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Buying in-law gifts for the first time is a big deal! It’s not so big that you need to panic and fret over every detail, but it’s still big enough that you want to focus on making a good impression.
Although your choice of gift doesn’t have to be too extravagant, it should be meaningful to the person it’s intended for and say something about you as the giver. If you’re unsure what you want to give as a gift—or what you want that gift to say—here are six thoughtful gift ideas for making this first impression impressive indeed.
1. Something Green
Your spouse or significant other can help you figure out whether something green would make a good gift for their parents. They’ll know better than you how “green” their parents’ thumbs are! But if it sounds like they’re amenable to the idea, or they’re gardeners or nature enthusiasts themselves, a well-chosen houseplant or tree can make a wonderful gift.
Take pets and care difficulty into consideration as you choose indoor plants. If you can, choose something hardy and easy to care for that also freshens the air.
If you want a gift that doubles as a touching and memorable gesture, gift them a tree for the yard. Something a little more mature than a sapling is great. Choose a tree acclimated to the area, too. You can offer to plant it someplace in their yard so they can watch it grow.
Alternatively, consider hydroponics. This horticultural technique is useful for growing crops— which provides a constant supply of fresh herbs for healthy meals— or ornamentals with a water-based nutrient solution instead of soil.
Our Pick: XXXFLOWER Plant Terrarium
A portable terrarium from XXXFLOWER is a solid choice for introducing greenery to your in-laws’ living space. It consists of glass plant bulbs, a wooden stand and a metal swivel holder. Its blend of natural materials serves as a fascinating decoration piece whatever room it ends up in.
2. Exotic Spices
Is your partner’s mom a culinarian? Every home chef would appreciate a fresh supply of kitchen staples to spice up their gastronomic pursuits. Buying the usual stuff would make life convenient for them, saving them a trip to the farmers market or grocery store. However, shopping for ingredients for international cookery can encourage them to be more adventurous.
Nonnative spices are some of the best gifts for your mother-in-law because this idea is your acknowledgment of her cooking skills. These bottles of powered goodness can inspire her to try her hand at international dishes, experiment with fusion recipes like quinoa pilaf and reimagine American favorites. Food is a gateway to foreign cultures—learning to prepare and enjoying non-American meals can broaden your in-laws’ horizons.
Our Pick: India Tree Spice Kit
There’s no better source of exotic plant-based ingredients than India—the land of spices. If your in-laws live somewhere without Asian restaurants, buying them jars of colorful flavorings will delight your partner’s mom. A set of five from India Tree gives her an instant stash of beloved spice blends, such as garam masala and tandoori masala, classic curry and more!
3. Upscale Disposable Products
We’re not talking about fancy napkins or other disposable items that we don’t think much about. We’re talking about items where we’re immediately sad once they’re gone, like fancy soaps and candles. Top-shelf alcohol never goes awry either, unless your significant other hails from a long line of teetotalers.
Everybody loves the scent of an upscale candle simmering someplace in the house. And while we balk at the prices when shopping for ourselves, everybody still loves the feeling and smell of washing their hands with a natural, handmade, undeniably artisanal soap. Shopping at local shops and farmers markets gives you access to organic and eco-friendly items. However, e-retailers offer more variety.
Our Pick: Musee Words of Encouragement Soap Set
If your spouse’s mom has sensitive skin, scour online marketplaces for sulfate-, paraben- and cruelty-free handmade soaps to buy a thoughtful mother-in-law gift. Woman-owned brand Musee even incorporates words of encouragement into their beauty and skincare products to spread positivity.
4. An Attractive Serving Platter
Food trays, platters and bowls are fantastic in-law gifts. Believe it or not, they’re an entire industry. And why shouldn’t they be? When we’re in a pinch, no household ever seems to have enough trays for carrying foods and beverages out to the firepit for a gathering, to the dining room table or just to the lounge for Game Day.
There are trays for every budget. Of course, handing somebody an empty tray is like gifting a picture frame with the strangers still inside it. If you and your significant other recently moved into an apartment or home together, make or bake something in your new digs and place it decoratively within the tray. Nothing brings people together like homemade food!
Our Pick: Mora Ceramics Oval Platters
If you don’t trust your own sense of style or cooking, you can also go with stylish serving bowls your significant other’s parents is bound to love. A pair of oval platters from Mora Ceramics is a safe bet. These pieces of serveware are spacious enough to accommodate various foods for a meal but not too bulky to store.
5. A Watch—Within Reason!
A timepiece is one of the most practical father-in-law gifts. You don’t have to splurge on an exquisite Sinn 556 or a timeless Laco Pilot Watch Original. You can spend $40 on a watch that keeps better time and outlasts some $400 or $4,000 models. They’re well within reach if you really want to make a statement.
If you have good taste and an eye for detail, buying a watch as a gift for your partner’s parents will be an impressive gesture. Bonus points if you can explain the difference between Swiss and Japanese watch movements!
Watches can have neat features like time syncing with atomic clocks, chronographs, NATO-style straps, titanium housings, multiple time zone support (great for frequent travelers) and much more.
The craftsmanship, personality and style of a fine watch—or even a well-designed “beater” or tool watch—make the gesture of giving one a thoughtful, practical and sentimental gift. Moreover, it sends an unconscious signal that you’re somebody who thinks in the long term.
Our Pick: Casio Easy Reader Watch
If you want a wristwatch that is synonymous with quality and doesn’t break the bank, buy a Casio. Casio stainless steel quartz watches are affordable and elegant. While these unassuming products don’t have all the bells and whistles, they excel at the basics. Japanese mechanical movements tell time more accurately because they’re less prone to human error during watchmaking. Order one with a black dial and legible hour markets so it can grow old with your father-in-law.
6. A Well-Made Throw Blanket or Quilt
Whether or not you’re familiar with quilting or crocheting, you know that crafting a quilt or throw blanket takes time. If you have enough of it—time, that is—this type of gift could keep paying dividends well into the future. Long-lasting blankets are great, but long-lasting blankets made by family and friends are singular.
A visit to local shops and artisans will yield lots of attractive ready-to-snuggle options, too. Like a lot of things, blankets are among those items that many people “make do” with until somebody shows or gives them something better. Be that somebody!
Our Pick: Bedsure Throw Blanket
If you’re pressed for time and can’t visit the nearest furnishing vendors to your home before a special occasion, add Bedsure’s cozy throw to your cart. Although small fleece blankets make wonderful holiday-themed Christmas gifts for in-laws, going with something neutral is better because it tones down vibrant accessories and never goes out of style. This white number has a fascinating stripe pattern that looks fantastic on any couch year-round.
Stick the Landing With Thoughtful In-Law Gifts
You probably have plenty of ideas of your own when it comes to picking out a gift when meeting your partner’s parents. With any luck, the thoughtful gift ideas here have you feeling a little better prepared to stick the landing.
Originally posted 9/18/2019 – Updated 11/4/2024
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Author
Jack Shaw is a senior writer at Modded. Jack is an avid enthusiast for keeping up with personal health and enjoying nature. He has over five years of experience writing in the men's lifestyle niche, and has written extensively on topics of fitness, exploring the outdoors and men's interests. His writings have been featured in SportsEd TV, Love Inc., and Offroad Xtreme among many more publications.
