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Christmas

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

What can I get my Mum for Christmas?

15 replies

upfucked · 23/11/2022 13:34

My Mum is mid 70s but disability and very poor health means she is old for age and has been for a long time. She has never had any interests or hobbies. She occasionally goes shopping but generally doesn’t leave the house. I would struggle to take her out with the kids in tow and I can’t do something you book in advance because she is so frequently ill. In the past I’ve done magazine subscription but she doesn’t even read them now, chocolates, new plants but she has millions, heated blanket went down well. She cant wear slippers and is difficult to buy clothes for. She likes particular toiletries so I feel that’s not a gift. Does anyone have any ideas please?

OP posts:
BrownOwlknowsbest · 23/11/2022 13:45

How about, A bird table and food to be placed outside her window,
or audio books.
Or depending how much you want to spend a subscription for flowers to be delivered monthly

Doidontimmm · 23/11/2022 13:47

What does she do all day? Not being cheeky but is it watch tv/listen to music/ read? Then can think of ideas?

CloudJam · 23/11/2022 13:55

Are the plants you mentioned house plants? If so, how about one of those lovely copper indoor watering cans? Or if not copper, a quick google is bringing up nice ones from Burgon & Ball and Sass & Belle. Or a plant mister?

R.e the heated blanket - was it one you sit under on the sofa? If she likes that, how about a heated mattress topper for her bed?

You mention she can't wear slippers - how about a heated foot warmer if she's sat on a sofa a lot?

tootiredtobother · 23/11/2022 13:58

has she got bad leg circulation?, my mum is 82 and rather stiff, I got her last year one of those small vibro -plate things as advertised on tv. she rather enjoys it

upfucked · 23/11/2022 13:59

Doidontimmm · 23/11/2022 13:47

What does she do all day? Not being cheeky but is it watch tv/listen to music/ read? Then can think of ideas?

Watches TV. Isn’t interested in getting Britbox or Netflix.

OP posts:
ItsRainingTacos79 · 23/11/2022 14:01

What is your budget?

My mum is similar to yours and after exhausting all ideas last year, I settled on a Tempur ergonomic pillow. It was most appreciated.

Imtoooldforallthis · 23/11/2022 14:01

I bought my mum a small cashmere throw/large scarf she keeps it folded on the arm of her chair and puts it round her neck or over her knees when she feels a chill.

LiesDoNotBecomeUs · 23/11/2022 14:30

Wild-life
A bird-feeder that can be attached to your window is constantly entertaining for little effort. Birds are bright and cheerful when there isn't much colour to see outside. They can be repeat visitors and seem like pets.

Sport
Perhaps she'd enjoy having a share in a race-horse? It would make racing more entertaining and there is probably more of a shared community feel to this too. I think there are sites (e.g. OldGoldRacing) that let you have a part-share in a horse for £60.

Entertainment
Audible has been great for my Mum. She loves listening to stories with her eyes closed - and says it really helps when sleeping is difficult.

Nostalgia
A bottle of wine/port/brandy from a year that she would enjoy remembering? There is something special about thinking the fruit for it was gathered in the very summer that a certain wedding/birthday/holiday happened.

Traditional things
If she likes particular scents/soaps etc - choose something like them but more luxurious/expensive beautifully packaged? (Not an everyday thing)

stridesy · 23/11/2022 16:19

Perfume.
nice scarf
socks with grips on them or wide socks
hairdresser or chiropodist home visit
jumper
afternoon tea delivered

Beebumble2 · 23/11/2022 16:26

Freddie’s flowers subscription

SingaporeSlinky · 23/11/2022 16:34

I’ve bought quite a few relatives the long hot water bottles from TK Maxx, fluffy covers and are great for warming up the bed or yourself.

Has she got an Echo dot? Or a Kindle?

sonsmum · 23/11/2022 17:29

what about a bird feeder that sticks to a window she sits by?
Here is an example, but you can get all different varieties from other places also, depending on your budget:
shopping.rspb.org.uk/bird-feeders-boxes-tables/bird-feeders/window-feeders/window-bird-feeder.html

jadedspark · 23/11/2022 17:53

How about some nice fluffy/brushed bedding to keep her warm?

sleepyduvetcat · 23/11/2022 17:54

A picture of both of you?

Theopossumwasmeantforme · 23/11/2022 19:09

My mum is in a similar boat. She didn't want a kindle. Got one anyway a fair few years ago now and she loves it so much and says it's so much easier to hold than a book.

So far this year I've got her a gillet and not much else.

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