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? 🙂

[Onionbhajisandwich]

Wildlife camera for their garden?

[HeartvsBrain]

@PatriotCanes

HeartvsBrain I would love the OP to come back and shoot down each and every idea. It would be like having my mother and MIL back in the same room. It's not proper Christmas without one or both of them pointing out how X got her a nicer/more expensive/more thoughtful gift, or one that is actually useful/doesn't kill dolphins/might actually grow in the garden, and perhaps I shouldn't have bothered

@PatriotCanes, oops sorry to laugh, as that must have got frustrating at times, and I am very sorry that they seem to be no longer here, and also if I read that wrong?
Even when things can be quite fraught they can leave us with mixed feelings, and I hope that you can look back at those times with fond nostalgia, as they appear to have formed what became an annual tradition!

It reminds me of when I was child and my maternal grandparents would come to visit us from Northern Ireland, my grandmother would always tell me about how their only other grandchildren - who also lived in N.I. - were such good children, who always did the washing up at home and laid the dining room table etc and were great at everything apparently! She also used to point out to my dad when the next door neighbour (a man of course) mowed his lawn or washed his car, as if my dad wasn't doing those things often enough. I can laugh at it now, well it was nearly 60 years ago 😂 It didn't make me love them any less, and I still look back at those times with nostalgia 😊 but I did feel sorry for my dad at those times as I could tell it annoyed him.

I do wonder why the OP and her parents have not just agreed not to buy each other presents.
I know it is nice to sometimes go above and beyond for those we are close to, but this seems like a mission impossible to find a present that her dad would appreciate. Of course as a stranger looking in I can see the funny side of it, and if the OP isn't actually stressed by this, and it is supposed to be a light hearted thread, then as I said above to Schhhteeevie, I give my apologies for dampening the mood of this thread 😳

[BestIsWest]

For genealogy maybe a FindmyPast subscription as they have the 1921 Census coming on line in January.

[BestIsWest]

I do feel your pain as last week I was sorting out DMs spare room and found a bag full of presents I’ve bought her over the last few years.

[nomoneytree]

When my dad turned 80 he got really into tech - wanted to "be up to date". I took him to the Apple store for an Apple Watch. He was really taken by the idea and the ecg was a hit too. Spoke to Siri more than me!

Otherwise he used to get really pleased with socks. Or new pants. Everyone secretly likes new socks and pants.

[drspouse]

I was just looking at Art Fund membership for my mum but I've already got her some quite pricey sheepskin slippers.
I love the idea of the Aura photo frame!

[ChiaraRimini]

Christ they sound like hard work. A diary or a calendar is usually a useful gift for this age range and they need a new one every year. If there are grandkids, framed photo, or tote bag/tea towel/ mug etc printed with a pic of them. A nice blanket or slippers?
If they are going to moan whatever you get them then don't waste your energy on overthinking.

[lightisnotwhite]

I’ve got mine a replacement wooden longe steamer for the garden. Much cheaper to buy in the middle of winter.

One of those cameras that film wildlife at night?

I’ve done stockings with little diaries, gun oil for for dad and toiletries fir mum. Sweets for both.

[GETTINGLIKEMYMOTHER]

How about doing a big grocery shop just for the food bank, and giving them a list of what you’ve donated on their behalf? Or would that be charity? I did this one year when I didn’t want or need anything, and told dh it was his present to me. (Except for the usual chocs, of course.)

[GETTINGLIKEMYMOTHER]

If they like garden birds, how about a nest box with a camera? I’ve got one of those for dh this year - he’s fond of his little feathery friends, spends ages, not to mention £££, filling the feeders.

[oakleaffy]

@PerseverancePays

I don’t need any stuff and am not a fan of ‘experiences’. I have asked for five trees planted in my name, you get a downloaded certificate to print off if wanted, by the National Trust in the Uk. I did this recently for a friend’s significant birthday and she was very touched.
I’m just going to ask and give trees from now on. Such a relief not to have to think about presents!

That sounds a lovely idea! Especially if something special like Oaks, Beech or some other Native species.

[BasiliskStare]

DM has had recently - new bird feeder to hang from tree ( she already has a lovely bird table ) lovely tin to keep bird food in - v tasteful and means she doesn't have to use the empty chocolate plastic tubs - seeds which encourage bees - lovely tea towel with bees on - I am pretty sure she will be happy. DF - A framed photograph of a significant event he went to with DS - Soap on a rope - sounds rubbish but he likes it for the shower - makes it easier for him so bought him a posh one.

We have all decided we don't go overboard.

[BasiliskStare]

One present which went down well one year was a very very smart address book - still going strong 20 years later ( but they do not use phones a lot so family / friends / colleagues etc all go in the book )

[665TheNeighbourOfTheBeast]

Manure
A whole driveway full of manure.

[AdaColeman]

Take them a bottle of champagne in a chiller sleeve, so you can open it there and then. Drink most of it yourself!
🥂🍾🥂 🥂🍾🥂 🥂🍾🥂

[eurochick]

If they have tablets, a Readly subscription? I got that for my parents last year. There's something for everyone on there.

[Arethechildreninbedyet]

We bought our grandparents a voucher for Clarks one year for a bit of a joke.

We never heard the end of it, they thought it was THE BEST present. My Nana could get her insoles, my Granddad could get new laces. One year he even bought a full set of shoes and brought them round to show us.

Did it every year after that. They were happier than pigs in shit.

[Mavenna]

Do they like watching tv? Britbox subscription is what my parents have this year from us!

[UnLunDun]

They actually sound quite like my parents, if they were still here I think I’d get them this sort of thing: a patio rose, good quality garden twine/cast iron plant holders, anything to do with feeding garden birds, a bird bath, binoculars if they don’t already have an ancient pair, a digital weather station, a houseplant in a nice pot, a lovely tea tray like PP suggested, a sun catcher, gardener’s soap, finally maybe a weed flame thrower thingy as I think they’d find that intriguing. Whatever I got, I’d give with an extra long hug, even to the parents who aren’t easily affectionate; having those are the very best present from your children whatever their age.

[Caiti19]

We (siblings and I) got our parents a quooker tap. They love it.

[521Jeanie]

"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"

I usually get a phone call within a couple of days to say it's not right and will I please take it away! It's going to be a bottle of wine and some flowers this year. I can't be doing with all the worry only to get it "wrong" again.

[AnGofsMum]

We bought my ILs a wildlife camera for the garden last year, which went down well. They have a family of hedgehogs which they can now watch.

[toughtoes]

Grapevine ? I've bought this needs to go in a greenhouse over winter then plant out in spring. I got one white and one red variety.

Or other success was a sock subscription from socks in a box ( they are quite funky) delivered monthly.

Best supermarket wine book ? If they drink ? Sorry haven't read the whole thread .. or wine society membership ?

[toughtoes]

Can you tell my parents like wine ha

Or tomato irrigation system ?

[Newnormal99]

Do they have an old house? I looked at a company that researched house and local history and made a book up. Was really tempted but bit pricey for me.