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Christmas

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

Original poster

What are you buying your parents?

65 replies

Devo1818 · 07/09/2022 14:12

Need some inspiration for mine and DH needs some for his. Ages 65-75.
Varied interests but hard to buy for! What are you getting yours?

OP posts:
BellyDancer124 · 07/09/2022 21:08

orangeisthenewpuce · 07/09/2022 20:24

Haven't got a clue what I'm buying anyone. It's September.

Exactly, it's September. You should get cracking on! Failing to prepare... Wink

dementedma · 07/09/2022 21:14

No idea at the moment. Some type of bird feeders, or maybe a nest box or something. Mum loves watching and feeding the birds.
Otherwise books, warm pjs, a nice cardie...she's 87

Cuwins · 07/09/2022 21:25

dementedma · 07/09/2022 21:14

No idea at the moment. Some type of bird feeders, or maybe a nest box or something. Mum loves watching and feeding the birds.
Otherwise books, warm pjs, a nice cardie...she's 87

Hmm that's not a bad idea for me dad. They have some feeders that he has taken charge of keeping filled and likes watching the birds on them so maybe something else like that.

Scout2016 · 08/09/2022 13:59

@dementedma @Cuwins we have one of those feeders that stick to your window and it's great, I'd recommend them.

starsparkle08 · 08/09/2022 15:17

orangeisthenewpuce · 07/09/2022 20:24

Haven't got a clue what I'm buying anyone. It's September.

Go away then to another board

wednesday32 · 08/09/2022 15:37

Theatre tokens do not expire and can be used in all theatres so that would be an option, or a gift card for a favourite restaurant.
Leather gloves and a luxury hand cream.
Books, get some advise in your local bookstore for inspiration.

maddy68 · 08/09/2022 15:42

hattie43 · 07/09/2022 16:27

I actually buy separately for mine , so far mum has ,
Neom pillowspray and handcream set
Joules wellies and dog socks
Skechers
Oodie
Garden Buddha statue
Earrings
Liz Earle perfume
Prai throat cream

Dad
Lounge trousers and matching top
Oodie
Skechers
Battery tidy case
Molton brown shower gel
Sea salt socks
Barbour gilet

Actually writing it down I've made a good start lol

How much? I would be morified if my kids bought me that much

RockingMyFiftiesNot · 08/09/2022 15:59

Would your Mum enjoy a concert or audio books? Or a beautifully scented houseplant she will able to enjoy.

Someone mentioned National Trust membership up thread. I think that's a great present if you're not already members and there are places to visit nearby.

I've bought various magazine subscriptions over the years and a puzzle book subscription (on request) .

I also tend to look and see if there is anything that looks like they need upgrading- PJs/dressing gown/slippers /jumpers.

I bought my Mum an electric steamer when she was struggling with strength in her wrist - was worried shed scald herself straining veg.

I love consumables - more expensive than I'd buy myself eg artisan crackers for cheese; handmade tasting cookies; cheeses; wine; gin; chocolates Some people think they are lazy options but with a bit of thought and research , I think they are fabulous presents.

freckles20 · 08/09/2022 16:14

RockingMyFiftiesNot · 08/09/2022 15:59

Would your Mum enjoy a concert or audio books? Or a beautifully scented houseplant she will able to enjoy.

Someone mentioned National Trust membership up thread. I think that's a great present if you're not already members and there are places to visit nearby.

I've bought various magazine subscriptions over the years and a puzzle book subscription (on request) .

I also tend to look and see if there is anything that looks like they need upgrading- PJs/dressing gown/slippers /jumpers.

I bought my Mum an electric steamer when she was struggling with strength in her wrist - was worried shed scald herself straining veg.

I love consumables - more expensive than I'd buy myself eg artisan crackers for cheese; handmade tasting cookies; cheeses; wine; gin; chocolates Some people think they are lazy options but with a bit of thought and research , I think they are fabulous presents.

A beautifully scented houseplant? Ooooh that's such a lovely idea. I'm off to google scented houseplants unless you've any suggestions?

RockingMyFiftiesNot · 08/09/2022 16:32

@freckles20 sorry I don't have specific ideas. I love the smell of freesia which you usually buy as cut flowers but I remember reading once you can grow them from bulbs. Maybe a good question for the gardening board?

