£20 gift for woman with expensive tastes

[NovemberShiv]

I need to buy a gift with approx £20 for a friend of my Mum's (who gives my Mum a lift to church each week).

The woman in question is always well dressed, wearing expensive accessories etc. She has a dog and gets involved in Am Dram but I don't know much about her.

Mum doesn't want to buy cake / biscuits as she knows her friend doesn't have a sweet tooth / eats like a bird.

What would you get?!?

It's clear she doesn't want food. I would chose cashmere socks, the White Company candle or a Molskine, Papier or Liberty notebook.

L’ Occitane Almond shower oil. That’s what I would like!

Does the lady go to your mum's church ? What about a religious book eg prayer book, readings for 2024 ? Or a beautiful advent candle set.

https://www.eden.co.uk/christian-books/christmas-and-advent-books/advent-books/advent-devotionals/marys-voice-advent-reflections-to-contemplate-the-coming-of-christ/

if she is a regular church goer this might be an interesting gift

Where are you getting a silk pillowcase for £20?!

I wouldn't get anything personal eg soap or hand cream. I'd just get the nicest box of chocolates I could.

Not a candle.
Not hand cream.
Not a book, unless you know her taste really well.
Not a notebook- if she uses them, she’s already likely to have a favourite brand.

I’m on }TeamFlowers or #TeamHousePlant, especially if you’ve got a nice local indie florist.

Otherwise a small box of very good chocolates or I loved the sound of the chocolate coated figs/dates. I’d be chuffed if somebody gave me those.

Thank you so much!

I've talked these over with my Mum and she's drawn to either the Penhaligon soap or The Christmas Appeal book mentioned with a small plant.

For those who asked by expensive taste I meant things of quality that last in a classic style sense. Silk pillowcases would be lovely but way out of budget. And she might well have them.

We have a lovely florist in town but I know (from end of term teacher bouquets) that the very cheapest is £30 plus. But there's an M&S in the petrol station which also has little house plants.

https://www.psbooks.co.uk/a-vintage-christmas?utmsource=google&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9KnZqrXiggMV1ddtCh2EEQSZEAQYBSABEgIR1fDBwE

My mum is a leather gloves, books and Clarins type and I'm considering this for her stocking

Chocolates definitely not wanted. She doesn't eat them - neither does my mother - no interest in snacking or sweet things at all. I know the friend makes her own bread. But again she'll have everything there.

Wine or a fancy candle for someone I really don’t know well. have you got any more info about her?

https://www.nobleisle.com/product/rhubarb-rhubarb-luxury-refillable-hand-wash/

Nigel Slater book, Christmas Chronicles.

Fortnum and Mason Champagne Truffles...or anything F&M.

White Company Champagne Bell.

A ceramic wardrobe freshener. Lots of lovely ones online, she can scent it with her own perfume. It's my go-to gift for exactly this kind of recipient and it's always very well received.

That's a nice idea .

I would like a plant, flowers, soap,
Hand cream .

I read all the time but I would hate somebody else to buy me a book .

I second a fancy soap like the Penhaligans linked on page 1.

Great suggestions on here. But I have to say, just pick something and forget about it, it’s lovely you’re buying her a gift. But… Just because she has expensive taste, doesn’t mean you have to cater to it!

Sthg for the dog

When I went into Waterstones a couple of weeks ago they had classics cloth bound books and they were a thing of beauty.

https://www.waterstones.com/books/search/term/penguin+clothbound+classic

Either one bottle of wine (if she drinks), or some flowers.

https://www.waterstones.com/book/shakespeare/judi-dench/9780241632178#reviews

Leave the receipt inside and she can swap it if she has it already. Judi Dench - always classy!

www.moltonbrown.co.uk/store/bath-body/bath-body-gift-sets/the-elegant-escapist-body-hair-mini-travel-bag/MBG23016

Slightly above budget but this molton brown gift set is £21 until tomorrow

Plant and a dog toy! Perfect!