Stay On Your MIL's Good Side With These *Perfect* Christmas Gifts
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Dealing with a mother-in-law is a seemingly endless saga of impression. You may have a lovely relationship with your MIL, but there's always that underlying pressure to keep her pleased. Translation? Getting the right gift come holiday season is paramount.
Don't worry, we've got the goods for even the prickliest of in-laws. She may do things her way -- and drive you crazy en route -- but she still deserves a good gift. Who knows, it could be the ticket towards a more fruitful relationship. Or, if you're already tight, maybe it'll just keep her incredibly satisfied for a while, bragging about you every time she puts the gift to use.
Now, what makes for a great gift for the mother-in-law who has everything? Something distinctive, like her, of course. Also, something that capitalizes on an interest she has, whether that's baking, fitness, happy hour or fashion. We're talking everything from excellent books to unbelievably soft PJs. These are the gifts that will make her feel like the much-loved member of the family she is.
Read on for the 57 best gifts for mother-in-laws.
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Cocktail Maker HomeBar
You and your S.O. will cement your "favorite children" status with this easy home bar from Bartesian, a favorite of a few Women's Health editors. It's similar to a Keurig, but instead of coffee pods, you use fully recyclable cocktail pods that make everything from cosmopolitans to margaritas with the press of a button.
Silver Lilly Womens Robe Hooded Sherpa Lined - Long Plush Soft Luxury Bathrobe
Silver Lilly's line of loungewear is seriously high quality and well-loved—especially the cozy sherpa collection. This robe is going to be the piece she wears every day.
Ionic Facial Steamer
Whether she uses it before her eight-step skincare routine or to unwind at the end of the day, she'll love the way this facial steamer transforms her bathroom (or kitchen, or living room) into an at-home spa. A relaxed MIL is a win-win for everyone, right?
Complete Tea Set
Although I'm not a mother-in-law, I am a tea lover and was once gifted this tea set that I'm absolutely obsessed with, even years after it was gifted to me. If she's already well-stocked on her favorite teas, gift her this dainty glass teapot that comes with a blooming flower tea set, stand, and chic AF little tea glasses.
Heated Shiatsu Back and Neck Massage Pillow
Sure, getting your MIL an in-spa massage would be nice, but if you're on a budget, you'll really impress her with this at-home neck and back massager she can use every night. It's the perfect gift for the MIL who needs some rest and relaxation in her life.
Sprocket Instant Photo Printer
Yes, you could get the photo-loving mother-in-law in your life a nice picture frame. Or, you can take your gift to the next level with this photo printer that will allow her to print all her favorites herself—whenever she wants. Throw in a few frames if you want to get her started.
Satin Sleep Set
You'd be hard-pressed to think of a mom who doesn't need a good night's rest. Gift her the most luxurious night's sleep ever with this silky WH editor-loved gift set, complete with an eye mask, scrunchie, and matching pillowcase.
3-in-1 Charging Hub
If your MIL is a total techie, she'll love putting her fave devices on display with this charging hub. Whether it's an Apple Watch, iPhone, or AirPods, this stand will keep her electronics organized and fully-charged. It's great for hands-free FaceTime dates, too.
Microwavable Slippers
Warm her heart and feet with these cozy microwaveable slippers. Designed with plush that cushions every step, you can rest assured that your mother-in-law will be walking around the house comfortably and in style.
Passport and Vaccine Card Holder
If she loves to travel, she'll adore this passport and vaccination card holder. Having them both in the same spot will keep 'em safe and secure, and she won't have to worry about digging inside her purse while in line for security–aka you're gifting her a more pleasurable and convenient travel experience.
Indoor Hydroponic Herb Garden
Thanks to you, she'll be able to cook with fresh herbs every day regardless of the weather. This indoor herb garden comes with two different kinds of basil, parsley, dill, thyme, and mint.
I got my mom one last year, and she loves that it tells her when to add water, its LED lights with day/night timers, and 'vacation' mode to manage everything when she's out relaxing.
365 Days of Art
Gift her a year's worth of inspo to get creative with her DIY projects—this book contains 365 exercises and prompts to get her juices flowing when she's feeling stuck. Plus, if you have kids, this book is filled with ideas for afternoon activities they can do with Grandma.
Ceramic Jewelry Dish
Pair some earrings or any other jewelry with this ceramic dish that'll hold her new fave gift. She'll think of you every time she goes to put on her favorite piece.
Sherpa Fleece Weighted Blanket
Your MIL will love to snuggle up in this cozy (and gorgeous) weighted blanket from Uttermara. Whether she's in bed or on the couch, this faux sherpa blanket feels like a dream.
Monogram Tote Bag
If your MIL loves a monogram, you can't go wrong with getting her this bag from Vanessa Rosella. It's perfect for everything from beach days to travel days. The bag is made with 100 percent cotton, so it's totally washable, too.
Chain Bracelet - Gold
Add a little elegance to her smartwatch with his chain bracelet. Highly compatible, it adjusts easily and makes the timepiece feel a little more custom and individual (just like her) than what everybody else is sporting.
Shark AI Ultra™ Self-Empty Robot Vacuum
The next best thing to a personal butler, this robot vacuum from Sharp is made for your MIL. Powerful, the little rover also takes on dust and micro-waste exceptionally well, meaning fewer potential allergens in the mix. Oh yeah, and it's sharp, able to self-charge and self-empty.
