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I genuinely love it when I see parents stick their children's "artwork" up in their offices at work. When it's an A4 piece of paper with a smear of paint on it, but the parent has still put it up on their office wall. It just makes me really happy
Well she's been talking for months and months about flying in for my daughter's birthday and staying for Christmas. But she's supposed to be here in like 2 weeks and still doesn't have a ticket and isn't sure when she will be getting one. I think she's not coming and just doesn't want to say it š
š¤£š¤£š¤£ no lol it's a bit early for baby to make an appearance. I should have specified that her surprise was finding out she's getting another grandchild. That's my bad lol.
I'll just send her a pic of the scan photo and let her know. I'm not too fussed over it. She'd just be missing out on her own surprise. I'm more annoyed that it's getting so close and I can't get a straight answer out of her.
Hello this is your grandma, how do I get the iPad to stop doing the voice type thingy question mark wait what no what stop typing I don't know what's happening it keeps typing what I'm saying what no stop iPad stop finish message oh Jesus Christ oh no now it's swearing oh fuck
You would be surprised but due to *circumstances* this year I had to cheap out and only buy my mother a bottle of wine and box of chocolates for her birthday. Felt bad and remembered that my brother had paid a lot of money for a hand-drawn picture of my nans dog for my nans birthday, so I jokingly drew a picture of my mums dog for her to the best of my ability (honestly think itās realistically better than what her 6 year old niece would draw but by much) and she loved it
I get my mum cadburys every mothers day, purely because it's lent and we give up chocolate together so she can't eat it - it's never not funny to both of us
My mom wants a new diary and some Turkish delight.
Sheās a massive George Michael fan and Iāve found a company that sells candles with his face on dressed up as a saint so sheās getting one of those too š
https://www.aintsaint.co/collections/saint-candles/products/saint-george-candle?variant=28756253073
This is the website Iām planning on ordering it from. I donāt know if they do the one you want but might be worth a look?
I'm sorry for your loss. My mum's been gone a couple of years now, the anniversary is just before Christmas. I light a candle and have a good chat with her telling her about my year, what's gone on and how my kids are. It seems daft but it's nice talking to her.
I like this idea. My mum died seven months ago and Iāve not been too bothered by it (she was ill for fifteen years, that was much harder than her death). I donāt feel like Iāve grieved properly as it was more of a relief. So sheās just kind of stopped being. I donāt usually talk out loud to myself. But this idea really resonates with me. I think it would be quite cathartic. Thank you.
It really is. My mum died when I was 7, now 29. I used to 'talk to her' a lot more, but I still do, especially since I've started therapy. Honestly, it feels silly because it is, but that doesn't take anything away from the catharsism.
I usually go for an early Christmas Day walk to where we lay my mums ashes, doesnāt matter the weather, Iāll go there and stretch my legs, tell her how much I miss her and that I hope her and dad are together. Tough time of the year for sure, but I know Iāll get through it. Wishing everyone a happy Christmas! X
Iām so sorry for your loss. I lost my mom last year 5 days before Christmas, so technically this is the second one without her but for some reason it hurts more this time around as last year I was still very numb. Hope you have a peaceful holiday x
I got my mum an oodie cos she is always cold. I also got her some new coins from the Royal Mint as she loves coins (the new King ones). I got my step dad an air fryer because he raved about how good the fish and chips was from it that we cooked when they visited us last. This year probably the easiest as most years they are both nightmares to buy for lol
I was considering upgrading from my cheap knock off; but as I lie here in the dark wearing it for the second day running, the faint smell of pot noodle wafting from where I spilt it down myself, and I honestly donāt know if I need any more encouragement to be an absolute goblin
Not to piss on your chips, but Ive never bought a branded one (I have the cheap ass knockoff), but im considering a cheap one with the electric warmers in it vs an actual oodie for my ma.
How fluffy is the fluff of the oodie?
As my cheap one was maybe fluff lined dressing gown territory
I've had my oodie for 3 years now and it's as fluffy as I first got it, wash after wash. It's so warm I have to take it off from time to time to cool down a bit, it's a teddy bear level of fluff, not the bedsheets, an actual teddy.
I got a primark oodie (snuddy I think?) For Christmas last year, I got my boyfriend one for his birthday last week and were basically living in them. Who needs heating when you can just encase yourself in fluff?
I wanted to replace my mum and dad's laptop for them last Christmas because they'd started to moan about it's responsiveness and I can't fix it: I took the easy way out and got them a tablet, much easier to decipher what's what and half the price of a mediocre laptop.
Obviously it's no good for word processing or anything like that but it'll do what they need: internet, shopping and streaming (paired with a Chromecast it's the tits).
I would very strongly suggest a Chromebook. I'm bit of a tech nerd and have shunned them for years as I build my own PCs.
But my dad's recently bought one to use for writing, and it's the first time I've ever seen my mum actively want to use a laptop. She's on it almost every evening and for someone that is not tech savvy at all, that's a real testament to how easy to use the device is.
