Gift Ideas for In-Laws
There's this age-old (mis)conception that in-laws are people you never get along with. They're these monsters (referring to movies like Meet the Parents and Monster in Law) who are out to pull you down in every aspect they can. It's not that I'm discounting the possibility of difficult-to-deal-with-in-laws, but let's face it, there's no escaping them, so why don't we just take it in our stride and simply accept that they're going to be a part of our lives for quite some time. After all, isn't the joy and love that your spouse brings to your life worth much much more than a few tantrums and disappointments now and then? In fact, why not try to build and nurture a relationship between yourselves that will bring the family only closer, right? How to go about doing that? Simple answer: gifts! That's right! No one in their right mind can refuse gifts. And since your in-laws are most obviously normal individuals, you just need a little help on some gift ideas for in-laws that will help you in gifting them now and again. This Buzzle article will take care of that for you.
For the Mother and/or Sister-in-Law
Given below is a list of some of the fool proof ideas for gifting to your mother-in-law or sister-in-law. Go through them to see what I mean.
Jewelry
If there's one thing women can never get enough of, it's jewelry. So go jewelry shopping for your mother-in-law or sister-in-law and get them some bling, provided you know what their style and taste is.
Hobby Gift
You must have an idea of what your mother-in-law or sister-in-law enjoys in her free time. So get her a gift that revolves around that hobby. It could be material for a hobby like painting, sketching, glass making, etc. or books related to the particular hobby. Both are equally useful.
Antiques
If you are sure that either of them are fond of antiques, then you've hit the jackpot! There are tons of options when it comes to antiques. Furniture, jewelry, decorative pieces, watches, etc. So many things you can choose from. Just make sure you buy authentic antiques from a trusted vendor.
Recipes
If the in-law in question is an avid cook, then you can get her a basket of cook books on different types of cuisines from all around the world. She'll definitely appreciate the gesture and probably whip up something delicious for you from it right away!
Books
Books are one of the best options that you can give anyone. They are a reservoir of knowledge and wisdom that one cannot find anywhere else. So find out what kind of books she likes to read, who are her favorite authors, and get some of the best ones in that particular genre and author's works.
Attire
Here's another item that women simple cannot resist! Take her shopping with you and buy her something extremely flattering! If you're comfortable enough with her, take her for a full-fledged makeover! You never know how happy that might make her.
Household Items
If your mother-in-law has more of a conservative nature and prefers to tend to her home, giving her a household item like a new coffee maker, blender, dishwasher, etc. can also be of great use to her. Plus she'll appreciate the thought that you put into getting it for her.
Decorative Items
By observing the decor of your in-laws' home, you'll have a fair idea of what kind of decorations your mother-in-law or sister-in-law likes to use. So, keep that in mind and get her some fancy decorative pieces like lamps, candles, vases, picture frames, centerpieces, paintings, sculptures, etc.
Accessories
After clothes and jewelry, accessories simply cannot be ignored as some of the best gift options for women. Pamper your mother-in-law or sister-in-law with some expensive accessories like a pair of designer sunglasses or a designer handbag or purse. Shoes and toiletries like bath salts, body scrubs, body washes, lotions etc. are also a good option you can explore.
Picture Frames
You can make good use of some really nice photographs from your in-laws' old albums and put them up in some fancy photo frames for your mother-in-law. You can never go wrong with the classic on-the-stairway wall picture frames!
Gift Basket
Giving a gift basket can either be a real torture or a cakewalk, depending on how well you know the person in question. So, if you don't really know her very well, just stick to a basic gift basket based on a theme like bed and bath or other things. If you know what she likes, then just put together a basket of those things and give it to her.
Food Gifts
Food gifts are another item that you can simply never go wrong with. If you're a good cook, and the distance to be traveled to visit your in-laws isn't too much, then you can make something for them and carry it along. Otherwise, you have options like chocolate baskets, bread baskets, cheese baskets etc.
For the Father and/or Brother-in-Law
Thinking of gifts for men can really send you into a frenzy. Nonetheless, I've managed to come up with some good gift items that can be given to your father-in-law or brother-in-law.
Sports Equipment
The all time favorite gift item for men is undoubtedly sports equipment. So, if your brother-in-law enjoys baseball, get him a baseball kit and if it's golf for your father-in-law, then a set of fine golf clubs is the way to go. Such or any other sports related gifts are always a safe bet with men.
Attire
You will have a good idea of what kind of clothes your father-in-law and brother-in-law like to wear. So get the size right and get them clothes that suit their personality and also their age.
Accessories
Who said accessories are only for women? Men too have a variety of accessories that they can wear. Cuff links, ties, wrist watches, pocket watches, sunglasses, wallets, etc. are just a few of the options that you have.
Gadgets
Cliche though they may sound, there's no denying that gadgets are the coolest gifts to give men of any age. So, if your father-in-law and/or brother-in-law are tech savvy and know their way around gadgets, get them the latest gizmo and watch them exclaim in sheer glee!
Hobby Gifts
Hobby gifts are a great idea for men too! Fishing equipment, DIY kits on carpentry, gardening tools, books, etc. are some good hobby gifts that you can give your father-in-law or brother-in-law to encourage his hobby.
Memorabilia
If you happen to get to know of a particular collector's item or limited edition item that your brother-in-law or father-in-law has been looking for and has been wanting for the longest time, and if you have the access and resources to procure it for him, it will be one of the best gifts that he'll receive for sure.
Music Collection
What kind of music does your father-in-law listen to? Who's your brother-in-law's favorite music artist? Find out the answers to these questions and get him a collection of the music of his liking.
Cigars
If your father-in-law or brother-in-law is one of those men who appreciate cigars for their style and sophistication, then spoil him by buying a case of the most expensive cigars along with a fancy lighter with his name engraved on it.
Liquor
If you get him cigars, there's no way you can forget alcohol, right? Ask your husband or wife what's the favorite blend of your brother-in-law or father-in-law is, and get him the most aged brew in it. It will definitely be one of the most luxurious gifts he's ever received.
Travel Kit
One of the most useful gifts that men can receive is a travel kit. For the practical minded father-in-law or brother-in-law, there's nothing better than a nice, sturdy pouch with a shaving kit, toiletries, perfume, cologne, and other such items!
Recliner
Another way to completely spoil your father-in-law or brother-in-law (and be ready for some serious reprimands from your mother-in-law for this one), is to get them a glorious recliner that they can spend their lazy afternoons in. They'll thank you for life!
Movies
Similar to the music collection, there's bound to be a list of movies that your brother-in-law or father-in-law considers his favorite. Put together a movie gift basket with DVDs of some of these movies and some popcorn and spend the day watching them together as a family.
Now what do you think? Is it still difficult to come up with gift ideas for in-laws? Not anymore I'm guessing. So, infuse these ideas with some sentiment and give your in-laws a gift they'll never forget.
