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Christmas

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

Original poster

Present for friend - up to around £40

10 replies

Aaaarghchristmas · 14/12/2023 21:51

My friends in her fifties, having a bit of a tough time lately

She's struggling a bit with the menopause, and had some family bereavements lately.

She's also gluten free - she likes biscuits and chocolates

Not a huge fan of gardening

She's the loveliest person in the world but I'm really struggling - any advice would be really appreciated

OP posts:
RADIOOFF · 14/12/2023 22:37

Gosh, is this how we do things nowadays - cite someone else’s menopause as a factor in buying them a gift?

Bleurgh!

A decent bottle of single malt would be my first thought.

Lipstick or nail varnish from somewhere like Gucci or Hermes - would brighten anyone’s day.

A leather skipping rope (if she doesn’t already own one).

Or a new yoga mat.

A recently published art monograph.

That sort of thing …

Plus some gluten free chocolate chip oat biscuits from Nairn’s …

StarDolphins · 14/12/2023 22:41

I would get a voucher for a meal or afternoon tea that we could do together. Or something else to do together rather than a thing iyswim.

OwOwHolyCow · 14/12/2023 22:41

I saw this recommended on here recently. If she’s struggling it might be nice for her to see how far she’s come when she looks back
https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/9780307719775?gC=5a105e8b&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9picz_2PgwMVQkFBAh3LFQKgEAQYAiABEgKEpfD_BwE

Gluten free F&M treat, not something you’d normally buy yourself.
https://www.fortnumandmason.com/christmas-oat-milk-chocolate-cranberry-biscuits-gluten-free-200g

Something from Neom. Their scent to sleep candle really works for me. They have different sizes starting from £19-50
https://www.marksandspencer.com/l/beauty/neom

High strength magnesium has been great for my menopause mid & sleep disturbance, maybe there is a magnesium menopause gift set or something that might be nice.

Q&A a Day

A 5-year journal with questions to answer about your life for every day, to record ideas and moods.

https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/9780307719775?gC=5a105e8b&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9picz_2PgwMVQkFBAh3LFQKgEAQYAiABEgKEpfD_BwE

OwOwHolyCow · 14/12/2023 22:42

#mood & sleep.

Original poster
Aaaarghchristmas · 14/12/2023 22:45

Sorry I didn't mean to be offensive - I'd been thinking of a nice blanket or socks, but she's been struggling with hot flushes so thought maybe not

I'll keep an eye out for the oat biscuits, they sound lovely

OP posts:
Original poster
Aaaarghchristmas · 14/12/2023 22:47

RADIOOFF · 14/12/2023 22:37

Gosh, is this how we do things nowadays - cite someone else’s menopause as a factor in buying them a gift?

Bleurgh!

A decent bottle of single malt would be my first thought.

Lipstick or nail varnish from somewhere like Gucci or Hermes - would brighten anyone’s day.

A leather skipping rope (if she doesn’t already own one).

Or a new yoga mat.

A recently published art monograph.

That sort of thing …

Plus some gluten free chocolate chip oat biscuits from Nairn’s …

Sorry I didn't mean to be offensive - I'd been thinking of a nice blanket or socks, but she's been struggling with hot flushes so thought maybe not

I'll keep an eye out for the oat biscuits, they sound lovely

OP posts:
aLeagueOfTheirOwn · 14/12/2023 22:51

RADIOOFF · 14/12/2023 22:37

Gosh, is this how we do things nowadays - cite someone else’s menopause as a factor in buying them a gift?

Bleurgh!

A decent bottle of single malt would be my first thought.

Lipstick or nail varnish from somewhere like Gucci or Hermes - would brighten anyone’s day.

A leather skipping rope (if she doesn’t already own one).

Or a new yoga mat.

A recently published art monograph.

That sort of thing …

Plus some gluten free chocolate chip oat biscuits from Nairn’s …

"A leather skipping rope (if she doesn’t already own one)"

That's the most random suggestion for a gift I've ever heard.

RADIOOFF · 14/12/2023 22:54

My point was that - even anonymously - it isn’t your business to be broadcasting her personal stuff on the Internet. (I would be furious if any friend of mine did anything similar and I recognised their post …)

It’s slightly vampiric. And entirely unnecessary information in the context of a Christmas gift.

OllieCollieWoo · 14/12/2023 22:57

You can buy a buff that is supposed to be "cooling" , spotted one the other week at an outdoors shop and bought one for my mate. But might be one of those gifts that stays with me...

Bananaandmarmite · 14/12/2023 23:02

What a lovely friend you are. So caring and thoughtful.

I think, by the sounds of it, she’s appreciate anything you gave her.

Top choices for me would be something sensual and luxurious. Maybe a White Company candle and bath oil.

She’s lucky she has you.

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