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Christmas

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

Gift idea for 75 year old Aunt?

23 replies

ascogmeet · 28/11/2023 21:36

My aunt is lovely and does gifts for all the families every year, I think she buys stuff though the year and then just makes up the bags at Christmas, it can be a bit random but usually contains stuff like tea bags or hot chocolate, a game, sweets, a diary that kind of thing. Sometimes it can have quite expensive things in and other times its all B&M stuff not that i mind either way of course, like i say its all very random.

One year I got her some bits from the works puzzle and book and biscuits , she never even looked but texted me later to thank me. Then another year I bought her some nice things I though she might like from M&S. She is widowed and lives alone so I tried to get things that wouldn't have to be eaten all at once if opened but she looked in the bag that time and seemed very unimpressed.

She isn't really into fashion or make up or toiletries she likes singers like Norah Jones but uses Spotify like everyone else.

She moved into a new flat this year and so I could combine her christmas gift with a house warming gift, I just do not know what to get her, I'll also be travelling on public transport to see her and so would need to be able to carry it.

Any ideas?

OP posts:
Lamelie · 28/11/2023 21:45

Ask her. Not being snippy but her reactions are a little strange so maybe asking will get you a better result.

Lamelie · 28/11/2023 22:51

Also I’ve been clearing out the house of my beloved relative and found several unappreciated presents from me from over the years- it doesn’t matter. In fact it was reassuring to be reminded of the care I took even if I got it wrong.

Daffidale · 28/11/2023 22:54

It’s a bit unimaginative but how about a house plant? Only if she is a plant person tho. If she is the. Sainsbury’s have some good value ones that come in decent pots, including Christmas poinsettias

maybe she prefers things to do over things to eat. Try puzzles, puzzle books, mini games. Does she read?

As a treat a pair of cashmere fingerless gloves from Turtle Doves. or I bought some very good knock offs on eBay recently, which were £20 not £35!

pacora · 28/11/2023 22:55

A bottle of gin (or whatever).

PS I don't use spotify.

pacora · 28/11/2023 22:56

Lamelie · 28/11/2023 21:45

Ask her. Not being snippy but her reactions are a little strange so maybe asking will get you a better result.

I'd be bloody unimpressed with those "gifts"

Mrsjayy · 28/11/2023 22:57

ask her ? or get her a throw for her sofa my mum loves a fleece throw she's always cold.

LooksABitElvish · 28/11/2023 23:00

What is your budget? Could you get something like an Amazon echo, etc for her music or podcasts or whatever.

Handovertothetedcross · 28/11/2023 23:03

She sounds bloody ungrateful to me tbh!

slipperypenguin · 28/11/2023 23:25

Heated blanket

Namenumber3 · 28/11/2023 23:31

My mums a few years older. She likes Sanctuary bath stuff, roll on eye cream, La touché eclat, a diary, candles, cashmere ( not socks), shoes and slippers she doesn’t have to bend down to do up, books, gardening gloves and plants.
Si basically nicer versions of stuff she uses anyway and practical bits.

ascogmeet · 29/11/2023 00:06

pacora · 28/11/2023 22:56

I'd be bloody unimpressed with those "gifts"

Well my aunt doesn't drink so the gin you recommend elsewhere wouldn't work and I don't have a lot of money anyway. She just gives pretty random cheap stuff she mostly gets out of bargain shops. She gave me beef jerky once and I'm vegan and have been since my teens which she knows. Its all just supposed to be a minding but I'm sorry if it doesn't measure up to what you'd expect.

OP posts:
ascogmeet · 29/11/2023 00:10

@slipperypenguin and @Mrsjayy Heated blanket might be a good call!

OP posts:
SgtBilko · 29/11/2023 00:11

What about a Cook voucher so she can buy herself some food for her freezer? I’d like that.

groovergirl · 29/11/2023 00:18

Does she have a favourite local cafe or restaurant? If so, ask them to do a gift voucher that she can use over a few visits or splurge on a meal with a friend, as she chooses. Just be sure she will use it, not hoard it or forget about it as my DF does 😉

HoHoHoliday · 29/11/2023 00:22

She's widowed and lives alone. Honestly, the best gift you can give her is your time. So buy her a gift that will involve you spending time with her. A voucher or ticket for a restaurant/theatre/day out/spa/experience, and make it clear that you want to come along with her.

OMGitsnotgood · 29/11/2023 00:40

What is your budget?

Obviously you have to know the person but I'd love a house plant in a proper pot. Or a Christmas basket, given early to enjoy in the run up to Christmas.

I know these things get done to death on MN but for someone on their own, maybe an invitation with you to afternoon tea or lunch somewhere you know she'd enjoy would be something I'd enjoy.

AdaColeman · 29/11/2023 01:17

Afternoon tea in a box from M&S, take it with you when you visit or have it delivered to her if that would work, sometimes deliveries to flats can be a problem.
Or
Bag of winter bad weather provisions, long life milk, tea, tin of soup, tin of sardines, jar of pâté honey jam, crackers, rye bread...you will know best what she would eat.

Woolly gloves/scarf/hat

Purse/card case

Something for the new flat....Cushions, framed photo of you, teapot or mugs.

LaurieStrode · 29/11/2023 02:33

HoHoHoliday · 29/11/2023 00:22

She's widowed and lives alone. Honestly, the best gift you can give her is your time. So buy her a gift that will involve you spending time with her. A voucher or ticket for a restaurant/theatre/day out/spa/experience, and make it clear that you want to come along with her.

Agree with this.

Or, a set of nice bath towels for her new home? An electric blanket?

Reigateforever · 29/11/2023 03:07

I also think a heated throw is a good idea.

sashh · 29/11/2023 04:33

I think you need to think about her and her lifestyle.

My grandmother always liked a snack or a biscuit with her cup of tea, one year I got her a teacup with a plate that was designed as a saucer with rom for a snack.

For a lot of people that would be a crap present.

sgvibes · 29/11/2023 04:52

Tbh it sounds like her gift giving isn't particularly thoughtful and is totally random, maybe she isn't that bothered about giving/receiving gifts (my MIL is like this)

I would go with a voucher for somewhere she likes, or get a voucher to take her somewhere for afternoon tea after Christmas.

Stress101 · 29/11/2023 05:23

Voucher for her local cafe/restaurant/takeaway
Nice nightdress/pyjamas
Blanket for her sitting room
Good slippers
Warm socks

My next door neighbour is 78 and we have bought her the above presents over the years. All were used and very much appreciated.

DaisyDoor · 29/11/2023 06:15

Some people just aren’t very good at responding to gifts.

How about making up a mini hamper with things that are slightly nicer than her usual- tea, jam, chocolate, nice biscuits etc. all easy to buy at this time of year. She’ll definitely get use from it and perhaps she likes gifts which comprise lots of little bits as that’s what she gives you.

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