Every mother/daughter-in-law relationship is unique. At a minimum, you have to appreciate that she’s the life-giver of your partner. If you’re one of the lucky ones, your mother-in-law is a wonderful grandma and a great confidant (especially when you need to vent about the person she gave life to). Maybe you two have bonded over Bachelor wine nights, or maybe you don’t exactly click but you couldn’t imagine anyone else being grandmother to your babies. No matter your relationship, there will likely come a time when you’re going to be hunting for her perfect gift—birthdays, holidays, Mother’s Day. And, let’s be honest, perhaps the only person harder to shop for than her is her child.
That’s where we come in. Our editors have banded together to do the hard work so you don’t have to. We’ve compiled a list of all the best mother-in-law gifts to revisit every time a special occasion rolls around. Whether you’d consider your mother-in-law the ultimate traveler, the coffee aficionado, the too-sentimental-for-her-own-good type, or something else entirely, we’ve got the perfect ideas for her. If you’re looking to show your appreciation for all she does or gain a few brownie points for once, you’re in the right place. Read on for our editors’ choices for the best mother-in-law gifts.
Uncommon Goods
Picnicking has never been easier! This collapsible table is made to hold a wine bottle, glasses, and plates. Easy to take out and about or to use in the backyard.
Nordstrom | Béis
This travel cosmetics case from BÉIS is a super chic modern option that your MIL will thank you for every time she packs for a trip.
2 colors available
Brooklinen
This editor-approved cozy plush robe will mentally transport her directly to the spa.
multiple colors/patterns available
Made by Mary
This classic bar necklace can be customized with her children's names, making it the perfect timeless and sentimental gift!
3 finishes available
CB2
Flowers are always a great go-to gift. Step your bouquet up a bit by putting it in a beautiful vase your mother-in-law will be able to reuse.
Amazon | Teabloom
Perfect for the copious tea drinker, this glass set with a tea infuser is both elegant and practical.
Minted
This framed collage is a beautiful way to memorialize a family trip or a year in photos. With a wide variety of frames and themes to choose from, you can easily customize it for your MIL.
12 frame colors and 3 color themes available
Etsy | Personalization Mall
This gift is a longtime reader favorite and guaranteed crowd-pleaser—a planter for grandma personalized with all her grandkids' names.
Etsy | Sweet Olive Street by JJ
You can never go wrong with a cute, cozy, customized gift. This will be her new favorite sweatshirt, guaranteed.
sizes S-2XL available
Nordstrom | Aesop
Luxurious vegan and paraben-free hand soap is something everyone appreciates but that not everyone buys for themselves. Pair with a pretty hand towel to make it extra special.
Tiny Tags
You can't go wrong with a touching personalized necklace engraved with the grandkids' names, and we love this one from Tiny Tags.
Etsy | Art Smith Studio
Have a special handwritten family recipe? Put it on this keepsake your mother-in-law can display in her kitchen.
Therabody
Give her the gift of relaxation and relief with this mini version of the popular Theragun muscle treatment tool.
Nordstrom | Tory Burch
Level up your MIL's Apple Watch with this beautiful leather band.
3 colors available
Made by Mary
This jewelry case is a sophisticated, chic, and functional option for housing jewelry while traveling or for storing at home. You can't beat the quality, either!
4 colors available
Vana Chupp Studio
These pieces are gorgeously sentimental and perfect for any mother-in-law. Start a charm necklace (or bracelet) she can add to as more grandkids arrive.
Etsy | Hamlin Row Shop
Make sure everyone visiting the grandparents knows their priorities when they walk in the door with this cheeky welcome mat.
3 styles available
Equilibria
Guaranteed to be one of her favorite gifts ever, this cream targets discomfort from achy joints and general soreness.
Dior
Give the gift of luxurious self-care for someone who always does so much for everyone else. This cream nourishes and moisturizes to fortify nails and improve resistance.
Amazon
For the MIL who never stops reading, the editor-favorite Kindle Paperwhite is great for reading at home or on the go for easy reading anywhere.
Haven Well Within
Soft pajamas that aren't too heavy or too light and that look cute around the house are just what she needs to feel the relaxation she deserves. Don't forget the matching pants!
sizes XS-XXL available
Amazon | Barefoot Dreams
Replace her old worn-out house slippers with these ultra-cozy socks.
7 colors available
Amazon | akimart
Surprise her with a new photo of the grandkids every day by using an app to upload photos to the frame from anywhere.
Solo Stove
A smokeless tabletop fire pit is just what she needs for a s'mores night with the grandkids.
6 colors available
Grounds & Hounds Coffee Co.
Great for the coffee lover who likes to sample different brews. We love that 20 percent of company proceeds go to rescue organizations, and your MIL will too!
Lavender Life Company
Because let's face it: Chasing after grandkids is sure to put a few kinks in her neck. This heated aromatherapy neck wrap relieves tension and promotes relaxation.
Brightland
This set from our editors' favorite olive oil brand makes a lovely gift for anyone who loves getting crafty in the kitchen.
Nordstrom Rack | Barefoot Dreams
An ultra-cozy blanket that she can use to cuddle up with the grandkids is always a great idea.
3 colors available