Luxury Gifts for Your Mother-in-Law
Your mother-in-law is likely to be a key figure in your life, if the TV and media are to be believed, sometimes the mother-in-law relationship can be fraught or strained. But quite often she is the one who welcomes you into her family with open arms, giving advice and support. She is responsible for your partner's upbringing, showering them with her wisdom, love, and cherished traditions. Therefore when it comes time to give her a gift it's only fitting to honour your mother-in-law with something luxurious and appealing.
49% of consumers plan to spend more on gifts for their in-laws compared to previous years. - Retail Me Not
Getting a gift for your mother-in-law requires careful thought and consideration. In-law gifts, in general, have become more popular in recent years and gifts created or designed with the mother-in-law in mind have increased dramatically. Sons and daughters-in-law frequently buy gifts for their mother-in-law for all kinds of occasions as it is a great way to show love and respect. A gift to your mother-in-law accepts her presence in your family and is a great way to show her that she is welcome and appreciated.
Finding the Right Gift for Your Mother-in-law
Sourcing a suitable mother-in-law gift can sometimes pose a bit of a challenge. As a woman of older years, she likely has refined tastes and high standards. You will want to get a gift that leaves a lasting impression and conveys your love and admiration, but buying just the right gift for someone from a different generation can be problematic. Even if well-intended, the fact is that some gifts should be avoided for fear of causing insult or offence to your mother-in-law.
To play it safe, luxury gifts and traditional items usually work best as they run much less risk of upsetting your mother-in-law or hurting her feelings. Unless you know your mother-in-law's sense of humour very well, things like gag or joke gifts tend not to be well received, and anything that could be perceived as having a double meaning is best avoided. The old adage says that if you have to explain a joke then it's not funny. You don’t want to be left red-faced with embarrassment or explaining a ‘joke’ that your mother-in-law simply didn’t understand.
To help you stay on the right side of your mother-in-law we have compiled a list of suitable gift ideas for your family’s matriarchal figure.
Mother-in-law Gifts for Birthdays and Christmas
There is growing recognition of the role mothers-in-law play in our lives and traditionally in some families, she is a significant figure. Annual celebrations like birthdays and Christmas offer excellent opportunities to get your mother-in-law a thoughtful and luxurious present. By observing and paying close attention, it should be relatively easy to determine the type of gifts your mother-in-law likes.
If your mother-in-law favours luxury gifts that reflect her style and wardrobe, there are plenty of options for her. Select a luxury gift from traditional options like jewellery, personalised leather goods, and fine wines. They are usually well-received, and making a present personal with an engraved date or message will make your luxury gift even more unique and memorable. Even if an item has a practical purpose it doesn't have to be boring. If your mother-in-law is a jewellery wearer, design an Antique Jewellery Box that’s made just for her and decorate it with her name or initials to create a luxury storage container. Or give her a personalised Leather Diary where she can save all her special dates and keep important family events noted in style.
Significant Mother-in-Law Dates
There will be milestones and events in your mother-in-law's life that should be celebrated. Perhaps she is planning to retire, or maybe she is about to become a grandmother again. Whatever the occasion, take the opportunity to celebrate these special dates with your mother-in-law and find a gift that captures the spirit of the occasion.
Whether it is a special anniversary, a new birth in the family or any other momentous day, capture the memories with a gift like a personalised Photo Frame and display an image or multiple images of the day. This creates a keepsake that your mother-in-law can cherish and it will be a heartfelt reminder of the special day.
If your mother-in-law is celebrating a milestone marriage anniversary, like a Golden Wedding it's the perfect chance to commemorate the long-lasting vows and life she has shared. Maybe your mother-in-law is celebrating the birth of a new grandchild. If so then help her celebrate with luxury crystal wine or drinks glasses and toast the new arrival.
What Not to Buy Your Mother-in-law
While the focus is often on finding an appropriate luxury gift for your mother-in-law you will also want to avoid getting her a completely wrong gift, or even worse, one that upsets or offends her. Wounding your mother-in-law's feelings isn’t helpful, especially if you are trying to build a positive relationship with her, so some gifts should be given a wide berth.
Here are some things you should avoid buying for your mother-in-law:
Household Appliances and Cleaning Supplies
Unless her vacuum cleaner recently broke or she has specifically requested a new one, things like household cleaning items are not the best choice. Buying brooms, cleaning appliances, or cleaning products can be offensive. It plays into outdated stereotypes about a woman's "duties" in the home. It could also imply that you think her house is dirty and be perceived as a judgement on their cleanliness. These items will not send a positive message to your mother-in-law so skip the iron, duster, or dish soap at all costs.
Alternative suggestion: Personalised Scented Candle
Clothes and Makeup
Your mother-in-law may be a high-end fashionista or she could be a bit lacking in the style department. Either way, buying clothes or makeup assumes you know her tastes and garment sizes better than she does. It may even give the impression that her clothing is outdated or inappropriate. The items that people choose to wear are highly personal and are tricky to gift unless you are extremely close to your mother-in-law and understand her style preferences really, well.
Alternative suggestion: Initialled Copper Bangle
Dieting or Weight Loss Products
Most women are sensitive about their weight and you can be sure that your mother-in-law is no exception. You may think that your gift is considerate and thoughtful, but anything related to dieting, weight loss supplements, or gym memberships is a major no-no. It can be seen as incredibly rude, judgemental, and body-shaming. This type of gift will likely cause major o ence so steer clear of this type of gift unless you’re looking for a family rift.
Alternative suggestion: Pot-bellied Tea-pot
Sentimental and Nostalgic Mother-in-Law Gifts
Sometimes, the most meaningful gifts are those that tap into nostalgia and memories of your family. Create a new heirloom by putting a modern twist on old memories using modern and contemporary images and prints from family days out or gatherings. Personalised Wall Art features images and frames of all different colours and styles to create a stylish and original piece that your mother-in-law can display in her home.
If your mother-in-law likes to write or keep a journal, help her to do it in style and give her a place to record her ideas and recollections in a Hugo Boss Notebook with Engraved Pen. Choose from different colours and make a practical and luxurious mother-in-law gift that she can use to write favourite verses or document special times.
Personalise for a Truly Luxurious Gift
To make your mother-in-law feel loved and extra special there is no better way than getting her a gift that is personalised with her name or a personal message. To make a gift she can wear and use, watches make the ideal present and a sleek Designer Watch with her name or initials added is something she can easily pair with an outfit or wear on important nights out.
An elegant bracelet also makes a luxury gift for your mother-in-law and our Ruby Forget Me Not Bracelet features a single gemstone, silver charms, and a simple initial tag for a classic and understated look. It’s versatile enough that your mother-in-law could wear it to the office, or out on a special occasion.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right gift for your mother-in-law is a way to show her that she is part of the family and include her in your ongoing traditions. Whether your mother-in-law's gift is for an annual event, or to celebrate a milestone, the key is to make it luxurious, personal, and meaningful to show your mother-in-law how loved and appreciated she is.
Customising your gifts can convert ordinary items into a lavish and indulgent present and a thoughtful, opulent gift will have a big impact. Your mother-in-law will be left feeling cherished and reminded of the respect and admiration you hold for her, and your generous gifts will act as a constant reminder.