Gifts for your old lady
Women are tricky customers when it comes to the perfect Christmas present. And your mother – or worse, your mother-in-law – is no exception.
There’s a fine line between the message you give with a potpourri teabag for her cupboard and a stylish silk scarf. There’s also a big cost difference. You want something original that’s got the lasting factor once the wrapping’s been torn off – and the novelty’s gone – on Christmas day. Here are some ideas for differing tastes and price tags.
1. Green gifts
Without completely assuming that all mothers like to garden, most moms will appreciate something pretty and potted. Household herbs in little pots – like rosemary, parsley, basil and thyme – are a good choice. Flower seed packets are usually quite pretty and you can put a few together in a festive box. Choose according to the season. If she does have green fingers, think garden accessories too, like feminine gardening gloves or a gardening mat for her to kneel on while she weeds. You can work on a budget and all it takes is a trip to a nursery, so you’ll be avoiding the crowded malls.
2. Gold star gifts
At this time of year magazine subscription deals are everywhere. You can get your mom a subscription to her favourite glossy for a good deal, and probably score a free gift too. If she doesn’t have a preferred magazine, contact a local florist and find out whether they will arrange a contract with you to deliver flowers to your mom monthly or bimonthly. NetFlorist doesn’t just do flowers. You can sign up and specify what you want each month (nuts for March, tulips for May) and then pay in advance and forget about it. Both are gifts that will remind her every month when they arrive what a loving, thoughtful son you are. Can anyone say brownie points? www.netflorist.co.za
3. Gadget gifts
This category covers novelty gifts that she’ll use every day and that will, ideally, make her life easier. A good place to start is the kitchen. With the convenience of shopping online and free delivery, Yuppiechef has cool gadgets in a range of prices. Only got R100 to spend? Something like the Chef'n Fridge Fork for R69. It easily attaches to any size jar to take the hassle out of spearing pickles, olives, onions and other condiments from jars. www.yuppiechef.co.za
4. Goodwill gifts
Choose your mom’s favourite charity or a cause she cares about – like protecting and rehabilitating animals for example – and make a donation in her name. You could do something like adopting a penguin on www.sanccob.co.za. Depending on the cause, they’ll send her a letter of thanks or keep her updated on the charity.
5. Girlie gifts
While they fuss around everyone else, mothers generally put themselves last. A spa voucher is the gift answer. Most spas will have packages that will include a few things (like a manicure, pedicure and back massage). If you don’t want to choose a specific treatment or think she won’t appreciate the age-defying facial, just get a voucher for an amount and let her choose what she wants.
