MIL Gift Ideas

[Itstheshowgirl]

Need some inspiration for a MIL gift this year. She is in her early 60’s, not short of a bob or two and very glamorous (Botox, nails always done, hair always perfect etc). She gets about a billion candles and bottles of wine each Christmas off of people so not going down that route, she isn’t sentimental in the least so nothing like family photos etc. Clothes are out because she is fussy, we did a beautiful hat/scarf/glove set last year but don’t think she actually used it (although we don’t see her that often in an outdoor setting mainly us visiting her house so could be wrong on this).

Any ideas? Ideally I would like to spend only £50 but can go a little over if needed.

How about a house plant in a pot or a set of easy to look after air purifying plants. Beards and Daisies have a lovely selection. Beautiful plants.

A nice Clarin’s set
A voucher for her hair dresser
A voucher for her Botox clinic
Molton brown stuff

I just really hope OP that you don’t get a load of why are you worrying about this responses, or ask your husband.
You are super organised and hopefully you will get good suggestions and not be patronised.

Thank you both, a plant might work, I don’t like giving vouchers generally but it might be what works best. DH has a complicated relationship with his Mum (so do I!) and would just pick up a generic Bayliss and Harding gift set but she is very generous to us with her time in terms of babysitting so I like to make an effort.

https://www.ortigiasicilia.com/en/bath-shower/soaps/green-assorted-box-9-glycerine-soaps These gorgeous soaps. I would liove to receive this set.

Those soaps look beautiful @MindytheWonderHorse

Does she like food? Another option could be a hamper of some lovely Italian olive oil, biscuits, chocolate etc from Eataly or similar deli near you. Or from Fortnums.

Or a fancy gardening knife if that's more her thing?

Chanel No 5 mirror and Lisa Eldridge Lipstick

Her favourite perfume. Or the matching shower gel/hand cream.

An indoor lemon tree. I am imagining MIL drinking gin and tonics, but this might not be the case!

A Radley purse.

An Emma Bridgewater mug, with some nice tea or coffee.

Cook books.

Posh bubble bath.

Does she read? If so, books! Go into Waterstones and pick 5 paperbacks that look like the sort of thing she might be interested in.

(This would be my dream gift..)

Some more great suggestions thanks love the Chanel mirror idea that sounds great, and the Radley purse. I would do a hamper but she has massive food/weight issues so best avoided. Books are also my dream gift but MIL isn’t a reader.

I always try and find something personalised. Katie Loxton & etsy offer very nice presents for under £50 which are useful but also have a personalised touch on!

I’m in that age group, I’d like
one of these makeup bags https://www.elizabethscarlett.com/products/pressed-flowers-charcoal-open-flat-makeup-bag-charcoal?variant=54909391864181&currency=GBP&tw_source=google&tw_adid=&tw_campaign=21154487734&tw_kwdid=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21154511254&gbraid=0AAAAACC6VR1Czyq6gZzJMiL7dgTuE_yLo&gclid=CjwKCAjw2vTFBhAuEiwAFaScwsgiKEIzhP-LlB_Tmn0FH4tT_CG9WfzzdBFKnZmXP-UqGHQKCOT0kRoCUtIQAvD_BwE

shower gel and/or body lotion to go with favourite perfume - or other luxe brand eg Elemis, Clarins etc

cashmere sweater

!isa Eldridge lipstick, Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream lip balm or Eve Lom lip balm

Pilates or yoga gear, voucher for massage or event at yoga studio

neom diffuser, mini electric diffuser and oils

Make up bag
Bath elixir - I’ve bought this for my DM https://www.marksandspencer.com/national-gallery-bath-elixir/p/hbp60693297
Coffee syrups
Blanket or throw
Kate Spade insulated travel mug
Cashmere bed socks

I like the indoor lemon tree idea.

Lovely things on the Fortnums website

I wouldn’t be giving vouchers to an older, reasonably well-off person , but I might buy them tickets for the theatre or a show.
Oththerwise, maybe jewellery if you know what she likes, a magazine subscription relating to any of her interests, PJs or nightie from Cyberjammies or similar, posh body oil, scent . One of my favourite presents in the last few years was a small portable phone charger.

I'm slightly younger, but I guess similar regarding fussy etc and I think these are all great ideas!

Hope you find something suitable OP, you're obviously putting a lot of thought in to it which is lovely!

My mum really liked some posh shower gels a few years ago - not mega posh, but the kind of thing you might not buy yourself. I think it was Liz Earle.

She doesn't sound like a nik naks kind of person so I'd go for things she can use up. I think the shower gel/ body cream of her favourite scent shows thoughtfulness. If she likes a particular style of food putting together a small hamper with oil/ salt / snacks would be nice.

What does she like to do etc?

I’m a similar age and totally agree with what others have said about stuff that can be used up. Something like Molton Brown bath/shower gel with matching body lotion. Or handwash and hand cream.

Liz Earle Orange Flower Botanical Body Wash is lovely, with a matching body lotion. LE is on 3 for 2 at Boots at the moment, so you could a get something else eg hand cream.

I’ve just bought a memory gift book for my mum from Storybox.life. They receive a weekly email and after they answer all the questions they receive a beautifully bound full colour hardback book of their life with pictures. Something really special for the family to share.

Weleda wild rose moisturiser.
Dr Bronner's or other natural soaps.
Lemon tree.
Find out her fave lipstick / perfume etc.
Emma Bridgewater mug or a tin with biscuits in it.
Nice walking socks.
John Lewis voucher.
A subscription to something.
Yoga classes.
A Stanley cup flask.
Theatre tickets.