First time playing Santa: to my 62 year old mum

ikkleosu

As a family we always give each other 1 or 2 gifts each but all our lives our Mum has also played "santa" and gives us about 10 gifts each which are just labelled "from Santa" - they are always varied in size/value - stocking fillers, useful things, toiletries, one CD, one DVD etc. Anyway normally my Dad buys the "from santa" gifts to give to Mum so she's not left out, but my Dad died in the summer. So this year i am going to have to be Santa to mum and I want to start early but I am totlaly lost on IDEAs of what kind of things to get her.

I never have a problem getting her a main gift but this idea of buying lots of little things has me stumped and I wondered if any MSers had any ideas?

She's not a very Mummsy kind of woman, or glamouros (she never wears make-up or jewellery) but she loves crafts and things. I was thinking maybe buying a nice little stationery set for writng to her friends and some of her favourite mosturiser...but then that's it.

LOL any help gratefully received.

Pink.

Hi ikkleosu,

It's going to be a difficult Christmas for all of you, and it's lovely that you are trying to make it easier for your mum.

Craft creations website has been recommended on mse before.

What about some pretty underwear or luxury tights that she wouldn't normally buy for herself, a photgraph frame perhaps with a photograph of your Dad (but maybe that would upset her). I know you say she isn't 'glamourous', but she may enjoy a pampering voucher for somewhere local, or a miniature bottle of her favourite tipple? Perhaps a subscription for her favourite magazine?

I'm sure someone will come along soon with more ideas.

Pink

bobsa1

We had old cine film put onto a video for my mum, the whole thing was sad but happy if you know what I mean. It had clips from when we were all children, holidays etc and was set to nice music. I always buy my mum some chocs, things like gloves, scarves, umbrellas, a magazine or book, a minature bottle of baileys, that sort of thing.

If she enjoys cooking you can get her some gadgets like a garlic press, pastry cutters and bits and bobs or a similar theme for gardening.

My mum found the first winter the worst due to long evenings, so we got her magazines from the library about local groups etc and got her books about local history.

I don't know what her interests are but if she fancies doing a family tree get her a book about that, or if she is a granny get her a book to put her memories etc. in for her grandchildren.

Hope this helps

safesound

My condolences on the loss of your father, it must be a very trying time for your mother. The firsts always are (first xmas, first birthday, first holiday etc), but I'm sure she's very glad to have such a loving son who wants to cheer her up.
I do the same thing for my mum every year, only I do it in stocking form so I know what its like thinking 'argh, what am I gonna buy!'
I usually start about this time of year, browse shops you know she likes. Pick up small items that you think she might like and bundle them together if you think a particular item is/looks too cheap on its own.
Try eBay, I've found loads of craft stuff on there and this sellers soap is to die for and practical too: (not me btw, I'm just v.happy with her items)
http://stores.ebay.co.uk/SERENDIPITY-BODYCARE_W0QQssPageNameZstrkQ3amefsQ3amesstQQtZkm
Candle making kits can be quite fun, and home made cards are very chic at the moment. Try a garden centre for craft stuff that you wouldnt normally find outside of specialised craft shops.
I'll post more if/when I think of any.

Allexie

Keep an eye on the Freebies thread....some great stuff there for stocking fillers...for eg - the Schuh radio recently, Original Source toiletries, always something popping up!!! Otherwise, if she's into crafts...what about a cross-stitch kit...available from small greetings card sized kits to ...well big ones!

Maisie

How about a magazine subscription so she has something to look forward to every month. You could make a gift card or they might supply one to put in her stocking telling her about the magazine.

Or how about linking her phone to yours on 1899 (hope that's the right number!). Then she would not feel too worried about paying phone bills and could keep in touch with you all. You would pay the bill but it's not much with 1899.

Find out about any craft groups in the area and she might like to join. it's better for someone to go with her the first couple of times as that's usually the most difficult thing to do on her own.
She might then make a new friend at the group and there's nothing nicer than making a new friend. A sort of Christmas present that's forever.

Hope the first Christmas without your dad goes well for all of you. It's a sad time but remember him with love.

littlemissfrugal

how about vouchers - one for a day with you doing whatever she wants - an odd job voucher, for anything your dad would have normally taken care of (she may not like asking) any variation you think suits - i ended up clearing out my old bedroom for my mum she had wanted me to do it for years and it gave her the perfect opportunity - good luck

ikkleosu

WOw some fabulous ideas there everyone! Thanks also for the condolences, my dad died EXTREMELY suddenly so it was a big shock. Safesound - LOL i'm a ladeeeeee, so she has a loving duaghter. We're both lucky in that i live at home due to health/finances so we have each other to keep each other company. First are hard, it's Mum's birthday in a couple of week sso that'll be tough.

Anyway am loving the tips, she IS into family trees bobsa so EXCELLENT tip. Also like the idea of vouchers for jobs around the house etc - will try and rope my brothers into that. She's not a granny, sadly her 3 lovely children are either a) picky or b) unlovable, as we're all single. heehee.

Keep em coming, i shall be saving all the idea and carrying them in my bag for whenever i'm out shopping!

Savvy_Sue

Didn't see chocolate mentioned ...

Pink.

Savvy_Sue wrote:

Didn't see chocolate mentioned ...

How on earth did I forget that!

2005CLAIRE

What about a nice picture printed on some coasters or a mug?

A poem written by you about what a great mum she is?

A painting set, I've seen these very cheap in high street book stores.