35 Gifts for Your In-Laws That'll Earn You Major Brownie Points
It doesn't matter if you're new to the family or you've celebrated holidays together for years: Finding suitable gifts for your in-laws can be challenging. Before you give into the temptation of getting them a gift card (again), allow us to help. Choosing gifts for your significant other's parents doesn't have to be a chore, and with the right tools and advice (i.e. our carefully curated gift guide), it can even be fun.
First, consider practical gift ideas for your in-laws that fulfill a need (like a seasonal serving tray for the holidays or something handy for their garden.) They'll think of you whenever they use it. Personalized presents for your in-laws are also a strong contender, especially if they already have everything they need. After all, who wouldn't feel special receiving a beautiful throw embroidered with their family name? Finally, if you already know your parents-in-law pretty well, you can take inspiration from their hobbies and interests. From customized poetry books to interactive puzzles, there's something for everyone on our list. Wondering what to get your in-laws for Christmas, Hanukkah or another holiday? Shop our favorite gifts for parents-in-law below. (Psst: Don't forget to wrap your present for the perfect finishing touch.)
1. Coffee From Around The World
If your in-laws always start the day with a fresh brew, they'll love this subscription gift from Atlas Coffee Club. Every month, they'll have coffee (beans, grounds or pods) delivered right to their doorstep. Each batch includes gourmet coffee from around the world, along with tasting notes and a postcard from the country of origin. It's a simple yet thoughtful gift for your in-laws for Christmas, their anniversary or any other occasion.
2. A Swivel Cheese Board
This swiveling cheese board is a good gift for in-laws who make a mean charcuterie spread. It's made from high-quality bamboo and comes with two or three cheese knives and forks, depending on the size you choose. Better yet, it converts from a multi-tiered wheel into a wedge shape for easy storage. Seal the deal by having it engraved with your parents-in-law's monogram.
3. A Personalized Throw Blanket
Wondering what to get your in-laws for the holidays or their anniversary? Elevate their home, and nights on the sofa, with this cozy plaid blanket. It's made in Italy and can be embroidered with their family monogram or initials for a personal touch. Don't be surprised if they toss all their other blankets after receiving this lovely gift.
4. A Holiday-Themed Bottle of Wine
Sometimes, a small gift for your in-laws is more than enough. If they enjoy drinking wine, surprise them with a festive bottle from Mano's Wine. The bottle is etched with a colorful illustration of the nutcracker, while the wine inside is a full-bodied cabernet sauvignon. Once they've finished drinking it, they can repurpose the bottle as a Christmas candle holder. Not looking for holiday gifts? A wide range of personalized anniversary bottles is also available.
5. A Really Cool Gardening Accessory
Whether they spend lots of time nurturing their garden or take regular trips to the farmer's market, this harvest basket is a great gift for your in-laws. It's ideal for collecting produce and can be used to hose down fruit and veg outside without messing up the kitchen sink. Have it personalized with their names or a short message for a thoughtful touch.
6. A Way to Display All Their Favorite Photos
A picture frame is a nice present for your in-laws, especially if you fill it with a meaningful snapshot of the family. The only problem is trying to decide on just one photo. This digital frame solves that problem by allowing users to view their favorite photos in a loop, so everyone gets their chance to shine. Bonus: You can load it with images and connect it to your in-laws' WiFi, which is great (especially if they aren't exactly tech-savvy.)
7. A Charcuterie Board They Can Share
Don't show up to Christmas dinner empty-handed. Boarderie will put together a tasty charcuterie board for your in-laws, even if you're shopping at the last minute. (Thank you, free overnight shipping.) The chef-made spread boasts 17 different kinds of artisanal cheeses, meats, dried fruits, nuts, chocolates, olives and crackers, all presented on an acacia serving board with bamboo cutlery. Choose between a small, medium or large size, which can serve up to 10 people.
8. Their Name in a Snowflake Ornament
Ornaments are classic Christmas gifts for your in-laws and this one deserves a particularly special place on their tree. The wooden snowflake hides their family name in the intricate design, so they'll likely do a double-take when they unwrap it. Looking for individual gifts for your mother-in-law and father-in-law? Grab a pair displaying their first names instead.
9. A Candle to Wish Them Well
The holidays are the perfect time to send your in-laws peace, love and happiness for the year ahead. Birthdate Candles offers a really unique way to do just that, with their selection of customizable wish candles. Made from coconut and soy wax, each one is embedded with a crystal to help them manifest their dreams. You can also add their names to the front label for a personal touch.
