Miserable sister - ideas please

[saxy_jag]

OK, she's 56 and shacked up with a scrap dealer who owns a farm. Her hobbies are shagging the boss, looking after her (very large) dogs and pretending that she's one of the 'county set'. Never cracks her face into a smile and thinks I'm an irresponsible airhead (at 49, I really should start behaving a little more sensibly).

As you've probably guessed, I don't like her very much. But she's family and Mum will be upset if I don't at least make the effort to buy a small pressie for the woman. Any ideas? Up to around �10 would be OK, but nothing that smacks of an insult or I'll be in trouble with Mum.

Cheers in advance.

[DaisyMae]

I always rely on books to give pleasure to my family and friends. It is not too difficult to choose a book to suit a particular character, there are amusing books galore on the shelves at this time of year and they are never very expensive.

Or if you know her taste in music, how about a CD?

Or a subscription to Country Life (sorry, that was a bit facetious).

[sara3]

I'm feeling the love!

you need to get her something she won't know the value of. can you pick up something arty or crafty in a market? flashy candle holders, or something like?

[haysi06]

Its a shame that you feel like that about your sister, but hey you can choose yer friends eh?

Why don't you buy her a nice hat/scarf/gloves set for dog walking?

[saxy_jag]

I've written all these down to take shopping with me tomorrow. Gonna be toddling around Ipswich for the day so I'm sure to find something.

Haysi, I've given up worrying about the lack of sisterliness. I have a cousin who is like a surrogate brother to me - only better, so I don't feel I'm missing out on anything.

[haysi06]

Hi saxy_jag, I wasn't having a dig at you, :) I have close friends who are like sisters to me too. Its not the blood tie that makes them family in my opinion.

[saxy_jag]

Haysi, no problem - no offence taken at all. Nor a gate, nor a small potting shed. ;-)

[haysi06]

Asda are selling 3 bottles of vino for a tenner too! You could give her 2 and keep one for yourself ;)

[saxy_jag]

I got three pashminas for a fiver from a very nice looking young Eastern european lad on a stall in Ipswich this afternoon. Will that do, d'you reckon?

[sara3]

well done! take them out of the cellophane wrappers and keep 2 for yourself. or 1, and send the other to me :o)

[saxy_jag]

I don't actually like pashminas- they remind me of old ladies trying to be thirty and glamorous in Marks and Sparks. I got myself three of those patterned desert scarf things - they have much more attitude!

[Aquagility]

Draw a veil over the cost by getting her something meaningful. If you have a photo of you and her together, you can get it put on a mug for �10.

[saxy_jag]

Don't make me laugh, Aquagility. The last photo I have of us together is the one taken at the seaside when I was about four. In it, she's laughing and I'm crying because she's just hit me with a seaside spade!

[Aquagility]

That would be ideal!

[Poison-Ivy]

Theres a company called VOM FASS that sell sparkling bottles of cuvee with gold bits floating in. About a tenner a bottle on offer at the moment. Can buy online or at there shop in Bluewater (to far for you??)

Bit of a novelty present that she might like.

[terambulan]

Get her a naff steering wheel cover to keep her delicate hands warm in her merc.

Or a rude rubber cover for the gear-stick knob - �1 shop does some rubber feelies pencil ends that stretch onto gear stick.

[CJ242]

I would suggest that as it sounds, you will never please this woman no matter what you do. Get something simple and beyond reprisal. (I have a sister in law that sounds like her twin!! She treats her dogs like children!!!!!!!!!) Maybe a very nice box of chocolates together with either a calendar or set of placemats etc. depicting the breed of dog she has.

[pinktwink]

its sad to see yee don't get on especially giving xmas is the season for peace and goodwill. Perhaps it would be more of a surprise for her if you got something meaningful. A family photo of yee all would be nice. You say you are 49 well are you not old enough to make up your own mind without just buyin a present to keep your mum happy. I am sure the thing that would make her most happy would be for yee to have some sort of positive relationship and that is free. There is so much heartache in the world and no matter what your family will always be your family,

Hope you have a nice xmas

[angiebaby57]

Do something that makes a difference....a virtual gift via oxfam, like feeding 100 schoolchildren...That is a very socially responsible gift, is inexpensive, she gets a nice giftcard detailing your thoughfulness and you will be seen to be acting as a mature, thoughtful individual and not an airhead! You could also take her dogs a nice rawhide bone each as we pet lovers prefer to treat our pets rather than ourselves!
By the way, you sound a lot more fun than her so have a nice Christmas and smile sweetly at all times!!

[bizzylizzy]

LOL - at least you're honest.

Why not adopt her an animal .. maybe a goat!!

Oxfam also do stuff like pay for a outside lavvy.

Good luck.

[Quesadilla]

A trombone case?