Christmas and birthday gift ideas for daughter after a difficult year

[ChristmasMad1]

DD is 23 and, unfortunately, has had a really awful year. She’s just lost her grandmother, is struggling quite badly with depression and anxiety, and has recently moved back home with me.

Her birthday is in December too, so I’m trying to come up with things that feel a bit special rather than just giving her money. I know if I give her an amount to spend herself, she’ll probably just leave it sitting in her account and not buy anything!

So far she’s asked for:

• Smiski
• Winnie the Pooh purse
• Lego Winnie the Pooh
• A vinyl and matching band hoodie

I’m thinking perhaps some little things she can open rather than one big present. Budget is reasonably flexible as it’s covering both birthday and Christmas, although obviously I don’t want to go completely mad.

How about this to put her gifts in: https://tinyurl.com/vfy4e4d2
Perhaps some cosy brushed cotton pyjamas, a nice mug and a mini hamper with her favourite treats - chocolates, bubble bath, sleep mask?

What are your dd's interest, hobbies, job passion? It's hard to advise without knowing.

A bicycle
Laptop or iPad
Clothes she chooses
Short course for further training
a weekend away
Spa
driver license
sewing machine

Oh sorry, totally forgot!

she loves music, and is very crafty / creative but has already said she don't want any art supplies. She also loves food, especially sweet treats. Shes a big lover of Winnie the Pooh, especially the vintage style.

she originally wanted to drive but now have had a re-think and chose not to.

Perhaps a really snuggly pair of PJs or some nice tea/coffee/hot chocolate whatever she likes. Things which are cosy and comforting if she needs some tlc. Even some lovely shower gel or body lotion.

Would she like some plants for her room, or a picture by a favourite artist, or even a signed album cover in a frame?

Or a voucher for a crafty course in January- glassworking or pottery or a drawing class to give her a reason to get out of the house and do something new, if that would help her mental health?

How about tickets for something?

How about a really swanky advent calendar?

Do you think she would like a cute little classic winnie: Winnie The Pooh Small Plush | Waterstones
I know you might think she is too old, but my sons girlfriend who is a similar age still loves plushies.
Would she like a book? I think it is good to have something that can be used or done in the lull over Christmas, especially if you are feeling a bit low and could do with a distraction, maybe a puzzle book or a jigsaw. Would she like a lovely notebook or diary? A fluffy new dressing gown could be comforting. Some nice bath oil that is more expensive than what she would usually buy. Chocolates from Audreys?
A silver necklace? I often buy gifts from here, which has a huge range, free delivery over £10 and they come nicely presented in a box: Pendants and Necklaces. – Smithsonia
I'm sure you will find something, you sound like a very caring mum.

Ooh I like the idea of comfy PJ's, maybe try to find some Winnie ones!

@Posywosey i thought of this but she doesn't want anything specific so may look into the voucher route so she can use when ready

@dicentra365 I've already started looking at some lovely bath stuff for sanctuary, also love the idea of something to distract her, she's not really the book type unless it's something specific. She does like the odd bit of gaming but like the family games like super Mario oddessy (she has a switch)

Anyone got any idea for gifts to keep her occupied / distract her over the Christmas season? Maybe something advent calendar like so keep her busy in the lead to Christmas.

I’m sorry that your DD is having a tricky time OP. I hope she feels a little better soon.

In terms of keeping her busy could you set up some Christmas baking? We have bought a gingerbread house kit several times which has been great fun to decorate. I can recommend the Lakeland one- it’s a bit fiddly to construct but once it’s done we go to town with covering it with sweets in patterns (we buy extra ontop of what is included).

Paperchains are quite nice to make too.

Gift wise might she like a heated blanket? They are so cosy when the temperatures drop.

Start with Christmas pjs then she can wear them in the build up too.
personal promise vouchers:
baking day
mum and daughter shopping trip
fancy popcorn and promise of a movie night
mini bubble bath and face mask, then run her a bath.

tickets to a local event/show.

There are loads of really good ideas and deals on the bargain thread and you could pick up on some of these.

Lego set to build a Christmas tree or something that she can get focused on. I am just presuming such a thing exists!! My dd got back into Lego sets again when she was stressed and anxious at uni a couple of years go (same age).

We also bought one of those cold case packs and it was more complex than we expected! Really good fun though and took up the evening rather than just an hour like I’d expected. DD has asked for another one this Christmas.

There are also those escape trail things in lots of cities - could do one of those or the free clue solving ones you can get online. You could go somewhere nice and Christmassy if there’s anywhere like that locally to you.

coukd you set a Christmas present challenge or plan to do one of those Christmas Day games people talk about on these threads? She could be given the job of organising it and getting all the presents bought within your budget. I can’t remember the games but if you did a search or asked people come up with loads!

get her involved in the Christmas prep, decorating, baking, planning the menu.

Plan a trip to a Christmas market and look for cheap flights, we got to Prague for a day at the Christmas markets for cheaper than it would have been to go a big one near(ish) us.

give her jobs like selecting and making a family photo calendar for grandparents which will also help her focus on happy events from the past year.

There was something else I was just about to type but my phone rang and it’s gone out of my head!! 😂 Menopause memory. If I remember I will post again. Just trying to remember things that helped my dd.

