A gift for a late 30s legal eagle Londoner
November 17, 2014 10:51 PM Subscribe
Hi, yes it's one of those pre-Christmas questions from a desperate gift-giver who's out of ideas.
We are doing Secret Santa for the adults in my family this year and I've got my eldest sister who is in her late 30s, a New Zealander who lives in London, and works as a lawyer.
She likes riding her bike, volunteering for a literacy charity, art house movies and plays (she runs a theatre Meetup group), and is re-learning to play the piano. She also likes walks, gardens and nature, and likes cafes that serve really good coffee. She's a sceptic and a humanist. She has travelled extensively. She is very, very clever, very thoughtful and caring, an extrovert, and in a long-term relationship. I can't think of anything else useful to add.
Most years I get her a book she's asked for or a scarf, earrings, that sort of thing. I would like to get her something fun and useful this year but I am drawing a blank. I thought of buying her some nice sheet music, like the Beatles, but that on its own isn't really enough.
I am looking to spend about $US50/£30. Bonus points if it's something I can buy on Amazon.co.uk or some other UK site, and have shipped straight to her. (I realise that won't be secret, c'est la vie.)
Thank you dear Mefites.
We are doing Secret Santa for the adults in my family this year and I've got my eldest sister who is in her late 30s, a New Zealander who lives in London, and works as a lawyer.
She likes riding her bike, volunteering for a literacy charity, art house movies and plays (she runs a theatre Meetup group), and is re-learning to play the piano. She also likes walks, gardens and nature, and likes cafes that serve really good coffee. She's a sceptic and a humanist. She has travelled extensively. She is very, very clever, very thoughtful and caring, an extrovert, and in a long-term relationship. I can't think of anything else useful to add.
Most years I get her a book she's asked for or a scarf, earrings, that sort of thing. I would like to get her something fun and useful this year but I am drawing a blank. I thought of buying her some nice sheet music, like the Beatles, but that on its own isn't really enough.
I am looking to spend about $US50/£30. Bonus points if it's something I can buy on Amazon.co.uk or some other UK site, and have shipped straight to her. (I realise that won't be secret, c'est la vie.)
Thank you dear Mefites.
Response by poster: I guess if she had to pick it would be something to consume, but either is good.
posted by reshet at 10:56 PM on November 17, 2014
posted by reshet at 10:56 PM on November 17, 2014
An aeropress, a grinder and a bag of good coffee beans? Possibly from one of the many East London kiwi roasteries? (Thank god we are taking over the coffee scene here.)
posted by teststrip at 11:15 PM on November 17, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by teststrip at 11:15 PM on November 17, 2014 [1 favorite]
As an experience gift, perhaps a ticket to the Chelsea Flower Show? Which if you are not familiar with it, is the garden design equivalent of Paris fashion week. For your budget, you could get a ticket for a late day visit, if she doesn't mind going to such things solo.
Some Woolly Pocket living wall planters for a little bit of gardening herself? These can be used indoor or outside.
Dunno if it is too utilitarian for you, but I love my tiny folding Fulton umbrella (the Queen uses this brand) as it fits easily in my bag and they come in a range of designs (look under the designers tab, as well as womens).
A crazy bike wheel light that creates colourful light patterns on the wheels as you cycle? Good fun and good for safety.
posted by AnnaRat at 1:30 AM on November 18, 2014 [2 favorites]
Some Woolly Pocket living wall planters for a little bit of gardening herself? These can be used indoor or outside.
Dunno if it is too utilitarian for you, but I love my tiny folding Fulton umbrella (the Queen uses this brand) as it fits easily in my bag and they come in a range of designs (look under the designers tab, as well as womens).
A crazy bike wheel light that creates colourful light patterns on the wheels as you cycle? Good fun and good for safety.
posted by AnnaRat at 1:30 AM on November 18, 2014 [2 favorites]
A big fake book of popular songs. Everyone loves a piano player at parties that can get a sing along going!
posted by Mistress at 7:43 AM on November 18, 2014
posted by Mistress at 7:43 AM on November 18, 2014
Best answer: I'm a cycling commuter and the pieces of gear I love are:
my Basil shopper panniers (Basil makes lots of lovely accessories, of limited availability in the US, so while I can absolutely attest to the quality of the shopper, I don't know much about the rest of their goods)
my Walnut Studiolo U-lock holster (international shipping but over your budget)
my Crane hand painted bell
Does your sister have a good metronome? I have a love-hate relationship with mine, but can't deny its utility in re-learning the piano.
posted by crush-onastick at 5:01 PM on November 18, 2014
my Basil shopper panniers (Basil makes lots of lovely accessories, of limited availability in the US, so while I can absolutely attest to the quality of the shopper, I don't know much about the rest of their goods)
my Walnut Studiolo U-lock holster (international shipping but over your budget)
my Crane hand painted bell
Does your sister have a good metronome? I have a love-hate relationship with mine, but can't deny its utility in re-learning the piano.
posted by crush-onastick at 5:01 PM on November 18, 2014
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Nerd of the North at 10:53 PM on November 17, 2014