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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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
For the Mother-in-Law Who Always Has Fresh Flowers on Display
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Gift for Picky Mother-in-Law
12" Metal Family Tree with 6 Hanging Mini Picture Frames
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.