40 Best Gifts For Your Mother-In-Law Who's Hard To Shop For
How to shop for the woman who created the most important person in your life.
DragonImages via Canva Your mother-in-law is pretty special — she created the most important person in your life.
That said, you and her may not always be on the same wavelength and when it comes to a special occasion where you need to honor your MIL, it may seem like an impossible task. How do you please the woman who's very difficult to shop for?
Believe it or not, you just have to pay attention — and what better way to get on her good side than with the best gifts for your mother-in-law?
What is it she loves? Is it unique plants or jewelry? Is it a cute purse or artisanal addition to her home kitchen?
Paying attention to those little details about her likes and dislikes will hopefully help you hit a home run — and avoid her having something else to complain about next time.
Bonus points if what she loves is something you love too.
It wouldn't be the first time, and it'll give you something to chat about, and maybe even bond over.
Here are the 40 best gift ideas for your mother-in-law who's hard to shop for:
1. Laura Chenel Goat Cheese Lover Gift Basket
For a cheese lover, this beautiful basket of Laura Chenel cheeses is perfect for snacking, and don't forget the creamy Brie and local accompaniments to create a big, beautiful board.
2. Courant Catch 3: Classic Charging Device
For the mom with myriad gadgets, this all-in-one charging device combines single-device wireless technology with the familiar valet silhouette, allowing her to thoughtfully organize all her accessories and charge her devices.
3. Monica + Andy Organic Lounge Robe
Let your MIL luxuriously indulge in this ultra-soft organic cotton robe, whether she's relaxing at home or getting ready for bed.
4. Sauipe Swim Teresa Beach Cover Up
This chic beach cover-up is extremely comfortable, made with breathable fabric, and features lightly ruffled sleeves: a perfect combination for a day at the beach or pool.
5. Flaire & Co. Green Rectangle Sterling Huggies In Gold
She'll receive all the compliments with these gorgeous earrings that are made with thick gold plating to ensure they last and sparkle as long as possible.
6. Beloved Bath Relaxation Gift Set
Share the gift of relaxation with this luxurious trio of lavender-scented products designed to encourage feelings of peace and calm.
7. Linoto Linen Spa Towels
Sourced from one of the finest linen mills in Belgium, these towels are smooth, sturdy, and very satisfying post-shower.
8. Kizik Women's Lima Shoe
Your MIL won't mind running errands all day in these babies, that's for sure.
9. Le Prunier Plum Beauty Oil
Handcrafted from a proprietary blend of sustainably sourced plum varietals, this indulgent beauty oil is an excellent source of nourishing vitamins and antioxidants.
10. Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater
A classic cashmere sweater is a timeless gift. Lightweight, soft, and cozy, it's perfect for just about any time of year and occasion.
11. The Ranch Pomegranate Bitters Scented Candle
With a deliciously subtle, fruity fragrance, this Pomegranate Bitters scented candle adds a clean, bright scent to any room.
12. Pholk Aloe Lemon Balm Face Mist
A pore-clarifying cure for skin prone to acne and hyperpigmentation, it can be used all day to stay cool, calm, and balanced.
13. Love Letters: Heartfelt Quotes from Famous Romantics by Sarah Cray
A giftable collection of romantic quotes from historical love letters, featuring the author's signature watercolor illustrations.
14. Aura Mason Luxe Wifi Digital Photo Frame
For the memory-loving MIL, this gift allows you to send photos and videos directly from your phone to her digital photo frame. You can also invite family and friends to add photos to her frame from anywhere in the world with free, unlimited storage.
15. Nude Envie Lipstick
This perfect shade of nude lipstick to keep lips soft, smooth, and ultra-hydrated.
16. Urban Hydration Vanilla Bubble Bath
Can't go wrong with gifting a bubble bath! This one has coconut oil and vanilla to deeply moisturize and keep skin soft.
17. DMC Teddy Hat & Booties Knitting Kit
For the MIL who loves to knit, give this cute bear hat and booties. Maybe it'll be a gift for her future grandchild? *wink*
18. Sans Matin Savannah Sneaker
These sneaks are ethically handcrafted and feature a cushioned pebbled baby blue heel, white cotton laces, and a cushioned footbed for maximum comfort.
