www.iva.co.uk

When my dad was a child his mam would give him a stocking full of sweets mainly and nick nacs, she did this right until she died, she was 77 and he was not so young, he's 64 now. This year I'd like to recreate something similar. I have the usual in mind, toffees liquorice chocolate. What I have decided to do is create a stocking for dads friend. I have never met her but I suspect she is not that much older than I (I'm 44). I think this is why he keeps her almost hidden although he always tells me about her and the funny times they have together - by this I mean mainly going round each others house they both live very near to each other and neither have much money. I'd like to ask my sister to be involved but I know she will say a very big NO as he met a lady last year I suggested this and the answer was no. This year I'm doing it by myself. In this ladies stocking I so far have some Bacardi Breexer, chocolate bars, nuts, Radox.

This must sound bizzare but the thoughts of my dad enjoying some time with someone he really likes and them opening these in private and having some quality time appeals to me, especially as he is very ill.

I'm not even telling my husband because he'll think I've gone bonkers.

What else can I include? My dad is a VERY young 64 and his friend is very bubbly and funny from what I have heard. I am also planning to write a Xmas blog on this early New year. There's a strong chance my dad may be on a better planet next Xmas, so I'm doing this come hell or high water and I hope it is received with the good intention it is meant by both of them. (by the way Lady X knows nothing about his illness!)I'm planning just to leave the stockings almost anonymously on Xmas eve.

I'm posting this now before I start to think I'm bonkers and I hope my late mam doesn't strike me down.

Oscar
x

What about some little jokes and nic-nacs from the likes of Harper's Bazaar ? Of course, there has to be a tangerine, and some new shiney pennies.

What a lovely idea Oscar. Are you going to include an Orange? We always had those in ours..

Oh -- what about some little bath bombs, or hand made soap, a shower flower ?

I like the bath bombs thing thanks guys. The satsumas and shelled nuts are obviously a must but I think there is something else I just have not come up with it yet. We are only 2 motnhs after our completed IVA so can't afford a holiday for them yet but there's got to be something. My dad's very proud so I can't include direct money as I would make him feel worse instead of better. Maybe a voucher in each just for £50 and they could go shopping together??? Unsure
Oscar
x

Foggy love the jokes thing, great, what is a shower flower? thanks
Oscar
x

shower flower ? It's what we call those plastic puffy things you scrub with.

What about theatre vouchers?

How about a few things from his youth, a matchbox car or 3, a 19?? Beano annual. My Son and Daughter pick up bits like this from charity shops and friends toy boxes to add to my Christmas stocking each year. Certainly brings a smile to my sour old face on Christmas morning [8D][:D][:D]

Lol I'm sorry to poke in but Foggy you have just had me in stitches as I love novelty gifts and decided to look up your Harpers Bazaaar suggestion as I had heard of it - only to find its a posh fashion mag!!!

Ha ha still laughing at the thought of them doing 'novelty' gifts and a brief internet search leads me to ask did you mean "Hawkins Bazaar"?!

Sorry to correct as I hate that myself but had to share as I'm sat here laughing out loud by myself!! you really have tickled me with this one [:D][:I]

p.s. thanks for the tip as have some very difficult family members to buy so could be just the job for me! xx

LOL Til ..... yes, I have these "moments" ... I did mean Hawkins Bazaar.

Must be my blue blood interfering with the thought processes :0)

[:D][:D][:D]

Wow, never heard of Hawkins Bazaar before now, just checked them out and they are brilliant, thank you both!!

Now we know what magazine you read in your spare time Foggy!![;)][;)]

[:p]