Help! Urgent Birthday Gift for MIL Needed

dizsiebubba

UPDATE! Have just popped out and bought a silver coloured DKNY bracelet watch with a round mother of pearl face. Not too 'blingy', not too old fashioned and I think fairly neutral! (other updates to original posts in purple)


We don't get on and I have met her twice in 6.5 years.. OH doesn't have much to do with her either nowdays because she makes it difficult due to her drinking (long story) but at the end of the day its still his mum and he really cares for her so he has left it to me to get her a gift for her birthday ... tomorrow!!! He works all the hours god sends so has had no time to do it!

I think it might even be her 50th which makes it more awkward - he can't remember.

She is Hungarian but lives in UK.

In the past I have just chosen a random perfume but as I think it may be her 50th, I think it should probably be a little bit more??? ETA - She is 50 this birthday..checked the marriage cert!

Really stuck so if anybody has any suggestions?

I have no idea if she wears jewellery or what she likes etc and she has a drink problem so alcohol is out of the question.

Thanks

l33na

Not meaning to sound harsh but if her own son can't be bothered and you don't have a relationship why stress.
I would ask OH for a bit more than 'she might be 50' and refuse to have it left to me.

Gigglepig

If you don't know her very well, do you have a SIL you could ask for advice? It is much easier if you know what her interests are...

For a 50th perhaps a gift hamper from a nice store? Should be possible to find one without alcohol, to be delivered asap.

A SPA day a nice place close to where she lives?

Some times there are nice days out on groupon etc but the quality/service may vary which is fine for own use, but I don't think I'd dare use it as a gift unless the provider was well established & reputable

londonsurrey

Older mothers tend to like to be able to show off their success with indicators of caring offspring, e.g. "Oh, this brooch? My son and his wife bought it for my 50th birthday. They're always SO considerate!"

The nature of the object will be determined by your budget and the mother's taste. I've even seen a mobile phone being happily flaunted in this manner.

fluffnutter

You don't like her, it sounds like her son doesn't either. Why bother to get her a gift or is that a bit mean?

TBH, your OH is getting it easy, isn't he? As you say.. at the end of the day it's his mum. Well, he can buy something then

belfastgirl23

I'd send flowers personally...

kazwookie

belfastgirl23 wrote: »

I'd send flowers personally...

I agree with this and add a box of choccies if need be, order online, delivered by them.

Desperado99

fluffnutter wrote: »

You don't like her, it sounds like her son doesn't either. Why bother to get her a gift or is that a bit mean?

TBH, your OH is getting it easy, isn't he? As you say.. at the end of the day it's his mum. Well, he can buy something then

I agree. you wouldn't catch me buying my MIL's present (not that she gets one anyway )

OH tried to pull this one years back. I'd told him that he would have to his mum's mother's day present as it was only a few weeks after my mum passed away. Anyway, as per..... he didn't sort it, so I went and ordered the most ridiculously overpriced interflora flowers (prob £50ish) for her.

Now he orders the flowers

Obtusely..... if you really don't like her, order her some flowers with a big 50 balloon attached, and make sure it's delivered at work

BlondeHeadOn

Desperado99 wrote: »

I agree. you wouldn't catch me buying my MIL's present (not that she gets one anyway )

OH tried to pull this one years back. I'd told him that he would have to his mum's mother's day present as it was only a few weeks after my mum passed away. Anyway, as per..... he didn't sort it, so I went and ordered the most ridiculously overpriced interflora flowers (prob £50ish) for her.

Now he orders the flowers

Obtusely..... if you really don't like her, order her some flowers with a big 50 balloon attached, and make sure it's delivered at work

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

mum2one

def go for flowers, - if you go via quidco or topcash back you can get some good deals as well as cashback for urself x

pimento

John Lewis vouchers. You can't go wrong.