Advertiser Disclosure
The 20 Best Gifts for Your In-Laws—Including the Hard to Impress
Shop handy gadgets, personalized gifts and more sure-to-impress items for every type of in-law
Shopping for in-laws is infamously tricky. “There is an unspoken pressure on nailing the perfect gift,” says Kristin Fisher, the Collegeville, Penn.-based founder of custom gift box company Bocu. Her advice? “Think about what you know of their habits and interests and tailor a gift that touches on those.”
With guidance from our roster of gifting experts, we’ve curated a list of 20 gift ideas for all types of in-laws that will be sure to impress, whether you’ve known them for years or the relationship is brand new. If you’re shopping for the upcoming holiday season, a birthday, or Mother’s or Father’s Day, there’s something on this list—from custom art to self-care indulgences to wardrobe staples—that your in-law will appreciate.
For the sentimentalist
A sentimental option is never a bad idea, especially when it comes to family. Leah Inman, a Dallas-based gifting consultant, recommends ordering a custom house portrait for mothers-in-law, in particular. Gifting a print of a current home, a favorite place to visit or a previous home you know they are fond of is “a great way to appreciate their roots,” she says. If you know your giftee’s home decor tastes, pick out a frame that will match their aesthetic to make it feel really special.
For the in-law who loves fresh blooms
Bouqs
3 Month Subscription
UrbanStems
Flower Subscription
“Who doesn’t love the beauty and fragrance of fresh-cut flowers?” asks Tami Claytor, a New York City-based image and etiquette consultant. We couldn’t agree more, after testing popular floral subscription services (our favorite is UrbanStems). She recommends the beautiful, yet reasonably-priced arrangements from the Bouqs Co. Fisher also loves to give the gift of flower subscriptions for mothers-in-law because “a monthly floral delivery is a treat that she won’t be expecting.” Plus, “It will keep you on her good-list for at least three months!” Fisher adds.
For any in-law who appreciates a family moment
Aura
Carver
Boasting many of the same winning features as the Mason, this larger-screen frame is a solid option with some creative features.
If there’s one gift that truly any mother- or father-in-law will appreciate, this would be it: the Aura Carver Frame. The smart frame, which has a 10.1-inch HD display, connects via Wi-Fi to an app so you can send photos to it any time you want to share a new family memory. Patrick Kucharson, a Cleveland, Ohio-based gift-giving consultant and writer of the newsletter Better Gift Coach, notes that his wife gave the frame to his mother who “really appreciates my wife’s continuous effort to share our lives with her.” Shop the frame in two neutral colors: Gravel (dark gray) and Sea Salt (white).
For the in-law who likes to get their steps in
If your father- or brother-in-law’s sartorial choices lean practical and comfy, Allbirds’ everyday casual sneaker in the water-resistant Mizzle style will be the perfect gift, according to Inman, who notes they’re a favorite of her own father-in-law. Made from durable, breathable merino wool, the shoes are designed to keep feet dry and at a comfortable temperature during colder months, and the laid-back style can be dressed up for work or down for weekend errands.
For the remote worker
Give your loved one the gift of never having to reheat their coffee in the microwave again. As a coffee lover, Inman knows that “the next best thing to coffee is the mug you drink it out of.” That’s why she recommends this temperature-control smart mug to take their home java game to the next level. It allows them to pick their preferred temperature for their drink and keep it warm all day—perfect for the brother- or sister-in-law who works from home.
For the aspiring pen pal
A Thing Created
Personalized Note Cards, Set of 10
A Thing Created
Personalized Notepad
“If your mother-in-law believes in the art of writing a note, this one’s for her,” says Inman. She recommends these personalized note cards that come on high-quality card stock. Choose from a variety of whimsical, vibrant watercolor prints to suit your in-law’s personality, whether they’re a lover of books, flowers, tennis or dogs. If they love making a list and checking it twice, the Etsy seller also offers adorable personalized notepads that would make a great add-on gift.
For the bookworm
Shopping for someone who always seems to have a dog-eared book by their side or a Kindle tucked into their bag? Inman suggests a padded book sleeve, which makes a perfect companion for the brother- or sister-in-law who loves to take their reading material on the go. The fabric sleeve comes in various sizes, including options for multiple Kindle models, paperbacks and hardcovers, and also features handy front pockets to hold a phone, notebook, or pens.
For the citrus lover
This lemon tree is an unexpected, yet really lovely idea for the in-law who likes to garden, cook, spend time on their patio with a good book or just enjoy their tea with fresh slices of citrus. Claytor likes it because it’s a gift that keeps on giving: “It will last a lifetime and the fresh fruit will be a constant reminder of the gift giver’s thoughtfulness.” It can live indoors or outdoors in warm climates.
