in a pressie pickle

[crisgal]

I'm in a right pickle!

Iive just started a new job and have been included in the secret santa. Unfortunately I've picked the one person i haven't worked with yet and don't know at all! I can't ask anyone about her as it would spoil the secrecy as they would know who I've got.

I NEED YOUR HELP!!

All I know about her is that she's married with 3 children and likes reading. She has got a good sense of humour and seems good fun. She's had some bad luck with people bumping into her car.

And that's it! I have to spend about �10 on a proper pressie and then a couple of quid on something daft.

I've always been quite proud of my pressie buying skills and have never been stumped before, but what on earth do I buy someone I don't even know??!!

Please help - any suggestions will be really appreciated.

[galltin]

Well everyone washes so what about some nice toiletries ? Or those shampoo /conditioner/etc sets that are specifically for blondes/brunettes/redheads depending on what she is ? They're really good. Books are difficult if you don't know what type she likes, but you could get her a token I suppose, I hate buying tokens for other people but love getting them myself!

[atolhurst]

Toiltetries might imply she smells?

Given that she has kids, I saw a book in Waterstones called ' Great lies to tell small kids' (are they small?). On amazon for �5 with free delivery.

If not, a scarf/gloves? Chocolates?

[ineedahobby]

if you go down the book route then you can pick up really funny bookmarks too from ottakers or waterstones. Failing that a half decent bottle of wine or some really nice coffee gift thingy from one of those tea/coffee emporia.

[funnywebsite]

I tend to buy people house plants. I like plants and if you look after them they will last. It's the thought that counts. For �10 you can find a good choice. For the joke present have a look around in the pound shop if you have one or joke shop. Maybe buy a mug with a funny logo?

[Solarjunkie]

Homebase have an offer on at the moment of 3 solar powered garden lights for �9.99 (actually less this weekend as it's 10% off weekend). I have some similar ones which provide a friendly glow in the garden as night falls.

Still with a gardening edge, what about a rose bush with an appropriate name, if you can find one that goes with her name. If she conveniently has a name with royal connections like Elizabeth or Margaret there should be no problem!