Present idea thread

Was hoping this would come up again this year!!

Anyway, so far I have come up with things for grandparents - we bought some small half barrels or terracotta pots, planted some nice bulbs in them, tied a nice big ribbon around them and Bob's your uncle. I also keep a few bulbs back for myself to make sure they actually flower?

Good call. It was a great thread last year.

We will probably get my Mum & Stepdad vouchers for a canal boat dinner cruise. Bought Dad (& Stepmum) them from these very lovely people for Dad's 60th and they were very well received.

For OH's cousin's children I have bought the V-Beat Air Drums & Air Guitar. I think they will also become presents for OH's cousin!

FIL has never grown up, and will therefore receive The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia. Will probably get a digital photo frame for MIL.

We have asked PIL for a Wii between the 2 of us, so I will ask my Mum to get Guitar Hero for OH.

I have bought OH this jacket (which looks much nicer IRL) and the robi DAB radio for iPod. And a load of books: the Jeeves & Wooster collection from The Book People, The Best of 'The Chap', Flat Earth News (coz I want to read it 😄), some more Flashman titles for his collection, and 3 graphic novels (The Boys, Savage Dragon & Powers).

Will update as I buy more. I seem to be terrifyingly organised and ahead of the game this year!

Aces. Some thoughts of mine-

Dad- bottle of Talisker, Richard Evans' new Hitler book http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0713997427/ref=ord_cart_shr?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE (nb it's the third part of a trilogy for anyone thinking they know someone who might like it)

Mum- Ottolenghi cookbook http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0091922348/ref=ord_cart_shr?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE - this is a really beautiful book with some delicious recipes. I find it quite similar in style to the Moro books, if anyone likes them. And a leather-backed body brush.

Brother- (34, lives in America, loves sport esp football, cricket and baseball, also history, politics, film)- the Guardian book of football journalism http://www.amazon.co.uk/%2522Guardian%2522-Book-Football-Classic-Guardian/dp/0852650965/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1226307396&sr=1-1 I want to get him something else as well but am struggling- maybe a scarf (cashmere? over budget possibly, but non-cashmere doesn't seem a very treaty thing)

Sister- 22, journalism student. Various books on journalism kindly suggested by people on this site, from Scoop to Piers Morgan's Insider. Also maybe a cashmere scarf? Or some make up.

I am stuck on things for H. He likes thrillers- can anyone recommend anything? I've got him a photobook of each of the children, made up of pictures of them over the year. they look brilliant IMO and, if he likes them, I might make it a tradition.

I'm also stuck on my BIL. He is extremely green and lives in darkest rural Suffolk attempting to be self-sufficient. Any ideas? I don't want to do charity presents (eg give a goat to an African etc)

I have just one present so far and I don't think the idea will be much use for anyone - its a plant pot for my aunt who is trying to make her tiny garden look nice (and the cat and the dog like to dig things up!).

I know what I'm getting my grandparents thought - I'm going to make them a hamper of M&S food stuff, tinned and jarred so it'll last until they want it. They don't like stuff and clutter so presents have to be consumable/usable. They like M&S food but can't get to one easily. We might do the same for MIL - we know she's feeling the pinch and this would make her food budget for January/February go a bit futher.

I need a gadget for Dad - we got him a cheap MP4 player last year which wnet down well. A digital photo frame might fit the bill this year.

I doubt anyone will get insiration from my gifts but here they are anyway:

Brother, 15 - Nike trainers from JD Sports.

BIL (my secret santa this year £25 budget) - Baggy beany hat, American Gangster DVD.

SD number 1 - Lee Stafford hairset from Boots bargain at £34.99 instead of £70. Gwen Stefani LAMB perfume. White skinny jeans & chunky cardi from H&M. PJ's and hot water bottle from M&S.

SD number 2 - Tracksuit and trainers that she's asked for. Chocolate coin maker, PJ's and hot water bottle and a little makeup set.

MrKB - Aftershave. Some DVDs, No7 skincare set and a beer & glass set from the kids.

Niece - Tomy Megasketcher. Fairy Wings from H&M and some clothes.

Our elderly neighbour and my nan - a tea & biscuit set from somewhere like BHS.

LaP -I was thinking of something similar for KN's BIL - that or a cold frame??

