Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Christmas

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

Original poster

What can I get my DiL for Christmas?

111 replies

Gamjs · 04/12/2022 16:44

We have as a large family decided on a secret Santa instead of all buying presents for each other this year. We plan to spend £25 - £30.
I have drawn my DIL. In the past we have given her cash. What would a thirty something year old with no children like for a present?
I had wondered about something ‘Jo ‘ but perhaps too expensive.
All suggestions appreciated. Thank you.

Thank you.

OP posts:
TheTeddyBears · 04/12/2022 19:57

The thing is a lot of stuff already mentioned so far I wouldn't either like or want. Might be same with her. Although I would use an expensive shower gel or candle I would just think what a waste of money. Different if you know they will appreciate it. Fingerless gloves, plants or a cookbook wks probably be the worst gift someone cld buy me.

Surely you will be safe with some pjs and slippers (get a gift receipt and then least she can return if she doesn't need).

Other things, I quite like make up gift set, again you can get benefit or other brands in boots and get a gift receipt for it.

Cas112 · 04/12/2022 20:03

Have a look on Etsy at personalised or alternative gifts. You can find all sorts on there

bestbefore · 04/12/2022 20:05

Rituals stuff is lovely and they do a great gift box www.rituals.com/en-gb/the-ritual-of-mehr---small-gift-set-2022-1114193.html?source=cop&showbacklink=false

Ruthietuthie · 04/12/2022 20:09

I would also love the Kate Loxton pouch, particularly one personalized with my initials. And yes to anything Jo Malone.

BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz · 04/12/2022 20:17

Haha it totally is. But it shows that actually we aren't all the same, we don't all want gin and hand cream.

user1471481356 · 04/12/2022 20:19

I’m a similar demographic and wouldn’t like most of the things suggested. I would either ask your child what they can suggest, or stick to a voucher and maybe some nice chocolates to be safe.

Blanketenvy · 04/12/2022 20:19

My MIL usually buys me some 'nice' toleteries and chocolates which I appreciate or a voucher for a sewing shop. Am happy with both. Neither win any massive awards for inspiration but I'd rather have something I'd use than a random object. I'd also appreciate Gin/Wine/voucher for clothes/food or a posh candle.

FleasNavidad · 04/12/2022 20:20

Scratchmap and a big heavy travel book if she likes travel

BeaLola · 04/12/2022 20:20

Definitely ask your Son especially as you are only doing 1 gift each

If he says "I have no idea ' then either ask him to ask her the sort of thing she would like or get him to take a couple of pictures when she's not there of her make up /toiletries and that may give you a steer eg Lisa Eldridge lipstick, Chanel bath oil or mirror , Bats eyeshadow etc

toomuchlaundry · 04/12/2022 20:20

Last year Turtle Dove wrist warmers were particularly popular with school staff when classrooms were really cold. I have a pair and love them

neverendinglauaundry · 04/12/2022 20:21

I love a book token and always have.

BeaLola · 04/12/2022 20:21

BeaLola · 04/12/2022 20:20

Definitely ask your Son especially as you are only doing 1 gift each

If he says "I have no idea ' then either ask him to ask her the sort of thing she would like or get him to take a couple of pictures when she's not there of her make up /toiletries and that may give you a steer eg Lisa Eldridge lipstick, Chanel bath oil or mirror , Bats eyeshadow etc

For Bats eyeshadow - typed Nars (!)

mummabubs · 04/12/2022 20:37

I'd honestly ask your son too.

My MiL always buys me lots of things for Christmas and whilst I do truly appreciate the gesture, it's 99% stuff that's really not me so I end up regifting it. (Previous examples include silky underwear, pjs that are 3 sizes out from what I am, pink hoodies with cartoon characters on, or things that her own daughter likes (we are the same age, but very different people!)) Your son will have the best ideas as to what your budget will get that would be most appreciated. (Even some of the 'generic' suggestions here like candles and cheese are definitely not for everyone - scents are very personal and I for one cannot stand cheese! Only started drinking wine a few years ago too 🤦🏻‍♀️😂).

lechatnoir · 04/12/2022 20:40

I can highly recommend the Beauty Boxes from LookFantastic. Mine has lots of fab bits I'd never normally buy & it came beautifully packaged - a real treat.

Original poster
Gamjs · 04/12/2022 20:44

Thanks everyone for taking the time to respond. You have given me some very helpful ideas not only about what to get, but also what not to get.You have all made me realise how little I actually know her! New Years resolution to get to really know her!

OP posts:
toomuchlaundry · 04/12/2022 20:47

How long has she been your DIL?

Houseplantmad · 04/12/2022 20:52

Cashmere socks. Very luxurious!

BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz · 04/12/2022 20:56

Annual subscription to National Geographic?

SuperheroBirds · 04/12/2022 21:02

PandaOrLion · 04/12/2022 17:21

She sounds similar age/job to me and I wouldn’t like any of the things listed so far so just adding in a few suggestions of alternative things.

  • recipe book for something like Ottenlengi or somewhere a bit different like Persian food.
  • plants and nice plant pots
  • annodised steel wok
  • books (although a bit specific)
  • theatre vouchers
  • v60 and some coffee
  • seasoned/scented logs for the fire.
I really wouldn’t like a candle or hand cream - I love them both but I don’t like a £30 one more than I like a £10 one!

These are the best suggestions I’ve seen on the thread, and I”m a similar age/situation too.

Toiletries either have to be exactly right, or they feel like a cop out gift. And with so many issues with sensitivities and different preferences, I’d avoid them.
with so many recipes available online, I don’t really see the point of cooks books.

I’d love theatre tokens, a kindle book voucher, house plants, chocolate, or maybe a craft activity to do. This year I’ve asked for some nice slippers (Moshulu) and a laptop bag (Herschel).

SuperheroBirds · 04/12/2022 21:10

BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz · 04/12/2022 20:17

Haha it totally is. But it shows that actually we aren't all the same, we don't all want gin and hand cream.

I’m with you. I’d rather the jigsaw (and I’m not even a big puzzle fan) to alcohol, hand cream, or a fancy shower gel.

AnnaMagnani · 04/12/2022 21:17

With toiletries, Neals Yard is a good bet as they are not everyday, don't have too much fragrance and avoid most allergy issues.

I routinely regift all toiletries (even the hand cream!) but the Bee Friendly handwash from SIL was so good I now buy it myself.

HowCanIPayItForward · 04/12/2022 21:21

I wouldn't use a fancy hand cream or candle, or anything cashmere, or lots of food items (I'm vegan).

I'd appreciate decent vegan soap/shower gel etc, or chocs or similar (particularly independent brands), a good vegan wine or spirit (but I can't abide gin!), bold earrings, dark nail polish, a couple of good books or a nice diary. Or a lego set or board game!

I would definitely try to find out her interests/tastes rather than giving anything too generic.

GG1986 · 04/12/2022 21:32

Lush gift set or a boots voucher and some nice chocs.

Swipe left for the next trending thread