What should I get my (new) MIL for Christmas?

[Anonymous]

I also think you sound lovely.

I'd keep it simple and light. A new book, a pair of socks with her dogs on them, throw blanket, a nice winter scarf (maybe I'm just cold).

[Anonymous]

Probably too late for this year but a portrait of the dog?

[Anonymous]

I would do a joint gift from you and DH and fill up a stocking for her...tell everyone else you're taking her stocking. Tell her why, without throwing everyone else under the bus ("you deserve it" not "no one does this for you").

[Anonymous]

Get her one of these.
It was in Southern Living- not a shill!
https://paperpaw.com/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Your MIL doesn't need a gift from you. I'd let your dh take the lead and sign it from both of you. But honestly I dont give gifts to adults anyways lol.

+1

[Anonymous]

OP you sound like an extremely thoughtful and kind person.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Digital picture frame loaded with pics of everyone in the family.

This was going to be my suggestion. We really like the Aura one- you can add picture from an App. All kids and GKs can send new photos anytime.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Tell us more about what she is like, what her hobbies are, are you looking for stocking stuffer ideas or larger gifts. What’s your budget?

A little bit of both? Her father passed this year after a stressful illness (mom had already gone), so I feel as though I mainly have gotten to know her through a time when she isn’t really “herself” - basically her hobbies as I know them are her dogs and decorating the house. I want to try to do something special for her, and do know her well enough to know she’d be touched by the effort even if I missed the mark.

Take a photo of the dogs and use an app to turn it into a watercolor painting. Send it to Shutterfly to print. Put it in a nice frame with a mat.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Tell us more about what she is like, what her hobbies are, are you looking for stocking stuffer ideas or larger gifts. What’s your budget?

A little bit of both? Her father passed this year after a stressful illness (mom had already gone), so I feel as though I mainly have gotten to know her through a time when she isn’t really “herself” - basically her hobbies as I know them are her dogs and decorating the house. I want to try to do something special for her, and do know her well enough to know she’d be touched by the effort even if I missed the mark.

You are a good person. Please don't listen to all the posters saying this is your husband's job. Daughers-in-law are allowed to and should establish relationships with their mothers-in-law independent of the husband/son.

[Anonymous]

Loved the suggestion of tickets to a show/concert. Says you enjoy her company. And maybe something small to wrap, like a nice food item or a pretty jewelry try for her nightstand.

[Anonymous]

You're awesome OP! Here are some ideas based on years of gifting my (somewhat bougie) MIL --

-- Large box of nice chocolates (I usually go with Maison du Chocolat)
-- Photos from the year in a nice frame
-- Photo calendar from the year
-- Fun / quirky gifts related to her interests (gardening, entertaining, horses, dogs)
-- Annual membership to the local art museum
-- Senior lifetime national park pass (funny and useful gift for the year she became eligible -- all our parents loved these!)
-- Inviting her out to visit us or go on joint ski trip
-- High quality blanket / throw

Another way I source ideas is to look at the gift guides from magazines I know she reads -- these typically include ideas more specific to her tastes/demographic that are not otherwise on my radar

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Tell us more about what she is like, what her hobbies are, are you looking for stocking stuffer ideas or larger gifts. What’s your budget?

A little bit of both? Her father passed this year after a stressful illness (mom had already gone), so I feel as though I mainly have gotten to know her through a time when she isn’t really “herself” - basically her hobbies as I know them are her dogs and decorating the house. I want to try to do something special for her, and do know her well enough to know she’d be touched by the effort even if I missed the mark.

Dog toys, a picture frame with her dog, a gift card to a local restaurant or a boutique.

I’d like this but nothing is necessary. I’d rather you save your money.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Tell us more about what she is like, what her hobbies are, are you looking for stocking stuffer ideas or larger gifts. What’s your budget?

A little bit of both? Her father passed this year after a stressful illness (mom had already gone), so I feel as though I mainly have gotten to know her through a time when she isn’t really “herself” - basically her hobbies as I know them are her dogs and decorating the house. I want to try to do something special for her, and do know her well enough to know she’d be touched by the effort even if I missed the mark.

You are a good person. Please don't listen to all the posters saying this is your husband's job. Daughers-in-law are allowed to and should establish relationships with their mothers-in-law independent of the husband/son.

I always did for my mil. I took care of her when she needed it. I honestly love giving gifts but don’t need anything so the thought is what’s important. Just a visit. Maybe flowers from the grocery store.