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The Best Mother-in-Law Gifts for Every Type of Personality and Relationship

Win your mother-in-law over with these personalized gift ideas — even if she says she doesn't want anything.

By Elizabeth Berry and Karla Pope
gifts for mother in law  monogram dipped ceramic pitcher and personalized yarn bowl
Mark & Graham/Leslie Nieto

Your mother-in-law is responsible for bringing your loving spouse into the world. That alone is worth celebrating. So, why not show your love and appreciation for her by giving her a gift that she will truly cherish? As a bonus, she'll think of you whenever she uses it.

Whether you’re shopping for her birthday, the holidays, or any gift-giving occasion, finding the best gifts for your mother-in-law isn’t always easy. For some, you may still be in the beginning stages of getting to know your new mom. While for those who’ve known their mothers-in-law for a long time, your gift ideas may be stale or all used up. But don’t worry, because we’ve rounded up some of the best mother-in-law gifts that will make her squeal with delight.

If you need a last-minute gift, many of these gifts are from Amazon and can get to her doorstep in two days or less with Prime shipping. No matter if you’re sticking to a strict budget or want to splurge, we’ve got you covered. From affordable gift ideas under $30 to more luxurious gifts under $100, this robust lineup has something that just about every mother-in-law will like.

These MIL gifts will speak to her unique interests and hobbies, as well as come in handy for practical use. Whether she enjoys travel, gardening, or has a penchant for fashion, these thoughtful finds are sure to please.

For the Mother-in-Law With a Green Thumb

Birth Month Flower Grow Kit

Birth Month Flower Grow Kit
For the Mother-in-Law With a Green Thumb

Birth Month Flower Grow Kit

$36 at Uncommon Goods
Credit: Uncommon Goods

Why not mark the months that her children were born with this birth month flower growing kit? Of course, you can include grandchildren too.

RELATED: 6 Indoor Garden Kits That'll Help You Grow Your Own Greens

Nekteck Shiatsu Foot Massager Machine

On Sale
Shiatsu Foot Massager Machine

Nekteck Shiatsu Foot Massager Machine

Now 38% Off
Credit: Nekteck

Encourage her to take a load off and give her feet some much-needed rest with this massager. With soothing heat and deep kneading, this gift will help her relax while improving circulation.

For the Mother-in-Law Who Loves to Travel

Oflamn Weekender Overnight Bag

On Sale
Weekender Overnight Bag
For the Mother-in-Law Who Loves to Travel

Oflamn Weekender Overnight Bag

Now 14% Off
Credit: Oflamn

For the mother-in-law always on the go, this chic overnight bag will keep her belongings stowed in style. Plus, it comes with a toiletry pouch perfect for makeup and travel size skincare essentials.

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For the Mother-in-Law Who's Always Hot

The Portable Neck Fan

On Sale
The Portable Neck Fan
For the Mother-in-Law Who's Always Hot

The Portable Neck Fan

Now 14% Off
Credit: DGLK

If she suffers from hot flashes or works up a sweat from exercising, this neck fan will be her new best friend. Designed like earphones, she can simply throw it around her neck and keep cool while on the go.

Scuddles Extra Large Picnic Blanket

Best Seller
Extra Large Picnic Blanket

Scuddles Extra Large Picnic Blanket

Credit: Scuddles

If your mother-in-law is always planning picnics for the family, this water-resistant blanket will be the perfect addition for her outdoor gatherings. The blue and white striped design adds a nautical feel that's ideal for beachside dining.

Best Gift for Sentimental Mother-in-Law

KODAK Instant Photo Printer

Best Seller
Instant Photo Printer
Best Gift for Sentimental Mother-in-Law

KODAK Instant Photo Printer

Now 30% Off
Credit: Zink

Your MIL will absolutely love having the ability to snap a family picture with her phone and print it out right on the spot. One review says, “The picture quality is way better than I expected. It took me a second to get it to connect to my iPhone, but after it did, it was super easy to use.”

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Best Gift for MIL from Daughter-in-Law

My Life Story So Far Book

My Life Story So Far Book
Best Gift for MIL from Daughter-in-Law

My Life Story So Far Book

Credit: Uncommon Goods

Inspire your mother-in-law to preserve her favorite memories and gems of wisdom in this special journal. It may even inspire her to write that memoir she's been discussing for years.

Best MIL Gift From Son-in-Law

WiFi Digital Picture Frame

Amazon’s Choice
WiFi Digital Picture Frame
Best MIL Gift From Son-in-Law

WiFi Digital Picture Frame

Credit: Skylight

A mother can never have too many photos of her family. Balance out the homemade frames she gets from the little ones with this modern option that lets you upload new photos from via a smartphone app.

For the Mother-in-Law Who Always Has Fresh Flowers on Display

Mark & Graham Dipped Ceramic Pitchers

Dipped Ceramic Pitchers
For the Mother-in-Law Who Always Has Fresh Flowers on Display

Mark & Graham Dipped Ceramic Pitchers

Now 29% Off
Credit: Mark & Graham

These elegant monogram pitcher vases are the perfect vessel for your mother-in-law to use when showing off her garden's bounty.