10. A Pillow Featuring Their Furry Friend
Need a creative gift idea for in-laws with a favorite pet? This decorative pillow checks all the right boxes. It features a custom illustration of their pet, with a background that can be edited to make their furry friend look like a superhero or a member of royalty. It's a really funny gift even the dog or cat will love… assuming they're allowed on the couch.
11. New Knowledge At Their Fingertips
Virtual gifts are a popular option, especially if you're shopping for parents-in-law who have everything. MasterClass is an online streaming platform that provides users with access to hundreds of classes led by the world's top experts in their fields, like cooking lessons from Gordon Ramsay or tennis tips from Serena Williams. It's an especially thoughtful gift for in-laws who are retired or have time to learn something new.
12. Seasonal Serveware for the Holidays
Whether your in-laws live up the mountains or just wish for snow every year, they'll love this festive serving set. The wintry scene on the coasters and tray feels delightfully nostalgic and can be personalized with their family name. You can also add a specific location, like their home or a favorite holiday vacation spot.
13. An Unforgettable Experience Voucher
Hip, hip hooray for Christmas vacation! Treat your traveling-loving in-laws with this cool experiential gift from Tinggly. The "Merry Christmas" gift voucher is valued at $139 and can be put toward one of 13,000 adventures from around the world. From chocolate tasting tours in Belgium to surfing lessons in Australia, the possibilities are endless. There are also plenty of options available in the US if they prefer to vacation closer to home. Bonus: The gift voucher won't expire, so they don't have to book a trip right away to use it.
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14. Insulated Drinkware to Enjoy Wine Outdoors
Sometimes, the best gifts for your in-laws are the most practical ones. If they're partial to sharing a bottle of wine (or a hot toddy) outdoors, this insulated drinkware will solve all their temperature problems. The 25-ounce canteen can hold an entire bottle of wine and keep their drink of choice at an ideal temperature for up to 24 hours. Team it with a pair of wine tumblers so they can toast to the holidays (and your good taste) right away.
15. Monogrammed Stemless Wine Glasses
Not all holiday present ideas for in-laws have to be expensive. Whether you're shopping on a budget or typically exchange small gifts, these stemless wine glasses are a great idea. They're decorated with a festive plaid design and can be personalized with their names and initials. Even if they're not wine drinkers, they can use them to serve other beverages like eggnog or Irish cream.
16. A Fun Recipe Subscription
Coming up with different meal ideas can get challenging as the years go by. This subscription gift for your in-laws is a good way to inspire creativity in the kitchen and brush up their history knowledge. Each month, they'll receive a replica of a historic recipe from renowned figures like Rosa Parks and George Washington. They'll also get context pages that dive into the writer's history and the story behind the recipe.
17. A Delicious Fruity Dessert
If you're always left in charge of dessert, this edible gift set will ensure dinner with the in-laws ends on a sweet note. The simple (yet delicious) combination of pears, apples and caramel sauce is easy to prepare, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time catching up with your parents-in-law. Even if you're not dining together over the holidays, you can send this their way for a thoughtful surprise.
18. Gourmet Olive Oil and Vinegar
Still wondering what to get your in-laws for Christmas or another occasion? Brightland's Mini Essentials gift is the definition of good things in small packages. It includes two bottles of their famous extra virgin olive oil and two bottles of their equally beloved fruit-infused vinegar. Whether they drizzle it over pasta or as a dip for bread, it'll make the simplest meal taste better.
19. A Piece of Sentimental Wall Art
Help your in-laws update their living space with a personalized piece of wall art. This printed canvas features the sheet music and lyrics from a song of your choice, making it a seriously unique gift idea. Choose something that's important to them (like their first dance song) for the sweetest anniversary gift for your in-laws.
20. A Symbol of Your Family Ties
Looking for something sentimental? These colorful globes are made from recycled glass and each one symbolizes a special relationship. There's an ornament to honor motherhood, fatherhood or just family in general. It's a stunning piece they can display all year round, meaning it's not just a great Christmas gift for your in-laws. Add the wrought iron stand to your cart before checkout for a display-ready gift.
21. An Indoor Smart Garden
If your in-laws had one wish, it'd be for their garden to grow all year long. Unfortunately, the first frost always comes and then they're back to the grocery store for produce. Solve that problem by giving them a Click & Grow indoor smart garden for the holidays. It automates plant care—like light, water and nutrient levels—allowing them to grow fruits, veggies and herbs from the comfort of their kitchen. Cool, right?
