What to buy fussy parents

[gingerbreadmumm]

Morning

Just after ideas for my parents - they are so hard to buy for. They are in their 70s. Don't go out a lot.

If I buy clothes, they often return them. I bought perfume/aftershave last year (my mum doesn't wear perfume that often)

I'd do a hamper - but both are veggie, and fussy with food. They don't really drink.

Ive looked at all local venues to see if there are any shows etc coming up to get tickets, but there's nothing on atm they would want to see.

I've bought dinner/afternoon tea vouchers before - they sometimes use them, sometimes totally forget.

Anything Im missing?

thanks xx

A plant? For their garden or an indoor plant? Books?

Thanks - Ive bought plants for them a lot, mostly for the anniversary in the spring. They aren't really readers ... told you they were fussy/hard to buy for 😁

Ask them what they would like.
If they don't really want anything then don't get them anything.
Sounds harsh but they don't seem interested in previous gifts.
Or.... whatever supermarket they use get them a voucher for.

Movies on dvd? TV subs? A short break in the UK? A DAB radio?

Do they like jigsaw puzzles? Lego? Puzzle books? You say they don’t go out a lot - what do they do at home, or what do they go out for?

Ask them? It sounds like they are in the phase of their life where they more or less have everything they want.

My dad is retired - he likes cooking (he's not very good) but he just makes up stuff, he wouldn't do a class or anything.

My mum works part time still, and looks after my nephew on the days she's off. She meets up with her friends often - they go out for lunch/dinners etc

They just potter round the house, watch tv

They do go on holidays, but haven't got anything booked yet (otherwise Id have got them something for that)

if I ask, they'll say they don't need anything. Id feel bad not getting them something though as they always get us stuff.

Might just get them PJs, everyone needs PJS right? 😂

National Trust membership?
Bird feeders and a pair of binoculars with a bird recognition book/RSPB membership?

Any new cooking equipment or cook books for your dad?

A voucher for your mum to somewhere she likes to go out to eat?

Currency or an IOU a day trip excursion for your next holiday?

I get my parents supermarket vouchers, and sweets my stepdad isn't fussed about presents he never uses anything and my mum weirdly keeps things "for good" but never goes anywhere, so i buy her a few weeks food shopping with the vouchers.

Cheese hamper and nice crackers.

Fussy about food in what way?

Bottle posh olive oil or balsamic vinegar. Box of pickles or chutney. Ingredients hamper if they like a particular cuisine. Designer teatowels or oven gloves.

Cream tea hamper? Interesting/unusual cooking ingredients?

Do they listen to music? An album?

Your dad must do something other than cooking when he is pottering? Does he do crosswords or puzzles?

presumably they can handle it if you actually get them what they ask for?
You know if they drink a particular brand of coffee/tea/wine/beer? Or what biscuits they eat?
Do they watch TV? subscribe to a TV guide for them

Donation to a charity they support. They don't need anything, and at least you'll know you've done some good.

Cheese delivery
Voucher for a local restaurant
Bird feeder
Puzzle and board / case thingy

Thanks all - I think based on suggestions, I think I'll get them bits and pieces - they do like cheeses etc (my dad especially)so will include that and biscuits etc. Might get them matching PJs and then some nice toiletries and maybe a heated blanket? (any brand suggestions?) - like a cosy hamper x

Appreciate the help x

Last year we bought my Mum & Dad who are both fussy a curry cooking kit and some new pans and utensils to go with. This year we have bought them a virtual cocktail making voucher and some kit to go with. The curry kit was very well received.

I made up a hamper for mine during covid lockdowns had cheese biscuits puzzle books that my stepdad occasionally likes, and hot water bottles, fluffy socks throws for the sofas they don't trust plug in blankets ! It did go down well,.

Cook book, Hairy Bikers are easier to follow than some other books

Is there an RHS show anywhere near them you could get tickets for? I have taken my Dad to the one at Malvern several times and he loves it.

If they tend to ignore tickets to events, what about events where you go with them? They probably value your time more than the event.

Take them out with you . Make all the arrangements for a mutually agreed date

Do you know they wear PJs?
I know neither my DH, nor my DF does. (Not do I!)