and stuff in m£s

Leather driving gloves.

Something foodie, e.g, expensive olive oil, posh tea and biscuits, chutneys etc

Oliver bonas has some nice things on sale just now- cushions and candles etc

I always go for things like candles or fancy diffusers in these situations. Or maybe a posh hand cream or bath/shower oil.

Lauden chocolates are amazing and everyone I have bought them for are really pleased.

www.laudenchocolate.com/collections/chocolate-collections/products/20-mixed-chocolates-original-collection

Flowers? Bunches normally have affordable options and you can collect points.

get a book from waterstones with a gift receipt so she can exchange if she doesn't like it

Sorry - I know I sound madly over-invested - but a choosy, well-off, 56 year old knows what they like. I wouldn’t want random toiletries, I buy those that work for me. And I would die a little if someone presented me with teabags, other than in a Christmas stocking. Also not interested in any tat, or bits and pieces of house frippery.

Also £20 is not an amount that allows for luxury in anything other than basic foodstuffs. Olive oil, honey, maybe. But would your mother find something suitable in her local shops?

Books are smart, classless, flattering to the recipient. Easily accessible, and £20 will get you something decent.

Get a copy of the Booker Prize winning book - was announced last week as The Promise by Damon Galgut. An avid reader would appreciate it even if they don’t love the book they would enjoy the read/critique.