Gifts for DS’s partner

[Gritstsy]

Hello all,
I know this will seem excessive to some but we generally spend around £200-£250 on our children’s partners. For DS1 I find it very easy to buy from his partner but I really struggle for DS2’s girlfriend. Shes 25, I’d never buy her clothes or make up as she’s quite picky. They just moved together and their home is gorgeous, very put together and lots a lovely bright colours. She loves reading (native language is French so we’d probably have to find the book in French), she goes snowboarding, does Pilates, likes cooking, plays tennis pretty often.

So far DS has sent us the link to a ceramic matchbox his gf would like, it’s £65 but I have no idea what else to get her. I don’t want to get anything like hand cream etc. as I’m sure she will have her own preferences. Have looked at a candle and may add one but just curious as to if anyone has any more creative ideas?

We don’t do days out/vouchers as gifts so actual physical items she can open.

This is the matchbox we’ve ordered.
https://jolaing.com/products/the-fool-ceramic-matchbox?srsltid=AfmBOoqNuZP_Y4NDPdjnrmbGRUkZsuGstz4xoF9hWJlCM_9FoQ1IOgtC

Something else by that same designer? It's nice stuff.

Can't believe the matches themselves are £10 though!!!!!

I am over 12 and I would thank you! My 35 year old ex step son likes it too.

It's not for everyone but no need to be sneery.

I like Lush too ❤️

I love Lush stuff.

I would be looking to change the tradition. If you want to spend that much then surely cash or vouchers are preferable. Otherwise you will be in a pickle each year trying to spend a lot of money on things she probably doesn't want.

If she is very fussy about make up, maybe get her a Victoria Beckham kajal eyeliner. They are pricey - about £30 each - but have consistently excellent reviews and are considered vg by make up loving people. I always think that really good versions of small things you use anyway are excellent presents.

I know candles get a mixed reaction on MN but I was once gifted a gorgeous Jo Malone candle. I’d never spend £60 on a candle myself but loved it. I’d pair it with a USB rechargeable candle lighter and a candle snuffer. Add in a bottle of her favourite drink and some luxury chocolates

Le creuset in one of the colours from the matchbox.

This, it seems an awful lot of money to blow on stuff that she may or may not like or use.

Can your son give you more ideas?

This is a really good suggestion. Within budget and a really nice luxury item. Maybe a fig or green scent rather than a rose.

The candle suggestion makes sense. Get a high end one- Diptyque or Trudon. Your son can find out which scents she likes.

If she has every thing she needs, I'd go wine. Do you have an independent wine merchant/shop nearby? If so go in a talk to then about French wine. You could get a couple of really lovely high end wines on that budget. If you want to get something to go with, buy the right glasses for the wine.

With that budget, you need to be told what to spend it on. It's a lot of money to spend on a guess. TBH I think it's a lot of money to spend on generic "hand cream and candles" gifts anyway. Surely if you are spending that much you want something specific?

I keep seeing those match books and I love them! They are ridiculous and excessive but if we used matches I would still want one.

I think this too. My MIL doesn't spend this much on me but has form for buying me almost-thoughtful expensive gifts (more like £50 rather than £200 though) that I don't like. For example, she'll get a jumper from a shop I like in a colour that doesn't suit me. Or jewellery that's a bit similar to something I would wear but somehow not quite my style. I do really appreciate the thought that goes into it, but it also feels a bit sad because it's a waste of money and emphasises that she doesn't really know me. I liked it better when she bought me a voucher for a shop she knew I liked and had a local branch of - that still felt thoughtful because it was tailored enough to my tastes not to be generic.