Gift Ideas for MIL

[Haleywaley]

I've literally done every gift I can think of over the years and have now officially run out of ideas for MIL. When i asked her if she needed anything she said I always get her something really thoughtful so she will leave it to me to pick (no pressure lol)
Just for a bit of context, she's in her 70s, doesn't like to leave the house much, doesn't drink and doesn't need anything in particular!
Any ideas are more than welcome 🙏

Not much use but, in my 70s, I prefer things I can use and then dispose of container rather than clutter (I declutter every year, no idea where it all comes from!). So edible (unusual pickles, marmalade etc) or cosmetically useful (bath oils or creams), would she think scented drawer liners too old ladyish or a magazine subscription? The only bit of clutter I'm hoping to get this year is an olive oil bottle with a proper pouring spout and cap so I can infuse some spices and herbs in oil for my pizzas!! It sounds as though she's loved whatever you've chosen in the past so hopefully you'll get a brainwave x

Bird box with built-in camera
Magazine subscription
Digital photo frame, pre-loaded with family photos
Jigsaw puzzle and puzzle board
Tea subscription

Netflix subscription?

How about a photobook of family photos? Or if you have children that are the appropriate age, they could make her a photo story that you "publish" in a photobook?

Last year I did a flower subscription for my MIL. I'm hoping she requests it again this year as it was an easy option.

We bought mil a shed for her allotment last Christmas, this Christmas we are buying her a garden bench. Very practical things she will get a lot of use from - she’s a very practical woman!

Would she be happy to leave the house if you and DP were with her, so could go to the theatre, or dinner, or afternoon tea, together?

Dressing gown.

A Kitchen Aid if she likes cooking/baking. Or posh new pans.

Retro sweets hamper, with maybe things she might remember from her childhood.

My mum loves to get books.

Perfume, with matching body lotion and soap.

Flower subscription
Kindle and Amazon voucher for books
If she has a garden a couple of pots filled with pansies or tulips for spring
Mini 1/4 bottles of wine or Prosecco
Fingerless gloves

If she likes ballet /opera would she go to one of those live screening at cinema with you/friend

If you have young children take her with you to cinema to see Paddington 3

Decent handcream

Aromatherapy associates diffuser pod thing or perhaps the mini Neom one

I bought mine a fancy cheese selection box one year as she's a big cheese fan

Afternoon tea delivered to her house. Definitely flower subscription is a good idea

Another idea - magazine subscription ?

What is your broad price range OP? People are suggesting quite pricey stuff.

Is she a reader? If so I would probably go to Waterstones and look at what they have spread out on the lovely tables of loveliness, and buy stuff you think will appeal to her. The number of books depends on your price range!

Digital photo frame also looks great - one that can be operated by a phone app. If I had more money I would buy this for my parents, but am having to economise this year.......

The biggest hit for my mum in recent years is soft lovely blanket for snuggling up in watching tv

Tin of Fortnums tea if you can get there - there are a few places that sell some. It's expensive for tea but really very nice - the royal blend is good, so is the breakfast blend if you like a malty Assam type tea. Or their earl grey is excellent as well, it for something a little more unusual the countess grey is excellent.

It's about £17.50 but it's for 250g loose leaf which lasts absolutely ages. Obviously it requires a tea fan, but it does feel really fancy and although it's expensive for tea it's not too crazy an expense for a present.

A robe from one hundred stars?

A cashmere wrap?

A teasmade or air fryer?

M&S goodie hamper?

A kindle?

A plant

My favourite gift every year is a calender with photos of my grandchildren, it’s lovely to have a new photo on display each month.

My Mum was in her late 70s and when she started to struggle with necklace clasps so I bought her a longer necklace that would go over her head, with a jumper the necklace went well with.

Digital photo frame, you can add photos from your phone. ExPILs loved seeing new photos popping up all the time.

Magazine subscription, you can get Puzzle ones.

National Theatre At Home pass/subscription (various durations so can stretch or shrink to budget)

Heated blanket for sitting watching TV (and saving on the heating?)