Arg. Out of present ideas for Mrs Greenback

New ironing board cover? ?

Soft cashmere scarf/gloves?. Nice leather purse? Shoes? A home masseuse visit?

Now, answer me a question. Why can I always think of ideas for other people but not Mr Hole? Hmm? Hmm?

Ipod shuffle?
perfume?
massage/facial voucher?

What about a facial?

CD, DVD, new watch, book, ummmmm

We are also doing small presents this year

on my list are books - mainly cookery ones

cds

perfume

gloves

playstation/wii games

purse

any amusing kitchen gadgetry

pretty but not expensive glassware

teapot (oh yes - my life is this exciting ?)

Spa visit, perfume.

vouchers.

Why not jewels? If she got diamond earrings before, could you get her something to match? Bracelet, necklace, etc..

H and I have a limit this year too (£30) and I've bought him lots of little bits and pieces rather than one big thing. You could try making up a little hamper of pampering, pretty and useful things. Lots of thoughtful things to open rather than one big, expensive item is lovely.

Perfume?
Nice undies?
Nice purse?
um.......

Does she have any hobbies? Books? DVDs?

For £50 though you won't get anything decent in the way of jewellery... unless Baron visits Elizabeth Duke...?

Ironing board cover - more of an anniversary gift don't you think?

Scarf/glove set - had one last year and loves it

Purse - sister's bought one for her

Shoes - no chance. Would you let your husband buy shoes for you? ?

Home masseuse - she visits a masseuse regularly (either that or she's having an affair with a 50 something woman called Jenny)

ipod shuffle - already owns a nano

perfume - has a spare bottle of Chanel Allure from her birthday

facial - so many jokes, so little time. Masseuse is a general beautician as well and she does this every now and again.

kitchen gadgetry - my department more than hers

glassware - she's finally completed her collection of Stewart crystal glasses and is not a fan of the matching giftware unfortunately

teapot - I treated her to a stainless steel one a few months ago that she had her eye on (why did I give in?)

vouchers - not really personal enough

jewels - I'd have to remortgage after buying her earrings in June.

nice undies - I bought some Agent Provocateur stuff for her earlier this year and she's got all the stuff from their current range that she likes. Very fussy tastes.

Thank you for all your suggestions so far - they are all helpful in narrowing down my choice ?

Offer to buy her a new winter coat in the sales?

Does she have hobbies, Baron? What does she like to do with her spare time?

Blimey, erm... a fish tank?

(my dad got my mom one one year as he decided she has everything she needed.. but didn't have fish.)?

Why not clothes? Is that her suggestion for you not to buy or your decision not to buy?

Orchids potted in a large glass bowl

Pearl necklace (& no , not one you have made yourself) - long strand, so they can be doubled up.

A keyring ?

Does she use writing sets/filofax type things ?

Geez, talk about the one that has everything.

i'd just give her the £50 cash and let her choose or put it towards something else. ?

Okay have a scout around the house - has she left any magazines strategically placed? Is the Argos book well-thumbed at a particular page? Is there a "Christmas Present Ideas" list stuck to the fridge? Phone her best friend and ask?

Some nice bath stuff like Molton Brown or similar?

Theatre or gig tickets? I've had tickets to see The Producers (birthday) and Wicked (Christmas) in the West End and tickets to see Radiohead (last Christmas) in the past and loved them.

Spend my money ?

She likes the theatre (other sister has bought her RSC membership), walking, reading (although rarely finishes any book that she starts), interior design...

What about nail stuff? I bought my MIL a rather nice set from OPI, it's a good range but doesn't contain a colour if you'd be unsure what to pick?

Theatre trip,

flask (well thats what i want.)

weekend away.

Would she perhaps like some artwork/poster from a favourite play, in a decent frame? That would come within budget.

My best Christmas present from H (even better than diamond jewellery ?) was a box filled with the CD soundracks to all the musicals we have been to, plus others I have been to without him. I love them and although I don't listen to the actual CDs any more, I do have them all copied onto my laptop

Ok -next list of dismissals (truly you are all wonderful and she is clearly spoilt and/or difficult)

- Pearl necklace - has one

- writing set/filofax - not really her thing

- £50 cash - front runner so far ?

- bath stuff - she still has 3 of the giant bottles of seaweed and arnica stuff she loves after she bulk ordered direct when the little store that used to sell it closed down

- nail stuff - interesting...will have a google

- flask - of ale? coffee?

- weekend away - out of budget unfortunately

- artwork/poster - our walls are filled. The Baroness' father is an artist and between his works and the crap that he sends us from his world travels, we have bugger all room for anything else.

Any lifestyle/design coffee table type books she would like?

champagne carpet picnic with voucher for tender, loving sex?

I want a showerproof radio and some stand up paddle surfing lessons.

I am Mrs Greenback, you see. Had you fooled for ages.

Do you have a pet? If not would she like one? I'd love chickens and a pygmy goat, not exactly pets I know but cool nonetheless. You could rehome ex battery birds and use your money towards a coop.

I know you said no clothes but do you have a Uniqlo near you? Their cashmere is really good value. All under £50. If she is into walking their down jackets are about that too as they're reudced. Not exactly high fashion but I live in my down jacket when walking the dog. If you're going down the practical route their thermals are absolutely brilliant. They were voted best thermals by the times. Dull sensible presents but may be useful.

Zumyn pictures can be quite cool if you choose a non naff target photo

I'm very grateful MrPod and I have agreed no presents. It makes Christmas much easier.

Does the lack of comment on the theatre/gig ticket idea mean that's a possible, or a no no? ?

Magazine subscription?

In that case, there's only one thing for it. She needs a night out on Broad Street, complete with Apple Sourz shots at Reflex and some cheap pills at the Works. Your £50 may not stretch to a burrito from the quality stand, but it will be an experience she won't forget in a hurry.

That was last year's present plus my sister bought her an RSC membership for this Christmas. So a no no ?