Ten gift ideas for your parents

IF you’re like most unprepared gift-buyers, you probably find it tricky to decide what to give your parents for Christmas (or their birthdays or Mother’s and Father’s Day, for that matter).

Worry no more! We have ten great gift ideas that (we hope) most parents will fall in love with.

1. Take them somewhere interesting for the day

Surprise your parents and treat them to a day out. Take them somewhere they’ve never been to, like the theatre, an outlandish restaurant or a picnic at the botanical gardens. Think out of the box! Just be sure you choose a place they’ll feel comfortable at. Don’t take your dad to the theme park if you know he hates thrills.

2. Have their favourite old photo enhanced and framed

You know that photo in your mom’s bedside cabinet of when she used to be an athlete or when she got her first cat? You know, that old murky photo that’s starting to go yellow with age, but means so much to her? Stop by your nearest Kodak or similar photo store and ask them to enhance the photo, make it new again, and frame it for you. Your mom will be pleased beyond words.

3. Personalised items

You can never go wrong by having an item such as a mug, towel, bottle, glass, pillowcase or quilt (the list goes on) personalised for your parent. Have their photo or name added to the item or add a special message. If you don’t know how to do this, Google is your friend.

4. A terrarium

Who doesn’t adore a terrarium in a glass bowl? It’s easy to make and the decoration possibilities are endless. Add some rich soil and plant a small variety of succulents or small plants to create a mini garden. You can decorate the surrounding soil with moss or colourful pebbles and add tiny little ornaments, such as a mini swing, garden gnome, frog, wooden sign with a special message, a few ladybugs, or whatever else you think is cute.

5. A soft blanket to represent your warm love

It might sound like a lame gift, but a soft, fluffy blanket (especially during wintertime) can be really special. Get a nice and big blanket that you know they won’t be able to resist cuddling. Put your signature perfume or cologne on so that it smells like you. Add a sentimental note that says something along the lines of “a special blanket to remind you that my love for you is always warm”, and you’re good to go!

6. Jar filled with their favourites

Some parents like wine gums, others like biltong or some might adore chocolate. Whatever it is that makes your parents go “yummm”, get a big mason jar and fill it up with their favourite treats. You can also buy a variety of treats and arrange them in pretty layers inside the jar since we all know one eats with one’s eyes first.

7. A calender with a theme they will love

There are so many cool calenders out there with different themes. Whether it’s cats, dogs, candy, musical instruments, holiday destinations, sports cars – you name it – you’re bound to find a much-needed calender for the upcoming new year that your parents will appreciate and admire every day. Just pop by any good book or stationery store and you will spot them.

8. Sentimental framed photo or collage

Get together with your siblings and children for a grand family photo or have your parents’ favourite selection of photos arranged into a collage and have it framed. Make it nice and big so that your mom and dad’s hearts melt every time they look at it.

9. Club in with your siblings and send them away for a weekend

Ask your siblings to contribute financially and send your parents somewhere nice for a getaway weekend. Who won’t love that?

10. Netflix subscription

Netflix will surely provide days of entertainment for all personalities, so why not treat your parents by buying them a Netflix subscription? It’s really affordable and it’s a gift that they’ll get to enjoy every day and every month. The best part – no commercial breaks!