If you just realized (with a certain degree of horror) that finding those perfect gifts for the holidays also involves shopping for your ...

30 Gifts To Win Your Mother-In-Law’s Approval

If you just realized (with a certain degree of horror) that finding those perfect gifts for the holidays also involves shopping for your mother-in-law, then you're certainly not alone. The daunting task faced by many a kid-in-law across America requires striking a balance between sweet and appropriate without going overboard (but also without choosing something entirely underwhelming either). We've been there, and after putting together mom-related gift guides for everyone from the brand new mom to the mom in need of some major R&R, we consider ourselves qualified enough to help you navigate these choppy shopping waters and land on the perfect present for your SO's mom, too.

Ask any married woman out there and she'll probably tell you that the relationship with her mother-in-law is something that grows and evolves with time, like a delicate flower or the latest iPhone technology. Getting her a little something that shows you understand her style and interests (or at least, that you're trying to) can go a long way. The good news is that you can't really go wrong — even if what you pick out isn't exactly suited to her personal taste, it's the effort and gesture that counts. Still, there are a number of definite crowd-pleasers that'll earn you serious points in the in-law arena this season, and we've rounded up a selection of them for your consideration. Whether you and your partner have been together for a while or you're new to the complex territory of being a daughter-in-law, here are a few clever gift ideas that have I love you like a mother-sort-of written all over them.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Akola Anasa DIY Necklace and Bracelet Kit


For the woman who enjoys flexing that DIY muscle, this luxe bead kit will elevate her creativity to new heights. Think hand-rolled Karatasi beads embellished with a gold foil appliqué, an assortment of hand-carved horn charms, baroque pearl charms, and more to work with.

Shop Akola

Akola Anasa DIY Necklace and Bracelet Kit, $, available at Akola

Gorjana Bali Antique Locket Necklace


Designed to look and feel like a family heirloom, this locket can hold up to two pictures of those dearest to your mother-in-law.

Shop Gorjana

Gorjana Bali Antique Locket Necklace, $, available at Gorjana

Papier Food For Friends Journal


So she can collect and preserve recipes from the whole family (or keep track of last year's lockdown culinary adventures).

Shop Papier

Papier Food for Friends Recipe Journal, $, available at Papier

Nuns Having Fun 2022 Wall Calendar


Show your silly side with a goofy gift that will disarm your MIL and cement your bond for life.

Shop Always Fits

Maureen Kelly and Jeffrey Stone Nuns Having Fun 2022 Wall Calendar, $, available at Always Fits

AeroGarden Harvest Sage Wellness Garden Bundle


If she's had her eye on one of those trendy indoor gardens everyone seems to be snatching up these days, now is definitely the time to get it. The popular brand AeroGarden is currently offering 20% off sitewide with code HOLIDAY20.

Shop AeroGarden

AeroGarden Harvest Indoor Garden, $, available at AeroGarden

Alex Mill Nico Chunky Cardigan


There's more than what meets the eye with this classic, 100% cotton cardigan from the timeless and high-quality brand Alex Mill. Its dropped shoulders, oversized buttons, and subtle ribbing at the collar are the kind of extra-special details made for an extra-special person.

Shop Alex Mill

Alex Mill Nico Chunky Cardigan, $, available at Alex Mill

Anthropologie Grecian Bust Pot


For the mother-in-law who's also a proud plant parent, consider some beautifully hand-painted earthenware to house her seedlings.

Shop Anthropologie

Anthropologie Grecian Bust Pot, $, available at Anthropologie

The Bouqs Co. Mixed Bouquet


Because you simply can't go wrong with the delivery of a classic flower bouquet to brighten up anyone's day — especially if you aren't gathering in person for the holidays this year.

Shop Bouqs

The Bouqs Co Love You Forever Bouquet, $, available at The Bouqs Co

lululemon Perfectly Oversized Crew


Your mother-in-law will adore taking it easy in this roomy, perfectly oversized sweatshirt — suitable for all sorts of low-maintenance situations.

Shop lululemon

Lululemon Perfectly Oversized Crew, $, available at Lululemon

Amy O Classic Pave Huggie Hoops


Whatever her personal style, these understated and delicate hypoallergenic huggie hoops are guaranteed to please.

Shop Amy O

Amy O Jewelry Classic Pave Huggie Hoops, $, available at Amy O

Grown Alchemist Limited Edition Hand Care Kit


Because her overly sanitized hands could use a bit of extra attention this winter.