I was just looking at christmas pjs-

https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/nightwear/skinnydip-white-winne-the-pooh-print-shirt-and-trousers-pyjama-set/p/968371510?extcam=UK_PPC_PMax_Generics_High_Challenger__Google_MT__DV_c_CID_22900722195_ASGID_6669533091&ppccam=PLA_NW_x_LOC_1007239_DM__TID_&ppcfeed=FIID__PRID_9683728&_cclid=Google_Cj0KCQjwz4LWBhCMARIsAFEG5MrEI4Tzs95dhWZPg-X-XKXoFojgIZwjpyrV7DY5j4OVCKHd4x57JD4aAmasEALw_wcB&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22910470303&gbraid=0AAAAAD2UatNwL3ijlT2RpQSdcgAUcqVPl&gclid=Cj0KCQjwz4LWBhCMARIsAFEG5MrEI4Tzs95dhWZPg-X-XKXoFojgIZwjpyrV7DY5j4OVCKHd4x57JD4aAmasEALw_wcB

And these-there are so so many

https://www.asos.com/skinnydip/skinnydip-disney-winnie-the-pooh-hundred-acre-wood-pyjama-set-with-scrunchie-in-white/prd/211920677?affid=31541&_Cj0KCQjwz4LWBhCMARIsAFEG5MpXl3zU_uYcMuiZoA3-Q_XHnABpnZnrHULgkNZWwdgBF4ZAvSpV4NUaAmPMEALw_wcB&channelref=product+search&ppcadref=23592643649%7C%7C&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=23592643649&utm_content=&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23587195386&gbraid=0AAAAADqFjOCoBCn0goALVmWEKNCftWxe9&gclid=Cj0KCQjwz4LWBhCMARIsAFEG5MpXl3zU_uYcMuiZoA3-Q_XHnABpnZnrHULgkNZWwdgBF4ZAvSpV4NUaAmPMEALw_wcB

I have seen it mentioned on different groups that Primark have a lot of Winnie the Pooh items so may be worth taking a look.

Would some experiences be nice that she could do with you or a friend?
If she likes craft is there a workshop she could do? Locally there are several people that run things like glass fusion workshops, crochet clubs, watercolours, pottery wheel etc. Maybe even in the run up to Christmas - wreath making?

This could be lovely OP

https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/nightwear/skinnydip-white-fleece-winne-the-pooh-print-dressing-gown/p/968371110?extcam=UK_PPC_PMax_Generics_High_Challenger__Google_MT__DV_m_CID_22900722195_ASGID_6669533091&ppccam=PLA_NW_x_LOC_9045974_DM__TID_&ppcfeed=FIID__PRID_9683738&_cclid=Google_Cj0KCQjwz4LWBhCMARIsAFEG5MrAE1l9PvobSArFjHGhbW9RrNtRvXlNSYE7j3y1SAn7ZhmuqVCbaiMaAmnTEALw_wcB&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22910470303&gbraid=0AAAAAD2UatPbKpmB2x2C_AyaVSAw8jOz6&gclid=Cj0KCQjwz4LWBhCMARIsAFEG5MrAE1l9PvobSArFjHGhbW9RrNtRvXlNSYE7j3y1SAn7ZhmuqVCbaiMaAmnTEALw_wcB

I love the idea of the heated blanket, as she's always cold! Does anyone have any recommendations?

@jocktamsonsbairn lego is quite a big thing for her and keeping her mind off stuff. As mentioned she does want the Winnie Lego which would be something of one of a main present at £140. But any smaller sets would be appreciated.

@MrsMitford3 all those pyjamas are lovely! Will have to see what ones she prefers, as she normally likes more plush / warmer as it always cold

@Moonnstarz yes thats lovely idea, we're trying to get more open plan like vouchers which can be booked anytime, instead of a set date.

@throwawayimplantchat lovely dressing gown too, shame he has too many, her sister always buys her one so maybe this is one to pass to her

I second heated blanket. They are amazing!

I’m really sorry that your dd is having a tough time of it atm op. I hope things she feels better in herself in a while . 💐

Does she like outdoor activities? I was thinking that spending time in nature is good for depression and anxiety.

So maybe something like a course at a Field Studies centre? Or learning to paint outdoors? Or an eco gardening course? Or something along those lines where she does something that takes her out of herself in a beautiful environment and meets other people?

Alternatively the Space NK advent calendar is lovely and offers a little treat every day.

https://www.argos.co.uk/product/yfng1165?region_id=Zone2_England_Urban&gclsrc=aw.ds&&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=24086396080&utm_term=&utm_content=shopping&utm_custom1=&utm_custom2=740-167-4874&cmpid=GS_MP&GPDP=true&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=24081485645&gbraid=0AAAAAD9II9kD5CDvcRaNAMD83F288Qmm1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzv7z_rudlwMVSJhQBh3ieBtIEAQYASABEgJXr_D_BwE

Lots of Winnie the Pooh gift ideas on here and other lovely things

https://www.truffleshuffle.co.uk/cartoons/winnie-the-pooh

Hope your daughter feels a bit better soon.

I keep getting a Lego advent calendar advertised to me. Each day you make a tiny little Lego model related to Xmas eg a reindeer. They all hang on the tree. No idea how much it cost but it looks nice.

Home bargains have some lovely Winnie Pooh pjs online, I bought my daughter some and they’ve arrived and they are so soft and cosy I’m really happy with them

https://home.bargains/product/be14045b-6dff-4bb0-b6c7-49275f118a3a/winnie-the-pooh-ladies-pyjamas

they did take about 2 weeks to arrive though

Hi! These are lovely but there unfortunately out of stock apart from size 14-16!

OP sorry your DD is having a torrid time.

If she’s struggling a bit with her mental health, then I’d recommend a fitness watch. Having goals to meet every day really helps with getting out of bed/the house and moving around a bit.

A really beautiful copy of Winnie the Pooh book e.g. this Folio version

Audible subscription

Something for her room like a lovely lamp or soft blanket

Her favourite chocolate

I have just remembered what I forgot about 12 hours ago!! 😂 wreath making workshop! Would she like that?

That sounds lovely! Current looking for a craft kit or something like that we can do in the comfort of our home. Doesn't haven't to be wreath making maybe something like tufting if possible or needle punching.

Anyone have a suggestions?