Do you have anything like Broadway in the UK? I usually give a pair of front row tickets to a top Broadway show & reservations to the favorite restaurant. This is an ace in the hole. I think when people reach a certain age, they don't want more stuff. The only caveat is you need to get the tickets at least 6 months in advance for the best seats. A night on the town! They will never forget it. Maybe a hotel room too.

Euonymous europaeus is the spindle tree. It's a large deciduous shrub to 10ft. As the name suggests it has square branches and the leaves turn red in the autumn and has small red/yellow flowers followed by 4-lobed red fruits which split to reveal orange seeds. I have the variety, 'Red Cascade' by my bedroom window.

I have a Sun King Shrub & the Bee's love it
(Sophora microphylla Sun King Sophora microphyll'Hilsop') is its full name :o))
It is evergreen, doesn't grow too high, doesn't need pruning, some say it is best grown against a wall but mine is in the middle of our garden so I just prune to keep a nice shape, can't wait for the spring to hear all the Bees humming around it, the yellow flowers stay for a long time too, its my bit of Sunshine on a dull day :o))

If they haven't got any already, I'd suggest one of the comfreys, specifically Symphytum grandiflorum, common name creeping comfrey. It usually flowers very early in spring, and is a valuable source of nectar for pollinating insects such as bees, at a time when there isn't that much else available for them. It's not stunningly attractive though, and it can be invasive, but is relatively easy to keep in check, so long as you don't ignore it for years. The one which grew here originally was always humming with bees in late February/early March - but it may flower a bit later in colder regions.

Alternatively, one of the Pulmonarias, which have blue flowers, also low growing and early flowering. Both tolerate shade well.

They've probably already got Malva moschata, but if not, its a good one for a wildlife garden; it is a short lived perennial which frequently seeds itself, and hoverflies particularly seem to love it. Flowers summer/early autumn.

How about a native wild cherry tree? Pretty, scented blossom & birds like the fruit

I just noticed you said a shrub! Many plants considered native to Britain are pretty large, making good sized trees or shrubs which may be too big for the average garden; there's a fairly comprehensive list in the link below

https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=848

Ruscus is fairly small - you'll need a female for the red berries which the birds love to eat.

how about a Vibrunum opulus common name is guelder rose. lovely flowers and gorgeous red berries too.

Though if your daughter in law has any other hobbies consider something for that. I get lots of garden related things but for my 60th my eldest girl and husband bought me a 4 day quilting workshop at a local hotel. it was a lovely surprise and hit the spot perfectly.

Bamboo, I haven't heard of Ruscus for ages. This rarely seen shrub is also known as 'Butcher's Broom' as its spikey leaves were used to scrub the butcher's wooden block at the end of the day.

I don't like the idea of buying somebody a living plant as a gift. It's kinda dicey to be honest. You are consigning them with the life-long task of caring for it. Maybe it's the wrong plant for them and they feel obligated to take it on. Maybe they don't really want it but they don't want to hurt your feelings. Could be dicey & awkward. People have gotten me plants that I really didn't like. What if it dies? Just something to think about. I think one of SBG's quilts would be perfect.

Thankyou for all your recommendations. Her husband suggested a plant. Would consider some of the other options but they live in the middle of nowhere and only go to venues in Peterborough. They are in London a lot for their work and they won't go there for a night out. I really think planting is what she loves most.

Jimmytheone.... although I know the common name, I didn't know that was why it was called butchers' broom, I've often wondered ... the only time I see it is in winter flower arrangements at the florist these days... bit of a gawky grower, of course...

the other alternative is a garden token so she can have the pleasure of buying a plant[s] that she really wants. then you have the satisfaction of following her hubby's suggestion and avoids the dilemma of a plant she wont like. People who know me well never buy me plants in case I already have it or don't like it or it wont grow in my soil. So Bathgate isn't the only one who'd prefer not to be bought plants. :o)

That's a good idea SBG. Just get them a voucher or gift certificate and let them buy whatever they need or want. Now they can order it online .

Thankyou for your ideas. I have given her e-tokens in the past and wanted something different for her 60th. My son only buys native plants but I know that she is interested in non-native as long as they are insect friendly. They have very big garden with plenty of space for her to plant at the front. I too have received gifts of plants that I wouldn't have chosen myself and didn't particularly want.
However, I am confident that she will enjoy my choice of Enkianthus Campanulatus, of which i have ordered two.

nice choice . I am sure she will love them.

Let us know what you ended up buying won't you :o))
Ha! I'll be 70 this month (Jan) I'm wondering what I will get LOL, going for a meal with my older brother & his wife, that will be nice :o))