Which moisturiser as a gift?

[DearPrudence]

MIL has asked for moisturiser as a gift. (She likes gifts to be something useful, fair enough.)

I only ever use the Clinique yellow one - actually started with it after MIL bought it for me years ago. But she doesn't like this as she says she needs something 'richer'. But she also said she didn't need anything too fancy. That's all I have to go on, and I am at a loss.

I want it to seem like a nice present, rather than just getting a bit of shopping in for her. I have googled, but I'm just getting more confused.

Any suggestions? Or is buying moisturiser for someone else's skin a non-starter? (I have alternative ideas, but this is what she asked for.)

Face, body, or hands? Face is difficult, IMHO. The other two, not so much.

How much do you want to spend? There are lots of moisturiser gift sets around e.g. Clarins, Boots Protect and Perfect, Liz Earle etc which make it look like much more of a present. Also, there will be a few 10% off days in the beauty department of places like Debenhams, House of Fraser coming up in the next few weeks (or if you are a John Lewis shopper they will be price matching those events).

I use the clinique yellow one too but I've tried various others as part of the clinique bonus time offers. One I've used recently was called something like Super Defence and was much thicker and richer than the yellow one. It didn't look very fancy though, just a plain green tub. In fact, check it's not called Age Defence as that might not go down so well!

Also, check out local sale days - a lot of our high street shops are opening late for one day next week, when the Christmas lights are turned on, with discounts etc at just those branches.

Face! I know, that's what makes it difficult really.

I'd usually spend about £40, but could be flexible.

I'll check out Liz Earle and Clarins. Boots seems a bit 'ordinary' - not a brand.

Thanks for the responses.

Boots not a 'fancy' brand, I should have said.

Liz Earle has lovely packaging, and some of the Clarins sets look good, although quite expensive. I might even brave the Debenham's counters at the weekend.

maybe Liz Earle superskin ? look on qvc for some great sets

I love Clarins double serum. They would wrap it nicely and probably include a few samples. There is a good promotion on the Clarins website ATM.

Thank you
Will check these out now.

dr hauschka' rose cream? quite rich and smells gorgeous.

Origins would be in that price range, or Kiehls.
Clarins would also be on my list but there creams are usually over£40, but if you go to the clarins website they do offer lovely gift packs.

I've just checked the origins website and they have lovely sets that include a moisturiser and other lovely things added in the bundle for around £40 to £50.

Clarins super restorative is lovely. My MIL uses it and so do I....I didn't realise it was so expensive as I usually get it in the "samples/gift with purchase" offers.
I have run out and am currently using Nuxe Anti-fatgue moisturiser, which I would buy again. Gift sets from M&S are good (esp when on offer).

More great suggestions, thank you. Earlier today I had no idea, and now I have choices!

I love Neal's yard. Either vitamin e or frankincense, which DM swears by and is pleasingly Christmassy

You cannot beat Chanel for their packaging IMO.....and the creams are just gorgeous.

Love Clarins, and my mum swears by Liz Earle (she always buys in offers on QVC). Didn't get on with Clinique yellow stuff, left my sensitive skin too dry.

Have a look at l'occitane. Lovely products, nice packaging and there are often deals around plus free samples.

Frankincense Intense by Neal's Yard Remedies. It's fabulous.

Why not think outside the box and add something like rosehip oil, marula oil or moringa oil to the hamper? something new and different to try

Agree Chanel are gorgeous but would be well out of your price range. My vote would be for clarins multi activ. Clarins have some really good value sets around this time of year as well

Thanks again everyone. Had a trawl round Debenham's and Space NK yesterday. I don't mind spending more if it's something I know she'll love, but if I get something she doesn't get along with it's a huge waste.

I've got some great suggestions from this thread though, so thank you.

I'm probably not that far off your mother-in-law's age and I'd go for Neal's Yard too, particularly the Frankincense. I'm very, very sceptical about fancy creams but that one does feel really nice. I might even ask for some myself