Shop Grown Alchemist

Grown Alchemist Limited Edition Hand Care Kit, $, available at Standard Dose

Skims Sleep Set


Keep her cozy and cool with this jersey fabric pajama set.

Shop Skims

Skims Sleep set, $, available at Skims

Teva Grandview GTX Hiker Boots


For the MIL who's rekindled her relationship with mother nature after all those months of social distancing, these fashionably functional, all-weather leather boots will definitely come in handy.

Shop Teva

Teva | Free People Grandview GTX Hiker Boots, $, available at Free People

APL TechLoom Wave Sneakers


Or maybe she was more of the long-walk-around-the-neighborhood type during lockdown, in which case her sneaker collection is probably in need of an upgrade. This sleek white pair by APL features a stretchy high-elastic fabric that'll move with her feet while also providing extra support.

Shop APL

APL Athletic Propulsion Labs Women's TechLoom Wave, $, available at Athletic Propulsion Labs

Our Place Always Pan


Let her know how much you appreciate those top-secret family recipes she's let you in on with a cult-favorite best-selling Always Pan. Bonus points for the fact that it replaces 8 traditional pieces of cookware.

Shop Our Place

Our Place Always Pan, $, available at Our Place

Parks Project National Parks Iconic Enamel Mug


If your mother-in-law is passionate about our nation's parks, she'll definitely appreciate a gift that supports the future and conservation of our public lands.

Shop Parks Project at Madewell

Madewell Marketplace Parks Project National Parks Iconic Enamel Mug, $, available at Madewell

Everlane The ReNew Teddy Slipper


To really earn points in the in-law game, go for the ultimate treat for her feet. This luxe and fluffy pair of slippers is ideal for lazy Sunday mornings, evenings spent indoors, and everything in between.

Shop Everlane

Everlane The ReNew Teddy Slipper, $, available at Everlane

Celeste Starre Forever Loved Necklace


This little necklace carries a big message that your MIL can cherish forever.

Shop Wolf & Badger

Celeste Starre Forever Loved Necklace, $, available at Wolf & Badger

Minted Gilt Agate Personalized Stationery


A gift with a personal touch is always a good idea.

Shop Minted

Kaydi Bishop Gilt Agate Personalized Stationery, $, available at Minted

Winc 1-Month Subscription


For the woman that appreciates a good glass of wine, introduce her to an assortment of delicious blends to choose from on a monthly basis.

Shop Winc

Winc 1-Month Subscription, $, available at Winc

Sweet Water Decor Spa Day Candle


Bring the spa to her with a candle that can transform her living room into the ultimate realm of relaxation.

Shop Sweet Water Decor at Amazon

Sweet Water Decor Spa Day Natural Candle, $, available at Amazon

SodaStream Fizzi Sparkling Water Maker


For the mother-in-law with all the gadgets, introduce a fun new addition to her collection with this sleek sparkling water maker. In addition to always having healthy, delicious drinks on hand, this machine helps to minimize the effects of single-use plastic pollution.

Shop SodaStream

SodaStream Fizzi Sparkling Water Maker, $, available at Amazon

Rothy's The Point Flat


These Duchess-approved, eco-friendly flats are comfortable, cute, and chic.

Shop Rothy’s

Rothy's The Point, $, available at Rothy's

Uniqlo Heattech Full-Size Blanket


As if this blanket doesn't already scream snuggle up — it also has moisture-absorbing, bio-warming, and insulating features to retain as much heat as possible, making it a real treat (especially when winter rolls around again).


Uniqlo Heattech Full-Size Blanket, $, available at Uniqlo

Drunk Elephant The Littles Hair + Body Set


If both you and Jennifer Anniston love Drunk Elephant, we're pretty sure your mother-in-law will too. Start her off with this head-to-toe kit featuring a collection of the brand's best-selling hair-care and body products.

Shop Drunk Elephant at Sephora

Drunk Elephant The Littles™ Hair + Body Kit 2.0, $, available at Sephora

Michael Kors Wool-Blend Trench Coat


An effortlessly stylish MIL will understand the sartorial power of an excellent trench.

Shop Michael Kors at Nordstrom Rack

Michael Kors Belted Asymmetrical Wool Blend Trench Coat, $, available at Nordstrom Rack

Ordinary Habit Migula Puzzle by Marleigh Culver


This brand designs artful, beautifully made puzzles to help players reset and reconnect.

