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.

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.

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

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 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 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 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.

OP you sound like an extremely thoughtful and kind person.

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

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

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").

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

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).