Best gift ideas for mother in law

Mothers-in-law tend to get a bad rap, even though so many of them are truly lovely. Should your relationship still be developing, you’re in the same position come birthday or holiday time. That is, on the lookout for a discerning gift for a very important woman. The solutions ahead range from useful to unique, and each gift is perfect for showing your one and only mother-in-law your heartfelt appreciation.

Piscine pottery

GurglePot (from about $55 at the time of publication)

This fish-shaped pitcher makes appearances in several of our gift guides because it’s just so darn versatile and will please just about anyone. Made of durable stoneware and available in a kaleidoscope of different colors to suit any home, this 42-ounce vessel makes a soft gurgling sound—not unlike a babbling brook—as it pours, which is both charming and silly. It functions equally well as a pitcher for lemonade or as a vase for flowers.

Screen queen

Don’t overthink it: If your mother-in-law doesn’t have an iPad yet, she needs one, wants one, and is going to love one. Even if she’s not tech-savvy, the iPad’s performance, features, hardware quality, app selection, and accessories make this tablet superior to those from other companies. Whether she uses it mostly to organize family photos, binge-watch murder mysteries, or troll eBay for vintage sewing machines, we think this is a gift she’ll turn to daily.

Grand stand

One needn’t be an expert baker to make use of this lovely Jadeite Milk Glass Cake Stand. Even if your mother-in-law has a well-stocked kitchen—and most do—a cake stand is just enough of a speciality find to surprise and delight. This sturdy little wonder stands only 5.5 inches tall and can hold a cake up to 6 inches wide. And on days when it’s not serving its primary function, it also makes a wonderful pedestal for ripe fruit, glimmering candles, or potted plants. It could be placed on an entryway table to hold keys, sunglasses, and mail, too.

Ace of spades

Legend has it that British gardening legend Monty Don’s gardening spade is so beloved he won’t even let his friends touch it. The Bulldog Treaded Digging Spade is the tool that inspired such loyalty, and editor Hannah Morrill can attest to its superiority. This tool has a rather short stature (39 inches or 43 inches) and a treaded edge, so it’s easy to get a firm grip without slipping, in even the rockiest, gnarliest soils. The carbon steel edge is sharp, too, ideal for splitting unruly perennials or chopping tough roots. Most importantly, though, the forged spade comes with a 25-year warranty, and if the handle gets left in the rain, it can easily be replaced for just $12.

European-style candies

For the MIL with a sweet tooth: André’s candies are some of my favorites to send (and receive). Based in Kansas City, Missouri, the sweets shop has been run by the same family of Swiss-trained confectioners for three generations. The $125 gift box offers the best selection, with an assortment of chocolate-covered fruits and nuts as well as other unique European sweets—like my personal favorite, tart Leckerli cookies made with candied lemon and orange peels. Looking to spend less? André’s also offers smaller selections of its best-selling treats in gift-ready boxes for $45 or $65.

Burning bright

Peacecake is one of our favorite scented-candle brands, and its offerings are hand-poured, 100% vegan, and packaged with recyclable materials. Plus, these candles smell amazing. In testing, staff writer Sarah Witman particularly liked the Neroli & Musk Sanctuary Candle, which she describes as having “a sophisticated aroma with notes of orange blossom, petitgrain, neroli, jasmine, musk, and cedar.” And once this candle burns all the way down, its recyclable container is sturdy and simple enough for your MIL to repurpose as a chic catch-all.

Pour joy

For the mother-in-law with a green thumb, make the task of watering a delight with a gorgeous and functional watering vessel. The Hay Watering Can is big (it holds up to 2 liters) yet light and easy to maneuver—even though it doesn’t have a traditional handle. Despite looking like elegant stoneware, this vessel is made of high-density plastic. (We won’t tell if you don’t.)

A luxurious robe

As senior staff writer Jackie Reeve says, “A luxurious robe is one of those gifts everyone can appreciate.” After testing over three dozen, she thinks the Natori Shangri-La is the best for anyone who appreciates an extra-soft fabric. The robe’s lightweight jersey drapes flatteringly on a range of body types, and the Natori comes in more size options than most of the competition. It’s soft and comfy for optimal lounging, and in our testing, it still looked brand new after many washes.

Bracelets with meaning

These custom birthstone bracelets are gorgeous in their simplicity and come on a dainty silver or gold chain. You can get the bracelet with just one gem—maybe your MIL’s birthstone—or customize it with up to six. Another sweet idea (stolen from my own grandmother) is to include several gems representing each of her grandkids’ birth months.

The softest blanket

Thanks to its heavenly blend of cashmere and wool, this throw from Garnet Hill easily became a favorite when we tested throw blankets. As lovely to drape over a chair as it is to snuggle under while watching a movie, this throw comes in nine sophisticated colors. So whether your mother-in-law is the cheery coral type or prefers more of a classic heather gray, there is a perfect shade for her.

A basket of treats

For a genuinely good variety of sweet and savory treats, give your mother-in-law the Zingerman’s Weekender Gift Box, one of our favorite gift baskets. Inside are two rich brownies, salty salami and cheese, a whole loaf of bread, and crunchy peanut brittle. Wirecutter’s Anna Perling says the most coveted goodie in this basket is the miniature loaf of Zingerman’s sour cream coffee cake, a tender, walnut-and-cinnamon-studded cake that sits beneath a slightly crunchy crust. She says it “gets better as the days go by—if it lasts that long.”

