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.

I'm not sure why you specified the age bracket? Interests, fair enough. I don't like all the same things as other 35-45 year old women so why women in 55-65 age bracket would like common presents is beyond me. My aunt would be very depressed ( possibly insulted) to receive gardening stuff, plants or stately home day out and would greatly prefer expensive perfume or champagne

And of course age matters for some types of gift.

Older people may have a lot of the 'stuff' they want. I've got a basket full of walking socks of the precise types I like. With other things... hell yes I'd love 'a boat' but realistically I don't think I could sail now what I could ten years ago.

Does she live in the city or countryside?

Does she socialise a lot?

Does she travel ? Garden ? Have pets? Potter around on her own most of the time ?

And the other obvious thing with age is that people may have downshifted or retired so have a lot more time for days out and hobbies. DH and I can make good use of more than one membership now because he's retired and I'm half time, it would have been a waste to have them if either of us was FT.
Being older isn't a bad thing, you know!

I'm in that age range and one of my top presents of recent years was a lovely high tea out with the DD who bought it.
Something else to think of with January birthdays is to get a subscription so every month or two something lovely - flowers, chocolate (whatever you've gone for) comes through the door.

I am LOL-ing at your request for Slipknot tickets -or a pony. 😆

I don't mean that as sarcy, it's genuinely made me chuckle. 😍 These 2 things could not be more different!

Haha- speak for yourself- I’m useless after 8:30! 😁

In my defence, I do get up very early.

Yeah this. ^ I did all my partying, and late night clubbing, (and waking up in a stranger's front garden at 5am,) and travelling/backpacking, and going to many rock concerts, between 16 and 30. Went to many concerts in the 1980s and 1990s; Madonna, Prince, Queen, Bowie, Blondie, Oasis, Heart, and many more..

THEN I went to loads of rock concerts with my 2 girls when they were school age. (So between 38 and 48-ish.) Drove back from London, Birmingham, Manchester etc at midnight many times after going to concerts with my girls. Also went out for late nights out with friends, and stayed up drinking and chatting til 1-2am while the kids were in bed.

Also walked back from various clubs in my 20s at 3am with friends, and stayed up til daylight, and went to bed at 6am! MANY times.

Some people wear it like a badge of honour if they're doing it at 60, and think they're so incredibly rock 'n' roll. 😆

Been there done that mate. CBA any more. Prefer to sit in watching TV, going to an afternoon show, popping to the pub once a month maybe - home at 9pm - and have pub lunches with DH, and various friends, and my 2 DDs. They are late 20s/nearly 30, and even THEY have done the partying - and pubbing and clubbing, and concerts for some 14-15 years, and are happy to have early nights for a bit now! (They will be doing it again though - late night concerts and shows when they have kids of their own!)

The 'I have pink hair, piercings, and go to rock concerts and stay out til 3am even though I'm 60' brigade do make me laugh. They're so proud of it aren't they? Awwww... (Not sure what they're trying to prove though.) 😬

Personally, I'd prefer evening theatre tickets. Dinner before, then they're usually done by a civilized enough time. Matinees are a horrible waste of daylight when one could be walking, gardening or other outdoors activities.

The 'I have pink hair, piercings, and go to rock concerts and stay out til 3am even though I'm 60' brigade do make me laugh. They're so proud of it aren't they? Awwww... (Not sure what they're trying to prove though.) 😬

I'm going to continue to go out to rock concerts as staying in, "watching TV, going to an afternoon show, popping to the pub once a month maybe - home at 9pm", seems to result in an overwhelming urge to be nasty and patronising.

I'm.a.bit younger than this but my absolute favourite would be an experience, day out with my DD! Depends.on what she likes but theatre, weekend away, food experience etc! I had a zip wire experience for my 50th this year! But, honesty, material possessions just become unnecessary unless it's something I really need!.

If she is someone who believes in shopping local/small/independent or buying from local makers can you get her a voucher she could use for either an object or a class?
Or give her a shopping day with you so she gets time with you and something you choose together.
I am in that age bracket and though I know we all have too many things I still enjoy well made or stylish or comfortable versions of items I use, so a nice pen, well made tools for hobbies, good knives for cooking etc.

Hi again all. I must admit some of your comments have really made me laugh. I also apparently am 90 years old, which tbh I already knew. I love stately homes, walking and eating cake - I'm 30! Obviously I know my mum well and some of these suggestions are perfect for her. In terms of gardening, as I said, she's a fan, but she will most often be found with her jigsaw knocking something up! I, on the other hand, like a good potter! I also like fancy make up/booze/skincare/sport so it's very handy to have a range of suggestions.

I recently went to see Mumford and sons and First Aid Kit with my son. I’ve also seen Robert Plant, Paul Simon and The Waterboys. I don’t have pink hair but I’m not completely past it.