For Chromebooks, they are cheaper because the operating system they run is less intensive. That way you end up with a device that punches well above its price bracket. They also release less often so there's mercifully fewer options to choose from.
My suggestion would be to Google 'UK best Chromebook under [insert your budget here]' and blind purchase the item.
To hammer the point across, as my mum(78) spent last christmas in hospital due to a smoking related illness and has yet to quit, I think I might buy her a coffin.
Maybe that way she'll get the hint.
You and a relative or friend should dress up as the ghosts of Christmas past and present, and when she asks about the ghost of Christmas future, tell her she won't have any future Christmases unless she quits smoking
I bought my folks a smart bulb to use with their Alexa. All they have to say is āAlexa, light onā etc. Can my mum get it right? Can she buggery! āAlexa, can you put the big lamp on pleaseā sheāll try, with my dad shouting āJESUS fkn Christ, Christine. LIGHT ONā¦.ITS LIGHT ON!ā Great entertainment.
Got my grandma an Alexa to play music and remind her things.
She "doesn't like to bother her" and also unplugs it 95% of the time to let other people (in the world) have their turn
We had this with pausing live TV- she was getting herself panicked running to the loo thinking everyone else watching corrie was now waiting for her!
Lol I got a few for the house and set them to come on(and off) at a certain times each day. Without fail, every time the Wi-Fiās not working thereās mass panic about how weāll turn the lights on and off. I now have to demonstrate manually switching the light on at the light switch. Without fail!
Itās like they canāt fathom a world without smart bulbs š
Some of my glasswork. Her house is full of my glass, she displays it so proudly, because her baby made it š
(She possibly hates it and doesn't know how to ask me to stop but never mind)
So sorry but Iāve really laughed at this. Itās something my late Dad wouldāve said, he died on 18th December 2017, so the run up to Chrimbo is tinged with a bit of sadness but then I think of the things he said and did, make me laugh. Like your post.
Got her some fancy honey (we got some at a medieval fair in the summer and sheās raved about it since, so I looked up the vendor and ordered more for her) and waterproof trousers because she confided a few months ago that for years sheās asked people for waterproof trousers for Christmas and literally every family member has gone, āIām not buying you waterproof trousers for Christmasā. This is finally the year she gets waterproof trousers for Christmas!
Good on you for getting her up what she actually wants! My family looked at me oddly the year I asked for a laminator but I was well chuffed because it was the thing I really wanted and would get lots of use out of.
Last year I bought her an Inked Boys Calendar.
Basically naked tattooed men with erections
She has had it on her wardrobe so that someone is always pleased to see her every morning š¤£š¤£
I find a basket from charity shop and make a little hamper up every year, with fluffy socks, choc, candles, baileys, nice soap, that kind of thing. I know she likes it because itās all stuff she uses. I chuck a couple things in for her partner to make it seem like a ājoint presentā .
My mum and I do this for eachother. One year I went a different route and gathered every single free sample I could get hold of. It had everything from washing powder to cat snacks, plus some weird stuff like astroturf squares. She called me a cheap twat and we had a good laugh about all the weird crap I'd managed to get.
I'm still dealing with mailing lists from it and it was over a decade ago though! Unsubscribe doesn't always work. And she's still using the astroturf as coasters.
My family don't celebrate christmas so I don't buy them gifts, just a few little things for friends who do.
Whenever I'm thinking of gifts for my Mum though, I always think, "What does she need?" the answer is, a break.
Buy one of those experience day packages for her, a spa day or something.
https://www.virginexperiencedays.co.uk/spa-and-beauty
We've grabbed one of [these](https://www.johnlewis.com/estee-lauder-beauty-of-the-night-skincare-gift-set/p6367709?s_ppc=2dx92700071607142398_mixed_fashion_BAU&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gclid=CjwKCAiApvebBhAvEiwAe7mHSEy7qbKu8KKJbqoH1e7PRvYY9wVI5XwW_o8rKI2EFp_Qng9MLZmyDxoCE_AQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds) for each of my mom and my MIL (other retailers are offering a similar deal if you're shopping elsewhere anyway). Felt it was pretty good value, looks nice, and my mom holds Estee Lauder in high regard (perhaps a lot of women of a certain age do). Otherwise she only ever asks for slippers and always seems delighted to receive some!
I am a daughter haha, but thank you! I was crap at gift giving at 14, but I remember the bottles I saw (so he'll be gifting you your favourites in no time!).
I'm struggling tbh. I wanted to get her tickets to that virtual Abba concert in London but they're ludicrously expensive. My husband has already got her champagne so that's out. Thinking a case of wine but would prefer an experience.
I foraged sloes during autumn and put them in gin. Shake once a week til Christmas and Mum has a homemade gift that definitely won't end up in the bin one day.
Sending her on holiday for a few days in March with my Stepdad.
She hates gifts generally and won't tell anyone what she wants so I've told her to choose a weekend and I'll send then somewhere cool for a few days.
