Are you a woman aged 55-65? If so, can I pick your brains?

[DinosaurPotato]

Hello all,

Hope you had a great Christmas. My mum has a birthday in January and ordinarily I don't buy anything until after Christmas as there are inevitably ideas from gifts others have got but this year nothing is standing out.

If you are in the similar age range, I wondered if you'd be so kind as to tell me your favourite present? My lovely husband got me some corkers some good inspiration there and although she is (obviously) a bit older than me, we have similar tastes! She's very active, likes gardening/walking/lunches/visiting nice gardens. Likes nice food but is very healthy so not definitely won't want too many goodies or alcohol just after Christmas. I find jewellery a bit tricky but have had success with earrings recently so feel have exhausted that avenue! She likes to read but I have just given her a few books. She got both of us such a thoughtful and varied selection of gifts for Christmas, I'd really like to treat her! Thank you.

If she's not already a member, how about membership of the RHS?

There are five lovely gardens that would be free to visit (and she could take a guest in free) but there are also hundreds of "partner" gardens that offer free or reduced entry to RHS members at certain times.

Experiences every time thank you. A lovely day out is my favourite big present.

A nice new outdoor plant pot, fill with compost and spring bulbs, snowdrops, little daffodils, etc. or a bird bath, garden ornament, wind chimes.
A nice Emma bridgewater mug.
A nice smelling candle.
Posh bubble bath.
Magazine subscription.
Any of these ide really like.

Afternoon tea or garden centre voucher? Theatre tickets?

National Trust or National Heritage membership?

A short weekend course on something she'd enjoy? Cooking at River Cottage maybe? Or something creative? Writing? Pottery?

Artwork of favourite films or bands/singers? My DH bought me a fabulous David Bowie artwork.

I love receiving a book voucher.

Voucher from an outdoor type shop, so she can buy herself a new pair of walking boots or a good outdoor coat?
An Alexa if she doesn't have one, and an Audible subscription so she can listen to books whilst doing things around the house.
A really lovely painting of a garden she knows and loves (even her own, if it's big enough).
A really good vacuum flask.

Nice hand wash and hand cream
Emma bridge water
Posh candle
Earrings
Vase
Posh wine glass

This is a good place to buy artwork

https://www.kingandmcgaw.com/

Along the lines of RHS membership- how about National Trust membership?
As she walks a lot would she appreciate some walking socks - craghoppers do some good ones and if she wanted knee high socks to go under trousers Ray Mears website sells them.

Theatre tickets - for an afternoon performance!

Books with bookmarks.
Thermals :)

Dh bought me a Lego orchid. I have never done Lego as an adult (but did suggest it) as I like doing things and have a spot for it that doesn't get enough light for a real one.

I’m your mums age with similar interests. I’d love garden vouchers, a subscription to the RHS, tickets for Chelsea or another flower show, a voucher for a nice restaurant - I agree with others about experiences.

I'm same age and have similar interests.
National trust membership is a good one, as a walker it's worth it just for the parking for free at loads of walk sites, also so many NT places have lovely forests and land to walk around solo in relative safety.
Voucher for outdoor stores, theres always a gear upgrade you want
Gardening portable kneeling stool. So you don't have to squat to weed and you don't get soggy knees

@peppermintcrisp

Why afternoon? We don't turn into pumpkins at nightfall! I'm just on my way home from a gig in a club, that's what this 50 something enjoys

I would hate afternoon tea, ditto anything from Emma Bridgewater or to do with the garden.
My son bought me tickets to an orchestral concert, I also love Chanel perfume and collect a particular kind of ceramic.
In other words, it's very individual, and you're trying to be really thoughtful and generous, so check out her hobbies and preferences.

A lovely big picture book of beautiful gardens of the world and a lunch out somewhere she would really enjoy.

I agree it's more about the experience than the gift. Definitely a lovely outing somewhere you could both really enjoy!

I’m in that age range and my best present last year was a Supercar Driving Experience Day (3 cars). Absolutely brilliant fun!

One of my presents from DH is always a voucher for a massage as I do a lot of entertaining in December - which I love but it's also tiring and I look forward to this treat.

I love anything which involves my adult, very busy, DC spending time with me whether a meal or a trip out somewhere.

I love walking and new walking socks are always welcome as they become less comfortable over time. Depending where you are, you might be able to find a book of local walks. We gave my DB one of walks that start and end at a pub last year.

I love receiving new cookery books but you'd need to know what she already has.

That's a great present!

I love getting a voucher for a beauty salon so I can get a facial, or a massage, or my lashes done.

A kindle
A potted tree
A garden sculpture
China cups and saucers with a flower motif
Gardening gloves
Hand cream for gardeners
A wide-brimmed hat
A bird bath

This! Something to do, possibly together.

My DM has had strictly and ABBA tickets recently

Another vote for Chelsea flower show tickets or RHS membership; for me, Kew Gardens membership would be fab but I'm within reach of it

Theatre tickets and take me with you! I wish someone would take me to The Other Bronte at the National next year, or to something at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. I'm fine organising it myself but it would be a huge treat to be taken there.

I have many friends in this age group who love to go to Fascinating Aida and/or Abba Voyage. Not so much my thing but I suggest it because I know so many people who love either or both.