19. FiveAdrift Signature Ocean Collection Towel Bundle
These generously oversized beach towels are made from environmentally sustainable materials and are ready for any adventurous, travel-loving MIL.
20. Kaenon Avalon Unisex Polarized Sunglasses
These lightweight frames are great for long days on the beach, hiking, or sunset cruises on the water.
21. Goodfit Oasis Jigsaw Puzzle
If a beach vaca isn't in the cards this year, let your MIL feel the breeze and hear the rustling of palm trees as she pieces this tropical puzzle together.
22. Duette NYC Lux Long Open Cardigan With Pockets
This looks-good-on-everyone cardigan features straight architectural lines, deep side slits, and most importantly: pockets.
23. Kleensmart Easy Sweep Broom
Gift your MIL the gift of housekeeping help: This easy sweep broom picks up all kinds of dust and debris — just dust into small piles every few feet and pick up as you go.
24. Poke-A-Dot Utility Organizer
This stylish and functional organizer is a genius solution to a long-time problem for women on the go.
25. Urthy Scent Tower
This decadent scent tower quietly distributes lingering natural-smelling scents into any room, using air rather than water.
26. True Energy Women's Lightweight Liner Socks
Socks! Another gift you can't go wrong with and this pair has a seamless toe for comfort and mesh venting for improved air movement.
27. Rag & Co Audriana Block Heel Sandals
These slip-on sandals are minimalist, sophisticated, and versatile — she can dress them up or down.
28. Popsockets Rose Quartz Phone Grip
A pop socket is such a great gift because everyone needs one! It's anti-drop, allows for one-handed use of your device, and has the ability to prop up her phone wherever she goes.
29. The Pioneer Woman Timeless Beauty 7-Piece Melamine Measuring Cup Set
For the MIL who loves to bake, this measuring cup set comes with a stackable nesting design to keep the set organized and make it more convenient to store them when not in use.
30. Admiral Row Mother of Pearl Flower Pendant Necklace
In lieu of real stems, gift this pendant necklace featuring a bouquet of flowers accented by a natural mother-of-pearl stone.
31. Badgley Mischka Ava Eua de Parfum
Vibrant and sweet, this fragrance has notes of Bergamot, warm spices, jasmine petals, and fiery pink pepper.
32. Friendsheep Shiny Happy Eco Coasters
Super-cute coasters that are handmade, absorbent, and plastic free? Yes, please!
33. Blue Sky Yearly Planner
For the MIL who loves to plan, she can schedule away with this beautiful weekly/monthly academic planner, which features watercolor florals and soft-hued colors throughout the pages.
34. Hickory Farms Sparkling Rosé And Snack Collection
Add some sparkle to any Mother's Day celebration with this rosé wine gift box, featuring smoked Gouda Blend, Sea Salt Flatbread, and Sour Peach Hearts alongside a glass of Contollo Brut Rosé sparkling wine.
35. Taylor Chip x Fontana Baked Goods Bundle
If you want to gift her the yummiest, gooiest, most scrumptious cookie in all the land, look no further.
36. Jergen's Original Scent Perfume
This scent will bring her back! Jergen's signature Cherry Almond scent now comes in a fragrance form, with nostalgic notes of bright cherry and sweet almonds.
37. Saltwater Luxe Short Sleeve Shirt & Pant Pajama Set
You can't miss with a luxe PJ set: pair together or mix and match for the ultimate sleepwear aesthetic.
38. Cheyanne Symone Head Lead Freshwater Pearl Stud Earrings
All handmade by Indigenous and Native American artisans, these beautiful all-white beaded earrings are simple and chic.
39. Knotted Words Mulberry Silk Scarf
Each double-sided 100% mulberry silk scarf has an inspirational message decorating one side. But the most magical part of this unique gift? The message is a total surprise and is only revealed once she opens the creative fortune cookie-esque packaging.
40. E'MAR Ari Heel
Founded by a podiatrist who believed in luxurious shoes that are also, yes, comfortable.
Aly Walansky is a lifestyle writer whose work appears in dozens of digital and print publications regularly. Andrea Zimmerman is the deputy editor for YourTango.
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