Present suggestions

[Gemini]

At Mimi's request, a thread to give and get ideas for what to buy

The previous thread has moved to here

https://gransrus.com/forum/festive-talk/christmas-and-new-year/166488-thoughts-on-christmas

[Oma]

Im quite hard to buy for as there is nothing I really want so I ask for Vouchers for my Hairdressers ,
I know they will get used

I find Men impossible to buy for

[Nanto2girls]

For GD1 and her hubby,GD2,DS1 and DS2 and his partner, we have bought them all some smellies and Ferero Rochers
We will put them all some money in as well. I know you will all say the money doesn't take much thought.
But, they can all get something they want/need. We know the money is always appreciated.

[Daisy]

I am no inspiration to anybody where presents are concerned! My poor OH hasn't had a birthday present from October yet! I'm trying very hard to get him to agree to a new phone, but he's adamant he doesn't want one - his current one is rubbish and he can't use it. I think he's worried if I get one that's easier to use he will have to use it for all the things he asks me to do at the moment!

[Gemini]

I find vouchers are a good idea. Sometimes seen as a cop out, but I am always happy to receive them!
I often give restaurant vouchers to DDs and SILs, but in the present climate that isn't such a good choice I suppose.

I agree with Oma that men can be hard to buy for.
The only men I buy for are my 3 SILs.
I often give Amazon vouchers which they all appreciate. Sometimes I make up little 'hampers' for the men of alcoholic and edible goodies that they enjoy.

This Christmas I have ordered each of them a shower gel from L'Occitaine, bamboo socks, and some choccy type treats (dark choc for the vegan, liquorice for the liquorice lover!)

[Lizzie48]

Whilst cleaning my windows I have been thinking of idea's, one is a mini hamper, a lovely basket with different luxury groceries or (just read you have won me to it Gem!) toiletries.

[Gemini]

Good multi-tasking there Lizzie, thinking and cleaning

[Oma]

I did boxes the year before last , I bought some boxes from Ikea just ordinary brown paper ones and used a Christmas stamp all over them and tied the lid on with red ribbon , I filled them with little gifts ,
For the boys I put a bottle of specialised Beer , Chocolates , and little stuff like that , I also for my SIL's Dad a small Christmas cake , he loves it so that was something for him as his wife doesn't buy any at Christmas

For DD and SIL's Mum I put in a Yankee Candle , Hand cream etc , and a Photo frame , sweets , a lovely Broach that could also be used as a book mark ,

SIL's parents bought us Vouchers for afternoon tea ,

You have to be so careful with Vouchers in the present climate but Amazon ones are a safe bet I think .

[Plantaholic]

I am finding it hard to think of Christmas presents when I have three birthdays in December. I will send some messages and ask for suggestions. DD and Sil bought an afternoon tea voucher for the two GM's last Christmas, still not used. It is for the local Raymond Blanc restaurant.

[Daisy]

Still no ideas here!

I always buy OH his favourite dark chocolate Brazils and perhaps a couple of books.

[Gemini]

I always get OH a calendar with photos from during that year. Less exciting this year as no holiday pics! I have ordered her a thousand piece jigsaw from Photobox, from a photo of us both at the Emmerdale outdoor set last year.
We do each other a stocking with sweets and small things in. I will probably put a golf glove in there.

[Enfys]

DGS has come up with the idea Of us doing a family Secret Santa this year. With all the problems And everything that has happened this year we all agreed it was a good idea. The thought of trying to shop for presents for everyone was daunting to say the least. So we have put all our names (all 5 of us!) i to a hat and drawn one out and that is who we shall buy a present for. We have set a limit on the cost and it’s a huge relief for us all. We will probably buy a few smaller items, some funny and it should be ok. We don’t need lots of presents, just being together, a nice meal and that’s all I want.

[Gemini]

Brilliant idea Enfys!

[Lizzie48]

Enfys, that is what we do here for December 5th, draw a name, we get told an amount (small) to spend, make a surprise and that is the present. The schools etc do the same so the children just have then one present to buy and a surprise to make. Sorry, have to make a rhyme as well to fit the person.

[Daisy]

Enfys - what a brilliant idea - you, too, Lizzie. Great for the children at school as well.

One year I did a Lucky Dip with small presents in. When everyone had their presents they could trade with someone else if they wanted to - not many of the ladies wanted Lynx deodorant!!! With all the trading and re-trading that went on they would have been the ideal team to sort out fishing rights with the EU!!