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The Summer Swan Makeup Bag

Amazon’s Choice
Makeup Bag

The Summer Swan Makeup Bag

Now 14% Off
Credit: The Summer Swan

She'll want to store all her beauty and skincare essentials in this pretty and practical makeup bag. The sweet tulips add an unexpected charm that's sure to brighten her day with every use.

Meaningful Gift for Mother-in-Law

My Family Cookbook

My Family Cookbook
Meaningful Gift for Mother-in-Law

My Family Cookbook

Credit: Uncommon Goods

A practical gift that doubles as a keepsake? Now, that's a win. This family cookbook will encourage your mother-in-law to write down the instructions for her best dishes, so they can be enjoyed by others for decades to come.

Best Mother-in-Law Gift Under $20

One Line a Day Journal

One Line a Day Journal
Best Mother-in-Law Gift Under $20

One Line a Day Journal

Give your mother-in-law a place to collect her thoughts with this mini memory book. It's less work than keeping up with a diary, but great for remembering the special moments in life.

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For the Sentimental Mother-in-Law

Ceramic Trinket Dish

On Sale
Ceramic Trinket Dish
For the Sentimental Mother-in-Law

Ceramic Trinket Dish

Now 17% Off
Credit: Kaidouma

This sentimental message will warm your mother-in-law's heart. She'll think of you every time she places her precious pieces in this hand-crafted ceramic dish.

Best Mother-in-Law Gift Under $40

Calming Lavender Heat Pillow

Calming Lavender Heat Pillow
Best Mother-in-Law Gift Under $40

Calming Lavender Heat Pillow

Credit: Uncommon Goods

This gorgeous pillow is filled with barley and lavender to create a soothing, relaxing experience. Your mother-in-law can pop it in the microwave for one minute, and then drape it around her neck or shoulders to soothe sore muscles.

"My mom has [the] usual aches and pains of aging and loves taking baths. I originally got it for her to use around her neck in the bath, but every night, she tells me a different ailment that has been soothed by this! She loves the scent and the weight. Coming back for more for my grandma, mother-in-law, and myself," a 5-star reviewer writes.

Nordstrom Square Zip Jewelry Box

Square Zip Jewelry Box

Nordstrom Square Zip Jewelry Box

Credit: Nordstrom

Keep her precious baubles in place with this metallic jewelry box. With compartments for rings, earrings, and other delicate things, this case will ensure her jewelry stays secure while traveling.

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Weekly Pill Organizer

On Sale
Weekly Pill Organizer

Weekly Pill Organizer

Now 38% Off
Credit: Zokski

Help keep your mother-in-law's pills, vitamins and supplements organized with this handy acrylic case. The rainbow-colored blocks will add a cheerful vibe to a mundane task.

Gift for Picky Mother-in-Law

12" Metal Family Tree with 6 Hanging Mini Picture Frames

12" Metal Family Tree with 6 Hanging Mini Picture Frames
Gift for Picky Mother-in-Law

12" Metal Family Tree with 6 Hanging Mini Picture Frames

Now 19% Off
Credit: Amazon/AmericanFlat

This would make a great gift for any mother-in-law, including one who you might not get along with so well. No MIL can complain about a gift filled with pictures of her children, grandchildren, and beloved pets, right?

Best Beauty Gift for Mother-in-Law

Tatcha The Starter Ritual Set

The Starter Ritual Set
Best Beauty Gift for Mother-in-Law

Tatcha The Starter Ritual Set

Credit: Tatcha

It’s the perfect gift for a mother-in-law who loves experimenting with her beauty and skincare routine. This 5-piece set lets her sample the Japanese-inspired brand’s greatest hits.

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Catalonia Sherpa Wearable Blanket

Sherpa Wearable Blanket

Catalonia Sherpa Wearable Blanket

Credit: Catalonia

If your mother-in-law is always cold, this no-sleeve poncho will help keep her chill bumps at bay. Warm and cozy, this wrap will be her new go-to.

Nextmug Temperature-Controlled Self-Heating Coffee Mug

Best Seller
Temperature-Controlled Self-Heating Coffee Mug

Nextmug Temperature-Controlled Self-Heating Coffee Mug

Now 23% Off

For the MIL who can't survive without her morning cup of coffee, this smart mug will keep her beloved brew warm for hours on end. Plus, the ergonomically designed body and handle will fit perfectly in her hands.

Headshot of Elizabeth Berry
Elizabeth Berry
Updates Editor

Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.

Headshot of Karla Pope

Karla Pope is a longtime writer, editor and blogger with nearly two decades of editorial experience. She’s written for a variety of outlets including Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, People, Parade, BET.com. WebMD and more. Her coverage includes entertainment, beauty, lifestyle, parenting and fashion content. If she's not exploring New York City with her two young children, you can find her curled up on the couch watching a documentary and eating gummy bears. 

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