2021 Gift Guide For In-Laws

It should come as no surprise to anyone reading this that so many of the things you guys suggested to buy for in-laws have already been mentioned across my seven gift guides. Alas, you will absolutely see some repeats on this list, so take it as a sign that you should definitely get them that gift!

In-laws are hard. Whether you’ve been in the family for years or are brand new or aren’t even official yet but they’re undoubtedly your future in-laws, you want to impress them with your gift giving skills without going under or overboard. This is why I had to crowdsource in-law gift ideas, so I could offer you a full range. There is absolutely sure to be something you can get them off this list, so LFG!

  1. Always Pot or Pan: You really can’t go wrong gifting either of these to an in-law, especially if they enjoy cooking and are working with a pot or pan that has seen better days!

  2. Nespresso Vertuo Plus Machine: Chances are they may not be hip to the latest at-home coffee offerings, and this is your chance to show them a whole new world!

  3. Flower Subscription: I mean, what mother-in-law wouldn’t want to receive a bouquet every month without question and for no reason? This is a genius idea.

  4. Brightland Olive Oil: Another one for the chefs. I’ve only heard amazing things about the quality of this gorgeous olive oil, and I feel like it’s something they would never think to buy for themselves.

  5. Diptyque Candle: They are the most gorgeously scented candles and can be washed out and repurposed afterwards, so it’s two gifts in one!

  6. Tickets for a show: If they enjoy musicals or plays or concerts, check out what’s local to them and buy them some really fabulous seats!

  7. Barefoot Dreams anything: Yeah, I know I crap on the blanket but it’s all such perfect mother-in-law stuff. The socks, the robes, the blanket. All of it. You can’t go wrong.

  8. Sugarfina: ‘Tis the season to resort to sweet treats when you are totally stumped. Plus, everything I’ve ever ingested from Sugarfina is primo sugar.

  9. Vuori Joggers: I feel like a nice pair of joggers is the perfect gift for a fit mother-in-law who is both elegant and sophisticated, yet knows how to pull off casual well.

  10. Basket with all homemade goods: This was a reader-submitted idea and I loved it. If you fancy yourself a baker, why not make your in-laws homemade baked goods baskets to show off your skills? Include a cute little recipe card for each treat, too!

  11. Banner Butter: I actually tried some of this exquisite butter over Thanksgiving, and it’s a delight. Once again I ask who doesn’t enjoy gourmet butter?

  12. Wine tasting/Wine subscription + Wine Glass Charms: If they’re into wine, a) congratulations. That is an amazing in-law. B) why not buy them tickets for a wine tasting in town or go. ahead and sign them up for a subscription or club? Also, magnetic wine glass charms are the best and Etsy has so many cute ones, including these Christmas themed ones!

  13. Chef Press: For the dad who loves to grill, do some research to see whether or not he already has a Chef Press and, if he doesn’t, gift him one so his famous homemade burgers are even more exceptional!

  14. Harry and David basket: I had never heard of this company, but it was written in a few times, so I had to check it out! Gift baskets GALORE, and they’re famously known for their pears at the off chance that you’re buying for a grandma or grandpa in-law.

  15. A Sur La Table cooking class: Or, if there’s no Sur La Table in your town, somewhere similar that offers hands-on cooking classes. The greatest gift of all is planning a date night for them!

  16. Skylight Frame: This has over 10,000 5-star reviews and I can see why. This is the most epic in-law present—a 10” digital picture frame that’s controlled by WiFi and that you and all your family members can send new pictures to daily! Genius, honestly.

  17. Storyworth: You’ll need your partner’s help with this one, but what an amazing way to bond with an in-law and sit down and really listen to/hear their stories.

  18. Gift Card to favorite restaurant: This is a no-brainer and such a solid gift for in-laws. You can also buy one through OpenTable.com if that’s easier!

  19. Personalized Anything: Ornaments, jewelry with their kids’ birthstones, coasters, doormats—Etsy truly has it all depending on what speaks best to their lifestyle and personalities.

  20. Cashmere Scarf: For your stylish MIL, this two-tone, lightweight cashmere scarf is gorgeous and available in a handful of colors so you can choose which one suits her style best!

  21. iPad case: I wrote about these adorable puffy iPad cases on the under $50 gift guide, but they’re showing back up because getting your in-law one of these makes a lot of sense. Old people with their iPads are just *chef’s kiss*

  22. Bluetooth Speaker: I’ve found that a lot of older folks haven’t gotten on the Bluetooth train yet. Help them by gifting them this mini Bluetooth speaker by Bose. It’s so easy to use, the perfect size, and puts out incredible sound!

  23. Amazon Echo Show: Yet another technological way for them to stay connected and make their lives easier, the Echo Show! You can help them personalize it and walk them through how to make Alexa their bitch.

  24. Puzzles: If your in-laws are into puzzles, there is an unlimited amount of cool, unique puzzles out there now! These holiday-themed ones from Rifle Paper Co. are particularly sweet and colorful.

  25. Jeni’s Ice Cream subscription: If they love ice cream and aren’t trying to watch their figures, blow their freaking socks off with a 3-month subscription of Jeni’s pints of ice cream. You will become their favorite instantly and forever.

  26. Air Fryer: If they cook at home a lot, gif them this and prepare to, once again, become an instant favorite.

  27. Noise Cancelling Headphones: PLEASE HELP THEM SEE PAST PLUG-IN HEADPHONES. They deserve these. Please.

  28. Firestick: Streaming has replaced cable and it’s a lot to keep up with, so make it easier on them with a Firestick!

  29. Outdoor Chime: If they’re outdoor people, why not gift them an insanely unique wind chime they couldn’t find elsewhere? If you’re lucky enough to have in-laws with a backyard area where you hang out, the least you could do is add to it.

  30. Butcher Box: ALL THE MEATS FOR YOUR FIL!!!

  31. Wine Chiller: The OG white wine chiller from the same company that makes the wine tumblers I love! A fabulous gift.

  32. Long Distance Friendship Lamps: This is really cute. No matter who lives where, if someone touches their lamp, the other one lights up to let you know they’re thinking of you. OKAY TEARS.

  33. Double Oven Mitt: Um, I want one of these??? What? I didn’t know these existed and it MAKES SO MUCH MORE SENSE THAN TWO SEPARATE GLOVES, OMG.

  34. Mixing Bowls: Because who doesn’t need more and better mixing bowls always?


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