Who does good hampers? I want to get something nice for our retired neighbours. They look after our cats every time we go away, and get quite embarrassed if we try to give them a thank you gift. Budget probably £30 ish.

Another possible idea is a book I'm going to ask for. The Duel (Pakistan on the Flightpath of American Power) by Tariq Ali sounds very interesting from the review in the Indy last week. I'm trying to learn more about world current affairs and recent history, things like Israel/Palestine. There's so much I don't know! If anyone has any other suggestions, OH is asking for more ideas for me.

I've done no xmas shopping at all. I might make some chocolates for my dad, and maybe my ILs. My H has already got baby photo calendars for them too.

Knownoet - How about membership of Garden organic / heritage seed library. The seeds that can be sold in the UK / europe are strictly controlled, so a lot of heritage seeds can't be sold. Instead, you pay a yearly membership, and you get to pick 6 types of seeds to be sent 'free'.

Mum and Dad - half of a cruise

H - ted baker jumper, superdry hoodie, 3 tshirts (french connection and david and goliath), criminal jacket, pjs, powerball, sweets, a magnet poetry set ?, and a take away journal ?

Sister (littlest) - pink briefcase with personalised colouring pencils, books, felt tips etc

Sister - liz earle young skin stuff

Brother - mat utd top

FIL - golf toilet mat ? not sure what else

MIL/SILs - hotel chocolat and liz earle stuff

BILs- vouchers probably

Niece - personalised dressing gown and toy

Nephew - personalised dressing gown and toy

Granny - herbals teas from whittards

Are they interested in wildlife/birds etc? what about a nice bird feeder that they can put outside of their caravan window ?

My dad is the big pain of the family to buy for. He likes golf but hates golf gadgets, so no ball monogrammer etc, he loves cricket, but gets Wisden from someone else for Christmas (bah), has all the books and gadgets he could possibly want, doesn't drink, pretends he doesn't smoke and has no other hobbies. He's also extremely hard to please, and I can't afford more than about £15 (poor student) so can't buy him a gift experience. He's also diabetic. Answers on a postcard...

I've just thought of another present we have planned but not bought - cinema vouchers for nephews/neice (aged 17-21). They love the cinema but its quite pricey. I get them in multiples of £5 so they can use one at a time.

I'm also going to make some sweets and biscuits and make them into hampers for friends.

Ginni, how about gift vouchers for a golf drivng range? It's only a few pounds for a bucket of balls, so your budget would cover quite a few sessions.

Just found this site - brilliant presents for Brummies and Yam Yams.

https://bostin.bigcartel.com/

Glad this has been posted as I am really struggling this year.

Jess, he likes old school stuff about spies, Cold War etc or modern equivalents- think Frederick Forsyth and that sort of thing. Definitely that sort of escapist thriller with lots of derring do rather than more realistic stuff.

That's a very kind offer, thank you. If it sounds like his sort of thing, I'd really appreciate it (although obviously feel free to say if you don't think it fits the bill).

This is a fab thread! I'm really struggling this so year so can't get into Christmas shopping at all, normally I'd have got half of it by now.

Brother & SIL - Asked for B&Q vouchers as doing house up so got those plus bucket of bits such as wall paper scraper, sandpaper etc. Will also get them stocking filler each which will probably be sweeties.

Mum - No idea at all. She will be providing a list but so far only mentioned a couple of small items from Lakeland and nothing else. I'll have to get my step-dad organised with his present for her too. She's really into cooking again as finished work, moved house and now has an Aga to play with!

Step-dad - Into gardening and bird watching. Bought bird feeders last year and for his birthday along with an outside clock so really struggling now. He's asked for bird food and socks - well whoppee that'll be a fab present. Will get them but need something else as well.

Best friend & fiancee - not a clue! BF loves reading but has a pile of books unread. They love films but get DVD's as soon as they come out and last year did a 'movie night' hamper so done that one. Her fiancee is a nightmare and no idea what to get.

MrC - Landrover potty so will probably look at anything with them on. Refuse to buy him anymore DVD's, books or clothes because the house is overflowing with them.

Any ideas appreciated...

Chuckie, there is a company that does a sort of bird food subscription- you pay for a year and every month they send a packet of seasonally appropriate food. Might be a more fun way of doing the bird food idea? I shall try to remember the name.

Jess, shall check out M&S ?