Thatsnotmine · 08/09/2022 17:31

I bought my parents a Stein's at Home Food Box and they loved it. They got an extra meal out of it by bulking it out so was even better value.

Turtles4543 · 08/09/2022 19:15

www.etsy.com/uk/shop/PenrhalltAlpacas
On the bird feeder topic, I got my dad a nesting /feeder from here. He was very pleased. Will keep hunting for this year’s ideas now!

FarFromHome2 · 08/09/2022 19:25

A new iPad each. The ones I got them a few years ago are a bit slow now, and they use them quite a lot.

Some chocolates, perfume, new cycling things for my dad, some books, and I’m making them some soap and some candles.

Cuwins · 08/09/2022 19:53

Scout2016 · 08/09/2022 13:59

@dementedma @Cuwins we have one of those feeders that stick to your window and it's great, I'd recommend them.

My gran has one and loves it but I think that would drive my parents dog ballistic!

imnotthatkindofmum · 08/09/2022 20:12

hattie43 · 07/09/2022 16:27

I actually buy separately for mine , so far mum has ,
Neom pillowspray and handcream set
Joules wellies and dog socks
Skechers
Oodie
Garden Buddha statue
Earrings
Liz Earle perfume
Prai throat cream

Dad
Lounge trousers and matching top
Oodie
Skechers
Battery tidy case
Molton brown shower gel
Sea salt socks
Barbour gilet

Actually writing it down I've made a good start lol

That's just a start?!! 😱

My parents get a calendar with the kids photos in it. They love it but getting harder now my teens are photo refusers!

Then a useful present related to their interests or a novelty one also related to interests. Eg a T-shirt or just something random they'd like eg I got my mum a hideous lantern style light last year which she loves! But definitely only one gift other than the calendar

GettingStuffed · 08/09/2022 20:52

OMG I can't believe how much you spend on your parents. We don't get anywhere near that from our kids, DH is in that age range and he'll probably get a sweatshirt or rugby shirt or books.

BrokenMatress · 08/09/2022 20:56

Mrsfussypants1 · 07/09/2022 19:37

MIL and FIL a dreamland heated throw each and a hamper. We bought them the fenwicks northern delights hamper last year and they loved it. This year I'm borrowing back the hamper and will fill it with locally produced food bits.

DM and ONY fleece hoodie, suede slipper boots, nice chocolate, kindle voucher and white company candles.

With all the recent energy hikes I went with a keep everyone warm theme this year. DM already has heated throws and electric blanket so I was a bit stumped. Hoping to get tickets for DM and i for Fenwicks rooftop cinema when they go on sale and take her fer food before hand too.

The throw were a massive hit with our over 80s last year

alicewasahorse · 08/09/2022 21:02

I got my parents an ancestry dna kit last year as thought it would be a bit of fun and also insightful.

They'd never have bought it for themselves and it went down well.

BrokenMatress · 08/09/2022 21:33

alicewasahorse · 08/09/2022 21:02

I got my parents an ancestry dna kit last year as thought it would be a bit of fun and also insightful.

They'd never have bought it for themselves and it went down well.

Fine if no skeletons or wrong side of the sheet

Scout2016 · 08/09/2022 21:34

Thanks @Turtles4543 my friend and my in laws would love that. As will I!

MayISuggestSomeThickCutSteakChipsToGoWithThat · 08/09/2022 22:20

Frig knows. My Mum is thee most awkward person to buy for

Brogues · 09/09/2022 11:51

Turtle dove gloves so far for DM and MIL.
Liking the Stein at Home idea!

GettingOrganisedNow · 09/09/2022 11:55

Parents and I agreed to stop buying gifts a couple of years ago, and it's been fab! None of us need anything, and none of us like shopping, plus none of us likes opening a present and pretending to be overjoyed. If I see something during the year that I think they'd like, I'll buy it and give it to them then and there, but none of us goes out of our way at Christmas or birthdays.

We all just enjoy seeing each other at Christmas, and watching the kids with their new toys etc.

dinkiesink · 09/09/2022 12:00

a sustainable hamper from a social enterprise

MoltenLasagne · 09/09/2022 12:21

Not for this year, but popular presents for my mum have been a daylight lamp for her crafting, the neom diffuser, a heated throw, also a massage was a big hit, might get her one again this year.

My Dad I tend to buy nice quality clothing so he feels a bit hip, usually something scandi. He also loved a video link nesting box a few years back.