It’s normal to want to impress your mother-in-law. Whether you’re new in the family or have known her for ages, choosing the perfect gift for your mother-in-law often comes with a lot of pressure! No matter how lovely she is, it’s always more daunting shopping for your mother-in-law than your mum.
Interestingly, the trick is to approach buying an amazing present for your mother-in-law the same way you would buy a gift for your own mum, auntie or other women in your life – remember that as long as you put lots of thought into the gift, you can’t go wrong! To start you off, our list below has plenty of bullet-proof ideas on the best gifts for every type of mother-in-law. Take a look!
1. Ancestry DNA Test
A gift for the mother-in-law who has everything
Help your mother-in-law get in touch with her roots with an ancestry DNA test. All it takes is a simple mouth swab and she’ll unlock the key to her genealogy, and possibly reveal some secrets from the past! This is the perfect gift for the mother-in-law who has everything.
Alternatively, you could give her a wellbeing test, which will show her how her genetics (such as a blood group) play a role in her lifestyle choices. A customised family tree print is also a great way to help her celebrate her family ties!
2. Flights Voucher
Spoil your mother-in-law with a travel escape
A flights voucher goes towards any flight for several major airlines. The beauty of this kind of versatile voucher is you can spend whatever amount you’d like. Whether you cover the whole flight to an exotic destination or contribute a more modest amount, you’ll help to send your mother-in-law on the trip of her dreams.
If your mother-in-law has the travel bug, you could also consider a generic travel voucher that she can put towards flights, experiences, or accommodation. For a more curated travel gift idea for your mother-in-law, try these hotel vouchers which offer several unique experiences at some of the best hotels in the UK.
3. Garden Bird Bath
The perfect present for a nature-lover
A garden bird bath makes a peaceful and unique gift for the mother-in-law who loves the outdoors. Not only will she attract all sorts of beautiful birds to her backyard, but she’ll also beautify the space with a classic piece of garden decor.
A double-tier fountain bath, in particular, is a statement piece that brings a touch of elegance to the garden. Your mother-in-law might also like a bird house and feeder to complement her bird bath and create the ultimate sanctuary for local birdlife!
4. Pilates Bar
Give your mother-in-law the gift of fitness
Gyms are out; home exercise is in. Help your mother-in-law stay on top of her fitness and physical health with her very own pilates bar. These can help to build strength and tone muscles right from the comfort of home! If she already has a pilates routine or is looking to start a gentle form of home exercise, a pilates bar is a must.
If you want to spend a little more on exercise equipment, say for a Mother’s Day gift for your mother-in-law, you could opt for a rowing machine or even an indoor treadmill.
5. Pasta Machine
A must for foodies and aspiring cooks
A pasta machine will help your mother-in-law to get in touch with her inner nonna! Perfect for foodies and cooking enthusiasts, a pasta machine is simple to use and clean, and results in several delicious recipes, from lasagne to fettucini.
There are also plenty of other home appliances that a foodie will appreciate. You can keep up the Italian theme with an electric pizza oven or even go for something fun like a waffle maker.
6. Towel Warmer
Create the spa vibe at home with this gift
If you want to create a “spa” vibe in your mother-in-law’s bathroom, a towel warmer will do wonders! These nifty devices keep the towels heated and snuggly, perfect for a post-facial wipe down.
Otherwise, a shower storage shelf is another handy bathroom gift idea for your mother-in-law. For bathroom decorations, you could also look at a unique crochet bath mat.
7. Electric Scalp Massager
A luxury gift for your mother-in-law
Your mother-in-law deserves a little pampering. Electric scalp massagers increase blood flow in the scalp, which feels divine after a day of wearing your hair up. They also promote new hair growth, ideal for anyone who takes their hair care seriously.
A botanical hair care set also makes one of the best gifts for a mother-in-law committed to her hair routine. If you like the idea of a massager, you could also try a deep-tissue massage gun to target areas like the back and shoulders.
8. Willow Tree Angel
A meaningful token of love
A Willow Tree Angel is a sweet and simple gift that will show your mother-in-law how much she means to you. These delicate figurines can be placed around the house and will constantly remind her of your presence in her life.
Holding a sentimental heart, the “With Love” style Willow Tree Angel is the perfect Mother’s Day gift for your mother-in-law. For another sentimental present, you could also explore some personalised wooden photo boards.
9. Personalised House Plaque
The ideal gift for a domestic goddess
Is your mother-in-law a house-proud homebody? Then she’ll love a custom house plaque! Perfect for hanging inside or outside, these little plaques make a house feel more like a home.
There are many other personalised gifts for your mother-in-law if she’s a domestic goddess, like these cute street signs. You could even go for a rules sign, the ultimate ode to your mother-in-law’s irreplaceable influence in her home.
10. Vintage Champagne
An impressive gift for parents-in-law
If you really want to spoil your mother-in-law with a touch of luxury, you can’t go past vintage champagne. A nice aged bottle is the perfect gift for your mother-in-law for any celebration, from anniversaries to birthdays to Mother’s Day.
The 1982 Veuve Clicquot is an especially great choice if you don’t know where to start. For a more cost-effective gift that still radiates elegance, you could opt for some personalised champagne flutes.
11. Engraved Cake Stand
A present your mother-in-law will cherish
Custom homewares will always leave an impression, but these engraved cake stands make treasured personalised gifts that your mother-in-law will hold dear. You can guarantee that this will be the type of tableware she’ll use at her best dinner parties!
A personalised teapot makes a great accompaniment to an engraved cake stand. Alternatively, you could also look at another personalised household item, like an engraved clock.