For the watch aficionado
Those who sport stylish timepieces will no doubt appreciate a sophisticated place to store their watch while on the road. Eden Delaune, a Fort Worth, Texas-based wardrobe stylist and founder of gift consultancy Bisette, says, “This single roll from Smythson is a smart option that he can toss into his luggage when traveling.” Personalize it with your in-law’s initials for an extra special touch.
For the skincare guru
Have a beauty maven in-law you’ve known for years that is always on the hunt for the latest and greatest skincare products and tools? They likely already know about red light therapy, so this petite wand makes the perfect gift, according to Fisher. The 4-in-1 tool is designed to tighten and brighten skin, smooth fine lines and fade blemishes, and to boost the absorption of skincare products and de-puff skin. It’s more portable and a lower-price than full-face LED masks, and Fisher herself is a fan: “I have personally been using this in the evenings for nearly a year now and have noticed an improvement in the brightness of my skin.”
For the in-law who loves a cozy sweater
Barefoot Dreams
CozyChic Lite Circle Cardi
Barefoot Dreams
In The Wild Throw
The cult-favorite Barefoot Dreams blanket is a great gift on its own, but the best way to improve upon the coziest, softest, snuggliest blanket? Make it wearable. The brand makes a cardigan that Inman says “emulates all the warmth and plushness of their flagship item,” but still looks chic. It comes in 10 neutral colors that will fit practically any giftee’s taste, as well as a range of sizes from XS to 3X. Gift a set with matching bottoms (whether they’re a fan of leggings, joggers or wide-leg sweats) to give the ultimate cozy uniform for cold weather.
For a self-care enthusiast
“You can often win a sister-in-law over with a gift that encourages them to treat themselves,” advises Kucharson. That’s why he recommends gift cards, such as one from Massage Envy, which has more than 1,100 locations in the U.S. and offers both massage and facials, as well as stretch therapy. Or, opt for something they can use to create a spa-like experience at home, such as this heatable and chillable neck pillow, which can make a bath, reading before bed or even a movie night on the couch feel that much more relaxing.
For the gardener without a garden
Being an aspiring horticulturist in a small living space can prove to be a challenge, but the right gear can make it easier and more enjoyable. Claytor suggests gifting this hydroponic indoor growing system for the gardening or cooking enthusiast who doesn’t have outdoor greenspace. The LED grow lights that simulate sunlight can be set on a timer, so even if your in-law has a busy schedule or doesn’t exactly have the greenest thumb, they can set it, forget it and still enjoy fresh herbs, fruits, veggies or flowers right from their own countertop garden. Consider our gift guide for gardeners for more ideas.
For the pragmatist
Sometimes it doesn’t hurt to take a page from our own in-laws’ playbooks when it comes to finding the perfect gift: “My mother-in-law practices a really safe strategy,” Kucharson says. “She buys me the best quality product of something I regularly use that I wouldn’t likely splurge on for myself.” For example, Kucharson has received and now swears by sheets from Brooklinen, one of our favorite bedding brands.
For the accessorized traveler
Anyone who has wrestled with the dilemma of how to store jewelry while traveling knows the value of having a good organizer for efficient packing. Inman recommends gifting this compact jewelry organizer for your jetsetting sister- or mother-in-law. Made of a durable pebbled vegan leather, it’ll come in handy for many trips to come. And with 26 different colors and dozens of monogram styles to choose from, you’re sure to find a combo that will please your loved one.
For the active in-law
Delaune recommends the Hyperice Hypersphere Go, as a “welcome treat for stress relief” that truly anyone can appreciate, from the workout buff with tired muscles to the parent keeping up with small children. Unlike massage guns, the Hypersphere Go is conveniently shaped so you can use it on yourself or pressed against a chair to take advantage of the three vibration speeds. And it’s compact enough to travel with.
For the in-law who could use some shut-eye
Give perhaps the greatest gift of all: quality sleep. On the top of Fisher’s own wish list this holiday season is this weighted sleep mask, which she believes will make for a “super luxe self-care moment.” It’s also a favorite of one Buy Side writer, who says it helps her achieve a full night’s rest. The 100% mulberry silk feels gentle on the skin, and the added weight from the glass bead filling promotes deeper relaxation and sleep.
For the gadget lover
If your in-law has an affinity for their recliner, you can’t go wrong with this portable cup holder and tray that fits neatly over the arm of a couch. The cup holder cradles glasses, mugs and cans, and the tray, which can also lay flat on the sofa, offers a spot for a phone, snacks or, perhaps most importantly, the remote. The ingenious design includes weighted ends to guarantee no slipping or sliding once they’ve settled in with a drink.