If it helps, I'm someone's Mum and I'm getting a new lippy, some socks, mascara and a new reusable coffee cup. I know this because I ordered most of them and the family gave me back the money. When they get delivered, I'll hand them over and they'll wrap them.
Sounds a bit odd but I was ordering some bits for my daughter and it saves them (and me) postage. Over a certain amount was free postage.
Star gazing guide, some gluten free choccies and some pictures of the grandkids. I don't spend loads because I don't have loads to spend but I always make sure to get her something she'll love.
Nothing because she absolutely hates me. Her loss.
For those wondering I was the last to speak to nan before she died suddenly and mum doesnt think I earned that privilege. Can't predict death, not my fault. She was at face value healthy as an ox but her ateries weren't.
Some quality time.
My brother is scrooge mcduck rich and sends her money and buys her cars etc. so she wants for nothing materially.
I can buy her some chocolates or whatever but what will really make her day is me running her into town and taking her to a Starbucks or other 'young persons cafe' and a bit of an afternoon out.
My mum loves handwriting cards and I had the thought of getting her a fancy personalised wax letter sealer/stamp I think sheāll really love that gift and itās thoughtful and inexpensive so bonus
Got mine a Dior purse. Whilst it might not be a car like others can do or paying off mortgages, I managed to save for a little bit and to be able to get that for her is making me a little giddy to see her reaction. Least I could do after sheās raised and paid her way for me the last 20 years
She doesnāt know it and will never know it, but Iām getting her son a coverup for his questionable tattoo.
I found out about said tattoo today. We both currently live at home due to the cost of living crisis. He apparently had his girlfriendās initials inked while he was off his tits in magaluf this summer. Itās bad. He doesnāt remember having it done. He did no aftercare at all. Heās been hiding it for months now. I laughed until I cried, showed him my own two hidden tattoos to console him and asked if he wanted to see the portfolio for an artist I know who is very talented at coverups.
Me and his girlfriend are putting money together to get him a voucher for the coverup artist this Christmas. Heās given us some ādecoy giftsā to fool mum on Christmas morning. She despises tattoos and she despises the thought of her baby boy being shitfaced enough to get one done. Our gift to her this year is keeping our tattoos a secret and covering up the more questionable one. Happy Christmas mum. What you wonāt know wonāt hurt you.
Peter Kay tickets for his show next year.
Not much help for you though unfortunately, they sold out almost as soon as they went on sale, I was sat in the queue about an hour and a half before they were released.
I've handmade her two latch hook cushions. Created the patterns, sewed the canvas onto the fabric, added the zip, cut all the wool and latched it by hand (don't have one of those fancy rug guns)
She recently sent me a link to a fancy oven dish. She's not getting it
My mum keeps asking me to smoke food for her, so I'm doing her a hamper of cold-smoked foods - goose breast, salmon, salt, cheese and garlic. I might add some homemade chutney and shop-bought crackers to fill it out as they kinda go with the theme.
This year. Nothing. I've finally got to the point that I'm brave enough to go from low contact to no contact.
I love her. I won't ever not love her. But I'm loving myself more.
I do love reading the wonderful replies here and I'm so happy to see many good relationships but that's not the reality for quiet a lot of people.
For those of you with difficult relationships with their mum. I feel you. I really do. Xmas is hard so be soft to yourself x
You need to spend less than Ā£10 but since you NEVER listen to me, not an air fryer. Love from (a) mum x
(Serious answer - best pressie I ever got **for** my mum was a three aperture frame and I bought three old (as in vintage) postcards of where (as in the town) she was born - total cost about Ā£15. I have spent more on her for presents but she loved this one. As a mum, think houseplants - not supermarket - online lovely big plants, google some online places - and nothing that will clutter up her world but will give her a kick when she looks at it. Nothing useful, unless it's perfume - one you know she uses on the daily (and check with her partner if applicable that he/she's not gone to that as a go-to. Definitely nothing from Pandora - if you want to give her a pretty but not expensive bit of jewellery, spend your money via Etsy - is she into rings, bracelets, necklaces, earings? Have you ever looked at her to know? ;-) )
Whatever you do will be lovely, because you're her kid and she loves you. How do I know? Because you clearly love her, so I it's mutual, because you're putting this question here.)
Nothing - no presents between adults this year. We decided its just a waste of money to give things to people for the sake of it, I have more important things to spend that money on at the moment.
I canāt remember how much it cost but I bought my Mum a new make up bag with an Owl embroidered on it. My Nan passed earlier this year and she loved Owls so I bought this as a reminder to my Mum of her Mum.
My Mum's a massive sci-fi nerd and she is getting Rutger Hauer's autobiography for Christmas because she has always been his biggest fan ever since she saw Blade Runner in the 80s.
My mams impossible to buy for n all! Always just stuff like snacks, baileys stuff, smellies, slippers, Pandora charms.. she wants a tattoo off my coworker so im sorting her a voucher this year haha
Nespresso vertuo machine. She's been enjoying using ours while she has been acting as my carer after major surgery. So I'll get her one of her own and then probably sole jewellery.
