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Christmas

From present ideas to party food, find all your Christmas inspiration here.

Original poster

Gifts you received around the £25 mark that you loved?

68 replies

Lovemetenderr · 27/12/2025 18:53

I know this is oddly specific but it's my mum's birthday in early Jan and I'm stuck! I spent ages thinking of little bits of pieces for Christmas and I've used up all but one of my ideas. We do smaller gifts for birthday, around 30-35, I've already spend 13 to something around 20-25 would be ideal.

She has lots of hobbies but I've covered most of those so am looking for something more generic (not like a bayliss and harding set!) but I guess something with a broader appeal? The other thing I've got is a cool book but it doesn't come out until Feb so it's an IOU so even worse! She did ask for this specific book. Thank you.

OP posts:
Papersnowflakes · 27/12/2025 20:42

Ps knowing I was getting a book I really wanted in Feb would be a lovely gift so don't worry it won't be there immediately!

Hollyjollyelftwinkletoes · 27/12/2025 20:43

I gave my DH a year of dates that I picked and each month he opens an envelope to see what they are. It could be a picnic in the summer or a trip to the cinema anything really. My husband cried when he read the card that explained it was a gift of time. I know it may cost more than £25 overall but it will be spread out.

Marylou2 · 27/12/2025 20:47

Summer Fridays Vanilla Lip Balm, Ouai detox shampoo, Penguin cloth bound classics. All big favs around that price

PennyPugwash · 27/12/2025 21:04

Am electric hot water bottle!

usedtobeaylis · 27/12/2025 21:08

Rechargeable hand warmers 😬

reluctantbrit · 27/12/2025 21:15

Lego flowers, the cherry blossom ones. Plus a pinkish glass vase.

DD got them last year and took them with her to uni and I missed them so I asked for my own set.

Lookingtodate · 27/12/2025 21:32

I love a book IOU much better than tat I don't want

OneNewEagle · 27/12/2025 21:33

A jigsaw puzzle.but if I was your mum I’d be happy I’m getting the book coming out in feb.

PurpleSky300 · 27/12/2025 21:42
  • Really, really nice candle
  • A Beatles lamp, which I loved!
  • Bone china bowls or teacups
  • A stick blender
MaarvaCarassi · 27/12/2025 22:02

I’d also be happy to know the book I wanted was on its way.

luckylavender · 27/12/2025 22:04

Turtle Doves, the recycled cashmere people have a sale on. Their fingerless gloves in a range of beautiful colours are reduced to £20. Neck warmers £22.
If she drives, there’s a really cute Michelin man tyre pressure check keyring in Halfords for £9.99. My husband loved it.

luckylavender · 27/12/2025 22:08

The shelfie Cowshed sets are £26. Delighted with mine.

ExquisiteDressing · 27/12/2025 22:12

I didn't get this but would very much like it
www.marksandspencer.com/full-fragrance-collection/p/hbp60739819?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

WafflePlusWord · 27/12/2025 22:21

keyring Apple Watch charger. I just looked it up on Amazon. It was £17 and will be great for the days I forget to charge it and realise when I’m away from home.

Arran2024 · 27/12/2025 22:23

Lovemetenderr · 27/12/2025 18:53

I know this is oddly specific but it's my mum's birthday in early Jan and I'm stuck! I spent ages thinking of little bits of pieces for Christmas and I've used up all but one of my ideas. We do smaller gifts for birthday, around 30-35, I've already spend 13 to something around 20-25 would be ideal.

She has lots of hobbies but I've covered most of those so am looking for something more generic (not like a bayliss and harding set!) but I guess something with a broader appeal? The other thing I've got is a cool book but it doesn't come out until Feb so it's an IOU so even worse! She did ask for this specific book. Thank you.

Magnesium body butter. It smells lovely. I usually use a magnesium spray but I think I prefer the butter

MsAmerica · 27/12/2025 22:29

Books! Books aren't supposed to be "cool," by the way.

Buy her a gorgeous edition of a classic novel. Or an insightful socio-political book that bowled you over (I'm giving people Plunder, by Brendan Ballou). Or an antiquarian book on a subject that's close to her heart - maybe about motherhood?

TheDenimPoet · 27/12/2025 22:31

Do you live near her? Something like a voucher for afternoon tea for the two of you would probably be appreciated much more than anything else if there's not a gift you can immediately think she might want?

Original poster
Lovemetenderr · 27/12/2025 23:08

MsAmerica · 27/12/2025 22:29

Books! Books aren't supposed to be "cool," by the way.

Buy her a gorgeous edition of a classic novel. Or an insightful socio-political book that bowled you over (I'm giving people Plunder, by Brendan Ballou). Or an antiquarian book on a subject that's close to her heart - maybe about motherhood?

It was a typo, I meant cook book.

OP posts:
Original poster
Lovemetenderr · 27/12/2025 23:09

Thank you everyone for the fab ideas, keep the coming! Some brilliant thoughts for future gift-giving occasions too (and some things I now want myself).

OP posts:
ByeChristmas · 27/12/2025 23:32

Super thick dressing gown with hood from next, it was £35 but now probably half price!

Diamondsbutnoknickers · 27/12/2025 23:52

Christmaseree · 27/12/2025 19:28

I was given a £20 coffee shop voucher and I’m very happy with that.

Until recently I'd have said that was a rubbish gift but now I'm cutting back, I am enjoying a little treat each Monday morning on the way to work so a Neros voucher would actually make me happy.

notacooldad · 27/12/2025 23:59

I loved my cake hamper from my friend.
She made up a selection of my favourite cakes.

HeddaGarbled · 28/12/2025 00:06

There’s nicer gift sets than Baylis & Harding! Someone buys me shower gel or handwash from Molten Brown, Rituals, Neal’s Yard, e.g, I’m very happy.

Anabellie · 28/12/2025 00:10

Microwave toastie maker
Panettone set