With the arrival of Christmas, every year I’m confronted with the daunting task of finding the perfect gift for my mother-in-law. The challenge stems not only from her propensity to purchase whatever she desires but also from her particular taste. Should she dislike the gift, I know the whispering begins – not overtly to me but to anyone else within earshot.
Though it would seem logical for my husband to choose a gift for his mother, the reality is different. Post-marriage, gift selection responsibility generally resides with the wife. Moreover, if a gift from the husband doesn’t meet the mother-in-law’s expectations, it’s the wife who typically bears the blame, under the presumption of her failure to guide the process adequately.
Attempting to creatively honor my mother-in-law thrice annually (Christmas, Birthday, and Mother’s Day), drains my pool of gift ideas quickly. I’ve compiled a list of successful gifts below to assist those facing a similar predicament:
1. Framed Photo: It may sound cliché, but the importance lies in the quality of the frame. During my first Christmas as a newlywed, my husband and I presented a beautifully framed family portrait, including our fur kid, and it was a hit!
2. Organized Family Photo Session: Tapping into the vein of ‘thoughtful and personalized,’ arranging a family photoshoot can be an excellent gift. Despite the challenges of coordinating schedules, I once brought all members of my husband’s immediate family together for a photo session.
However, be warned; it’s not foolproof. My mother-in-law couldn’t book her hair appointment before the photoshoot and it caused an uproar.
3. Grandchildren Photo Album: While we’re yet to start a family, creating an album of our future kids is an idea on my list.
4. Luxury Household Items: On one occasion, I picked out high-end linen spray and laundry soap for her, as she takes immense pride in her home. She appreciated it.
5. Engraved Kitchen Gadgets: If you have a mother-in-law who loves cooking like mine, personalized cookware can be a wonderful choice.
