In laws and Christmas gifts

[Twirlyhoo]

I love buying Christmas gifts, I love thinking about what i'm going to get everyone, wrapping everything and handing the gifts over. My in laws seem to find it all too much effort and every year will say 'don't be spending anything on us' so I make sure to rein it in a bit. Without fail every year though they give us nice and thoughtful gifts so I end up feeling I should have done more!

This year MIL gave the usual spiel and said 'im telling you now, don't bother as we're only giving you money this year.' This is fine but I'm completely stumped for gift ideas?! My in laws are a little old before their time (late 50s/early 60s but to speak to them, you'd think they were much older). I'm struggling to think of their interests other than small trips out, alcohol and being in pyjamas (very specific PJ's - not too light, not too thick, no buttons etc) I guess in summary I'm asking, what is a nice gift idea that is not too extravagant for people in this age group who behave as though they're 85?...

I'm hoping that the company I tried out earlier in the year does a Christmas box like they have on their instagram for last year.

The Biscuit Baron

I tried them and got a box just of my choices, it's not a subscription if you don't want too, you can just buy one box.

Their previous christmas boxes came already wrapped and looked great, this is hopefully my plan for inlaws this year!

Do you have kids? I've made calendars with a picture of my little one from each month last year to give them this year

Take them out for a day. Something unusual but fitting for them. Very posh afternoon tea, visit to a famous house/garden. Concert or author talk.

M&S voucher
Candle
Soft socks
Cinema voucher

I agree with the experience idea - for my in laws that have everything what they really like is something nice we can all to together that they wouldn’t normally do that’s an excuse to get together.

Piglets pantry do a afternoon tea box for around £25, festive or not, which I find perfect for these kind of people

Cinema tickets or nice gloves

A hamper. Either put together yourself using various local suppliers and/or supermarkets, or if budget allows I’d opt for a small one from Fortnum & Mason.

This is brilliant.

Gives you something to give them each year. Let's you put in effort all year round taking pictures and picking the ones to use. Great idea

I have a blanket ban on 'anything that needs dusting'. You might be surprised just how many ignore it.

I always say thank you but I die inside a little. There really is nothing I want (that I haven't already got myself in the exact perfect colour etc).

Would be happy if people would just believe me. Sigh.

I've not heard of this company before@ForgottenNurseryRhymes the look lovely. Have you received them? Are they as delicious as they look?

Seconded! We've used them a couple of times and the afternoon tea has been well received. Last year they did a Christmas one.

Another 60 something here.

To be honest op, there's nothing DH or I need, although to be fair we still both work full time in professional jobs so "Old before our time doesn't wash" although I'm sure ds, dil and dd think we are ancient.

We really don't want for anything and would rather the children spent their money on themselves.

If you have to: nice coffee, nice chocolate, nice bottle of port, madeira, or even some colourful sugar or sugar stirrers, or flowers, preferably pre-tied for plonking straight in a vase, nice soaps always go down well here.

We don't need or want, candles, plants, ornaments, books, subscriptions or experiences, gloves, socks, scarves, etc.

Thanks for the recommendation @2020nymph 😀

I would give Fortnum and Masons food, chocolates, mini Christmas cake, biscuits, teas, teatowl and a jute bag. I had one of their hampers for my birthday and it was fabulous, so going to make my own for Christmas.

So agree! DH is in his early 60s although I’m 10 years younger, and in all honesty we’d much prefer nothing, or for DSS to spend on something useful to benefit his children, rather than the obligatory photo/calendar of the DGC.

What about a new hive, or a bird box with a.tiny camera so they can watch the baby birdies being born

Bee not new

National trust/ English heritage membership?
Magazine subscription?

Nice fleece or cushions, I'm around that age and would love then

Afternoon tea voucher for local place ,
Voucher for favourite or local restaurant.
Betty's tea rooms hamper.
Magazine subscription for their chosen hobby or interest.
Favourite spirit / port
Cheese gift pack by mail

Tickets for a local show

Do they garden?

DH and I are of a similar age.
We have everything we need.
A nice hand picked by someone who knows what we like but modest hamper of nice chocs, bottle of something and decent biscuits would be more than enough.
We wouldn't like afternoon tea or an experience and a subscription to something would probably be a waste of your hard earned cash too.
Sorry.
I think you just need to believe your MIL.

What about a cheese hamper to be delivered beginning to mid December for them to enjoy? You can add crackers/chutney too - I always buy from Pong Cheese, it's so lovely