Help!!! Urgent gift for 82 year old man

[polkadotchristmas]

Forgotten to get FIL a main gift ? Hes impossible to buy for so I think I've blocked it out !! If all else fails will get Brandy (but not sure if MIL will allow him to have it ). I've access to the big supermarkets and Amazon but that's probs too late. Any amazing ideas ? I've been told what not to get but never what he actually wants. Mil is very passive aggressive about the amount of gifts and he'd like cash but she'd be annoyed. Around £30. Help!!!

A book? What is he interested in?

Gloves, hand warmers, book, food, smellies?

I got my dad a zip up mountain warehouse fleece from Amazon, it came the next day. He feels the cold and easier to get on and off than a jumper.

A gift box with cheese, crackers, chocolates, small bottle of so thing alcoholic etc?
His wife sounds very controlling, are you worried for him?

He doesn't really do or like much any more 😞. Used to cycle and run but once he "can't do" something or gives up a hobby it is never spoken about again.
Got him a gardening book just for the pics and interest and a couple of novels and some chocolate. Maybe I'll just get Brandy and be done with it.
Have got vouchers before for lunch / afternoon tea but there is always a problem. Traffic on way there or cold items or not nice items. Wherever we choose isn't any good. It's painful.

@tonsilly a fleece would be great actually. Wonder if any of the supermarkets have one ?!

Just give him cash... And brandy. See what she does. I'd pour him a glass in front of her me.

Mil worries about him as he's had some health issues and he's happy to be mothered. It's messed up. I can't be arsed with it all. DH has done practically zero of the shopping

How about Chris Hoy's book?

Thermals. I got my dad some Thermals from Sainsbury's, great quality. Also got him some trainers from Ecco. And his favourite sweets.

Bottle of whisky - Scottish single malt

My dad is similar age and got him gig tickets but obviously bad suggestion for your fil.. Go with the fleece and a half bottle of brandy?

heated blanket?

The 86 year old i know likes the David Attenborough books and the countryfile ones

Bought my Mum's male friends in her residential home comfortable top socks , a huge bag of Werther's , Shortbread , a tie , Himalayan salt in a grinder from Aldi's chutney and crackers, shower gel and antiperspirant, and a fruit cake .

Sorry OP l just realised you wanted a main present.
What about a subscription for a newspaper or magazine . Or National Trust membership for the two of them .
Hope you find something OP Good luck 🤞