What do I buy? Last year we bought a leather handbag as it was easy to take over in luggage and the year before luxury shower gels and body lotion. I know from father in law that she uses whitening creams and slimming aids but that would be a bit insensitive do you think? We are in UK so stuff has to be fairly easily transportable. Step Ma in law is young looking and takes care of herself so any ideas? She also takes care of her grandson so is often running around after him. She has always been very lovely with me - sending over some tops and a handbag in the summer so I would like to get her something she would like.

Many thanks.

Notisis

I got mine a cashmere sweater for the cold season.

Went over well.

It's always difficult to know what to get for an in law at any time but add in being restricted to a small item due to luggage allowance & then being from another country & it becomes a nightmare IMO. One year me & hubby bought his mum (thai, 60's, fairly traditional issan women) a silky (but age appropriate) dressing gown from BHS designer range, we sort of did it for a crack as we always get them practical things like hot water shower etc so thought we would push the envelope a bit but she loved it & spent ages doing a fashion show with her older sister (73 at the time) as we got her one too & a lot of fun was had all round. Other well recieved items are "English" things. Small containers or biscuit tin style boxes with british scenes on, tea towels with english country scenes. You know, naff things. But they love them & she shows them off to her cronies when they come around.

Or if she is into grooming then some make up sets, like the clinique palates with eyeshadows, lipsticks etc, stuff thats pretty pricey & a frugal women wouldn't spend on herself.

just seen pumpuimans answer, yes we always bring over a couple of fleece & cardi style jumpers too. Mad as it may seem, depending on where they live, it can & does get pretty cold. Issan in Dec, Jan & feb see us with duvets on the bed & socks on to keep feet warm on tiled floors & older thais do feel the cold quite bad, expecially when it is damp too

Many thanks for the suggestions! I know she and I both felt cold last year in her village when everyone else was boiling - wierd when I'm from UK but we both have same cold threshold!! I'll visit BHS tomorrow lunchtime and also take a look at makeup in Debenhams or Beales as that is easily transportable. Gets complicated as I'm not going over at Xmas but my ex ma in law and her new beau are so they have to fit in their suitcases. I'm off to Woolies or Early Learning Centre for Best (he's the adorable grandchild).

Thank you!

Notisis

Cosy house slippers, nice tea from a posh shop, a silk top, a nice lippy from Christian Dior, a pashmina (very useful when a little chilly)