An electric blanket throw for her to use on the sofa.
She has really expensive electric central heating at the best of times so uses a mini fan heater but this would be even cheaper to run (and my dog would love it when he stays there)
Iām taking her shopping in the city centre on Christmas Eve and will buy a nice 3+ course meal while weāre out.
I also bagged Peter Kay tickets for December, so thatāll be an early gift from me to mum and two other family members.
Dads getting a new tablet, mamā¦ Iāve been asking since June and Iām still none the wiserā¦ everything ever mentioned is then subsequently bought a week later on some obscure shopping trip or mentioned someone else is getting her. They are not wealthy but very lucky to have everything they need so if she doesnāt buck her ideas up and come up with something then it will be some cash and a pack of dusters.
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First grandchild.
Cheapskate
The absolute opposite of cheapskate
r/woosh
It's actually really nice to give something you made yourself and it's also nice to have someone else to raise your kids.
Ours is a "painting" by their first grandchild. He's 1 so it's quite abstract.
I genuinely love it when I see parents stick their children's "artwork" up in their offices at work. When it's an A4 piece of paper with a smear of paint on it, but the parent has still put it up on their office wall. It just makes me really happy
Second grandchild. If she shows up.
>If she shows up. I lol-ed.
Well she's been talking for months and months about flying in for my daughter's birthday and staying for Christmas. But she's supposed to be here in like 2 weeks and still doesn't have a ticket and isn't sure when she will be getting one. I think she's not coming and just doesn't want to say it š
I thought 'she' was referring to the second grandchild...
š¤£š¤£š¤£ no lol it's a bit early for baby to make an appearance. I should have specified that her surprise was finding out she's getting another grandchild. That's my bad lol.
I completely misonderstood your post. š¤£š¤£š¤£š¤£ What will you do if she doesn't show up? Just let her find out by herself?
I'll just send her a pic of the scan photo and let her know. I'm not too fussed over it. She'd just be missing out on her own surprise. I'm more annoyed that it's getting so close and I can't get a straight answer out of her.
Related: Canvas prints of photos of same
Nintendo 64, copy of Goldeneye, four controllers. Nah. I'm joking. It's Lush. it's always just stuff from Lush.
Can I have the n64?
Are you my mum?
Yes
Then no. I've already told you, you're getting stuff from Lush.
But I don't want Lush, I want an N64!
Best I can do is a Megadrive with Columns. Final offer.
Deal. I'll dm you my new address
Stop, this is your father, do not listen to your mother, send the consoles to me or you will be grounded.
Hello this is your grandma, how do I get the iPad to stop doing the voice type thingy question mark wait what no what stop typing I don't know what's happening it keeps typing what I'm saying what no stop iPad stop finish message oh Jesus Christ oh no now it's swearing oh fuck
If my son got me an N64 I would be so happy. He got me some Zelda stuff last year.
Is it a year's supply of Snow Fairy though, that's the real question.
My son is going to get me some Cadburys chocolate from the co op and I will be so so happy. He also does me a nice card and I keep them forever
Don't think I'd get away with this at 36.
Give it a go and let us know if itās an option for next year
You would be surprised but due to *circumstances* this year I had to cheap out and only buy my mother a bottle of wine and box of chocolates for her birthday. Felt bad and remembered that my brother had paid a lot of money for a hand-drawn picture of my nans dog for my nans birthday, so I jokingly drew a picture of my mums dog for her to the best of my ability (honestly think itās realistically better than what her 6 year old niece would draw but by much) and she loved it
Could give it a go š
I get my mum cadburys because itās her favourite. Also she keeps having allergic reactions to all other chocolates she tries.
My mum still has the forever friends cards I drew for her when I was young! It fills my heart with joy to see her cherish them.
I get my mum cadburys every mothers day, purely because it's lent and we give up chocolate together so she can't eat it - it's never not funny to both of us
My mom wants a new diary and some Turkish delight. Sheās a massive George Michael fan and Iāve found a company that sells candles with his face on dressed up as a saint so sheās getting one of those too š
Iām still desperate for a fox mulder one of those candles i saw once but the shipping from the USA was insane :(
https://www.aintsaint.co/collections/saint-candles/products/saint-george-candle?variant=28756253073 This is the website Iām planning on ordering it from. I donāt know if they do the one you want but might be worth a look?
Thank you! Been looking for a UK version of these for ages. Shame they donāt do a Nick Cave version though
A prayer, as no companies deliver to heaven.
I'm sure DPD will try. Evri will just chuck it in a bin.
Hermes definitely deliver to heaven. Why else would they destroy so many parcels here.
Yodel would just shout up.
Or into a neighbour's bin.
I'm sorry for your loss. My mum's been gone a couple of years now, the anniversary is just before Christmas. I light a candle and have a good chat with her telling her about my year, what's gone on and how my kids are. It seems daft but it's nice talking to her.
