What to get for the in laws who live aboard?

[JM0934]

Hi all, I know I’m early but I want to start planning and preparing things.

My mother in law and her husband (who is not my husband’s father) are coming back to the UK to visit us for Christmas this year. We are not very close to them, but we do talk about once a week on FaceTime.

We don’t normally do Christmas presents with each other because it costs a fortune to post them to the states. However they do send a small gift for the kids via Amazon each year.

I’m really stuck on what we should get them for Christmas. We can’t get them anything too heavy as they have to fly back home after the New Year.

They don’t really have any hobbies and my MIL is a bit difficult to buy for. I don’t think she’s ever used or wore any of the gifts I have bought her before. I have got her a few personalised gifts in previous years like a necklace or a bracelet with birth stones and guardian angels (she’s into that kinda of things) but again, never seen her wearing any of them.

If anyone has any ideas, I would be greatly appreciated!

Are they here long enough to use a voucher or ticket to something?

Bottle of perfume/aftershave, maybe with matching hand cream, soap etc. Thinking Molton Brown.
Afternoon tea somewhere local whilst they are visiting.

I was also thinking something they could
do while they are here if it works timewise.

i received two fabric placemats with matching napkins from a relative abroad one year, pre DC. We actually used them and wasn’t something I’d have bought myself.

Vouchers to a nice restaurant or show

I’d get vouchers for typical British experiences. Afternoon tea, fish n chips, a night in a proper pub etc.

Thank you. They are only here for about 3 weeks. They are arriving the week before Christmas and leaving just after the new year. I know they are planning to visit other relatives after Christmas Day so I’m not sure if they have time to use the voucher. Unless I can get something they could possibly use for when they go back to the states.

Thank you. Unfortunately I don’t think they would have time as they are only here for 3 weeks. Coming the week before Christmas and leaving after the new year. I know they are planning to visit other relatives after Christmas Day as well. I will have a look at something they could probably use in the house.

I’m in a similar situation with my sister. Last year, I paid for her to spend a night in a really nice hotel for one of the nights of her visit. And then got her chocolates and a nice diary.

How about something made in Britain like a pair of Emma Bridgewater mugs or some Cornishware?

Agree that experiences and doing things together are the gift. Take them to a pantomime. Steam train trip. Christmas lights/glow. Etc.

Try to get a nice photo you can send to them later.

Are the British and emigrated there, or are they American?

-British hamper that you can buy in the US and get sent to their house- twinings, Scottish biscuits, British sweets etc
-Tickets to a panto whilst here
-British/London themed coasters
-Family portrait session with them whilst here

you could take the 'easy to pack' approach and get them pyjamas, socks or a sweatshirt with the kids faces in santa hats on them - not for everyone but they might find it funny?

failing that something nice and British - assuming they will bring some gifts with them so have suitcase space things like mugs are surprisingly easy to pack in hold baggage safely, or fortnums embroidered decorations if that would impress their American friends, or a nice frame and get a picture of you all together to go in it (frame would likely fit hand luggage)

Afternoon tea somewhere swanky. You’ll need to book it asap.

Tickets to the Panto and they can take the kids, win win 😂

Are they staying at your home? Do them a Christmas stocking of little wrapped gifts, consumables or stuff that’s easy to carry eg mini chocolates, miniature alcohol, socks, book etc and then treat them to a show or trip to the cinema.

I like PP's idea of a stocking each with consumables, plus maybe vouchers for a meal out or experience back home, in case doing something here would be hard to fit in?

Is there anything like Bloom & Wild where they live so you could gift them flower deliveries for X months? A subscription to a monthly magazine or something they wouldn't normally buy themselves?

A nice restaurant voucher sounds like a good idea, maybe you can get them a voucher of a place that's closer to them and they'd use it once they are back.
Otherwise you can get them something related to your place, like a photo calendar with pictures of beautiful places nearby or products from local shops (probably not edibles, but depends on the expiring date and possible storage conditions).

Make a calendar with pics of your kids? Or an online gift subscription like bbc maestro or masterclass

We do stockings for anyone stay with us for Christmas. It’s also a flight home.

I usually add some warm low slipper socks from Falke. Easy to pack and practical to use during stay as most forget slippers. Gloves, thin scarf etc might work if they come from warmer climate and you think they won’t have
A small framed picture of Ds for grandparents ( they love anything small kids make also). Then mainly consumables so it can be gone before journey home. Chocolate Lindt reindeer and coins type thing, mini shortbread, locally specialties. Maybe fancier nail varnish or small perfume if you know they like. I usually add a local honey they can pack in case if not handluggage only.