Well, my mom can be difficult as well. I buy what she needs, but does not realize she needs. This year, she is getting three pairs of lounge/velour kind of pants for around the house, three sweaters for work, two different body washes, some makeup, and a magazine subscription.
What about tickets for you and your mom to go to a play, concert, etc., or tickets for her and a friend to go, if you don't live close? If you went w/ her, take her to a nice dinner or if buy for her and a friend, get them a gift certificate to a nice restaurant near where they are going to make a night of it. Spa or salon gift certificates would likely be appreciated also, if your mom tends to buy whatever she needs/or is difficult to purchase for.
. earlier this year, i got her a red bearn wallet and white caviar clutch as her birthday present. i've also given her shoes before, but i find it harder cause some don't fit properly. i got her a pair of jimmy choo's 2 years ago and they didn't fit her properly, so they've just been sitting in the box. i've given her a silk scarf before too, but since she paints her own scarves (she's picked up painting on silk as a hobby) she prefers to wear her own. spa gift certificate doesn't really work as a gift for my mom as she has her own esthetician who comes to my parents' house when needed.
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