Would you want anything from from this article in the Guardian as a present? Looking for gift ideas for DM

[XmasgiftIdeas]

I'm looking for some inspo for Christmas present for my DM. I usually just stick to boxes of chocolates or gift cards, but I'm looking for something more personalized and something she would actually find useful. I found this article on the Guardian website which lists 64 gift ideas for mums. https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter/2025/dec/03/best-christmas-gifts-mum-uk

If you could pick one or two items from those mentioned, which do you think you would be happiest to receive? Or do you think everything on it is just overpriced tat?

They're just hugely expensive variations upon a theme of

Socks
Gloves
Slippers
Scarf
Pyjamas
Bubble bath and smellies
A candle
A diary
A voucher (otherwise known as 'sort yourself out, but only in the way I approve of')
A worthy book.
A hair band/scrunchie
General novelty clutter.

And then there's teatowels, a lemon squeezer and tins of sardines and pickles to go with the other foodstuffs she can then go and cook for the family (because that's her job and only interest in her life, clearly).

Only things vaguely nice are the jewellery and plants, although a bare root rose immediately gives the recipient the job of finding somewhere to plant it and a load of digging and shit shovelling to do before it dies. And it assumes that it's the type and colour that they want. Cinema membership - suppose if there's one of those expensive, worthy cinemas nearby and the free friend thing on Mondays isn't restricted to daytime showings, that wouldn't be too bad.

I also quite like the idea of the match box cover but not at that price!

It's almost an art to find that much shite for such an expensive price. It reminds me of what I thought for be a good gift for a granny in the 1980s when I was 5. My god the £14 flannel, the god awful pill box and the crazy stripey hairclip. Was this AI or someone really hungover on a deadline? The majority of the food and beauty stuff is fine but that's a very acquired taste. The cinema membership would be great is the Mum is a cinema goer and very local anyway but that's a bit niche. The one bag looks like cheap imitation of Elizabeth Scarlett despite being considerably more expensive. That's the one treat that goes down with my very picky Mum

There are a few things there that I would use. My top choice would be the tinned sardines. Second choice, the air tag.

I didn’t realise the plant was fake, so that’s off the list.

Just the rose it is then

Diaries and notebooks? I just use my phone

At six quid a tin, you'd want the Air Tag to make sure no bugger takes them out of the cupboard and gives them to the bloody cat, wouldn't you?

I'd actually really love the sardines. Although I'd prefer mackerel. Also the fermented chutney type things.

But I realise this is a bit niche. Probably best not to go there unless you know she'd be a fan.

In general, I actually think it's nice to go for "overpriced" high end stuff, rather than bigger bargain items. There's a lot to be said for buying something small but very nice which they probably wouldn't buy themselves. I like the hairclip for that reason (Tegen have similar, and I'm thinking of getting one for a friend.) A lot of adults already have all the necessities. One role of gifting is to upgrade them to little luxuries.

Thank you for linking to this

My kids know better than to buy me a box of spices or olive oil. I fucking hate cooking

That made me laugh, my kids would be the same, husband might risk it though!

Nothing on that list grabs me, but a few things I don't mind which is surprising. The socks, real plants of any kind are always welcome and the ginger drink.

Everyman membership is already on my list. And I’ll have the champagne thanks 🎄

Was this AI or someone really hungover on a deadline?

Based on friends who work on Sunday newspapers, it is “what the PR companies have sent us samples of to feature in articles this year”. Hence the randomness.

The Everyman sub was the only thing that really caught me eye but I don't live near enough to one.

The socks were ok, I liked the vase but it's a weird size so it's a "sits on shelf" vase, possibly used once a year for random short stemmed flowers.
What's your mum like/into/after? If you want actual suggestions MN can be genius in such matters.

Same! Literally the only thing that would interest me is the David Austen rose. Though I am not sure whether this is the best time of year to plant them.

What is your budget?

Blooming ridiculous prices for most of them.
My favourite would be the Everyman membership but sadly, there’s not one any where near me.
I’d be ok with the bed socks, the Ginger drink, and anything from Goat Rodeo.
I had a look at the list for Dads, quite a few things on there I’d be happy to get.

I’ve not looked at the list but am nearly 60 and DH and me have everything we need so I ask for practical stuff like slippers or, a particular lipstick, good handcream . nice mascara . I hate the kids spending too much, especially on something I don’t really want or need and I don’t want to contribute to landfill. Boring but practical that’s me! Last year I got a new kettle ! It’s very stylish tbf , the kids frowned and said it wasn’t a proper present but it’s what I wanted and it gives me pleasure to look at it .

Yes, agree with a pp about the rose. I love gardens but would have to find time to plant it. I buy stuff like that myself when I'm ready!

I would like the socks, eyeliner, bath and shower oils, the little vase and the Lanson.

Any of the cashmere or jewellery thanks!

Coffee
Ear cuffs ( but not gold )
Cinema voucher

To me, this seems like incredibly over-priced tat that would end up in a charity shop.
Amazon wish-lists (or any wishlists) are your friend if you are looking to buy something she loves / needs.

I havw a lemon squeezer i got as a gift and I love it. However I would be very disappointed with the one suggested in that article.

Nothing else I would like as a gift

The fig milk shower oil, the neals yard rose face cream, the olive oils are all lovely.

Or cinema membership!

I love these lists and find them genuinely useful, but I tend to ignore the prompts about who these lists are ‘for’ and just use them as general shopping research for brands/makers I haven’t heard of. The lip balms in vintage pill boxes would have suited one of my sons down to the ground (they were all sold out when I looked a few days ago). For me, I liked the posh flannel, and I’m curious about the fake flowers (whether they actually pass muster) and would be happy for someone else to stump up the cash so I can find out!