Bamboo Pajama Short
Cozy Earth is all about the kind of pieces you just want to lounge around in. She'll love this pajama short, soft as can be thanks to the brand's incredible bamboo viscose fabric.
Heart of Gold Bangle
Show your MIL that you really care with a sentimental piece of bling she'll immediately adore. The "heart of gold" engraving on the inside is a nice touch and will remind her what she's got.
Oven Mitts
We love these quilted oven mitts, ideal for the frequent baker and home chef alike. They grip well and protect from heat even better -- exactly the kind of one-two-punch you're looking for when dealing with hot pans, sheets, etc.
String of Hearts
What MIL doesn't like a good house plant? Not a single one, at least not one you want to be associated with. This string of hearts plant offers a little extra love in the form of heart-shaped leaves and vines that grow vigorously and look great draped over the side of a bookshelf or fireplace.
Minute Cocktail Sugar Cube Trio
She knows about instant coffee but has she heard of instant cocktails? Treat her to easy-to-make beverages with this clever set, which dissolve in the booze of her choice and make a trio of signature cocktails, including a Manhattan, Moscow Mule or Old Fashioned.
Zodiac Tray
A great gift for the witchy MIL in touch with the spirits and other dimensions (we mean that as a compliment), this tray offers glitter acrylic according to her Zodiac sign. It's an eye-catching little plate inspired by the heavens and great for storing trinkets.
K-Mini Single Serve Coffee Maker, Black
One of the best things you can get for your MIL is a great start to the day. She'll love the intuitiveness of this great coffee maker, not to mention the quality of the coffee and the kick of caffeine that will send her off in the right direction.
Galaxy Croissants Set of 30
Echoing what we just said about a great start to the day, go with a classic breakfast pastry. Chances are good your MIL has tried to make these at some point and while we appreciate the effort, some things are just often better store-bought. Thaw, bake and enjoy.
Fresca Italian Pasta Night Gift Crate
Give your MIL a real taste of Italy with this pasta crate. From ravioli and sauces to great Mediterranean cheese, it'll give her some restaurant-quality supplies she can cook with at her leisure at home.
Tie Dye Warrior Mat - Pink Tie Dye
A yogi MIL deserves a mat that matches her bold and driven personality. Enter this tie-dye option, with a vivid design and all the comfort and stability she needs to knock out the poses. The anti-odor makeup of the mat is great for the more intense sessions.
Armada Black Sunglasses
A stylish MIL knows her way around the fashion circuit. And even the most discerning individual will be drawn to these shades, with a fine-framed profile and decidedly glamorous look.
Wunder Train High-Rise Tight
For the MIL with tons of kinetic energy, these high-rise tights will keep up. We love the color options, moisture-wicking material and outstanding stay-fast drawcord.
Thirsti™ Drink System
Mother-in-laws know a thing or two and that includes what's buzzing and what's not. This drink system is certainly trending, set up for fizzy or still water and an array of flavors. Hydration does not have to be boring.
Cupcake 6-Pack & Red Blend + Blanc de Blanc
What's better than cupcakes? Pairing them with wine, that's what. She'll love the complementary flavors going on here, bouncing red velvet cake and chocolate ganache flavors off of sparkling wine and a solid red blend.
Metro Duffel
Duffels don't get much more stylish than this. Perfect for commuters or the MIL who likes to travel, this piece is great for towing essentials and comes with a sophisticated modular kit system which keeps things in order.
Pickleball Set For Her
If she hasn't gotten into the sport yet, it's only a matter of time. Set her up with some unique hardware with this set from Recess. The paddles are works of art and the trio of balls will serve her well, whether she's just getting into the trade or thinking about turning pro.
5 Russian Rings Necklace in 18k Gold Vermeil
Now she can wear some of her favorite branches of the family tree with this dazzling necklace. Featuring up to five personalized rings and a matching chain, it symbolizes the vast amount of love surrounding her.
Jubilee 50 Flower Canvas
For the ma who's always gawking at classic art, these sneakers are ideal. Inspired by Van Gogh's floral work, they offer a sensational pattern pulled straight from the canvasses of legitimate masterpieces. The collaboration shoe offers a nice little "Vincent" signature on the outsole too.
Photo Reel
You may never be as organized as your MIL but that's because she has knickknacks like this to keep things in order. This planner is peppered with the photos of your choice and comes spiral bound or paper hardcover. She'll keep on top of things with the calendar, to-do lists and yearly goals (even if you don't).
Dyed Alabaster Notched Coasters, Set of 4
Brighten up her coaster game with this dyed alabaster set. We love the cookie-like shape, attractive hue and organic nature of these four cup-awaiting wonders.
Custom Pet Embroidered Sweatshirt
She's got the bumper stickers but does she have the embroidered sweatshirt that shows her massive love for her pet? If not, you better fix that. We like the homespun heel of these, made in Texas with love.
Chocolate Classics Gift Basket
Great MIL gifts don't always have to wow in the creative department. Just ask this chocolate gift basket, guaranteed to please the sweet tooth. It comes with an array of silky-smooth chocolates and will fetch a big smile upon receipt.
Everywhere Fleece Belt Bag
Moms and fanny packs go way back. This chick version comes with textured fleece fabric and is great for holding on to little must-haves like cards, keys, phones and more. With an exterior zippered pocket as well as interior pockets, it's set up to every kind of useful.
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