If you’re on the hunt for the perfect gift for your mother-in-law for Christmas, Mother’s Day, her birthday, or just because—you might be a little bit stumped. What to get the woman who isn’t your actual mother but who plays a similar role in some ways?
Whether you’re super close or just getting to know one another better, you may feel the pressure to select a gift for your mother-in-law that is absolutely perfect. The best gifts show that you are paying attention to her likes and wants, and care enough to send her something thoughtful Read on for some ideas in this mother-in-law gift guide.
For the New Grandma
If you’ve recently welcomed your first child to the family, the new grandma is undoubtedly very proud. Make this memorable time even more special with a beautiful keepsake photo collage showcasing dozens of your little guy or gal, along with family photos. She can display it proudly on a shelf at work so she can show off her grandkids everywhere. Or she can keep it by her bedside, giving her a glimpse of her grandchild as soon as she wakes up and right before going to sleep. This thoughtful gift will warm her heart for years to come. Here’s another gift idea that will keep her cozy:
“Happiness is Being a Grandma” Sweatshirt
Cost: $35.75. Customize this cute sweatshirt in your MIL’s favorite color. It’s available in sizes S-3X. Custom sweatshirts make for the perfect holiday gift.
For the Luxury Lover
Does she love trips to the spa, glamorous vacations, and all things upscale? Treat her to something that shows you’re paying attention, like a gift certificate to her favorite spa or salon. Or maybe plan to bring the spa experience to her home, with a diffuser, face mask and luxurious robe. By adding her initials to this sinfully soft topper, you’ll add a thoughtful, personalized touch she’s sure to appreciate.
Cost: $68. This microfiber robe is a unique gift that’s fit for our mother-in-laws who enjoy the finer things in life. Don’t forget to pick their favorite color for the monogram!
For the Global Traveler
People who spend most of their time globetrotting and exploring new places are bound to have worn-looking passports. If that’s the case with your mother-in-law, an elegant passport holder is a sweet surprise. Stamped with her initial and name, this marble-pattern style adds a touch of glamour to her travel essentials.
Cost: $21. There’s nothing that says world-class traveler like a customized passport. For a more personalized gift, you can add her name to the front and/or back.
For the Dedicated Homebody
Is there anything better than curling up on the couch with a soft blanket? She can move it from couch to bed easily, making it one of the perfect gifts for mothers-in-law whether she loves to binge-watch her favorite shows all weekend or relax with a book at the end of a long day. This sweet blanket features a distinctive magnolia pattern and can be customized with a name or phrase. We have so many custom blanket options, find one with her favorite colors and things—like this pink pineapple blanket:
Cost: $33. The perfect gift for anyone who loves the elegance of rose gold and marble, with a bit of glitter thrown in. Don’t forget to add her name so everyone knows it’s her special blanket.
Cost: $24.15. Also consider a personalized cookbook binder is perfect for the homebody that loves to cook. This rustic barnwood category is one of our many cookbook binders.
For the Natural Decorator
Some mothers-in-law are decorators at heart. They know which colors to match and how to furnish rooms just as efficiently as interior designers. Why not give her a little something that reflects her great taste in design? A set of towels in an attractive pattern is a chic addition to her bathroom. Or opt for something that she swaps out often—like a throw blanket or pillows. Give her more variety in an area she loves to decorate.
Cost: $35. This 13×21” pillow is perfect for lumbar support, and for sporting your family name. An elegant monogram letter overlaid with your Mother-in-Law’s surname is a must-have in any decorator’s home.
For the Fashion Maven
Anyone who loves fashion will appreciate the addition of a sleek and sophisticated watch. Whether she never wears one, or already has a collection, a watch is a perfectly luxe gift. Choose from leather, silicone, enamel, or metal straps, and customize it with something meaningful specifically to her. Every time it slips onto her wrist, she’ll have a thoughtful reminder of the bond you share.
Cost: $115. This elegant watch is made of durable stainless steel, and available in many shapes and colors. Get her favorite color as the band, or keep it classic.
For the Green-Thumbed Gardener
For the Moms who like to spend their time outside among the flowers, we have great gift ideas for the garden. Help her personalize her favorite space with a garden ornament or custom sign. Whether it’s a Mother’s Day gift or a stocking stuffer for the holidays, she’ll be delighted that you got her something for her favorite hobby.
Cost: $13. There are so many ways to personalize this cute camper-themed sign. Add your family’s name, location and a little message.
For the Talented Chef
Whether she’s reached Martha Stewart status, or just likes to cook for her favorite people, give her something that shows how much you appreciate the time she spends in the kitchen. Kitchen gadgets like fancy knives or an instant pot are always a good idea. But a custom cutting board or apron would come in handy time and time again, too.
Cost: $20. She’ll love wearing this custom apron, to show that in her kitchen everyone plays by her rules. Choose an extra long or standard length.
For the Wine Lover
If your mother-in-law loves a good glass of red, then you know she’ll love receiving this humorous tee any day of the year. “I Can Wine All I Want, I’m Retired,” it boldly announces. Perfect for everything from casual days out to workouts, it’s a fun and versatile tee she can throw on with everything from jeans to joggers.
Cost: $21. Help her show up to dinner parties and BYO events in style with this fun wine tote that says, “Rosé Purse”. It’s a wine gift your mother-in-law will love.
Home Is Where the Wine Is Wine Bag
Cost: $22.95. Whether you gift the wine bag by itself or with a bottle of wine, this will be sure to make an impression. This fits standard 750ml – 1l wine bottles and is made of neoprene to keep it cold.
From Weddings to Tech, our Zazzle Contributors are experts on a wide variety of topics and information. We hope their advice and ideas will help you be inspired!
I pay attention to small talk for gift ideas. My mother in law mentioned wishing her garden window was more decorative. I snuck some measurements and surprised her with a custom tile mosaic panel that fit right into the floor of the box. It was a fun DIY project, and she was thrilled!
What a great tip! And, DIY projects are always a great gift idea. Thanks for sharing!