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Christmas

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Original poster

PLEASE help me bash through some of my Christmas list

36 replies

Unpresent · 09/11/2024 22:38

For some reason I'm drawing a blank for almost everyone this year. Usually love Christmas and choosing presents but I'm really struggling.
Have a new baby and we're moving house so no time for crafty things or trawling shops for inspiration really. Also budget is even tighter than usual, and I've cleared so much out getting ready to move I'm really averse to buying more 'stuff'.

Grateful for any and all ideas as I've often finished shopping by now but so far have one thing for DS1 and nothing for anyone else.

So, please tell me if you have any ideas for:

DM - generally difficult to buy for as almost anything we'd get her she can afford nicer herself. Likes: classical music esp opera, politics, good murder mystery novels and thrillers, gardening, the colour turquoise. Would prefer experience gifts. Doesn't like or want food gifts or knick knacks for the house.

DH - needs nothing, wants nothing except things to facilitate his Warhammer obsession. I don't know what but may just ask him. Also likes board games and computer games and has recently acquired a 3D printer. No interest in any sport. Listens to audiobooks via audible rather than reading so paper books get wasted. Not interested in clothes/ accessories/ grooming products.

DS1 - 10yo. Quite likes lego but has too much (he thinks so too). Not into video games or sports. Getting really into reading graphic novels but I think has read most of the obvious series. Likes Harry Potter, Star Wars, Percy Jackson. Struggles to read paper books due to severe dyslexia but loves audiobooks - already has an Audible subscription. Interested in archaeology/ treasure/ gemstones. Loved a silversmithing course I took him on for his birthday but not generally into crafty things. Has no idea what he wants apart from a Bitzee, which I'm not convinced he'll like but have purchased in desperation.

DS2 - 7yo. Also quite likes Lego but has a lot. Very into video games and very sporty/ physical. Particularly likes football but playing rather than watching, doesn't support a team, doesn't need new gloves or pads or anything. Does ballet but doesn't need anything for that. Also likes Harry Potter and Star Wars, loves board games but struggles with not winning so co-op games better. Loves animals esp. penguins. Has no idea what he wants.

DS3 - 5 weeks. Enjoys milk and cuddles. Hobbies include pooing, whinging and posseting. Clearly needs/ wants nothing but is going to have to receive something from Santa for the sake of DS2 🤦🏻‍♀️.

DSIS + SIL - they're expecting twin babies a week or two before Christmas, one of whom is certainly going to require an immediate operation and NICU stay. Have no idea what sort of mood/ state they're going to be in come Christmas and torn between focusing on getting them things that may help/ be useful or trying to make sure at least their Christmas presents are all about them rather than the babies.

Please spam me with suggestions for any of the above!!

OP posts:
BellissimoGecko · 09/11/2024 22:42

DM: an afternoon tea out with you all, out a day at a NT place or RHS garden

Ds: a day at an archaeological dig - is that a thing?

Baby - selection of clothes in next size and cute Christmas books that will do the next few years and toys ditto. He's the easiest!!

Dh - tell him you're knackered and can't think of anything. Ask him for ideas.

BellissimoGecko · 09/11/2024 22:45

Ds2 - sponsor a penguin. You can get tracker bracelets that track eg sharks, so would he like one of those? Or sponsor a penguin at your local zoo that you can go and visit regularly. Or a junior zookeeper experience where he can look after penguins.

BellissimoGecko · 09/11/2024 22:46

Dsis- voucher for babysitting? Afternoon tea that is delivered to them? Pamper basket of bubble baths, etc.?

Grepes · 09/11/2024 22:46

Husband - doesn’t sound like he needs or wants anything. Save yourself both a lot of work, agree either not to buy anything for each other, or if you need to do presents in front of the children just wrap up stuff you already have or need (toiletries, toothpaste, clothes, etc).

Baby - wrap up stuff like nappies, shampoo, babygrows (could be stuff he already has).

Get your 2 other children to make a list (written or audio), then focus on that.

Mother - agree no presents with adults. Get the children to make her something from them.

Sister - Deliveroo or equivalent vouchers.

RosiePosie88 · 09/11/2024 22:47

Get baby a beach ball as main present. Looks big, very cheap, and can be deflated and put away!

balloonsintrees · 09/11/2024 22:48

DM - if in the south then have a look at Grange Park Opera house, they do vouchers and it is a fabulous experience to go to an opera there.

mitogoshigg · 09/11/2024 22:50

A classic opera recording on lp if she has a record player, or a dvd of a famous production (eg I saw a really famous version of La Boheme in New York, Franco Zeffirelli's production.

Elsbetka · 09/11/2024 22:52

Your DS1 sounds like mine ❣️ how about a ticket for a Bricktastic type event? Alternatively a lava lamp, a cheap sheepskin rug for his room (IKEA), a fleecy v-shaped pillow for reading in bed (big hit with my kids!), adopted animal at Chester Zoo, subscription to graphic/comic mag, a bonsai tree, waterproof ski gloves, board game such as Labyrinth/Cheater's Monopoly/Codenames Pictures.

CalliopePlantain · 09/11/2024 22:52

Cook voucher for sister

RHS membership or Chelsea flower show tickets for mum

Harry Potter warner brothers studio day out for the kids

fourelementary · 09/11/2024 22:53

DH- agree you each have a budget to buy your own presents this year.

Mum- a National Trust membership? Or similar? Gardening Centre vouchers for a local centre. Or theatre tickets- get two so she can take a friend.

