needs gift ideas for my mil ( cheap or free )

**Dancing Lotus** · 11-23-2007, 04:34 PM

I have no ideas what to do for my mil for christmas gifts.

She doesn't do anything but read. She has over 10,000 books so I dont think she needs a book. She doesnt like TV or the radio. She used to do yarn crafts but I havent see her do any in yrs. I have already given her things like slippers and robes she never wears any of them. Oh- did I mention she is a pack rat to then 10th degree. Seriously , she is likely to die from being burried alive in her home. I have tried giving things like jar soup mixes in a gift basket and she never makes them. They just sit on the counter for two or three yrs getting dusty.

What on earth does one give to someone like her? I did buy her one small thing but I would like to have something else to give her as we are mostly likely the one's giveing her anything. I was hopeing to keep it very low cost or even something I could make. Also keep in mind she is traveling buy car.

**Missy** · 11-23-2007, 04:59 PM

How about a book thong? Now, before everyone says...THONG??? Missy are you outta your mind...( ok, so maybe noone would say that. I have had way more sugar than should be legal, and have been bored alone for hours now.) They aren't as racy as they sound. Basically they are a flat piece of metal,ribbon, or rope, etc with beads dangling off of them. They are bookmarks but super pretty...

http://www.janparkerarts.com/index.p...&rows_shown=10

**Odilia** · 11-23-2007, 05:18 PM

Everyone eats! I almost only give food gifts to my parents and FIL anymore. They have everything they need, and most gifts are just more "stuff" for them to deal with.

My FIL is a widower with a HUGE appreciation for home-cooking. I've gotten good at making some Italian items that remind him of his mom's cooking, and I give him home-canned foods, home-baked goodies, and homemade freezer meals.

My parents are trickier because my mom is a fabulous cook and baker. My dad also has developed many food allergies. I'm a cheesemaker, and they love my cheese, so they're getting lots of HM cheese this year. They'll also be getting a big basket of fruit, nuts, and home-roasted coffee. I'll make a few of Mom's favorite cookies that she won't make herself because Dad can't eat them. I'll make some candied nuts for him, so he doesn't feel left out.

**Cricket1** · 11-23-2007, 05:54 PM

Just a few ideas: coffee, chocolates, body lotion (they have a bunch of great ones at the Dollar Tree near me), a book on organization (just kidding), a Walgreens or Walmart g.c. Does she lend out her books? If so, you could get her some of those book labels that say, "From the library of____" Or maybe make a small donation in her name to First Book.

**Luv2BeFrugal** · 11-23-2007, 06:19 PM

I'm voting for homemade brownies or cookies...whatever dessert she likes... You could even put them in tupperware since she's traveling by car...that would make it easy to get home...and put a big bow on top.

**sunshine** · 11-24-2007, 06:25 AM

GC's to her favorite restaurant

Bath soap and lotions

**ilovechocolate** · 11-24-2007, 07:49 AM

How about a gift basket of toiletries that she uses---shampoo, lotion, etc.?

One year we gave my MIL a basket like that. What did she like most in it? The big jar of Metamucil!!

Since she was on a fixed income, she was really appreciative. We wrapped it up pretty and stuck some Christmas candy among the items.

**Dancing Lotus** · 11-24-2007, 09:08 AM

Missy - the book thong is perfect! I can just raid my craft supplies and make her a dozen in no time flat. But I believe I will just call it a book marker LOL

ilovechocolate- I can raid my stock pile of toothpaste and maybe a bottle of lotion but she only uses bar soap , doesnt shave and doesnt use deoderant. She only washes her hair every few days so she doesnt use but one bottle of soap a year. I like the idea of a care box but I have to think hard on what to include.

And before everyone freaks out she just doesnt have to shave, very little body hair. I do wish she would wear deoderant.

**Dancing Lotus** · 11-24-2007, 09:10 AM

cricket1- I like the label idea too, it could go well with the book marker.

**YankeeMom** · 11-24-2007, 09:37 AM

You could make a homemade fruit basket w/ some yummy chocolates thrown in for good measure.

I'm making my MIL this Wave & Shell Shawl in her favorite color

**leezza** · 11-24-2007, 03:43 PM

Lets see here Ann some gifts we have tried for my MIL are:

1. GC to walmart, (that is were she likes to shop and its close by her house.)

2. One months heating oil, (we called the company she used and sent them a check for 200 gallons).

You may want to think about what we do for my folks, they have a favorite place they like to eat out so I call there and get them a coupon. Then I send them an email to let them know to go and enjoy : )

I am sure whatever you do for her she will enjoy it and appreciate it.

leezza

**Dancing Lotus** · 11-24-2007, 06:21 PM

When I spoke to her she said that just the fact that we don't ask her for money was gift enough.

I found her a large print calendar at the dollar store today I was thinking about takeing a few minutes to fill in all the important dates. Like birthdays and what not. Dh said maybe she would like a long distance calling card since she never calls us.

**Dancing Lotus** · 11-24-2007, 06:23 PM

Originally Posted by leezza

2. One months heating oil, (we called the company she used and sent them a check for 200 gallons).

leezza

Thats could be a good idea, her money is really tight, I could ask around and found out how much it would be , but I think that may be out of my price range. we are still trying to recover financialy.

**tabithapatrick** · 11-26-2007, 09:52 AM

lol...you guys are funny....i'm having the same problem with both sides of parents so I'm trying to think of some ideas too...but you guys are just making me laugh!

**pkellyc** · 11-26-2007, 01:27 PM

We just might have the same mother in law. My mil has money and two freezers bulging with food.

She receives yearly from other family members the following.

Cards and stationary with stamps.
More calendars than she can hang.
More book store gift certificates than she can spend.
Omaha steaks from her sister.
Fruit from FL from her neighbor.
I personally gave her a bag of small gourmet snacks with her gift last year. (I think she still is eating some of it)
She also gets chocolate that she does not like at all.

She has received in the past.

Enough p.j.s and slippers to supply a nursing home.
Blankets, throws or any kind of linens.
Every new gadget from can openers to foot massager's.
Not to mention the photos by the gross!

She is insulted at the mention of a grocery store g.c. or cash.

So what is left for us to buy? Not giving a gift is just not acceptable and she would not like anything donated in her name.

This is not mission impossible or dinner impossible this is gift impossible!