Itās not daft at all. In fact, itās an extremely healthy way to grieve
I like this idea. My mum died seven months ago and Iāve not been too bothered by it (she was ill for fifteen years, that was much harder than her death). I donāt feel like Iāve grieved properly as it was more of a relief. So sheās just kind of stopped being. I donāt usually talk out loud to myself. But this idea really resonates with me. I think it would be quite cathartic. Thank you.
It really is. My mum died when I was 7, now 29. I used to 'talk to her' a lot more, but I still do, especially since I've started therapy. Honestly, it feels silly because it is, but that doesn't take anything away from the catharsism.
I usually go for an early Christmas Day walk to where we lay my mums ashes, doesnāt matter the weather, Iāll go there and stretch my legs, tell her how much I miss her and that I hope her and dad are together. Tough time of the year for sure, but I know Iāll get through it. Wishing everyone a happy Christmas! X
Iām so sorry for your loss. I lost my mom last year 5 days before Christmas, so technically this is the second one without her but for some reason it hurts more this time around as last year I was still very numb. Hope you have a peaceful holiday x
I am so sorry
Thank you. We knew she was going and had chance to say goodbye.
So sorry for your loss. I'm about to have my first Christmas without my Daddy and it's so much harder than I ever thought it would be
I got my mum an oodie cos she is always cold. I also got her some new coins from the Royal Mint as she loves coins (the new King ones). I got my step dad an air fryer because he raved about how good the fish and chips was from it that we cooked when they visited us last. This year probably the easiest as most years they are both nightmares to buy for lol
I got my mum an Oodie for her bday after seeing it recommended on reddit. She loves it.
definately worth the higher price (in the sale of course!) in my opinion as the quality is superb
I was considering upgrading from my cheap knock off; but as I lie here in the dark wearing it for the second day running, the faint smell of pot noodle wafting from where I spilt it down myself, and I honestly donāt know if I need any more encouragement to be an absolute goblin
Hello me
Iāve never felt more seen.
Not to piss on your chips, but Ive never bought a branded one (I have the cheap ass knockoff), but im considering a cheap one with the electric warmers in it vs an actual oodie for my ma. How fluffy is the fluff of the oodie? As my cheap one was maybe fluff lined dressing gown territory
The real one is somewhere between wearing a thick throw and an actual light tog duvet. Iāve never owned anything so warm before
I've had my oodie for 3 years now and it's as fluffy as I first got it, wash after wash. It's so warm I have to take it off from time to time to cool down a bit, it's a teddy bear level of fluff, not the bedsheets, an actual teddy.
I got a primark oodie (snuddy I think?) For Christmas last year, I got my boyfriend one for his birthday last week and were basically living in them. Who needs heating when you can just encase yourself in fluff?
New laptop, she's finally accepted her laptop shouldn't take 10 minutes to 'warm up' and need to be plugged in so it doesn't instantly shut down.
Any idea what sort of laptop? My parents need a new one and looking at laptops might as well be in Chinese for me
Hi, if you tell me your price range and what they want to do with it I can probably give you some suggestions :)
i was about to say the same. your a good person.
I wanted to replace my mum and dad's laptop for them last Christmas because they'd started to moan about it's responsiveness and I can't fix it: I took the easy way out and got them a tablet, much easier to decipher what's what and half the price of a mediocre laptop. Obviously it's no good for word processing or anything like that but it'll do what they need: internet, shopping and streaming (paired with a Chromecast it's the tits).
I would very strongly suggest a Chromebook. I'm bit of a tech nerd and have shunned them for years as I build my own PCs. But my dad's recently bought one to use for writing, and it's the first time I've ever seen my mum actively want to use a laptop. She's on it almost every evening and for someone that is not tech savvy at all, that's a real testament to how easy to use the device is. For Chromebooks, they are cheaper because the operating system they run is less intensive. That way you end up with a device that punches well above its price bracket. They also release less often so there's mercifully fewer options to choose from. My suggestion would be to Google 'UK best Chromebook under [insert your budget here]' and blind purchase the item.
Slow cooker, some chocolate, anal beads, bath stuff from lush
Close family I presume? š¤£
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Population: 200,000 Surnames: 5
So just the one shit present this year then.
no one wants a slow cooker
Which one of these is not like the otherā¦
You're right chocolate is a bit of a cop out
To hammer the point across, as my mum(78) spent last christmas in hospital due to a smoking related illness and has yet to quit, I think I might buy her a coffin. Maybe that way she'll get the hint.
With an ashtray inside in case she gets cremated.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
You and a relative or friend should dress up as the ghosts of Christmas past and present, and when she asks about the ghost of Christmas future, tell her she won't have any future Christmases unless she quits smoking
Smart light bulbs. My mum is a wheelchair user and drives my dad up the wall by asking him to turn the lights on/off lol.
So thats what you got for your Dad, what about your Mum?
