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Christmas

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Original poster

FIL is impossible to shop for ...

34 replies

NotQuiteCockney · 02/12/2008 12:58

What on earth do I buy him?

He doesn't drink. He reads books, but gets those from the library.

I'm getting him a Brainiac DVD. And maybe a subscription to lovefilm? They live in the middle of nowhere, so that might be nice ...

He doesn't have any hobbies. Shopping for him is a nightmare. I've debated buying him a course or something, but odds are, he wouldn't go ...

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notnowbernard · 02/12/2008 12:59

Magazine subscription?

You can choose from a pretty diverse range

bran · 02/12/2008 13:02

What about Barak Obama's book, I know he gets his books from the library but this is likely to be wait-listed there.

Original poster
NotQuiteCockney · 02/12/2008 13:02

Oooh ... maybe, yes. Will talk to DH about this. He could enjoy New Scientist maybe? DH likes that one ... Good idea!

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notnowbernard · 02/12/2008 13:02

I got that for my FIL

Original poster
NotQuiteCockney · 02/12/2008 13:03

Don't think he cares about politics, unfortunately, bran. Science more his line.

Actually, I think he'd like Malcolm Gladwell, will mention his stuff as an option.

I'm trying to do my Official Xmas Panic this week, get everything ordered and sorted out ...

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notnowbernard · 02/12/2008 13:04

I'm stuck on MIL and presents for all GPs from the DDs

It seems to never end

Original poster
NotQuiteCockney · 02/12/2008 13:06

Start a thread! Or hijack this one, I'm not bothered.

I let the DSes pick decorative stuff for MIL (or more likely, I pick the decorative stuff (broach, scarf) and let them decide who gives what). DS1 is giving FIL the Brainiac DVD, because they watch that together sometimes.

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Original poster
NotQuiteCockney · 02/12/2008 13:06

(Re: Obama. I'm terrified, actually, that FIL might think Obama winning is a Bad Thing - although honestly, I have no grounds to think this. I just do not want to have that sort of conversation with him!)

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Original poster
NotQuiteCockney · 02/12/2008 13:07

Maybe we need an 'official Xmas panic now so it gets shipped to you on time' thread.

Arse, must go find a fox costume for DS1's nativity.

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notnowbernard · 02/12/2008 13:14

Hmm... I might actually let them loose in a shop of my choosing. Whatever they come back with we can buy (within reason price-wise)

That way my stress levels reduce (I won't have to dither browse for an eternity), we all get a laugh on Christmas Day when we witness the horror delights they have selected and my Mum and MIL will continue to think the sun shines out of their behinds

Why a fox costume?!

Original poster
NotQuiteCockney · 02/12/2008 13:17

Dunno, it's what he is in the play.

I'm wavering between a big furry thing (expensive, pointless, heavy, warm), or maybe try to just get rust coloured tshirt and tights, a tail, and some ears? Will ask DS1.

Your kids can buy toys for any grandfathers? Or cheap ties?

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notnowbernard · 02/12/2008 13:21

I think 'joke' type pressie for GFs

DP's Dad will accept only one gift graciously... and that is a bottle of Scotch

Anything else is rejected whole-heartedly

Original poster
NotQuiteCockney · 02/12/2008 13:28

Ah - but there is a gift he will accept graciously. My FIL won't accept anything really. There's always a sense that there's some present out there that he would want, but none of us ever know what it is. SIL has sworn off buying/receiving presents for grown ups - we should do what she did ...

For years, DH used to just buy his dad Crunchies ...

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notnowbernard · 02/12/2008 13:31

'Graciously' might be pushing it a bit, actually...

But yes, at least it's something he likes and appreciates

Crunchies? As in the chocolate bars?

muppetgirl · 02/12/2008 13:35

we have this problem every year. This year we've decided to buy a hamper of food for MIL/FIL/ 2 x's SIL and sil's bf.

5 people -1 present

done.

Original poster
NotQuiteCockney · 02/12/2008 13:39

As in the chocolate bars, yes. He said he liked them once. They never knew what to buy him, so ...

(Actually, to be fair, I've knitted him some rather crap ties - once or twice, anyway, and he's accepted, and worn those, for Xmas day, quite graciously. Arse, do I need to make him a hat? I've not been knitting the last few years ...)

Maybe more 'eagerly'? 'Thirstily'?

Hmmm, a hamper wouldn't be a bad idea, but they're all here for Xmas ... maybe I need to buy myself a hamper.

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notnowbernard · 02/12/2008 13:46

He normally accepts with a bit of a grunt (he really is quite elderly now and a bit of a 'complex' character) Once rejected in whole-hearted style said bottle of Scotch because it was the wrong brand!

Knit him a hat, go for it! (he sounds a laugh, your FIL) Am imagining him in hand-knitted scarf, reading New Scientist whilst munching on a Crunchie. Eccentric, at all?

I would be VERY happy with a scrummy hamper... v unlikely though

fridayschild · 02/12/2008 13:53

I am big on letting small children loose in a shop of my choice and getting them to pick the present. They selected a ball of string for my dad once . Funny and economical, what's not to like?

notnowbernard · 02/12/2008 13:56

Yes, I am going to do it, Fridayschild

Have just been thinking about it, am going to let them choose for DP as well! Thay will probably do a better job than me, he is a nightmare to buy for and I get totally stuck

At just 5 and 2.4 thay can be all free and uninhibited in their choices

HA HA!

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NotQuiteCockney · 02/12/2008 13:59

Ha, I read that as a "scrumpy" hamper. That would certainly ease the pain.

I would have to dig out needles etc. Hmm. But I do mean to get back into knitting, it's a Good Habit.

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tengreenbottles · 02/12/2008 14:05

just an idea ,but which football team does he support ,i got my dad an old football programme off ebay for fathers day ,it was a 1966 fa cup final one and it was the best present my dad has ever had ,even though he never goes and watches the team play or anything ,it just brought back so many memories for him

notnowbernard · 02/12/2008 14:06

That is a good idea for footie fans

Original poster
NotQuiteCockney · 02/12/2008 14:11

He doesn't support a football team, afaik. They've encouraged DS1 to support Liverpool, because they're from there, but afaik he doesn't attend matches or care about it or anything. I don't think he used to go see them play or anything.

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notnowbernard · 02/12/2008 14:14

I don't think everyone would be into this, but you can order a copy of a newspaper printed on the same day as the person's birth

sunnygirl1412 · 02/12/2008 14:19

How about one of those jigsaws that's a map of where he lives?