What Christmas gift can I buy for mum with depression?

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Hi everyone. Title says it all really - my mum has depression and as a result, has very little interest in anything.

Last year, I made the mistake of thinking that instead of buying her something useless just for the sake of it, I invited her over for a roast dinner on Boxing Day. (She had declined to spend Christmas Day with me, my husband and in laws because she didn’t want to be around everyone and ruin the day. Instead she had lunch with my elderly aunt, so at least nobody was alone). She then got upset because I didn’t buy her a present.

It’s only just been her birthday and it was a huge struggle trying to find gifts that she would like. I ended up buying little random things on Etsy. It was quite stressful and frustrating to be honest. She doesn’t like the general “mum” gifts that come up on online searches and has no interest in socialising, drinking, spa / self care, reading, writing, hobbies etc.

I love her and want her to feel valued and appreciated. It’s obviously important to her to receive a physical gift, but when she says she doesn’t need anything and has no interests, what do I buy?!

Posted Dec 7, 2025, 10:50 PM UTC · locked

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