12. Bed and Breakfast Spa Escape
Spoil your mother-in-law like she deserves
What could be better than a bed and breakfast escape? A bed and breakfast package that includes a spa as well! This lavish gift idea for your mother-in-law will give her the chance to truly let her hair down.
There are also plenty of other spa options to choose from if you like the idea of this kind of present for your mother-in-law. You could go for a luxury spa with an outside pool in warmer weather or even a super relaxing twilight spa.
13. Personal Memory Box
A place where she can keep her most treasured memories
A personal memory box is a special place where your mother-in-law can store her most cherished memories. Having a cute personalised box to keep old letters, souvenirs, party favours, and more might even bring a tear to her eye.
A personalised jewellery box is another great idea for a meaningful storage gift for your mother-in-law. If she loves decorative pieces for home, she might also like an engraved paperweight for her desk or reading table.
14. Statement Necklace
Impress your fashionista mother-in-law with this
For the fashionista, a statement necklace is the ultimate gift. This is a particularly perfect gift idea if you know your mother-in-law’s fashion sense and have an idea of what kind of pieces she’d like.
A one-letter pendant necklace, for example, is the kind of statement necklace that’s memorable but can still be worn everyday, making it a wonderful gift choice. If necklaces aren’t your mother-in-law’s thing, you could also go for some statement earrings.
15. Gardening Tool Set
A sweet gift for the gardening enthusiast
If your mother-in-law is a gardening lover, then a gardening tool set is a must! Packed with the tools and accessories she’ll need to get busy in the garden, this makes for a thoughtful present she’ll love.
This basket tool set would make a particularly brilliant gift thanks to the personal engravings on the tool handles and the super handy basket. For those who are particularly interested in gardening for the kitchen, a herb garden kit would also make a gorgeous present.
16. Dining Experience
These make the best gifts for inlaws
Dining experiences make for some of the best gifts in the UK, whether your mother-in-law is a total foodie or just loves to get out and explore the dining scene. There are a range of packages to choose from so you’re sure to find something that suits her individual style!
A vineyard tour is another great experience gift that makes a particularly good birthday gift for your mother-in-law. And if she’s keen on the outdoors, she’ll have the time of her life on a glamping trip!
17. Himalayan Salt Lamp
To light up her life
Himalayan salt lamps are said to cleanse the air around them, which can relieve allergies and even boost your mood. Plus, they look beautiful and help to create a tranquil atmosphere at home. Your mother-in-law might not be expecting this gift, but she’s sure to fall in love with it!
For those who are interested in a more spiritual gift for their mother-in-law, you could also choose something with healing crystals, like a handmade crystal healing candle or a crystal-infused drink bottle.
18. Luxury Food Hamper
An indulgent gift for your mother-in-law at Christmas
If you’re stuck for the perfect gift for Christmas, a luxury food hamper may be just what you’re looking for. Coming complete with a range of scrumptious sweet and savory treats, this is the type of Christmas present your mother-in-law will thank you for.
The Premium Food and Wine Hamper is one of the best luxury food hampers, containing everything from popcorn to cheese to Dundee cake. There are also plenty of other food hampers to choose from, like a traditional hamper containing some classic culinary creations.
19. Hot Drinking Chocolate
The chocolate-lover’s dream
Drinking chocolate: so simple and yet so satisfying. If she has a soft spot for chocolate, her own hot drinking chocolate is guaranteed to impress. Since hot chocolate is the ultimate winter drink, this also makes a wonderful Christmas gift in the UK.
If you’re wondering what other chocolate-inspired Christmas presents to buy your mother-in-law, some festive chocolate moulds are perfect for anyone who loves festive cooking. Alternatively, you could look at a fondue set, perfect for holiday entertaining.
20. Bouquet of Sunflowers
Guaranteed to brighten her day
It’s hard not to smile when presented with a glorious bunch of sunflowers. A sunflower bouquet is a simple yet powerful way to bring some sunshine to someone’s day. In fact, sunflowers make some of the best birthday gifts for your mother-in-law!
There are also countless other arrangements of flowers to send your mother-in-law on her birthday, or for any other celebration. If it is her birthday, you could also go for a personalised birthday box of sunshine, packed with goodies that are guaranteed to fill her with happiness.
21. Women’s Self-Empowerment Book
An inspiring gift she’ll keep forever
A woman’s self-empowerment book is one of the best gifts for your mother-in-law, especially if she could use a little dose of inspiration. You could choose a title with biographies of famous women, one filled with feminist quotes, or even one that celebrates the power of femininity.
Becoming by Michelle Obama is one of the most popular women’s empowerment books and would make a great gift for any woman who loves reading. Otherwise, a desk calendar filled with quotes about women’s empowerment is equally inspiring!
22. Relaxing Essential Oil
Because your mother-in-law deserves to unwind
Essential oils have several health benefits and promote feelings of calmness. Your mother-in-law can use a relaxing essential oil blend in her bathtub, a diffuser, or even on her pillow to start boosting feelings of relaxation at home.
The Alexandra Kay Me Time Scented Gift Pack combines three different oil blends, making it a great gift if you can’t settle on just one essential oil. If you’re looking for other wellbeing gift ideas for your mother-in-law, you could also try a jade facial roller.
23. Cotton Dressing Gown
A simple gift that’s oozing with comfort
A classic cotton dressing gown will always make a wonderful present for your mother-in-law, no matter the time of year. Perfect for lazing around the house or coming out of the shower, these dressing gowns are the ultimate form of comfort.
You might like to get your mother-in-law some sleepwear accessories to go with the dressing gown, such as a silk sleep mask or even some knitted bed socks.
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