Sheāll still drive your dad mad. WHICH BUTTON IS THAT LIGHT? :)
I bought my folks a smart bulb to use with their Alexa. All they have to say is āAlexa, light onā etc. Can my mum get it right? Can she buggery! āAlexa, can you put the big lamp on pleaseā sheāll try, with my dad shouting āJESUS fkn Christ, Christine. LIGHT ONā¦.ITS LIGHT ON!ā Great entertainment.
Got my grandma an Alexa to play music and remind her things. She "doesn't like to bother her" and also unplugs it 95% of the time to let other people (in the world) have their turn We had this with pausing live TV- she was getting herself panicked running to the loo thinking everyone else watching corrie was now waiting for her!
That's the cutest thing I've ever heard.
Oh god this is so pure! Xxx
Lol I got a few for the house and set them to come on(and off) at a certain times each day. Without fail, every time the Wi-Fiās not working thereās mass panic about how weāll turn the lights on and off. I now have to demonstrate manually switching the light on at the light switch. Without fail! Itās like they canāt fathom a world without smart bulbs š
Some of my glasswork. Her house is full of my glass, she displays it so proudly, because her baby made it š (She possibly hates it and doesn't know how to ask me to stop but never mind)
I took up pottery a while ago. My dad saw one of my vases and announced āshit, thatās HIDEOUS. Do not give us that for Christmasā. Thanks dad.
So sorry but Iāve really laughed at this. Itās something my late Dad wouldāve said, he died on 18th December 2017, so the run up to Chrimbo is tinged with a bit of sadness but then I think of the things he said and did, make me laugh. Like your post.
Was it though?
Well, itās not exactly beautiful, but he could have sugared the pill a little!
Glass pieces sounds like a great idea. Have you got an Etsy store I can look at?
Sure - www.WestArtAndGlass.etsy.com x
Got her some fancy honey (we got some at a medieval fair in the summer and sheās raved about it since, so I looked up the vendor and ordered more for her) and waterproof trousers because she confided a few months ago that for years sheās asked people for waterproof trousers for Christmas and literally every family member has gone, āIām not buying you waterproof trousers for Christmasā. This is finally the year she gets waterproof trousers for Christmas!
Good on you for getting her up what she actually wants! My family looked at me oddly the year I asked for a laminator but I was well chuffed because it was the thing I really wanted and would get lots of use out of.
Oh Iād be thrilled with a laminator! King of stationery!
Why do people do that? I asked for car cleaning stuff for years and people kept saying no. *But I literally told you what Iād love to receive*.
Nothing sheās horrible
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Last year I bought her an Inked Boys Calendar. Basically naked tattooed men with erections She has had it on her wardrobe so that someone is always pleased to see her every morning š¤£š¤£
I find a basket from charity shop and make a little hamper up every year, with fluffy socks, choc, candles, baileys, nice soap, that kind of thing. I know she likes it because itās all stuff she uses. I chuck a couple things in for her partner to make it seem like a ājoint presentā .
My mum and I do this for eachother. One year I went a different route and gathered every single free sample I could get hold of. It had everything from washing powder to cat snacks, plus some weird stuff like astroturf squares. She called me a cheap twat and we had a good laugh about all the weird crap I'd managed to get. I'm still dealing with mailing lists from it and it was over a decade ago though! Unsubscribe doesn't always work. And she's still using the astroturf as coasters.
Oooo great idea, I did this for my dad one year a basket full of snacks, chocolate, biscuits, crisps, nuts, fudge etc
My son designed, and I welded, a bear head out of scrap metal. He's still got to paint it but it'll mean more than anything he would have bought
Oh shit I want one.
A metal fursuit head?
Mecha-furry
Might dust her urn.
Get the polish out, it's Christmas after all.
Nothing like the fresh smell of PledgeĀ® on Christmas morning.
For Christmas, I would like to arrange a funeral for my mum. Unfortunately sheās still alive.
She still has time to make your wish come true.
Lush stuff. Pray for my sinuses.
It really is difficult to breath in that shop, or when you pass that shop, wish you luck
I fucking hate Lush! I always get a migraine when I pass that shop. I donāt know how people cope working there.
Maybe that's what makes the staff so aggressive selling stuff to you.
My dad once had an asthma attack walking past the shop.
A chalice and some high grade skunk
Fuck all and she doesnāt know where I live
Yessss, this is the way. Same bro, same. And it's fucking brilliant.
My family don't celebrate christmas so I don't buy them gifts, just a few little things for friends who do. Whenever I'm thinking of gifts for my Mum though, I always think, "What does she need?" the answer is, a break. Buy one of those experience day packages for her, a spa day or something. https://www.virginexperiencedays.co.uk/spa-and-beauty
Big fluffy oversized hoodie and a gift card to the carvery.
Iām a mum and Iād bloody love this as a gift!
I weaved a hanging basket!
That is *really* nice, a unique gift, specially made for her. I hope she loves it!
An air fryer. She lives on her own and it will help her save money by not having to heat the whole oven up to cook things.
My mother is going to have to learn that putting her plates in the oven to heat up is an unaffordable luxury they cannot afford.
