Do you like receiving toiletries as Christmas presents?

[katykuns]

I am not a fan, but I don't really do the pampering thing...

Anything to avoid?

I am buying for SIL, who has a month old newborn

[Gettheetoanunnery]

Well I love it! I hate cheap tat though, even if that does sound ungrateful.
Has she ever mentioned enjoying pampering herself?
You can't go wrong with a fancy bubble bath IMO. Boots is great for these presents with the 3 for 2

[NeedlesCuties]

I would love it!

I have a 3 month old and would love anyone to buy me toiletries.

hint, hint

[Alliwantisaroomsomewhere]

I love getting lovely bath stuff that I would not ordinarily buy for myself!

[healstorturepeople]

I hate these kinds of gifts.

[whatsforyou]

I used to love them until I had my DS, now I've got a cupboardful as I never get the time for lovely, long hot bath any more. And when I do I fall asleep in it so it's a bit of a waste!

What about a beauty treat like a manicure or massage and you could offer to babysit for an hour? I'm not sure if that's up your SIL's street but I would have loved it - make sure she's got plenty time to use it in though as it might be bit frantic just now with a newborn

[Jins]

No I hate it. Those gift sets from Boots make my heart sink.

I am really fussy about toiletries not being tested on animals and it's never very clear on the gift sets.

[thegreylady]

yes if they are good quality-I love Molton Brown stuff especially.

[weeblueberry]

I think buying her smellies that reflects her personality and likes is absolutely fine. ie I love getting smellies but anyone who knows me knows I hate flowery smelling stuff. If you can get her that but remember what she likes it's a good present.

[Parisbanana]

Love it if I get something luxurious, especially a body lotion, that I wouldn't justify buying for myself.

[scentednappyhag]

I love getting bubble baths/bombs, but hate getting moisturisers. I have a particular one on prescription that I have to use, so they're just a waste.

[Goandplay]

I would prefer a really really nice bottle of bubble bath or shower gel to a generic gift set.

I wouldn't spend over £5 on bubble bath or shower gel but would love to receive some as a present. I love those sort of presents you receive that you wouldn't buy yourself IYKWIM.

[WandaDoff]

I hate them. Anything heavily scented brings me up in a rash & I don't have the pleasure of having a bathtub. Not much point for me really

[GoldenHandshake]

Only if they are brands I like and use, I always appreciate a ceridwens cauldron bath melt from Lush

[Jins]

Having said that I hate them as gifts they are very useful to regift or give to tombolas later in the year

So yes I hate getting them, never use, them and wouldn't care if I never got them again they do save me time and money in the long run

[LadyMaryCrawley]

No, I don't like it, and I always end up with body lotion which I hardly ever use or buy so I have tons of the stuff hanging about being all useless and smug and smooth.

[MissWinklyParadiso]

I like getting a really really nice bubble bath or body lotion, like molton brown. I'm not generally a fan of gift sets.

[NellyBluth]

Only stuff I already use. So decent shower gel and nice moisturiser (if you know she doesn't have any issues that require special creams) is always appreciated, but not bubble bath or bath bombs. I hate baths. Who had time for a big long soak anyway?

If you're going to do it, go for something practical.

[StiffyByng]

I adore hideously expensive good quality bath stuff that I wouldn't buy myself, but as I can never be bothered to use body lotion it's a bit of a waste to buy me a set. A cheap generic one might get used in an emergency but I wouldn't be thrilled.

[Dawndonna]

I love smellies and always ask for them. Smellies and books for me and I'm a happy, happy bunny.

[WelshMaenad]

I always get lush gift boxes at Xmas and ration them throughout the year. I don't spend much money on myself so it's nice to have treats!

[charlmarascoxo]

I'm another one who hates them.

You generally can't go wrong with the Benefit gift sets though. I remember when they got reduced last year in Boots before Christmas and people went crazy for them.

[WelshMaenad]

Charl do you mean the Soap and Glory sets? I don't remember reductions on Benefit (would have shelled out, I love Benefit).

[YouOldSlag]

I love toiletries as I hardly ever feel justified in coming home with Sanctuary Body Souffle when my kids need new shoes etc, so it's lovely to have treats that are just for me.

However, I do hate it when my mum says "I've bought smellies". I really hate the word smellies and smelly. Horrible!

However, IME if you're buying toiletry gift sets, you can't go wrong with Soap and Glory, Sanctuary, Lush or Crabtree and Evelyn type stuff.

I also absolutely love having little soaps in a box. I get a huge thrill out of them, especially if they are shaped like roses and wrapped in tissue or something. TK Maxx is outstanding for soaps in stunningly beautiful packaging.

[LaTrucha]

If they're from L'Occitane!

[MissCellania]

yabu