Would really appreciate ideas for a couple please

[OMGitsnotgood]

Budget c. £30. ‘No present’ is not an option and I don’t want to give a voucher. They don’t drink alcohol. They don’t like coffee and just like ‘ordinary’ tea. They receive a photo calendar from family each year.

Past gifts have included candles; cookery books; plants & pots (indoor and outdoor); herb seeds and pots; vase; photo frames and albums; various food gifts; scarves and gloves. I’d rather avoid toiletries, as she has sensitive skin.

We usually get together between Christmas and New Year. Judging by the generous boxes of chocolates & biscuits they bring if they come to us / put out if we go to them, it would seem they receive a lot of those. They used to enjoy walking but one can’t walk too far now so anything related to that is out. Don’t really have hobbies other than reading and watching TV but would be a gamble buying books as I don’t know what they already have.

All suggestions appreciated. Thanks

This is the one we have, we ordered it to come with an acorn but have also successfully grown ones we've found

Thank you @SoManyDandelions

A voucher for their nearest cinema wrapped up with a bag of popcorn or their favourite sweets.

Movie night in kit, some popcorn and sweets, a nice blanket or throw?

A pair of Oodie type tops for keeping warm this winter?

Two different colour Le Creuset mugs £30. I love mine 🩷

Reading light / fancy book mark (not a bedside light but you can get some you put around your neck and adjust- probably meant for camping etc but I love mine

gift subscription for some kind of streaming service? As well as the obvious TV option there is audible for audiobooks or even theatre streaming services.

We made my in-laws a hamper using M&S bits tailored to their preferences last year which was a much bigger hit than I'd anticipated.

A nice planter with plants that will give winter interest will brighten up a doorstep and bring joy every time they go past. All good garden centres should have pre made options if you don't have the confidence to put something together yourself. If you want an individual plant idea, Hellebore are often nicknamed Christmas rose because they are one of the few things that flower this time of year.

Another gift that was a hit with my inlaws was a local history book filled with photos. It was a real talking point with people reminiscing about their memories

if you like @Fannyannie's mug idea, an alternative to le creuset is Emma Bridgewater. There are lots of different designs, can be personalised and are nicely packaged

https://www.thespicery.com/legend-month I know you’ve sent cookbooks before but have a look at the legend kits. The recipes are pretty simple and use basic ingredients but it’s the pre mixed spices that make these dishes authentic and delicious. You get enough spice to make several recipes and they suggest side dishes (and recipes) for each main meal

I know you said no toiletries, but MooGoo do amazing skincare for the most sensitive of skin types, and they do gift boxes etc as well.

I love Etsy! I got a couple a personalised cheeseboard which was cute!

The tea and treats M&S hamper upthread looks perfect. Not overly fancy but a nice treat and it looks really nicely packaged. I’d do that if I were you OP!

Have you seen the fancy books in beautiful covers? Even if they have the book, it’s a lovely version.
www.waterstones.com/campaign/clothbound-classics

Book tokens.

I'm 61. Don't want anything gifty because I have it already or don't want it. Lovely consumables are always very welcme though, beit homemade brownies, a box of chocolates or a nice bottle of wine or whisky.

A lovely throw for their sofa for the colder evenings? I love a blanket over my knees in the evenings .

We buy for a few couples. This year for one I bought the couples blanket from Asda that was down to £2 on an earlier thread - one of those massive blankets with 2 sets of sleeves for snuggling up together! It’s more a jokey thing for them and I’ve popped in some treats to go with it like beer, Prosecco and fancy snacks - for the night in!

for another I’ve bought the electric heated throw that was half price in Asda in earlier thread and made a night in box - there’s a theme here this year! This time with a big bottle of Bombay sapphire, fancy tonic, posh crisps, their favourite chocolates and will get a dvd as they are pensioners and can’t work
out player let alone Netflix!

Previous couples successes have been an Italian hamper (holiday in Italy was booked) with lovely meats and cheeses, fancy pasta, wine etc.

as already suggested fancy olive oil - I’ve done that with some really good quality balsamic vinegar and wee mixer bottle thing to let them make a dressing. I think I got the bottle and oil in Greece though!

a valentte gift set which was so well received they have been ordering NG it themselves!

voucher for ok al restaurant wrapped up with a bottle of police oil/wone/favourite things.

board game

book of local walks with flask and fancy Nordic style socks.

picnic blanket, beach chairs and cool bag for a promise of summer picnics to come.

Nigel Slaters Christmas Chronicles and a lovely candle. Not the £££ ones he goes on about though!

Afternoon tea gift in the post or for somewhere local.

In Ireland there’s family crests, do you have the same in the uk? So a framed picture of the two of their crests side by side?

An audio book subscription or similar?

Is there something in their house that they keep meaning to do but never get round to it that you could hire a handyperson to sort for them?

Afternoon tea delivered as a treat?

A heated sheet for the bed? I think these tend to be cheaper than electric throws?

A bird table or similar that they could see from where they sit? Or a wildlife camera etc?

Food is always good. Instead of sweet stuff though, maybe go savory like getting some posh pies or the like delivered?

I am not sure where you are based but what I did previously in a similar budget is to go to Prezzemolo & Vitale (the italian posh supermarket) and buy nice things you cannot find anywhere else or if you do not as good. (London based)

How about a nice tea tin and some good quality everyday tea .www.spilltea.co.uk

Some nice cordials or fancy soda drinks?

I would definitely go the consumable route. Others have suggested lovely cheese, olive oil or chutney. In addition you could try fancy nuts, balsamic vinegar (or other flavoured vinegars) or exotic dried fruits like mango, pineapple or papaya.

Afternoon tea voucher for a place which has good reviews

Nice blanket or throw

I love this amazing book: https://amzn.eu/d/dgY0O5M

These hampers are great (amd not too expensive - and the website usually offers you a discount on your first order):

https://thecornishcompany.com/collections/cream-teas/?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21500033171&gbraid=0AAAAABevp0WXpJOk9mLr00Ne87DIyLaDD&gclid=CjwKCAjw3tzHBhBREiwAlMJoUj8SJG_ywyLQ0QtQTsNn3tbmPjufu35AW5TTM0efnSXMBQQceBfYDBoCPHgQAvD_BwE

Cheese, cheese, cheese

personalized doormat

tickets to something

bird feeder / bird bath