Ideas for a lovely but difficult to buy for couple

[RockingMyFiftiesNot]

I posted this on another thread but it got lost in amongst all the other 'who do you still have to buy for posts.

I have bought, or know what I'm buying for almost everyone now. Just one couple remaining.
Budget c. £30. They don't need 'stuff', consumables would be ideal but he works for Waitrose so booze or food treats would be a bit of a non-present. Previously, I have given them candles, vase, garden planters, houseplants, restaurant vouchers, cookery books. They aren't cinema or theatre goers, don't do jigsaws. She isn't particularly mobile so a game might have been ideal but they have loads and I wouldn't know what they do/don't have.
I have given them local interest books in the past, beyond that I wouldn't know what they have already. I'd prefer not to repeat previous presents if possible. I'd also rather avoid vouchers in the current climate.
I was going to suggest we stop buying but she mentioned she'd already got our gift, so will have that conversation in the new year re next Christmas.
I don't really want to go down his n hers gift route (so no gloves/scarves/toiletries), would prefer a joint present if that makes it better value.
Am stumped and am hoping for a little bit of MN Christmas magic.
Thank you !

If they like board games think of a couple you’d consider getting them and then ask if they have them under the pretence of
Looking for recommendations for someone else. There’s soMe great deals on Zatu just now.

I bought a couple an Alpaca experience, they loved it.

Haven't read through but

Cookbook eg. The Roasting Tin and place it in the tin / maybe add serving bowls If budget allows

Decent sofa throw

Garden Centre voucher

Nice wine glasss

@Motherofgingers

What about a gift subscription to Audible? I think 3 months is about £24.

Great idea - the sort of thing I'd never spend on myself but would enjoy! Ditto Spotify vouchers! Really nice tea? New Scientist or other mag subscription?

In similar circumstances, I bought a voucher for a savoury afternoon tea at a local tea room- went down very well!

Thank you, lots to ponder here.

Something lovely from Anthropologie, china or glasses.

If they enjoy puzzles and games sign them up for this - www.curiouscorrespondence.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvP39iMql9AIV0t_tCh3g0wMqEAAYASAAEgLkCfD_BwE

I have bought a cheeseboard or slate - always been well received and used.

Can you adopt a goat via Oxfam for them?
Or some kind of sponsorship on their behalf?

I’ve bought posh versions of stuff - Missoni hand towels - useful and the signature pattern looks obviously designer .
Someone else mentioned Cameo - where a star, even a lesser known niche field, sends a message.
Something out of season. I have bought myself a fancy Habitat sun lounger for £14. Will be amazing present in the summer and looks big!

I had a similar issue with DH uncle and his wife last year. I ended up with an escape room game and a small hamper - thinking that was a night in for them, something to do, a bottle of wine and some snacks to share while they do it.

Anything in the National Trust Christmas 'stuff'? Often you can get really nice things that you don't see elsewhere.

I’d go with a personalised map print of their house, or where they first met etc. Or another personalised print type item?

I’d still consider booze or food items but choose something that is not stocked at waitrose. So local small producers. Eg local cheese, craft beer or gin.

Or fancy drinks eg really nice hot chocolate, nom alcoholic cordials. Basically a food or drink product they are unlikely to have tried before but that you still think they would like
Or a diffuser

I agree with MrsSkylerWhite The Lakeland fire cones are fabulous, they need to be put on a fire that has flames, a low smoulder like some smokeless fuels doesn't give much effect.

Gifts, do they already have a salt lamp? You can get them as t-light holders or as a mains plug-in, they have such a comforting glow.

Do they like quirky things, I love my storm glass/weather glass and Galileo thermometer.

With all the impending doom-mongering predictions of power-cuts this winter, what about a decorative battery operated lights e.g. in a dome or a globe (warm white is gentle, ice-white is intensely bright) or battery operated candles, some look very realistic. Don't forget spare batteries for them too.

Lakeland do lovely pine cones that burn with beautiful colours. Everyone we’ve gifted them to have loved them and gone on to buy them for themselves.

Oh how I wish they had an open fiire!

I’d still consider booze or food items but choose something that is not stocked at waitrose. So local small producers. Eg local cheese, craft beer or gin.

That is a fantastic idea, thank you. We have a Christmas artisan market coming up in a neighbouring town where they will be selling local produce & craft items. I think you might just have cracked it. Ticks all the boxes: consumable, different to Waitrose and. supports local businesses. Thank you.

Lots of fall back ideas if that idea doesn't work out, plus I've clocked a few suggestions that would work for friends with special birthdays and anniversaries next year, so thank you all. And hopefully this thread will help others looking for similar sorts of gifts so please keep the ideas coming!

OP there is a Waitrose farm shop in Hampshire - are they close enough for a day out? A voucher for there would be ideal - there's a stunning plant nursery, in a gorgeous village with a lovely pub.

Also slightly coals to Newcastle but it is really a wonderful place for a day trip

leckfordestate.co.uk/nursery

Have browse through Etsy- I have an older couple who spoil us every year-they are well off and have everything already and honestly I know they don’t want more ‘stuff’ in their house.They love the theatre so this year I’ve got the tickets to a show -I just get one really good gift each year but it gets harder each time! They live in London so a lot of experiences they already do and pre covid they were always away on holidays Its hard but Etsy have some beautiful handmade crafty Xmas gifts on there.

A visit from a reindeer?

Mostly they visit hospitals and hospices but for a charity donation you could get one.

I bought my parents an afternoon tea once, that went down well.

An advent calendar? You can get all sorts of themed ones, but maybe not the Lovehoney one.

@actiongirl1978

OP there is a Waitrose farm shop in Hampshire - are they close enough for a day out? A voucher for there would be ideal - there's a stunning plant nursery, in a gorgeous village with a lovely pub.

Ah no they aren't but hopefully someone will see this and solve a present problem, lovely idea

A charity donation gift? onlineshop.oxfam.org.uk/category/charity-gift-cards?N=1136921434&Ns=product.creationDate|1&Nr=AND(product.active:1,NOT(sku.listPrice:0.000000))&No=0&Nf=&Nrpp=30

Don’t think everyone would appreciate this type of gift, but you know your friends and whether it would go down well.