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Christmas

From present ideas to party food, find all your Christmas inspiration here.

Ideas for a lovely but difficult to buy for couple

66 replies

RockingMyFiftiesNot · 19/11/2021 22:18

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 !

OP posts:
UnusuallyUsual · 20/11/2021 07:21

A Google or an alexa
My Dad loves his.

Nomorefuckstogive · 20/11/2021 07:32

A beautiful bunch of flowers. Flowers are the best gift.

Howshouldibehave · 20/11/2021 07:46

What sort of things do they buy you?

Mintyt · 20/11/2021 07:53

How about a bed tray, it's a big tray that has fold down legs. You can use it to have breakfast on or rest an iPad on.

Trumpton · 20/11/2021 08:02

Might be over budget but DH and I adore our Emma Bridgewater Christmas mugs and look forward to using them again soon !

Trumpton · 20/11/2021 08:05

These in a set £30

Ideas for a lovely but difficult to buy for couple
Gatehouse77 · 20/11/2021 08:13

We’ve done monthly fresh flowers for 3-6 months from an independent florist local to the recipient.

I’ve bought wooden letters from Hobbycraft and made a scrabble/crossword thingy using the family names; decorated and framed.

We did book tokens, fluffy socks, biscuits and hot chocolate mix one year. Cinema and restaurant voucher for a whole evening out with a goodie bag for the cinema. (And have done similar for kids too.)

Would they like a magazine subscription?
Annual membership for NT, a local theatre, etc?

waltzingparrot · 20/11/2021 08:17

Afternoon tea voucher from their local cafe

bestbefore · 20/11/2021 08:22

You can get map jigsaws based on their postcode from the happy puzzle company, I think they're ace!

MeredithGreyishblue · 20/11/2021 08:43

www.blanket-box.com - nice wintry throw or blanket?

MeanMrMustardSeed · 20/11/2021 08:48

Joseph Joseph have their sale in at the moment and I’ve just bought a couple of their stretch trivets from their 100 collection for £17.50 instead of £35. Great for anyone who loves food, cooking or entertaining.

RockingMyFiftiesNot · 20/11/2021 11:23

@RJnomore1

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.
Out of interest, how do the escape room games work? Might be something for my family to do on Christmas Eve.
OP posts:
RockingMyFiftiesNot · 20/11/2021 11:25

Thank you so much everyone, I started off by thanking people individually but with so many comments, I can't keep up! Am pretty sure I know what I'm going to do now and some of the other suggestions will be used during the year for birthdays etc. Thanks again.

OP posts:
RockingMyFiftiesNot · 30/11/2021 19:54

Thanks again for all the suggestions above. My current plan Is goodies from the December artisan market (local consumable produce) as we didn't make it to the November one. A couple of things in mind from the suggestions above as back up if that doesn't work out.
Thought I'd give this one last bump, just in case there is another great idea out there, but also because I think this might help other people with their present challenges as a lot of the suggestions would be good for parents/in-laws etc

OP posts:
jocktamsonsbairn · 02/12/2021 10:59

£30 voucher for nice local restaurant for them to go for a lovely lunch.

PennyFarting · 02/12/2021 12:26

One of the most succesful presents I bought for a similar couple was a set of Xmas mugs:

www.littlestuff.co.uk/john-lewis-12-days-of-christmas-mug-set/

Not sure if you can still get these or anything like it?

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