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Christmas

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

Original poster

Does anyone have a decent idea for their parents?

174 replies

Gearedtoyou · 07/12/2021 12:20

If I had a really good idea (almost) the sky's the limit re cost but I (and they) hate spending money on stuff no one wants. So, I could spend a lot or a little, it doesn't really matter.

Late 70s, active, love their garden but in a very utilitarian WW2 way, they don't want any "luxuries" for it. Dad is quuite interested in the family history, but I've done the DNA thing previously.

I need either a token "something" either between them or separately or a really good idea(s). Please? 🙂

OP posts:
Original poster
Gearedtoyou · 07/12/2021 13:21

Oh dear it would be funny if it wasn't so awful.

Perfume, for a man?
Books? That's what the library's for
Socks, I've already got more than I could ever wear
Flowers? To watch them die?
Modern tools won't be as good as the ones they've had and cared for for 50 years....

OP posts:
APurpleSquirrel · 07/12/2021 13:23

Toilet Twinning?? Grin

www.toilettwinning.org

languagelover96 · 07/12/2021 13:26

Concert tickets
Money
Afternoon tea somewhere
Wine
Chocolates

PerseverancePays · 07/12/2021 13:27

There are other tree planters that are not the NT. he obviously does not need anything. There’s probably a communal garden charity locally that you could donate to in his name.

Hairwizard · 07/12/2021 13:30

Im getting mum and mil voucher each for the hairdressers.
Mil for blowdries
And mum for cut and blowdries

EvilRingahBitch · 07/12/2021 13:31

DVDs of The Crown? Especially series 1 goes down quite well with many people of that generation and something tells me your DPs don't have Netflix
National Art Pass? Or membership of local museum etc (Even if they hate it at least the money will have done some good)
Cashmere scarfs

REP22 · 07/12/2021 13:33

How about an annual subscription to BBC Gardeners World Magazine? www.gardenersworld.com/subscribe/

A magazine subscription was very well-received by my mum a few years ago.

polkadotpjs · 07/12/2021 13:33

Leaping on this hoping to get j spurs toon for MIL. Pudding subscription sounds like a winner in that it's not wasteful but equally she's a great baker. Hmmm. I feel your pain OP

neverdidnt · 07/12/2021 13:33

I’m getting mine a soda stream- they love fizzy water but have stopped buying it for environmental reasons. Might they like something like that?

WhatHaveIFound · 07/12/2021 13:35

@WalkingOnSonshine

I swear I’m not on commission, but I’ve bought my parents an Aura photo frame. You upload photos via an app that multiple people can have, so they can instantly see photos of you/grandkids/pets practically as soon as you take them.
This looks great but it's a shame it's so expensive. It would be perfect as my dad can no longer use his laptop/ipad and my sister lives abroad. I wonder if i could persuade her to go halves!
EvilRingahBitch · 07/12/2021 13:36

Very local charities might get around the "it's all corrupt and doesn't do any good" objection. They'd be much less likely to say that about tiny volunteer run "Friends of Victoria Common" benches/tree planting appeal.

Original poster
Gearedtoyou · 07/12/2021 13:39

@EvilRingahBitch

DVDs of The Crown? Especially series 1 goes down quite well with many people of that generation and something tells me your DPs don't have Netflix National Art Pass? Or membership of local museum etc (Even if they hate it at least the money will have done some good) Cashmere scarfs
Now, that's where you're wrong. They're very IT savvy and have lots of film and sport subscriptions.

The Crown would cause untold bickering. Dad being a Republican and mum a bit of a royal fan Grin

OP posts:
gavisconismyfriend · 07/12/2021 13:40

Heated blankets - cosy to sit under in winter and only cost 1p per hour to heat, so much cheaper than central heating.

Gretaburley · 07/12/2021 13:41

I second a magazine subscription.
My mil loved hers.

Or a book on being grateful for your df.

IntemperateSpirits · 07/12/2021 13:43

Blink camera for wildlife in the garden or security. Echo Show so they can see it.

I've got my dad a fisherman's vest/utility waistcoat - basically a gilet with loads of pockets. Perfect for gardening.

Solar lights.
Wind catcher or spinner.
Glass garden sculpture.

EvilRingahBitch · 07/12/2021 13:43

I think that bickering about the politics in The Crown sounds like cracking entertainment in the long winter's nights TBF. Half my DF's enjoyment was in picking holes in it.

Original poster
Gearedtoyou · 07/12/2021 13:46

@EvilRingahBitch

I think that bickering about the politics in The Crown sounds like cracking entertainment in the long winter's nights TBF. Half my DF's enjoyment was in picking holes in it.
That's true actually they would enjoy it, but they to have Netflix. I will have to find out if they've watched it.
OP posts:
luckylavender · 07/12/2021 13:50

Standard rose bushes

123rd · 07/12/2021 13:52

Haven't read the whole thread , so probably been mention but what about a voucher for an afternoon tea at a local /independent place. We have some 'themed'places here which do lovely teas

2anddone · 07/12/2021 13:55

I have bought my parents tickets to a west end show and a hotel in London for the night....of course they will probably moan that they have to travel to London and pay for a meal Hmm

katscamel · 07/12/2021 13:59

We're getting dad some 'exotic meat' from a butcher my brother knows....things like crocodile, camel, zebra, warthog etc. Not really my thing but it's something he likes trying. I was going to get a Mulberry bush for mum...could that work for your parents as its a traditional thing. We've also done 'proper' family trees through a geanogical (?) Society.

pinkksugarmouse · 07/12/2021 14:01

@hivemindneeded

Bird table Garden furniture Chiminea or fire pit Good wellies/wellie socks Gardening gauntlets New secateurs (even the good brands don't last forever unless he;s one of those people who oils his tools every season!
I second all these ideas.

Would he they be interested in trying to grow fruit and vegetables? You can get some small greenhouse. Or maybe things for them to use if they already have one. Seed trays, Pots, Seeds or small starter plants?
Or a voucher for the nearest garden centre and you can go with them to help lift and carry.

pinkksugarmouse · 07/12/2021 14:03

Has anyone suggested binoculars? Some are okay for specs wearers. My DH is near impossible to buy for and this is the only exciting gift I have ever bought for him.

1forAll74 · 07/12/2021 14:03

Do they have,or like garden ornaments, I mean good quality stylish ones, not plasticky cheap looking ones. I recently bought two smallish bronze ducks, to go next to my bird bath, which I have had for 40 years, They were quite expensive, but lovely, I feel like bringing them into the house today, as it's pouring with rain and blowing a gale !!

Franklyfrost · 07/12/2021 14:05

Get them a gardener to come round for 5 hours once a month. He can do some digging or pruning and move along plans and projects they had anyway. Make sure he’s handy enough to help with stuff like mending a hole in a fence or running some wire for vines. Arrange it so it’s regular: half a day on the last Tuesday of the month or whatever. Set up the first three months as a ‘trial’ and if they’re happy with him then commit to the full year. If it works you’re then set for next years present too. You’d have to make some vouchers or something to actually give.