If you are a woman between 50-60 please give me feedback on these gifts!

[GotMooMilk]

MIL is the HARDEST person ever to buy for. She doesn't really have any hobbies, doesn't like food presents (have given her a hamper of home made food and drink last year and no one has looked less impressed at anything...!) and has an incredibly minimalist house so doesn't like home gifts. She doesn't like going places she hasn't been so a restaurant/theatre voucher wouldn't be used.
Every Christmas or birthday she kills me! Anyway I have got her:

• Fluffy slippers
• Gel eye mask that can be kept in fridge or warmed
• Small box of chocolates
• Make up bag

Does this sound ok?

63 here and they are not anything I'd want, sorry.
She does sound quite boring though so they may suit here
In your shoes I'd probably buy a potted orchid or a sofa throw to match her sitting room.

Liberty/John Lewis voucher and chocolates?

Yes to all! I love new slippers at Christmas and always like a box of chocs. Make up bag also good for holidays.

No, I wouldn't want any of those presents, but then your MIL sounds very different to me. I have slippers and they definitely aren't fluffy, I have several make up bags, and I have a gel mask (but don't really use it). A large box of my favourite kind of chocolates would be very welcome. Do you know what she likes? Chocolates are such a personal thing, but the right ones are always a good present IMO.

@ Notquitegrownup DDIL buys us afternoon teas together, and I love, and really appreciate them. That’s a great idea as long as you get on well. And she likes afternoon tea of course.

Some L'Occotine hand wash is nice, the smell on those is usually good and not over powering

It really depends! I know quite a few 50 yr olds who have kids just finishing primary school or young teens and are still young at heart. They probably wouldn't like any of that. Slippers are nice if someone doesn't have any I guess.

If she doesn't want them or won't use them it doesn't matter how nice they are it's just junk/clutter.
How about a nice bottle of something Rum, wine, posh cordial as appropriate and a suitable drinking glass. And a seasonal plant or flowers.
My Mil is a lot older now and we don't do presents anymore but we always had to find 'disposable / non permanent' presents. Also photos, gloves or silk scarf.

I'm 64 and would hate those gifts. But she sounds a nightmare. What about an Oxfam goat? 😀

I’m 56 and have had enough time on the planet to acquire slippers and make up bags so I wouldn’t give those. The eye mask I might use and I personally would be ambivalent about chocolates.

I think you’re best off getting her a voucher for JL or M&S as mentioned upthread. You say she doesn’t read books but would a magazine subscription suit her? Otherwise decent quality soap/shower gel which I know is a bit of a cop out but it can at least be used. I am at the point where I really don’t want any more clutter in my life so things I can use that don’t take up space are good, maybe she’s the same?

I'm in that age group and would only like the chocolates on that list, but I wouldn't say anything and would thank you enthusiastically because uoiu sound a lovely DIL.

In the Safe And Bland category, I'd prefer a house plant in a nice pot, or maybe indoor bulbs like Paperwhite daffodils. Maybe nicely scented soap and matching hand cream as my hands do get dry in winter. Turtle Dove handwarmers are lovely and luxurious.

I'd actually like real wool socks because they are so incredibly warm and I'm keeping the heating off when I can. Book vouchers are my ideal gift.

Looking at the makers fair sounds a great option. I got MIL a set of coasters made from paintings of a place important to her when she grew up that I found at one of those, along with a china mug and a fancy tea caddy. She was really pleased.

I'm at the younger end of your age range and the things I am looking forward to receiving some very expensive Loccitane shower gel, Neom candles. My in-laws are getting pics of the kids and vouchers mostly.

I bought my Mum some expensive chocolates from Kennedys and wondered if I could get some for me but instead bought some for DH so I can steal some!!

Do you have children? If so a voucher to do something together?

I'd be upset not to get at least one pair of socks!

Nowadays I am in fact reluctant to buy presents for ppl (MIL included) who are so 'difficult' to buy presents for.
I bent over backwards for my MIL when she was alive. Endured (I got better at being more assertive with her) lots of critical comments from her when we visited her.
When I look back she was such a meany. I allowed it too. I used to gripe at my DH about her who of course couldn't see it and told me I was taking it the wrong way/too sensitive etc
Things got better when I stood up other MYSELF. Better with my DH too.

This is a lovely company, 20% off 1st order

https://theenglishsoapcompany.com/product-category/collections/kew-gardens-collection/

I'm 52 and wouldn't be particularly overwhelmed by those gifts. I think I'd rather have an M&S voucher to buy some treat food.

My favourite gifts are craft kits for things I've never tried before, such as macrame and cheese making. You also can't go wrong with a fancy candle or some insence sticks.

I'm sure your MIL will be happy you've thought about her tbh.

Sounds lovely - it sounds a lot to me, I would feel very spoilt.

If she is r MIL, do you still have a husband/Wife who is with us, my only question is why are you buying them? Fair enough if she was easy to buy for but why is it occupying your head space?

I’m 52 and wouldn’t want any of those gifts - you say you’re budget is about £25 whereas if I was having new slippers for example I like Uggs.
I’d prefer a nice bottle of Molton Brown bubble bath, a nice bottle of gin/ wine or a voucher for JL, The White company etc. One decent present at £25 rather than lots of bits would be my preference.

53 - eye mask sounds useful if a bit boring.

Chocolates good as long as a premium brand as I'm a bit of a chocolate snob!

Make up bag would always be used as mine always get mucky and I replace them often.

Fluffy slippers no - I wear expensive sheepskin ones and nothing else will do!

I would just buy a nice house plant and a jar of her brand of instant coffee. She clearly doesn’t really want anything, so you’re buying for the sake of it. At least with a plant she may get some pleasure from it, or she can give it to someone else and at least she’ll drink the coffee!

Bless you OP, I hope she learns to appreciate how hard you try. I second the idea of buying one expensive thing rather than several cheaper ones.

Maybe you could find something personalised at the makers market?
For the future, the online retailer Not on The High Street has lots of appealing gifts, both personalised and not, though it isn't that cheap.

I found some books about TV shows on Amazon including a quiz and crossword book.

Mid-60s here, and wouldn’t appreciate any of those, but a) I do have interests and b) even if you bought something I didn’t like, I’d never show it - your mother-on-law sounds like hard work.

If all she does is watch television, buy her a TV guide magazine subscription.

Just as an aside, you could just ask her what she wants? My DIL always asks me!

It is strange that you ask the opinions based on sex and age. Do all women of this age like the same things?

I'd give her a rocket up the backside.
How can she do NOTHING apart from work and watch telly?

I get her a voucher.