Huge thanks also to whoever suggested Heritage Seeds (sorry, new Hitched prevents me scrolling to see who it was, bah)- that would actually be a good idea for my husband as well ?

Chuckie, there is a company that does a sort of bird food subscription- you pay for a year and every month they send a packet of seasonally appropriate food. Might be a more fun way of doing the bird food idea? I shall try to remember the name.

Jess, shall check out M&S ?

Huge thanks also to whoever suggested Heritage Seeds (sorry, new Hitched prevents me scrolling to see who it was, bah)- that would actually be a good idea for my husband as well ?

Another thriller rec - Julia Spencer-Fleming. They're really good but unfortunately most of them are out of print so you have to get them from Amazon.

Jess, you're right- I'm not sure it's right for him. I, on the other hand, think it sounds great- I shall definitely read it when it comes out.

? Sophie- shall have a look.

Jess, you're right- I'm not sure it's right for him. I, on the other hand, think it sounds great- I shall definitely read it when it comes out.

? Sophie- shall have a look.

Thanks for that he'd love something like that so I'll google

So far, I have:

Mum - gothic-style velvet frock coat (she's a character, my mum ?)

Sister 1 - Rocket Dog shoes with diamante pineapples (because, well...diamante pineapples!)

Brother - Towel with separate bits for his arse and face, clearly labelled.

Niece (13) - OTT bling Juicy tracksuit, hair accessories, Katy Perry & Sam Sparro CDs

Husband - T Shirt and aftershave.

I am doing home-made hampers as main presents for most relatives, which will include:

Individual mini Christmas cakes fed with brandy and ginger wine

HM apple sauce and cranberry sauce

Walnut and sultana flapjack stacks (I like to call this recipe the armadillo popcorn flapjack, as it is crunchy on the outside, smooth on the inside and the buttered walnuts taste like popcorn).

Jars of soup (thinking parsnip and ginger, winter veg)

Tartlets: caramelised red onion and cheddar, goats cheese and red pepper

Small steak and ale pies (will adjust pie/tartlet ratio depending on the person)

HM yoghurt swirled with honey, nuts, fruit etc (maybe goosberries?)

Flavoured liquer if I can be arsed

Any other food suggestions? What would you love to receive? I do these hampers for the difficult people who never tell me what they want!

People I am struggling with:

Sister 2 - 21, likes crafty things, reading (popular fiction/chick lit), make-up etc.

Stepdad - one of those awkward people who likes fishing and not much else.

Husband - he likes metal, tattoos, cars. Concert tickets are out for now.

Nephew - 9yrs. Likes computer games and technical things. He really doesn't need any more computer games!

I'm going to have a closer read now and see what I can come up with for others.

H - Xbox 360, couple of books, DVD and a top

My Mum - New hairdryer and hot brush

Niece - Fifi PJ's, Fifi jigsaw & Dora the Explorer socks

Nephew - Bob the builder PJs, Bob the Builder jigsaw, Bob the builder socks and a joint present of a Crayola colouring set to share with niece when they visit their grandparents

Godson - ITNG PJ's and ITNG socks

Honaray Godson - Thomas the Tank Engine PJ's

Niece aged 10 - High School Musical PJs

Nephew aged 5 - Spiderman PJs

FIL - Gervais Phinn DVD, Andy McNab books

Niece aged 7 weeks - pink fleece jacket

Book on cheesemaking? I have this one and it's really informative: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cheesemaking-Dairying-Making-Cheese-Yoghurt/dp/0906137330/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1226319199&sr=8-2

Or how about Sheep Poo Paper? If that isn't green, I don't know what is. I like the letter writing sets.

http://www.creativepaperwales.co.uk/

Gone with the Whinge - can I have your recipe for the armadillo flapjacks, they sound fab!

Binoculars, bird watching book, outside thermometer? Does he need any new tools? Bulbs to plant (and a bulb planter tool)?

I am pretty sorted for everyone else this year suprisingly, I just don't know what I want for myself which is annoying.

Mum and MIL - Goodie hampers, I've bought them lots of skincare things and make-up to put in a nice make-up bag. So far I have one each of lip gloss, hand cream, emery board, body scrub, nail varnish, facial wash, moisturiser. I'll also put together a food hamper with homemade lemon curd, onion marmalade, flavoured oils, fruity chutney and truffels form MIL and fruit jellies (I'll buy these) for mum as she's allergic to chocolate.