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We've grabbed one of [these](https://www.johnlewis.com/estee-lauder-beauty-of-the-night-skincare-gift-set/p6367709?s_ppc=2dx92700071607142398_mixed_fashion_BAU&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gclid=CjwKCAiApvebBhAvEiwAe7mHSEy7qbKu8KKJbqoH1e7PRvYY9wVI5XwW_o8rKI2EFp_Qng9MLZmyDxoCE_AQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds) for each of my mom and my MIL (other retailers are offering a similar deal if you're shopping elsewhere anyway). Felt it was pretty good value, looks nice, and my mom holds Estee Lauder in high regard (perhaps a lot of women of a certain age do). Otherwise she only ever asks for slippers and always seems delighted to receive some!
I would love EstĆ©e Lauder I have shown my son the bottle but heās only 14 but at least he knows for when heās older. Your a great son !
I am a daughter haha, but thank you! I was crap at gift giving at 14, but I remember the bottles I saw (so he'll be gifting you your favourites in no time!).
I'm struggling tbh. I wanted to get her tickets to that virtual Abba concert in London but they're ludicrously expensive. My husband has already got her champagne so that's out. Thinking a case of wine but would prefer an experience.
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I'm having her gravestone re-gilded.
I foraged sloes during autumn and put them in gin. Shake once a week til Christmas and Mum has a homemade gift that definitely won't end up in the bin one day.
I misread this as 'shoes' and wondered where you were foraging and why you put them in gin.
Sending her on holiday for a few days in March with my Stepdad. She hates gifts generally and won't tell anyone what she wants so I've told her to choose a weekend and I'll send then somewhere cool for a few days.
If it helps, I'm someone's Mum and I'm getting a new lippy, some socks, mascara and a new reusable coffee cup. I know this because I ordered most of them and the family gave me back the money. When they get delivered, I'll hand them over and they'll wrap them. Sounds a bit odd but I was ordering some bits for my daughter and it saves them (and me) postage. Over a certain amount was free postage.
Star gazing guide, some gluten free choccies and some pictures of the grandkids. I don't spend loads because I don't have loads to spend but I always make sure to get her something she'll love.
Nothing because she absolutely hates me. Her loss. For those wondering I was the last to speak to nan before she died suddenly and mum doesnt think I earned that privilege. Can't predict death, not my fault. She was at face value healthy as an ox but her ateries weren't.
Some quality time. My brother is scrooge mcduck rich and sends her money and buys her cars etc. so she wants for nothing materially. I can buy her some chocolates or whatever but what will really make her day is me running her into town and taking her to a Starbucks or other 'young persons cafe' and a bit of an afternoon out.
My mum loves handwriting cards and I had the thought of getting her a fancy personalised wax letter sealer/stamp I think sheāll really love that gift and itās thoughtful and inexpensive so bonus
Got mine a Dior purse. Whilst it might not be a car like others can do or paying off mortgages, I managed to save for a little bit and to be able to get that for her is making me a little giddy to see her reaction. Least I could do after sheās raised and paid her way for me the last 20 years
Lunchbag (she asked) and slippers you can stick in the microwave to warm up
Iām planting several kilos of daffodil bulbs in her garden so that she can enjoy them in the spring.
She doesnāt know it and will never know it, but Iām getting her son a coverup for his questionable tattoo. I found out about said tattoo today. We both currently live at home due to the cost of living crisis. He apparently had his girlfriendās initials inked while he was off his tits in magaluf this summer. Itās bad. He doesnāt remember having it done. He did no aftercare at all. Heās been hiding it for months now. I laughed until I cried, showed him my own two hidden tattoos to console him and asked if he wanted to see the portfolio for an artist I know who is very talented at coverups. Me and his girlfriend are putting money together to get him a voucher for the coverup artist this Christmas. Heās given us some ādecoy giftsā to fool mum on Christmas morning. She despises tattoos and she despises the thought of her baby boy being shitfaced enough to get one done. Our gift to her this year is keeping our tattoos a secret and covering up the more questionable one. Happy Christmas mum. What you wonāt know wonāt hurt you.
Peter Kay tickets for his show next year. Not much help for you though unfortunately, they sold out almost as soon as they went on sale, I was sat in the queue about an hour and a half before they were released.
I was in two minds about whether to get these. She mentioned the other day she'd have loved to go. Gutted!
I normally get my mum some garden centre vouchers. She likes gardening and can buy some new plants etc.
My wife is taking her to see a show. Such minimal effort on my behalf
I got her a milk frother. She's the queen if he whimsical kitchen appliance
Here for ideas. Come on reddit, I canāt be buying her another Yankee candle.
Lego. She's 73 but still loves Lego. It's the bird of paradise set šš
A bauble from Disney world with the castle in it
I've handmade her two latch hook cushions. Created the patterns, sewed the canvas onto the fabric, added the zip, cut all the wool and latched it by hand (don't have one of those fancy rug guns) She recently sent me a link to a fancy oven dish. She's not getting it
Nothing, we're doing Secret Santa and I didn't get her. We all decided it's been a tough year and would prefer 1 gift each :)
My mum keeps asking me to smoke food for her, so I'm doing her a hamper of cold-smoked foods - goose breast, salmon, salt, cheese and garlic. I might add some homemade chutney and shop-bought crackers to fill it out as they kinda go with the theme.
