Christmas present ideas for MIL

[Notallmilsarebad]

I know this should be DH’s problem but he’s useless and will end up buying something really shit last minute. I love my MIL so want to get her something different, and not generic (she has 4 sons who always buy something shit like a box of chocolates right at the last minute).

She’s 60, gets her nails done regularly although isn’t particularly ‘girly’ - it’s more of a practical thing because she has weak nails but always goes for lovely colours, loves her family (especially her grandchildren), LOVES Christmas, tolerates cooking. I don’t know much else about her really, her life is her family.

What would you get if this was your mum, MIL, friend, sister etc.?

I just got my MILs present. She's older but still likes nice things.

Got a trio of The White Company hand creams, a Ted Baker scarf (reduced in their sale) and some nice chocs.

As she gets her nails done, maybe a hand cream and cuticle oil?

My mother adores Christmas - each year I get her some
really beautiful baubles or decorations or flatware. She had a big birthday this year and I got her one of the large Villeroy and Boch musical ornaments, she was over the moon with it.

Anthropologie do some lovely Christmas plates and things if she's into more modern things.

A beautiful Christmas ornament that she would never buy herself - my Mum loves the Swarovski limited edition Christmas baubles, and as quite a good collection of them now. A Velvetiser for hot chocolate and foamy coffees. Afternoon tea voucher. Nice leather gloves.

Take her out for afternoon tea.

Ugg slippers?

Whats your budget?
I'm a grandmother, gifts I have loved are my alexa speaker, audible subscriptions, acai walking trousers.

Handcream and cuticle oil

Depending on age of grandchildren an outing with them ?

Lovely canvas photo of all grandchildren together

Book somewhere for the two of you - fab lunch/afternoon tea/ballet whatever she would like

As a token to go with whatever you buy her perhaps a lovely keyring with Best Nan/Gran (whatever she is called on it)

Depending on budget one of those flower subscription so she has flowers every month or quarter.

If she has her nails done regularly, find out where and buy a voucher so she has a 'freebie'

Jewellery, book, magazine subscription, room diffuser & candle, afternoon tea voucher, handbag, nice bottle of gin, theatre voucher?

This year I made DM a patchwork tote bag for her birthday. I actually made it as a little add on to some other things (flowers, vase, chocolate ginger). The flowers etc are long forgotten but she will frequently tell me someone has admired the bag. Cost was about £5 for the fabric and a few hours work.

For Christmas I have made her a reversible cross back apron (she has mobility issues in her shoulders).

Both of these makes are easy for a beginner with lots of youtube videos.

Hotel chocolat velvetiser and a variety box of sachets. Present from the 4 of us (as she doesn't like lots of bits, bath, creams, scarves etc)

We used to get my grandmother a Waterford crystal ornament every year. They were beautiful and look amazing on a Christmas tree or stand. Even if someone doesn't like clutter, it's a nice gift as they get brought out for Christmas and then put away. My mum loved always knowing what to get her each year instead of cycling though the usual chocolates, bath gels, candles etc.