Epic boredom

[next_to_normal]

It's Friday afternoon, and there's nothing to do in work, and I've already read everything on the internet that I'm allowed to read in work (which means, for the most part, no fic... so all those recs do me no good in keeping me busy). So, I ask your advice.

My mother's birthday is a week away, and I don't know what to get her. Suggestions? I got her perfume for Mother's Day, so cross that off the list. She's a secretary at a law school, participates in a book club (but never buys books, always the library), likes gardening and cats, and is a good cook. She definitely does not need any more shoes or purses (or my dad will mutiny). Any ideas?

Comments

[kudagirl.livejournal.com]

Hmmm... How about something you could do together. A special outing sharing something you both like. A play, a spa moment, just something to build a memory of being with her. Maybe get a photo together.

[next_to_normal]

Hmm, that's a thought... the only trouble is that I don't actually live nearby. I'm two hours away, so anything we do together would require some planning. I kinda figured I'd go home for the weekend for her birthday, but I haven't even told my parents I'm coming yet, lol.

[brunettepet.livejournal.com]

Does she have any kitchenware that needs replacing or upgrading? Are her pot holders worn and ugly? How about dish towels? Are her cookie sheets a mess? I know these aren't fun gifts, but they're something a good cook uses often. My husband got me a new non-stick sautee pan (our old one was scratched and no longer non-stick at all) for my last birthday and I love it muchly!

[next_to_normal]

I don't live there, so I'm not sure of the state of her kitchenware, lol. I could possibly ask my dad to snoop around a bit...

[silverusagi]

There is also tons of cookware made from that new non-stick rubber stuff (whose name escapes me), like rolling pins, muffin pans, cake pans. My mom got a bunt cake pan made out of it, and it's amazing. Because it's flexible, the cake never ever gets stuck.

Also, if she likes to cook, you could get her something sort of expensive that maybe she wouldn't buy otherwise, like different sorts of nuts or special cheeses. Or put together a gardening basket with several pairs of gloves and different sorts of plants. Or buy her a plant to plant. Or a nice ceramic pot.

Candles are my backup present, so if she burns candles...

[brunettepet.livejournal.com]

They're silicone and come in all kinds of funky colors. I love the rubber spatula for stirring things in hot non-stick pans. Mine is dark red!

[next_to_normal]

Yep, I have done the candles route before, lol. That and Bath & Body Works are my backups. But I always feel a little guilty, because I feel like everyone knows they're backup presents, you know?

I like the basket idea... my mom likes to do theme baskets for other people as gifts, so she might like one of her own. Thanks for the suggestion!

[slaymesoftly.livejournal.com]

Gardening tools? A plant she's been wanting? Your dad should know what she'd like to have.

[next_to_normal]

*snort* Clearly, you overestimate my father. He probably won't even remember to get a present unless I remind him, and unless he gets specific instructions, he'll end up with something he wants, like floor mats for her car, or a cordless leaf blower (yes, actual past presents).

[slaymesoftly.livejournal.com]

ROFL I stand corrected...

[next_to_normal]

LOL, but good on you for picking a good one if your husband is actually capable of purchasing gifts on his own... :)

[slaymesoftly.livejournal.com]

Well, there was the year I got a new turntable for Christmas...and the satellite radio that is still in the box...and...

[ms-scarletibis.livejournal.com]

You said she's a good cook. Does she enjoy cooking? Is that one of her things? Well, if so, and if she doesn't have something in her kitchen, like awesome knives, silicon products...a really great beater or something. People who enjoy cooking usually go crazy for that kind of stuff.

[next_to_normal]

She does seem to enjoy cooking. A couple people have suggested cooking/kitchenware. I'll have to think and see if I can come up with any kind of gadgets she might want...

[ms-scarletibis.livejournal.com]

http://kitchenaid.com/home.jsp

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Thanks!

[clawofcat.livejournal.com]

I usually go for high class when it comes to my mom, so jewelry or a nice accessory such as a scarf, gloves, etc. I have also bought her a bathrobe (really nice one) and pajama pants before. I'd get something functional, but pretty and of good quality. This, of course, all depends on how well you know your moms personal style. Just my two cents. The cop-out gifts always go to dad.

[next_to_normal]

Oh, man. My dad is so easy to buy for. Gin. A bottle for every year, every holiday. He can never have too much of it. (And wow, that makes him seem like an alcoholic, lol. He's really not...)

But yeah, you usually can't go wrong with functional. I think the main problem with buying gifts is that my parents are at that point in their lives where they've collected too much stuff, and they're working on getting rid of it all, so they don't really want more. That's why the consumable things are always good, because they can use them and then you can buy more. :)