I need your help!!!! Brick Wall For Gift Idea

Ok - so here's the skinny (no pun intended). I need help  finding a gift to give my Step-mom.  I always seem to get her the same things, lotion, bath stuff, aroma therapy, oils, etc.  I can't afford much, my limit is $50 for each (Mom & Dad).  I've already gotten her a $10 CD.  The problems I have are this: she always gives me a wimpy list of just CDs or nothing at all. Then I get the "you really don't have to get me anything", but if I don't get her something that seems "personal" or "well thought out" just for her, she gets upset. If I don't get her anything equal to my Dad, she gets upset and then pulls the "left out" passive agressive commentary.  Since I'm in NC my Dad takes the brunt of the commentary. Then I'll spend the next 6 months of her ignoring me - even when I call her she will just pass the phone to my Dad without saying a word Anything I do has to be shipped to Texas and she's already made several complaining comments about gift certificates - so clearly that's my signal to don't even bother.  She doesn't read either so books and magazines are out (I tried to give her the "O" magazine last year and only heard through my Aunt about what a "waste" of money she thought it was. Please help?

Have you considered books?  How about the "Power of Positive Thinking", "How to Win Friends and Influence People", or perhaps "The Power of a Positive Mom"?  Okay, I'm done being a smart*** now.  Does she like clothes?  I don't know what size she wears, but Old Navy has a very classy looking cashmere turtleneck sweater on sale for 40 bucks right now.  That'd be light to ship. What about some of those Hickory Farms things.  If she likes to eat that kind of stuff some of them are cool.  They've got some cakey things too, like the Dobosh torte.  If you order off of their website, they'll ship them as a gift straight to her. I have family members like this too.  You can't please them no matter what you do.  In the end, sometimes you just have to buy the dang Walmart gift card and check them off the list as "Done!"  It's not worth turning yourself inside out looking for the perfect gift for someone so critical.  I hope you have success. Take care. Ellen

do a donation in her name - muahahahahah :-) I was reading the other day that you can adopt a tazmanian devil. On the news this morning they were talking about how you can buy rhino dung on Ebay and the money is going to rhino conservation. thecrystalshoppe.com has some nice things... I got my BFs father a beer mug/shot glass engraved with his initials. Does she have any interests? Maybe you can pay for a class or something for her at a local sewing studio - or dance class for her and dad, art class?? Maybe a gift basket - like the italian dinner basket? Something from pampered chef? How bout a lump of coal??!! I know she doesnt care for gift certificates but what if it was for something specific - a pedicure, a facial at a local spa?

LOL Smart a** comments welcome!!!   Trust me, I've said it all and thought it all!  She loves traveling. She works for a travel agency and often takes trips. For Mother's day I bought her a new road map, guide to "off the beaten path" places and put them in a tote bag she could use to put road goodies in when she's driving.    I've even sent her a gift basket before of "North Carolina made products" to give her a "Taste of NC".   All that got me was "thanks for making me fat, your Dad loves me now" comments So i really do *TRY lol.   But I think the reason I try so hard is because I love my Dad and it means a lot to him.  Ultimately, he's the one who has to put up with it when she's like this.... I like the clothes. I haven't bought anything for her in a while clothes wise. She's pretty ... errr... Top heavy LOL so I don't know if Old Navy would have anything, but I can still check around! Thanks! I love the dance class Idea. There is a community college across the street that has dancing classes at night for adults.  I think the trick would be getting my Dad up for that. But worth the look.  Thanks guys!

Check out QVC--they have bill to ship to.  They might have something nice in the clothing line.  I got my step mom one of the boucle knit throws.  She is very cold natured and has to have something across her legs while she is watching TV.  She has worn out all of her blankets and afghans so I got her a nice camel colored one that will go nicely with the wing chair that she likes to sit it.  She's hard to shop for and never appreciative.  I'm like you--I do it for my Dad. 

I vote for QVC also.  They have some great gift ideas on their website.  I've purchased about 5 gifts from them this year.   Is she a crafty person??  if so, go get her something to make.  Like a kit at Michaels.   Or.... I am probably going to send something from 1800flowers.com.  They have more than flowers.   Good Luck! Connie

Make a donation in her "honor" to  (click here)---> Heifer International! Like say, a GOAT!  You can buy a share of a Goat in $10 increments... or an entire goat for $120. LOL There are many other gifts there as well... from Llamas to flocks of geese/ducks to knitting baskets to baskets of hope... and so much more! Since she says you make her FAT, this year, donate money that will feed some folks who don't know what FAT is! Now how can she smart mouth such a kind and generous gift??

Thanks everyone for such fantastic ideas!!!!!!!!!