Surprise present for my sister

[oustedbymymate]

I really want to get a lovely (or a few lovely) nice presents for my sister this year as a surprise. We have both said it’s a bit rubbish as an adult that you don’t get many surprises or it’s case of money or a voucher. Not that I’m not grateful for those just it would be nice if we had surprises that had a bit of thought in them rather than saying oh get me this…

with that in mind I’m wanting to make a bit of a list of things to consider for my sister. She is stylish but not a ‘fashion’ follower as such. She likes to look nice. Isn’t overly into ‘brands’. She likes going to the gym. She has a professional managerial job that she commutes to. Two kids.

on my list currently is
a nice pair of leather gloves
some nice stud earrings
a watch (everyday type)

budget £50-60

would welcome other suggestions. Thank you

cashmere socks/gloves
passport holder
travel card holder as she commutes

I’d have to think about the actual gifts. But I love a stocking as an adult. I mentioned one year to my kids about missing out on them once you are an adult. Now I get one every year, and pulling out each gift and the surprise and delight never gets old 😍

Nice toiletries?

A refillable lipstick in a beautiful case. Lots of brands do them e.g. Guerlain rouge G, Carolina Herrera, Dior

Converse boots in her favourite colour.

A scarf for autumn / winter - can get some lovely chunky knit ones.

A book to read on her commute.

A leather or heavy canvas tote bag.

Lulumelon gym wear.
Big box of Lindt chocolates. On the website, you can choose specific flavours and there were quite a few I hadn’t seen before.
Favourite perfume. Or matching shower gel/hand cream of the perfume she wears.
Selection of cheeses from somewhere like Pong Cheese.

If it’s for a stocking which are the best a new book, a diary, favourite shower gel, nice bar of soap, bar of choc. That’s the sort of things we do costs under £15.

What does SHE really like? Apart from things she does (gym, work, commute) and having kids - what does she like to, say watch on TV, read, what flowers does she love (a monthly bouquet delivered to home), a book around something she has an interest in (Lucy Worsley's new Queens and Kings if she has any interest in history or historical sites)?

I always love it when someone has taken notice of something that I've said I really like and buys me something surrounding it. It shows they've listened to me and that's one of the biggest gifts of all.

Chances are if she commutes she’s already got decent bags etc and you haven’t said if she drives or goes by public transport.

I agree, what does she actually like, what sort of films, books, TV, other interests, I know she’s busy with job and kids but what did she enjoy doing pre-kids? Maybe tickets to a show or gig for you to go together, or some sort of experience, activity. Or go to a city and see some sights / treat her to lunch.

I’m surprised at some suggestions with a budget of £60.

And @OneNewEagle , do you mean one or two of your stocking gifts come to £15? Or can you genuinely find a book + diary + shower gel + soap + choc for under £15?

Because I want to be shopping where you’re all shopping.

Lisa Eldridge refillable lipstick - you can get initials engraved extra (I think last year before Christmas they had an offer with free engraving)

Bar of lovely soap - T K Max good for these

Lip balm
Space masks
Definitely a book

Cocktail can

Yes £15 I look for good deals. Got some excellent £1 paperbacks in Waterstones last year, those were for myself not for the stockings one was the best book I read last year and I read loads.

so £5 diaryor slim line calendar (usually buy calendar club, local garden centre or last year pets at home fo4 calendar of all places whilst buying pet food lol)
Soap £3 or less tk maxx
shower gel £1 boots
book look for deals usually £3 (harpercollins do an amazing 40% off usually in November their classic range are only £4 full price )
leaves £3 for a choc bar or a bag of sweets. Waitrose

Thanks @OneNewEagle