WHAT NOT TO BUY YOUR MUM FOR CHRISTMAS
For so many, the arrival of autumn doesn’t mean warm days and cool nights or carving pumpkins or sipping apple cider by the fire. Not even close. Instead, the arrival of autumn means that there are fewer than 100 days left to get that Christmas shopping done. If you’ve been out recently, you know that the stores aren’t decked out in the yellow and orange – most are already decked out in red and green!
So make your list and check it twice and make sure that your Mum’s at the top. And while you’re out shopping, keep this list of what NOT to buy your Mum for Christmas in mind. You’ll be glad you did.
An appliance
Topping the list of what not to buy your Mum for Christmas is any type of household appliance. That’s not to say a new appliance isn’t practical or that it’s not needed. If the stove is sending out sparks or the dryer runs for hours and the clothes still are damp, a new appliance does need to arrive soon. But it doesn’t have to arrive addressed to your Mum with a bow on top. Appliances are necessities of life, just like paying taxes and vaccinations. They never should be considered gifts.
Anything having to do with cleaning
Along those same lines, you should never buy your Mum anything that has to do with cleaning for Christmas. This includes cleaning supplies, new-and-improved cleaning tools, cleaning clothes, or even a couple months of pre-paid maid service. The truth is that most Mums, yours included, hate everything about cleaning.
Oh they might seem cheery while they’re scrubbing the loo, but they’re not. They’d much prefer that the messes not get created in the first place. If you do think your Mum would love a product that cuts grease faster than anything on
the market, you’ve probably been watching too much television. Why not get your Christmas shopping done early this year, and then spend Christmas Eve cleaning your Mum’s house so she doesn’t have to? But even if you do that, you better have a present for her to open in the morning!
Clothing that doesn’t fit or that looks gigantic
You won’t be doing your Mum a favour by giving her clothing in a size smaller than she normally wears. Even if she’s dieting, resist the urge to help her along by giving her clothing that’s smaller than her normal size. Your intentions might be good, however such a present likely will sit in the closet until it’s given away to charity.
Besides if your Mum is losing weight, once she does reach her goal, she’ll want to reward herself with something new to wear. She’ll enjoy going into the dressing room and having everything fit right AND look good. Let her be the one to select the style that’s right for her new look.
And if your Mum’s not dieting (but she definitely should be) it’s also not a good idea to buy her clothing for Christmas, even clothing that’s the right size. There isn’t a woman alive who wants to open a beautifully wrapped box only to find inside a huge, shapeless piece of fabric with an equally enormous tag reminding her of her double-X size staring back at her! That’s one gift almost certain to put a damper on the rest of the day.
Exercise equipment
Think about what message you are sending when you buy your Mum a thigh reducer or an exercise bike as a gift for Christmas. It’s as if you’re saying “I like you Mum, but I’d like you even more if you did something about your appearance!” Your Mum has loved throughout your life, regardless of your looks and she expects (and deserves) the same from you. It doesn’t matter if it’s the hottest workout DVD to ever hit the market, do NOT wrap it up and put it under the Christmas tree for Mum. It won’t be appreciated and it’s almost guaranteed to end up back at the store.
A new cookbook
As with appliances and cleaning supplies, a new cookbook will only remind your Mum of one more of the chores she has to do on a daily basis. And who’s really going to benefit from a new cookbook, you or your Mum? Here’s the reality: Any recipe that your Mum can’t whip up from inside her head is going to involve more work than she has time (or the desire) for.
Some other gift ideas of what NOT to buy Mum for Christmas.
- Pierced earrings when Mum’s ears aren’t pierced.
- Gourmet coffee when she’s a tea-drinker.
- Alcohol if she’s a teetotaller.
- Candy or cookies if she is trying to lose weight.
- Flowers or perfume in a scent she’s allergic to.
So... What should you buy?
Luckily for you, we've rounded up some of our best mum-friendly experience gifts that she's sure to love. Check out some of them below:
For a Stressed out Mum:
Spa Day and Three Course Lunch for Two in Reading
For a stressed out mum, nothing beats the idea of a relaxing time off. This rejuvenating Spa Day is accompanied by a delicious 3 course lunch that is perfectly tailored for a deserving, stressed-out mum and her guest.
Upon arrival, she and her plus one will be greeted with plush towels and a guided tour of the serene spa haven. With full-day access to the Esprit Fitness Centre, tranquil swimming pool, sauna, and steam room, she'll be able to unwind at her own pace. Treat yourself to blissful pampering with optional Monu Spa treatments, ensuring total relaxation. For the mum in your life who deserves some much-needed pampering, this relaxing Spa Day will be just what she needs to feel refreshed.
For an Artsy Mum:
For a Foodie Mum:
Lunch Cruise on River Thames for Two
Have mum enjoy a nice day out with her loved one on this River Thames Lunch Cruise. Her and a plus one will embark on a delectable journey through London's iconic landmarks aboard a delightful lunch cruise along the Thames—an artistic feast for the senses.
Glide along the scenic river and soak in the panoramic views from the open-topped upper deck whilst enjoying a sophisticated delicious dining experience. Marvel at iconic sights like the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and The London Eye—an artist's palette of inspiration.
For an Adventurous Mum:
We all know that adventurous mum who never backs down from being a daredevil. This Bungee experience promises just that; watch your mum take her leap of faith from a daring height of 300ft as she makes her way down experiencing an exhilarating rush of adrenaline. Have her brace herself for an awe-inspiring view that's both breath-taking and a tad daring, offering an unparalleled rush of emotions.
Thanks for reading!
Still haven't quite found something for your mum? No worries - browse more of our experience gifts here.