SIL gift. Which would you prefer?

[Elf36]

Looking for some advice for buying my SIL a gift. She is very nice but also quite difficult to get really close to so I'm afraid all gift ideas I have for her are quite generic. She goes to the gym a lot, she loves her cat, she likes plants I believe and has a sweet tooth. Bought her a jumper for the gym last year.

As generic gifts go, this is what I have so far in terms of ideas:

1. A rituals gift set (posh shower gel, candle and body cream etc)
2. A kittens/cat wall calendar and some posh chocolates
3. Nice pyjamas

Are these all just a bit crap?
Which would you prefer? Any other ideas? Budget up to about £40

It's such a unique idea though I'm so grateful for all the thought. She has really neutral decor, I wouldn't say she has a passion for interiors (neither am I) so may look for something that will add something without being too much. Easy peasy! 😂

Yeah, it would very much depend on the SiL in question. One of mine would love it. The other would be horrified.

I second if it's your husband's sister / SIL make him do it. 🤭

Have you looked for ideas by looking at her social media and who she follows?

Funnily enough, I am thinking of a small terranium for my grandson who has shown an interest in gardening. I think I'm edging towards an open one rather than a closed one mainly because the closed ones I've seen in several garden centres have quite ugly cork stoppers.

Oh yeah, if she’s got a neutral home, that is not the gift for her! 😂

I’d go with really nice smellies.

No to calendar or diary.

One of the nice metal water bottles that keep drinks cold is handy for the gym, as are nice toiletries “to go”.

A pet-safe houseplant in an attractive pot should come in under budget. A small terrarium would also work.

A three month subscription for biscuit, chocolate, fudge or coffee could be good. I love getting subscription gifts - happiness through the post to get me through the winter!

Waitrose & B&M had ( not sure if they do now) really quite nice terrariums around £20 ish

I go to the gym and I like cats (although I don't have one!)......I'd like the PJs but with a gift receipt please! The problem with calendars is that you either up with none or five. I have cupboards full of water bottles for the gym, haven't used a diary for at least 10 years and any plant in my care would be lucky to see next Christmas!

My SIL has insisted on buying me something this year so I'm tolerating a book token. How about that?

Hahaha, that made me laugh. Thanks

Any chance of finding out does she prefer showers to baths, does she use body cream etc etc. Some people use body cream and lotion happily, others just groan as they're gifted it.

Then save a few pounds of your budget and give her cat a gift also. Separately wrapped, and addressed to its name. Dreamies or similar will do.

Yes. I too love my cat.

See this is a gift I would feel guilty about giving but would be overjoyed to receive. In my view the best gift is a book voucher, pj's or something edible 😂

Sorry for typos! Typing too quickly

I'd get her some gym leggings. She'll use them. No calendar, no toiletries in a gift box as they indicate no thought or even regifting, no pyjamas she might not wear. She goes to the gym, so get some leggings.

What about something from the "Under £50 gifts" in Lulu Lemon?

Gifts for Her | lululemon UK

Does she use e.g. a Chanel perfume that you could get a matching shower gel for (Black Friday prices should get it near budget)? Useful, but luxurious.

Now I'd love any of them! Rituals is really nice and who doesn't love new PJs? I think you've put some thought in to get things that she likes (checking whether she's a bath or shower lover is a good idea though and get a set that suits).

I'm doing my SIL a box of blind date with a book so she can have a nice surprise book whenever she wants to pick up something new. We're both big readers and it's a combo of things I think she'd like and books I love that I want to share with her.

This is so sweet 🥰

Thank you for all the ideas. Her birthday is around the corner too so might use some for that too.

I was avoiding gym stuff because I bought her something gym related last year but thinking about it that is her main activity and so she would definitely get use out of gym related stuff.

She particularly likes spinning. Are leggings good for that? Literally zero clue😂

Nice pyjamas.

Gift voucher for a sportswear company.

Ask her DH/partner etc

Don't guess, money will just be wasted.

@CriticalOverthinking - I hate pyjamas, I sleep all year round in large T-shirts/sleepshirts but you wouldn't know it unless you see my bedroom.

What about a voucher for a restaurant? That is always my go to and I know I would much prefer a night not cooking over a calendar/body wash etc.

I actually love getting gift sets of smellies especially posh ones like Rituals or The White Company, but prefer to get items I’ll actually use so I ask for 3 x individual shower gels for example instead of a box where I wouldn’t use all of it and you’re paying for the packaging. If she takes showers you could do this? I can’t see why anyone would be offended by nice shower gel.

I know someone who received a gin club membership which they loved ( obviously not suitable for everyone) every month received a (decent) sized bottle of gin, a mixer and fancy snacks
Not sure of pricing, but could you share with someone else ?

Was thinking this too. The box is nice but the bits I'm sure she would use are the shower gel and candle. Less sure about the body cream and body scrub.