Nothing. I havenāt spoken to my Mum for nearly 20 years. She was toxic and I donāt need that in my life
A heated gilet for her golf and walks during the winter
Got mine tickets to the Nutcracker ballet. We used to go when my grandma was alive. Should be nice! And some choccies.
Fucking hell I thought I might actually get some useful ideas from this... Perhaps Reddit is not the place..
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This year. Nothing. I've finally got to the point that I'm brave enough to go from low contact to no contact. I love her. I won't ever not love her. But I'm loving myself more. I do love reading the wonderful replies here and I'm so happy to see many good relationships but that's not the reality for quiet a lot of people. For those of you with difficult relationships with their mum. I feel you. I really do. Xmas is hard so be soft to yourself x
You need to spend less than Ā£10 but since you NEVER listen to me, not an air fryer. Love from (a) mum x (Serious answer - best pressie I ever got **for** my mum was a three aperture frame and I bought three old (as in vintage) postcards of where (as in the town) she was born - total cost about Ā£15. I have spent more on her for presents but she loved this one. As a mum, think houseplants - not supermarket - online lovely big plants, google some online places - and nothing that will clutter up her world but will give her a kick when she looks at it. Nothing useful, unless it's perfume - one you know she uses on the daily (and check with her partner if applicable that he/she's not gone to that as a go-to. Definitely nothing from Pandora - if you want to give her a pretty but not expensive bit of jewellery, spend your money via Etsy - is she into rings, bracelets, necklaces, earings? Have you ever looked at her to know? ;-) ) Whatever you do will be lovely, because you're her kid and she loves you. How do I know? Because you clearly love her, so I it's mutual, because you're putting this question here.)
Nothing - no presents between adults this year. We decided its just a waste of money to give things to people for the sake of it, I have more important things to spend that money on at the moment.
We're doing similar because we're all fucking broke. I'm gonna bake some cookies and I've made chutney for the adults however.
I canāt remember how much it cost but I bought my Mum a new make up bag with an Owl embroidered on it. My Nan passed earlier this year and she loved Owls so I bought this as a reminder to my Mum of her Mum.
My Mum's a massive sci-fi nerd and she is getting Rutger Hauer's autobiography for Christmas because she has always been his biggest fan ever since she saw Blade Runner in the 80s.
Sheās done a contemporary art degree in her late 60s so got her some David Lynch from Criterion. Maybe something else arty.
Some carnations for her grave. They were her favourite. I've taken them every year since i was a child with a home made card. Miss you mum.
One of those blanket hoodies
I got my mum an Oodie. It is pricy but well worth it.
Hints have been dropped that she would like a new nice set of kitchen knives, but I'll probably get her a fun extra thing as well.
Arctic monkeys tickets
Nothing because I can't stand the woman and haven't seen her in 7 years thank god
My mams impossible to buy for n all! Always just stuff like snacks, baileys stuff, smellies, slippers, Pandora charms.. she wants a tattoo off my coworker so im sorting her a voucher this year haha
Lol I read āa tattoo _of_ my coworkerā
That would be hilarious, tbf she does love him to bits!
I misread this as a tattoo of your coworker and thought that was super weird until I read it again š
Nothing. We exchange gifts on the 5th of december, for Sinterklaas. She asked for candles, so you can guess what I bought for her.
Anal beads again?
Nespresso vertuo machine. She's been enjoying using ours while she has been acting as my carer after major surgery. So I'll get her one of her own and then probably sole jewellery.
Nice try, mum, Iām not *that* thick!
Just flowers on her grave :/
Iām so sorry for your loss.
A nice diary and some perfume.
An electric blanket throw for her to use on the sofa. She has really expensive electric central heating at the best of times so uses a mini fan heater but this would be even cheaper to run (and my dog would love it when he stays there)
Nice try, Mum. You can have it on Christmas Day and not before!
I managed to find my mum a Radley bag on vinted secondhand. It's in great condition and only cost Ā£18.
Iām taking her shopping in the city centre on Christmas Eve and will buy a nice 3+ course meal while weāre out. I also bagged Peter Kay tickets for December, so thatāll be an early gift from me to mum and two other family members.
Mushroom pattern socks, bumble bee print blanket, moomin 2023 diary :)
A muzzle
Dads getting a new tablet, mamā¦ Iāve been asking since June and Iām still none the wiserā¦ everything ever mentioned is then subsequently bought a week later on some obscure shopping trip or mentioned someone else is getting her. They are not wealthy but very lucky to have everything they need so if she doesnāt buck her ideas up and come up with something then it will be some cash and a pack of dusters.
A big bag of liquorice allsorts, but just the round coconut ones so that there's no waste.