Shop Ordinary Habit

Ordinary Habit Migula Puzzle by Marleigh Culver, $, available at Ordinary Habit

La Chatelaine Luxury Soap Collection


When your gift selection is Oprah-approved, you know you can't go wrong. These plant-based soaps are made in France and packaged in a seasonal gift tin that any recipient would appreciate.

Shop Le Chatelaine at Amazon

La Chatelaine Luxury Soap Collection, $, available at Amazon

Commando Butter Wide Leg Lounge Pant


For the MIL who has fully embraced all things loungewear, consider a pair of ultra-luxe, ultra-soft pants made from Commando's patented butter fabric. The comfortable feel and beautiful drape of these wide-leg bottoms are sure to make this her go-to garment for the rest of 2021... and beyond.

Shop Commando

Commando Butter Wide Leg Lounge Pant, $, available at Commando

DavidsTea Feel Good Faves 12 Tea Sampler


For the woman that loves tea and could use a little pick-me-up right now (couldn't we all?), consider this colorful selection of loose leaf teas and infusions designed to help her relax, digest, energize, detox and beautify.

Shop DavidsTea

DavidsTea Feel Good Faves 12 Tea Sampler, $, available at DavidsTea

Phenomenal Woman Action Campaign T-Shirt


A 100% cotton t-shirt with a 100% sincere message to let your mother-in-law know just how admired she really is. You'll also supporting the critical work that's being done for women's rights on the ground by fearless organizations every day.

Phenomenal Woman Action Campaign Phenomenal Mother T-Shirt, $, available at Phenomenal Woman Action Campaign

Lovely Earthlings Christmas Tree Blondie Cards (Set of 5)


Sometimes simply finding the right words to put in a themed greeting card is more than enough for the sentimental recipient.

Shop Lovely Earthlings at Etsy

LovelyEarthlings Christmas Tree Blondie Cards (Set of 5), $, available at Etsy

Vuori Performance Jogger


For the MIL adjusting to WFH, consider a pair of soft and slim joggers with a relaxed fit that are sure to become her go-to garment.

Vuori Performance Jogger, $, available at Vuori

Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo


Give her the gift of good hair with this rejuvenating cleanser that reawakens hair to its glossiest, healthiest prime — this is especially relevant for those locks that have lost their luster in quarantine.

Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo, $, available at Nordstrom

Westman Atelier Lip Suede


For the mother-in-law that knows her way around the beauty aisle, she'll absolutely appreciate this super-nourishing, super-clean lip color from the covetable Westman Atelier makeup line.

Westman Atelier Lip Suede, $, available at goop

BaubleBar Ball Huggie Hoops


Whatever her personal style, these understated and delicate, hypoallergenic gold-plated huggie hoops are guaranteed to please.

BaubleBar Ball Huggie Hoops, $, available at BaubleBar

WineSociety 3-Pack Signature Premium Wine


For the woman that appreciates a good glass of wine, introduce her to an assortment of canned blends and she may never go back to the old cork and bottle. 

Winesociety 3-Pack Signature Premium Wine, $, available at Winesociety

I And Love And You Fanny Pack


Celebrate the mother-in-laws out there that' are also proud pet parents with the ultimate dog walking accessory. In addition to receiving this cute storage spot for snacks and pet knick-knacks, your mother-in-law will get a sweet greeting card made by Neighborly.



I and love and you The Fanny Pack, $, available at I and love and you

Monastery Lapiz Matte Body Oil


Considering this is your mother-in-law we're talking about, you can go a bit over the top this year with an extravagant body oil she's guaranteed to love.

Monastery Lapiz Matte Body Oil, $, available at Monastery

Tkees Ines Shearling Slipper


To really earn points in the in-law arena, for the ultimate treat on her feet. These ultra-luxe slippers can be worn inside or outside — ideal for life on lockdown.

TKEES Ines Shearling Slipper, $, available at Tkees

Hästens Pure White Collection - Sheets


For Scandinavian simplicity at its best (and by "best" we mean "most luxurious"), Hästens Pure White sheets are made from the finest linens to ensure your mother-in-law enjoys sweet dreams and deep sleep.

Hästens Hästens Pure White Collection - Sheets, $, available at Boston Luxury Beds

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