Gifts for in-laws they'll be glad to open
No pressure. Three quick taps and Santa hands you a safe bet.
Quick question 1 of 3
Every safe bet, in the guest book
Good gifts for in-laws are warm and easy to enjoy. Ask your partner for a hint or two, and give it from both of you.
Safe and thoughtful
A framed family photo
Of the grandkids, if there are any, or of a favorite day together.
Any time
A candle in a gentle scent
Soft, simple scents are a safer bet than strong ones.
Any time
A coffee table book about a place they love
Their hometown, a favorite trip or a hobby they talk about.
Once you know them a little
A cozy throw
Soft, useful and easy to fit into any home.
Any time
A puzzle or board game for family nights
A gift that brings everyone to the table.
Once you know them a little
Food and drink
A gourmet food basket
Cheese, crackers, jams and sweets to share over the holidays.
Any time
Treats from your hometown
A taste of where you're from, with a story behind it.
Any time
An olive oil and vinegar set
A kitchen treat for the cook in the family.
Once you know them a little
Coffee or tea from a local roaster
An everyday luxury with every morning cup.
Any time
A box of homemade baked goods
Made with care. Add the recipe card and it's two gifts.
Once you know them a little
A fancy hot cocoa set
Rich cocoa, marshmallows and two mugs for a cozy night in.
Any time
For the home
A cheese board or serving platter
Out at every family gathering from now on.
Once you know them a little
Festive kitchen towels
Small, cheerful and always useful in December.
Any time
An easy-care houseplant
A bit of green that's a joy, not a chore.
Any time
An ornament with the family's names
Marks the year you all celebrated together.
When you're close
Time together
Dinner out, your treat
A relaxed evening with nobody cooking or washing up.
Once you know them a little
Tickets to a show, concert or game
Pick something they already enjoy and go along together.
When you're close
A class to take together
Cooking, pottery or painting. Something new to laugh about.
When you're close
A family photo session
Everyone together, and pictures to frame for years.
When you're close
An afternoon of help with a project
The garden, the garage, the shelf they keep mentioning. Your time is the gift.
When you're close
Little worries, answered
- How much should you spend on gifts for in-laws?
- Usually about what you'd spend on your own parents, or whatever your families already do. Talk with your partner so you're both comfortable, and remember a thoughtful small gift is never wrong.
- Should gifts for in-laws come from both of us?
- Most of the time, yes. Choose it together, sign the card together, and let your partner share what their parents might like.
- What do you buy in-laws who have everything?
- Things they can enjoy and use up, like a food basket or good coffee, or time together: a dinner out, a show, or a family photo session.
- Is a gift card too impersonal for in-laws?
- It can be, on its own. Choose a place you know they love, and pair it with a warm card or a small homemade treat.
- What's a safe gift for in-laws you don't know well yet?
- A food basket, a gently scented candle, an easy houseplant or a framed photo. All are easy to enjoy and hard to get wrong.
Still unsure? Ask Santa
Tell him a little about them and what you'd like to spend. He'll suggest gifts that fit.