Gateway to the outdoors

You may not agree with your mother-in-law about everything, but about this you surely shall: National parks are awesome. Whether your MIL is a serious hiker or someone who’d prefer to experience Yosemite Valley from the comfort of a car, this pass will offer her (and three guests) access to any and all national parks in the United States for the year. Plan this gift in advance, though—shipping on standard passes can take over a week, and the lifetime Senior Pass (available to residents age 62 and over) can take even longer. Luckily, both are available for immediate pickup at several distribution sites (PDF).

A breezy apron

“If your mother-in-law likes to throw dinner parties or loves to bake, treat them to an apron that’s as chic as they are,” suggests senior editor Marguerite Preston, whose team tested two-dozen options for Wirecutter’s guide to the best kitchen aprons. The Rough Linen Pinafore is an ideal gift, with a pretty silhouette, a breezy feel, and a comfortable fit. One tester even commented, “I forgot I was wearing an apron, and that’s amazing.” More practically, this apron offers ample coverage and two large front pockets for stashing a cell phone or kitchen towels. It comes in eight lovely colors and three generous sizes to fit a range of folks, from petite (5-foot-4 and under) to large (size 18-plus).

Don’t overthink it: flowers

It’s classic for a reason: A bouquet of flowers delivered to someone’s door always makes them smile. Wirecutter tested nine companies for our guide to the best online flower delivery service, and UrbanStems is the one that has impressed us most over the years. UrbanStems’ arrangements are consistently beautiful, fresh, and well packaged, and ordering is simple and quick.

Endless photos from afar

Aura Mason (starting at $200 at the time of publication)

The Wi-Fi–enabled Aura Mason digital photo frame serves as a direct link between you and your mother-in-law. You can add photos remotely via an app to keep her up-to-date on family trips or growing grandkids, no matter how far away they are. We tested eight digital photo frames, and the Aura stood out thanks to its sharp, bright display and straightforward setup. Load it with photos of you and your partner—or your kids, if you have any—and deliver a gift that keeps on giving.

Art made to order

If your mother-in-law is more the analog type, skip the digital photo frame and go traditional. Our favorite online framing service is Framebridge: Unlike some competitors, Framebridge offers flat-fee framing for both original art and digital photos. Plus, the ordering process is simple, the image quality is top notch, and the frames are easy to hang.

Pieces of you

If your mother-in-law likes puzzles, she’ll love putting together one featuring a cherished family photo. These customizable puzzles from Shutterfly are available in a range of sizes, from 60 pieces (that’s 10 by 14 inches) to 1,014 pieces (20 by 30 inches). A kid-friendly version (11 by 14 inches) has 30 larger, thicker pieces—a great gift if your MIL likes to puzzle with the grandkids.

Cozy slippers

L.L.Bean’s Wicked Good Moccasins live up to their name—they’re some of the best slippers we’ve ever tested. Made from real sheepskin shearling, they offer breathable, fluffy warmth, and their rubber soles mean they can be worn indoors and outdoors. Plus, just in case your mother-in-law has any issue with these slippers (not that they’re the type to ever have an issue with … anything), L.L.Bean also offers unparalleled customer service.

A chic, durable platter

This oval serving platter, made by New Jersey–based artisan Jono Pandolfi, comes recommended by senior editor Marguerite Preston, who uses it regularly in her own home when she hosts dinner parties. “The modern, minimalist shape will look good in just about any setting,” she says, “and this platter can function equally well for presenting a roast chicken or a cheese plate.” Pandolfi sells a lot of his stoneware to eateries (including Jean-Georges Restaurants), so the stylish pieces are not only durable but also microwave- and dishwasher-safe.

A plant for every preference

The Sill is a longtime Wirecutter favorite—the plants and the sleek, modern pots they come in make great gifts. Wirecutter’s Justin Krajeski said it best: “Since you’ve wed their child, why not surprise your mother-in-law with a new child—one that requires much less maintenance?” If you’re unsure which variety is the best fit for your MIL, start by exploring The Sill’s handy Easy-Care Collection. You’ll find a selection of sturdy options suited for beginners, such as snake plants and philodendrons.

A soothing diffuser

Our pick for the best essential oil diffuser, the Urpower 2nd Gen 300ml Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser is perfect for the mother-in-law who could use a little relaxation. “Its clean, minimalist aesthetic is a blank canvas that’ll complement most home decor, and your MIL can set the brightness and color of the light,” says senior staff writer Sarah Witman. To add to the custom relaxation, you can pair the Urpower with a sampler pack of essential oils so she can discover her next favorite scent.

A handy Scandi jug

As editor Signe Brewster says, “They’ve got great taste in colors, graceful curves, and a Danish pedigree. I’m not talking about mothers-in-law—I mean Raawii Strøm Jugs.” Partly functional, partly decorative, this piece, which comes in seven superb shades, is equally suited for serving mimosas at Sunday brunch and holding a bouquet of flowers.

This article was edited by Catherine Kast, Hannah Morrill, and Jennifer Hunter.