Page 5 | What can I get my DiL for Christmas?

Gamjs · 2022-12-04T16:44:25+00:00

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.

Original poster

Gamjs · 07/12/2022 12:46

PlasticTatMNBingo · 07/12/2022 12:23

Better than fingerless gloves, hand cream or bath foam. 🤷‍♀️

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perfect! 😂🤣😂

OP posts:

FinallyHere · 07/12/2022 12:48

If you don't know her well enough to know the sort of thing she likes, absolutely ask your son for suggestions. In our family this is code for ask 'them what they would like so I can get it' so that any thanks offered will be really genuine.

If your family doesn't work like that then a voucher from John Lewis of Amazon would be your best best of getting something that will be used.

Amazon vouchers come in a range of boxes and envelopes which can be prettily wrapped to make a 'proper' present.

DH's otherwise lovely family insist on surprise presents. Sigh.

FancyFelix · 07/12/2022 13:32

I mean this kindly but are you in your 30s? I am and would find Clarins hand cream a very random (and not particularly well thought out) present. Luxury hand cream isn't something I would ever feel the need to own, and Clarins is a brand I associate with older women.

I'm 41, so not too far out of my 30s. Have never been obsessed with what's cool, I just like things that work well. And as gifts I like things that I wouldn't buy myself (in this case because it's expensive). Old lady gifts are fine by me if that is in this category.

Love the implication that I might be offended by you thinking me old... how do you kindly enquire as to how ancient a poster might be? The whole point of the thread is that the gift needs to be generic (by definition not well thought out) as the OP freely admitted that she doesn't actually know her DIL at all

PokemonPasta · 07/12/2022 13:55

What does she look like? I don't mean 5'4 with Hazel eyes, but is she wearing makeup with dyed blow dried hair, athletic, colourful handmade clothes, practical outdoorsy things?

Fairnair · 07/12/2022 14:40

Personally if you don’t her very well, think you are going to have to ask your son for her likes, dislikes, if she is allergIc to anything etc. I know it’s Secret Santa, but better to get an idea or two, otherwise you are wasting money. Really everyone taking part in the Secret Santa should really give a few ideas of what they would like.

I can’t use any beauty products such as face cream, hand cream etc. with Lanolin as it causes me to break out in a rash. Lots of good beauty brands use it in their products. Also I don’t wear perfume, or light candles, as I am sensitive to anything heavily perfumed.

Fairnair · 07/12/2022 14:43

Sorry did not finish my post properly. I am sure your son would rather you get something that your DIL would like and use, rather than keeping you have drawn your DIL secret.

SophiaLarsen · 07/12/2022 14:52

Might be a cliche but most teachers I know LOVE good stationery.

Calphurnia88 · 07/12/2022 15:08

FancyFelix · 07/12/2022 13:32

I mean this kindly but are you in your 30s? I am and would find Clarins hand cream a very random (and not particularly well thought out) present. Luxury hand cream isn't something I would ever feel the need to own, and Clarins is a brand I associate with older women.

I'm 41, so not too far out of my 30s. Have never been obsessed with what's cool, I just like things that work well. And as gifts I like things that I wouldn't buy myself (in this case because it's expensive). Old lady gifts are fine by me if that is in this category.

Love the implication that I might be offended by you thinking me old... how do you kindly enquire as to how ancient a poster might be? The whole point of the thread is that the gift needs to be generic (by definition not well thought out) as the OP freely admitted that she doesn't actually know her DIL at all

I deliberately used kindly because I find a lot of Mumsnet replies are written with the intention of coming across rude/sarcastic/passive aggressive (presumably hoping for some sort of 'gotcha' moment) and I didn't want my 'are you in your 30s?' to be misconstrued.

The only thing we have to go on are DIL's age and profession, so given that I (as someone in their 30s) associate Clarins with older women I would think it a bit of a risky choice, and I wondered if maybe you're in a different age bracket to DIL.

Clearly you're just a big fan of Clarins hand cream!

Enko · 07/12/2022 15:16

Please don't buy her hand cream.

I loved my mil dearly but she passed 4 years ago and I still have a unopened bottle of handcream she gave me one year. (I really should throw it out)

Speak to your son and find her something she would like so she feels appreciated. Make good relationships.

Mummyratbag · 07/12/2022 17:10

Is she crafty? I had a fab gift last year of a glass fusion workshop voucher. I think it might have been a bit over £30 but not hugely.

Blisterlip · 07/12/2022 18:08

If your son can't help then you may have to play safe-ish
I can say I'd like the luxury of something like L'occotane almond shower oil but a posh hand cream would be wasted on me. Do you know there decor? Would a gorgeous hurricane lantern be nice for example or way out of keeping? Iva had a lovely glass/ enamel dish which I put chocolates in every year which is flat enough to store if id hated it but nice enough to use and not take up space.
Does she cook? Does she run/ cycle - get hobbies info and we can help more. Id hate a generic gift if it was my only one