Dad & FIL - books and pictures of the grandkids.

Nana - Small food hamper and I'll put money in the pot for the families gift to her which this year is £100 for a cup of coffee and a cake after she's finished her weekly shop. She doesn't want or need any more smellies/trinkets etc so we started this 'Money for...' idea a few years ago. Last year we gave her £100 to get a taxi home after her weekly shop for when it was raining or she didn't fancy getting the bus.

H - No idea yet, he's so hard to buy for but it will probably be books and t-shirts as he never likes spending money on those things. I've also seen a CD he will love but I am pretty sure he'll buy it for himself before I get a chance to which is often what happens.

Eldest son - and Amp for his electric drum kit.

Smallest son - a Bob the Builder talking telephone & a helium balloon in a box which is a fab Idead I've stolen from BT! Cheap and easy but will provide endless hours of fun for my 2 year old.

Nieces x 4 - I've bought them each a handbag and filled it with hair bands, a necklace, earrings, sweets, a T-shirt and a scarf. They ages range from 7 to 15 so although each has a similar gift they are all specific to each girl. Hopefully that should stop the arguments. I managed to get some real bargains from Ebay for these gifts so I'm happy.

Nephews x 2 - No idea yet! I think we'll give the eldest some money towards his lap-top. The youngest will probably want clothes or vouchers.

We don't buy for my brothers or my Brothers & sisters-in law and they don't buy for us as otherwise we'd all be totally broke.

Some great ideas on this thread though, thank you.

GWTW, would the Air Drums or Air Guitar be any good for your H or nephew? They're 8+, we're getting them for a 7 and 9 yo (and their 40+ dad ?), and OH is desperately eyeing up the Air Guitar!

They're £20 each from Maplin.

Well, we're trying to cut back so we're doing a home made / budget Christmas. I'm mainly doing hampers

Rellies (Mum, Dad, Inlaws, Grandad etc)

Plain reusable shopping bag painted by the kids

Knitted scarf or evening bag

Favourite cake or biscuits

School photos

Home made cherry brandy / Home grown honey / Tomato Chutney / Mincemeat / Home made 3 grain mustard / Flavoured oils (all food stuff made by stuff we've grown in the garden)

Individual Christmas cakes

Ladies

Bath Bomb

Honey lip balm (home made)

House number plate - painted by kids

Home made necklace or earrings

Digital keyring (/store/Toys,-Games-&-Gadget/cat/Gadgets-and-Gifts)

Men

Joke book (any ideas for genuinely funny ones?)

Mug, painted by kids with snowman soup (candy cane, hot choc powder, choc buttons and marshmallows)

H - keen gardener

Beekeeping vouchers, veg book, magazine subscription to The Smallholder, clear bird feeder you attach to your window (http://www.guardianecostore.co.uk/guardian/product.aspx?topGroup=138&subCat=0&subGroup=338), various packets of seeds, gardener's handcream, max min thermometer, seed sower for tiny seeds, gardener's planner / diary to record what grew well, what was planted when etc, one of those gadgets that makes pots out of newspapers, a mug and a mini Hull City footballer painted by the kids.

J (age 11) - football shirt, Chelsea alarm clock, Hull City mug, football, goalie gloves, refs whistle, hot water bottle, soft neck cushion.

C (age 3) - toy cars, Roary fleece blanket, heated bean frog thing, Dora backpack and dominos, craft kit, playing cards, wooden train set

We've bought a Wii for the kids with a couple of games as their main present (bargain in Asda at the mo - £177 with two games)

Need help with my Mum for her main present, and my Dad wants me to get a present from him. Budget about £50. She likes saving money, cooking (but is very traditional), keeps up with friends from school and little else TBH. I have no ideas at all.

Might this be a good place to suggest http://www.piggybankauction.com/ for an original present which also helps charity - but hurry there's only a few hours left.

St Peter's Hospice is a local hospice in Bristol. Celebs (not all Z-list either) ahve painted blank piggie banks and they are now on e-bay and so far for reasonable prices...although the P&P is quite high, but if you're local you could ask to collect.

Celebs include:

JOhn Cleese

Judy Finnegan

Derren Brown

TOny Robinson

Adam Hart-Davies

Jack Russell

Steve Merchant

Kevin McCloud