Holiday shopping for the in-laws can be a bit of a minefield. You don't have a lifetime of gift-giving knowledge to fall back on or awareness of any unspoken boundaries that need to be respected. But you also want to show appreciation for your new family and all that they do—especially your mother-in-law. But what are good gifts for your mother-in-law?
A gift for the notorious M.I.L. is a big deal. After all, she is both the matriarch of the fam and responsible for raising your partner into the person you love. Holiday candles and some seemingly high-quality socks are not going to cut it. It's also probably safe to eliminate any extra White Elephant gifts you might have on hand.
If you really want to impress her (and rise up the ranks on the internal hierarchy we all know she keeps), you're going to have to put forth some effort. A thoughtful, personalized, and useful gift will earn you major brownie points. Way more than just hopping on the gift card train.
So before you peruse our list of curated ideas, take a moment to think about your mother-in-law's interests, hobbies, and tastes. Consider what she might actually enjoy. The whole "it's the thought that counts" thing isn't just a platitude; it's the real deal. A unique advent calendar? A puzzle? We've got options for you.
Whether you're brand-new to the family or have been part of it for years, we've got you covered with 30 Christmas gift ideas that are sure to impress your mother-in-law and maybe even earn you a permanent spot in her good graces. Here are the best gifts for your mother-in-law we could find.
Charcuterie board
Credit: Amazon
An elevated charcuterie board is a great gift for the mother-in-law who knows how to throw a party (or the one who just really loves cheese).
Makeup Bag
Credit: Amazon
This travel pouch is organizational heaven, with pockets for all her favorite products. Fill it with a few luxe beauty items like a jade roller or undereye patches for a more personalized touch.
Wine Glasses
Credit: Amazon
Grab her favorite bottle of red and gift it with these modern wine glasses that are perfect for holiday hosting.
Ceramic Planter
Credit: Amazon
Green thumb or not, this ceramic planter is a stylish addition to any home. Add a low-maintenance plant like a succulent or a pothos to complete the gift.
Indoor Herb Garden
Credit: Amazon
Reduce the number of times she has to run to the store for fresh basil with this compact indoor herb garden that will look great on a kitchen windowsill. Just make sure you pair it with a few packs of seeds!
Window Bird Feeder
Credit: Amazon
For the nature-loving mother-in-law, this window bird feeder allows her to watch her feathered friends up close. Double-check that she has a window that is bird-friendly before gifting.
Electric Tea Kettle
Credit: Amazon
Upgrade her tea game with a sleek and efficient electric tea kettle. Bonus points if you add in a package of her favorite tea blend.
Windchimes
Credit: Amazon
Perfect for the mother-in-law who can always be found lounging on her front porch, these windchimes will add a peaceful soundtrack to her day.
Wine Decanter
Credit: Amazon
Elevate her nightly glass of red with a beautiful decanter that will impress even the most seasoned sommelier.
Nice Touchscreen Gloves
Credit: Amazon
Prevent the inevitable winter hand-freezing with a pair of touchscreen gloves that are both stylish and functional.
Set of Scented Handcream
Credit: Amazon
A little daily indulgence is always appreciated. Gift her a set of luxurious and beautifully-scented hand creams she'll love to use.
Gardening Tool Bag
Credit: Amazon
No one likes lugging around all their gardening tools all around the backyard. Make her beloved hobby a little easier with a compact and stylish tool bag.
Leather Sling Bag
Credit: Amazon
Traveling or just running errands, this leather sling bag is perfect for the mother-in-law who likes to keep things simple, organized, and hands-free.
Eyeglass Chain Set
Credit: Amazon
Is she always losing her sunnies? This eyeglass chain set will keep them close and stylishly secure.
Pickleball Set
Credit: Amazon
Get her a pickleball set and challenge her to a game on your next visit. It's the perfect excuse for some fun bonding time.
Luxe Bubble Bath
Credit: Amazon
You can't go wrong with a little self-care. Treat your MIL to a relaxing and indulgent bubble bath experience with this luxurious (and huge) bottle of suds.
Custom Boat Tote
Credit: Etsy
Perfect for the beach, groceries, or just day-to-day use, a big boat tote is a thoughtful and practical gift. And the ability to embroider it with her initials makes it even better.
Book of the Month Membership
Credit: Book of the Month
If she's a bookworm, give her the gift of a new read with a Book of the Month membership. Subscribers choose from three new literary picks that are delivered right to their door.
Photo Bookmark
Credit: Etsy
Another great idea for MILs who love to read? A customized photo bookmark paired with a stack of hand-selected books by you that you know she'll enjoy.
Acrylic Book Vase
Credit: Etsy
For the mother-in-law with a flair for home decor, this acrylic book vase is a unique and eye-catching addition to any shelf or table. Fill it with a bouquet of fresh flowers for a super-sweet touch.
Personalized Teacup & Saucer
Credit: Etsy
When tea time is as sacred as Sunday dinner at her house, nothing beats a personalized teacup and saucer set. While her monogram or a special message is cute, I personally love the pet portrait option.
Recipe Book
Credit: Papier
Give her a dedicated—and beautiful—place to store all of her favorite family recipes. She'll love seeing her name on the cover, and you'll live finally figuring out what the heck she puts in her famous apple pie.
Jade Stone Eye Mask
Credit: Etsy
For the mother-in-law who deserves a little pampering, gift her a jade stone eye mask that feels amazing and has depuffing benefits.
Wine & Cupcake Set
Credit: Wicked Good Cupcakes
Is there a better pairing than wine and cupcakes? I think not, and your MIL will agree when she gets this delicious set.
Monthly Puzzle Subscription
Credit: Jiggy
If she loves a good puzzle, keep her on her toes all year long with a monthly subscription that delivers beautiful yet challenging puzzles right to her door.
Extra-Large Picnic Blanket
Credit: Etsy
Upgrade her picnic game with this extra-large blanket that can comfortably fit the whole family. Add in some gourmet snacks and a bottle of wine for a truly thoughtful gift.
Travel-Sized Jewelry Box
Credit: Etsy
This wooden jewelry box is the perfect size for traveling but still has plenty of room for all her favorite pieces. For an extra touch, add in a classic pair of hoops you'll know she'll love.
National Park Pass
Credit: National Park Service
For the adventurous mother-in-law, a national park pass is the ultimate gift. She'll have endless opportunities to explore new places and make new memories.
SpaFinder Gift Card
Credit: SpaFinder
Treat her to a well-deserved spa day with a SpaFinder gift card. She can choose from thousands of locations and services, allowing her to customize her perfect pamper day.
Bath Bomb Advent Calendar
Credit: Lush
Make the countdown to Christmas a little more exciting with a bath bomb advent calendar. Each day she'll get to experience a new luxurious bath bomb, making it truly the most wonderful time of the year.
Editor's Note: Products featured on Wide Open Country are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
