My ILs don’t like luxurious items, but MIL loves candy. I put together a basket of Trader Joe treats. Some of it is too exotic for her, but she just passes those on.

My suggestion: drop this ball

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t buy gifts for my in-laws.

The best answer in this thread. This is the way. Forget the damn gift exchange - no adult needs anything.

Agree!

Mine love a photo calendar with family photos from the past year.

I got a word jumble blanket from uncommon goods for my mom last year—you put in the words/names you want to see on the blanket, and select one to be “circled”. It’s cute. I chose to add names of people/places important to her my dad, who passed away a couple years ago. She likes it and uses it a lot.

Mine love kitchsy personalized stuff - photo ornaments, personalized golf balls, etc. Easy to shop for!

The only time we exchange gifts with my in laws is when we're actually in person. Same goes for this direction - they don't buy presents for my husband or me, they focus on the grandkids. This is perfect for me!

Anonymous wrote:I fully respect the warriors fighting against the gift culture and dropping the rope with their DHs, you are all deeply right.

But maybe that could be a different thread because all I want for Christmas this year is the right $40 candle or whatever to keep the peace and let me get back home to my life with minimal conflict.

As one of those anti-gift warriors (though not on this thread), I giggled at this well written response.

I find they always appreciate photo gifts with the grandkids and there are endless choices. That works for if they are anywhere from poor to wealthy. You could get a gift certificate to a favorite restaurant, but if they are upper middle class to wealthy-no need, they could just lose it and it won't be appreciated.

I do something personal from DD usually. Picture frame she decorated with a picture of her and them inside it.
One of those stepping stone kit things where she designs the stones….. stuff like that.

I fully respect the warriors fighting against the gift culture and dropping the rope with their DHs, you are all deeply right.

But maybe that could be a different thread because all I want for Christmas this year is the right $40 candle or whatever to keep the peace and let me get back home to my life with minimal conflict.