What are you getting your DMum?

[shopsalot]

I am really struggling for ideas. She doesn't want 'stuff' as her house is full. She's mid 70s, quite fit, likes walking, gardening, reading, classical music.....
She's already a member of National Trust, English Heritage and RHS. Lives in NW so London based ideas no good. I'm in SW so tricky to do days out but could do.
I was thinking maybe Willoughby Book Club subscription? She also likes gin but doesn't drink alone so not sure gin subscription box would be a good idea (I'd like one though!).
What am I missing? Any ideas welcome.

I bought my mum (early 70s) a magazine subscription to London Review of Books, a metal heart bird feeder, some slippers and a photo calendar of my twin boys (her only grandkids and the only thing she asks for every year)

New bedding and bedroom things like new candles, pretty trinket trays etc, new dressing gown and PJs..

Locally made flavoured gin and a selection of chutneys and jams - all made at the same farm with local ingredients.

She doesn't need or want "stuff" but food and drink will last her and she can enjoy it as and when she wants.

Thanks for all the excellent ideas! Interesting how many present suggestions I've actually given over the last few years.
I like the look of the SHO bottles / cups. DM drinks a lot of coffee. Are they leak proof (thinking of one for me as well). And I've ordered the alpaca bird nesting feeder (thanks @Smileatthesmallthings for both suggestions)
Also chocolates, hand cream and a nice reusable shopping bag. I would love to have been organised enough to have sorted out a frame /calendar with photos - maybe next year. I think a meal / day out as well but at least she has something under the tree now! Thanks all

If she likes classical music just get her to write you a list. Not fun but saves hassle and disappointment.

DH and I like classical music but totally different types - we give each other lists of specific recordings.

I do not want to listen to his Wagner and he doesn't want to listen to my Baroque period instruments.

Equally classical music lovers tend to have strong opinions on which performers they like and don't like - just like any other music lover really, so buying anything 'classical' is a minefield.

You've just described my mum and I haven't bought her anything yet as I've no idea what to get!
I've eliminated cinema/theatre/restaurant vouchers as they've still not been anywhere like that due to Covid. I wondered about an Echo dot (or two) but a bit concerned the technology will bamboozle them or their ipad will be too old to use the app.

Anyone recommend me a book for my mum?

I'm hoping to get some ideas from this thread too.

I've got mine a cashmere scarf, some coffee sirop in different flavours, chocolate and some earrings. It was also her birthday at the beginning of December so I got her some cool coffee glasses as she keeps breaking hers.

Last year I got my boyfriend a "book box" - the company chose the book themselves based on a small questionnaire I did about his tastes, then they added various things like a candle, a bath bomb, some tea etc. That could be a good option!

@Lockdownbear I'm getting mine Christmas at Cold Comfort Farm and The Thursday Murder Club.

Like the idea of a book box though!

I'll have a look at those suggestions.
I'm liking the book box idea too Birthday not long after Christmas.

She's the hardest person to buy for, her standard suggestions are Book & Chocolates - except it seems boring to get the same stuff year after year.

My poor mum is cold and worrying about her heating bill, so I've got her a heated throw. Also got her some fleece lined thermal leggings as she still has to walk her little dog. She's also getting some chocolates and a calendar from the DC.

@shopsalot The bottles are definitely leakproof and keep drinks hot for hours (I have to put cold water in mine!)! I don't think all the coffee cups have leak proof lids.

Membership to Chester Zoo. Both her and my dad like walking round, the bird and butterfly houses are lovely to sit and batter in.

Moshulu slippers