DS1- a rock tumbler? A decent metal detector? And a fact book about archaeology with plenty of photos…

DS2- a rebounder net for football and an electric pump and new football. A cuddly heat up-able penguin. Boot bag for football or a new shoe bag for ballet.

Baby- some “that’s not my” books (penguin?), crinkly sensory toys and some new clothes. Or a few bits for mid year as their birthday is a long way away- so classic baby toys like stacking cups, a soft ball etc.

SIL and hubby- tough one- I’d be inclined to wait until the babies are here and you know what their situation is like. Maybe a card with an IOU 2 hours of babysitting and a local restaurant voucher to be claimed once things settle and you feel able to manage 3 babies and two kids!!! Maybe your mum and DH will help out with that?

ainkeepsfalling · 09/11/2024 22:53

DM: tickets to a murder mystery night, an escape room, vouchers for afternoon tea

DH: either agree not to bother, or arrange a lovely child free night out/dinner.

DS1: digventures.com/product/digcamp-gift-certificate/ or have a look at the natural history museum gift shop. They also do archaeological dig kits on Amazon I think.

DS2: A football goal for the garden, or one of those swing ball sets with a football on it

Baby: clothes, baby books etc

DSIS/in law : Cook vouchers, or vouchers for M&S so they can buy in some ready meals (my dad's favourite gift!)

LilyHarris · 09/11/2024 22:56

DM - a bird nest box or feeder for the garden that has a camera in it, so you can watch it on your phone/TV. My parents loved watching eggs hatch and baby birds growing up in their nest box. Or a book subscription for murder mysteries.

DS1 - a metal detector or rock tumbler.

banivani · 09/11/2024 22:59

Left field idea for DM: a solve a murder game with clues etc? Like Exit? I recently played one from a Scandinavian company that you solve in two stages - first you read witness statements and look at photos from the crime scene and a map, then you go to stage two and more in depth stuff. Very well done and realistic.

Zebracat · 09/11/2024 23:10

Baby .- a rag doll from Little Dutch. H&M have good soft toys too. Husband. When people really don’t care about clothes, and have made a bit of a thing of that, the only way to break what is actually a ridiculous position, because he’s not in a bin bag is he? Is to confound them with items so heavenly that they are forever ruined. I like Falke socks. I got my equally clothes blind Dh proper with a cashmere hoodie last year. Board game - we love Ticket to Ride. Mother -The Susie Dent book Guilty by Definition is quite good. Expectant parents. I’ve forgotten it’s name, but the posh frozen meals delivery service is excellent.

Flubadubba · 10/11/2024 08:52

DSIS: Cook vouchers all the way.

https://www.cookfood.net/

They also.do new parents meal boxes: https://www.cookfood.net/menu/meal-boxes/new-parents

(Also: sign up for their new parent discount: https://www.cookfood.net/new-parents)

AgathaChristmas · 10/11/2024 08:53

Baby - bubble bath, 'my first toothbrush' bath toys?

Older children - Harry Potter pyjamas (M&S have some)

Maybe a bird of prey experience? Ticket to a football match for the younger one (club matches are hard to buy but England matches are fairly easy - may need to be an IOU)

TheGirlWhoLived · 10/11/2024 09:01

I’ve seen those ‘Stocked’ freezer cubes advertised. Would be tricky to gift, probably have to get a voucher but sound a fantastic idea! (Basically ‘cubes’ of food that store in the freezer,
you get out just the portion you need and it takes approx 3 minutes to warm up in the microwave) they have lots of plant based if they’re into that sort of thing too. Meals are the easiest thing to take away the pressure of!

TheGirlWhoLived · 10/11/2024 09:02

Baby you can gift nappies, first toothbrush, first plate, whatever home bargains have in for about a quid. Easy peasy. Also they love balloons!!

TheGirlWhoLived · 10/11/2024 09:04

Dm might like something fancy shmancy like those turtle dove fingerless gloves that come up each year on the bargain thread - think they’re cashmere. Alternatively something like a new kneeler for the garden or I get my dm ‘Backdoor’ shoes. They are a great brand and £35 full price (also they do a Black Friday sale) loads of different designs

Grepes · 10/11/2024 09:11

I didn’t really appreciate the Cook vouchers. I had no freezer space at all and I didn’t end up using them for a year (used them for party food in the end). I would have preferred deliveroo vouchers so I didn’t have to do anything at all (freeze, cook, etc.). But, it depends where you live I guess.

PermanentTemporary · 10/11/2024 09:17

B and SIL: My go to gift for anyone having to spend time in hospital is a sleep mask (usually earplugs as well but that may not be the right vibe for someone about to have newborns). The only issue is they might misunderstand and think you're giving them something sexual, so I think the babysitting voucher is a good one.

Dm: has your mother read The Spy and the Traitor by Ben Macintyre? Real life but reads like a thriller.

Ds 7: skateboard? Lots of good quality second hand ones out there. Helmet etc essential though.

U13579 · 10/11/2024 09:33

DSIS and SIL- What about some nice pyjamas from somewhere like Their Nibs or Chelsea Peers?
DS7- I have seen these circular net targets that you attach to a football goal that look really good and helps him practice his aim. A den building kit.
DM- Murder on the Orient Express play is doing a tour of the UK well into next year so you could check if they would be at a theatre near her. Willow weaving kit to make a hanging bird feeder for garden.
DH- a good quality weekend bag. Board game (I think if you search threads on here there are some amazing threads about board game suggestions)
DS10- one of those gem stone excavation sets, rock tumbler

Minihero · 10/11/2024 09:47

My DH is into Warhammer too - I have got him a jumper, some fragrance and a book but I will also get him some Warhammer kit that he will send me a specific list for!