Does anyone have a decent idea for their parents?

[Gearedtoyou]

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? 🙂

[WalkingOnSonshine]

@WhatHaveIFound all of us siblings have gone in on it for my parents, I think they will actually really like it so was definitely worth the hassle of trying to find anything else remotely suitable!

[winesolveseverything]

What about a hamper of everyday things that they like, but more luxury?
I do this for my in-laws and it goes down quite well.

I go to local delis and get the homemade chutneys and jams, get some more up market than usual biscuits to go with cheese, some nice biscuits, nice wine, after dinner mints, posh sparkling water.... that type of thing..... Things that they will probably be eating/drinking over the Christmas period...

I don't go for fancy flavours or anything- it literally is still strawberry jam or marmalade, but more up market/ expensive than they would buy themselves.
I sometimes pad it out with something like a hyacinth plant - the blue ones smell lovely. M&S and Waitrose usually have lovely little plant sets at this time of year in pretty pots or vases..

[Werehamster]

Food? My dad loves a good cheese board. My mum likes chocolates.

Or booze? Bottle of sherry or malt whiskey? Or a box of different wines or IPAs to try.

This year, I got my dad a tin of biscuits and a T-shirt.

Mum got a jigsaw puzzle and some chocolates.

They also don't want anything so I just send them something token.

[PooWillyNameChange]

What food/drink do they like? We bought a subscription to the cheese collective for a friend for their 70th this year and it went down incredibly well.

[YorkieTheRabbit]

Thanks penguin I’ve just twitched an ordered DP an acorn in vase he will love it! We’ve planted acorns that we’ve found in the garden, in pots and he really likes seeing how they are growing. He’ll be well impressed to grow one in a vase

[Smileatthesmallthings]

A local cheese shop near me does a monthly subscription for cheese which could be nice and you could get a cheeseboard and knives for unwrapping at Christmas.

A game? I love bananagrams, it's relatively quick and easy to play. There are some good 2 player boardgames about if they like that sort of thing

[WakeUpLockie]

Ha, no. Plumped for: mum: slippers and £40 m&s voucher. Dad: calvados and who knows what else.
Grandparents (90s): hyacinth bulb in pot and homemade christmas cake.

[SpookyScarySkeletons]

My in laws are dreadful to buy for. Every gift I have carefully chosen over the last 14 months is placed on a shelf and still unused now.

They are very well off but FIL will not spend any money that's not absolutely necessary. MIL quite likes a meal out sometimes but FIL always says sits too expensive (the tight old hit is sitting on almost a million...) so as a "joint" present we have bought a £50 gift card for a pub we know she really likes so they can go for 2 meals out without him whinging about prices 😂

[SpookyScarySkeletons]

@SpookyScarySkeletons

My in laws are dreadful to buy for. Every gift I have carefully chosen over the last 14 months is placed on a shelf and still unused now.

They are very well off but FIL will not spend any money that's not absolutely necessary. MIL quite likes a meal out sometimes but FIL always says sits too expensive (the tight old hit is sitting on almost a million...) so as a "joint" present we have bought a £50 gift card for a pub we know she really likes so they can go for 2 meals out without him whinging about prices 😂

Grr proofread spooky!!!

14 years not 14 months!!!

[Cakey46]

I have an excellent suggestion that went down very well with garden loving, less mobile MIL. Darlac cut n hold long handled pruner. Really light and efficient at reaching roses etc and can be used as a grabber too for tidying without bending.
This got me lots of daughter in law points (which have now been lost 😬)

[JamMakingWannaBe]

I did the exotic meat mentioned up thread last year. Was well received.

Mine are getting a delivery of Who Gives a Crap? eco toilet paper.

Can't complain it won't be useful.

[Cakey46]

A Google home device also went down very well with MIL. 'play Perry Como' 'whats the weather like today' It's something else to talk to / boss about.

[BirdsBirdsBird]

I've been doing my family tree, as has my Mum, and have bought her a certificate folder for Xmas:
www.my-history.co.uk/acatalog/Standard_Certificate_Binders-p1.html

There might be other things he likes on the website too. Worth a try at least.

[Wizotto]

Subscription to ancestry.co.uk to create and research family tree?

[PeachTea1]

Do they drink? I’m on year 3 of a craft gin club membership for my parents, they love it.
You can choose monthly, bi monthly or quarterly.

[SpiderinaWingMirror]

You are searching for something that doesn't exist.
Find a charity they like and donate.
Or just tell them you are giving up.
My mum is similar. We call it looking for the unobtanium here.

[StrychnineInTheSandwiches]

Do they have a pet that they secretly dote on, even though doting on pets is for silly flibbertigibbets? If so, what about a pet portrait?

[nonetcurtains]

@StrychnineInTheSandwiches

Do they have a pet that they secretly dote on, even though doting on pets is for silly flibbertigibbets? If so, what about a pet portrait?

Or have they had a beloved pet who has now died? I commissioned a bespoke wrought iron artwork of our beautiful Rottie, who was pts in 2020, from Black Forge Art (www.blackforgeart.co.uk/signs/dogs-and-cats). It's stunning, I talk to it on a daily basis and still weep on occasion. It was supposed to go out in the garden but never quite made it there.

You wouldn't get one now in time for this Christmas though.

[zoemum2006]

If your parents are like that (and that's no criticism of them) I don't see why you have to get them a present at all.


Ask them if they are happy to not do gifts.


If they are not happy about it then ask them very specifically what they want.

[penguinwithasuitcase]

@YorkieTheRabbit

Thanks penguin I’ve just twitched an ordered DP an acorn in vase he will love it! We’ve planted acorns that we’ve found in the garden, in pots and he really likes seeing how they are growing. He’ll be well impressed to grow one in a vase

No worries! I have the avocado one myself and it really is quite enchanting to get able to watch it do its thing 'below ground' as well as once it starts to shoot up

[jesusmaryjosephandtheweedonkey]

Online garden consultation?

[2WeeksTillChristmas]

Seriously , with your replies,
I wouldnt bother

[roosterroo]

Tickets to a show they would both enjoy?

[Plopcorn]

They sound like my parents.. Gardena garden shoes, a couple of nice steaks from the butcher, solar light or battery/timer candles for the garden, garden candle for spring/summer, gardening knee pads (adjustable straps, they are excellent - my dad loved them), a really good flashlight, lots of candles from Ikea..

[userwhatever01]

Fab gifts on this list !