22. Essential Spices for Home Chefs
Stock their pantry with all the spices they could ever need to make healthy, salt-free meals. Whether they're following a specific diet or just trying to reduce their sodium intake, these aromatic blends will add some zing to their plate. This deluxe collection includes eight salt-free seasonings, like Cajun spice, citrus pepper, Parisian shallots and more.
23. An Endlessly Customizable Doormat
Instead of storing half a dozen doormats in the attic to decorate their porch for every holiday, your in-laws will only need this one. The mat is completely customizable and is constructed from removable hexagon tiles that can be rearranged to make different patterns. It's a fun (and practical) gift for in-laws who are creative and like decorating their home.
24. A Game the Whole Family Can Enjoy
Planning to spend the holidays with your in-laws? Keep everyone entertained with a fun scavenger hunt. Perfect for kids and adults alike, it'll provide the perfect opportunity for the whole family to bond. The kit includes 10 envelopes, 10 printed clue cards, 10 gold wax seal stickers, one customizable golden ticket (for the winner) and step-by-step instructions. It also comes with five blank clue cards you can use to customize the game to your liking.
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25. A Decadent Gift Basket
A food basket is one of the most versatile gifts for in-laws for any occasion (think: Hanukkah, Christmas, the Lunar New Year or as a thank-you gift.) This one contains six sweet and salty snacks expertly curated by the foodies at Bite Society. Bonus: Everything comes in colorful packaging which can be reused as storage.
26. A Personalized Book of Poetry
Here's a gift idea your in-laws will (literally) wax poetic about. This personalized book is filled with poems inspired by themes like love, laughter, family and friendship. There's even an option to write your own personal dedication inside to fit the holiday or occasion you're celebrating. Choose from over 100 verses for a sentimental parent-in-law gift they'll proudly display on their coffee table.
27. A Retro Record Player
Music just sounds better on vinyl—and by agreeing with that statement, you're already a beloved addition to the family. Take it up a notch by gifting your in-laws this retro record player for the holidays or their anniversary. It also has Bluetooth connectivity, so they can stream their favorite holiday music playlist from a smart device too.
28. An Intriguing Murder Mystery Puzzle
Do your parents-in-law enjoy solving mysteries? Help them flex their detective skills with this murder mystery puzzle. They'll get to spend hours working out clues and uncovering suspects to crack the crime and ultimately complete the 500-piece jigsaw. It's the perfect holiday gift for in-laws who love puzzles or relaxing indoor activities.
29. A Candle That Comes in a Holiday Cracker
Here's one of our favorite holiday present ideas for in-laws: a scented candle wrapped up in a Christmas cracker. This novelty gift is sure to draw plenty of compliments when you whip it out at the dinner table. The candle inside comes in a festive tin and gives off a festive fragrance of sandalwood vanilla when lit. It's so much better than a paper hat and a cheesy joke.
30. Personalized Playing Cards for Games Night
If your in-laws are hosting over the holidays (or at any time of the year), why not choose a gift they can put to use immediately? This set of personalized playing cards is perfect for games night with friends, family or anyone else sitting at the table. It features a retro campervan against a plaid background and can be customized with their family name for a personal touch.
31. A Coffee and Chocolate Tasting Kit
Great Christmas present ideas for in-laws don't stop here. This coffee and chocolate tasting kit is the perfect gift for anyone who likes their brew with something sweet. It includes 12 hand-painted gourmet chocolates and three coffee drip samples with notes of dark chocolate, honey and berries. Everything is beautifully packaged, so you can skip the gift-wrapping altogether.
32. A Personalized Flower Pot
Sometimes the best Christmas gift for your parents-in-law is something they can appreciate all year round. This personalized flower pot is the kind of practical present that they can put in the garden or on their front porch. Available in red or purple, it comes printed with the message "Love grows here" on the front, with space for their names (and other family members) on the rim.
33. A Sweet Base for Mocktails
We stand by the fact that edible (and drinkable) gifts are great gestures. But if your in-laws don't drink alcohol, you may be wondering what kind of celebratory beverage to get them. This is where Ritual Zero Proof's range of alcohol-free "spirits" comes in. Their tequila alternative makes a great base for a variety of mocktails, from margaritas to Mexican mules.
34. A Binder for their Family Recipes
The secret to finding the best gifts for your in-laws? Pay them a compliment with your present of choice. If they pride themselves on their home cooking, give them somewhere to store their treasured family recipes. This wooden binder is engraved with food-inspired motifs and can be customized with their names on the front. Choose from a variety of paper for the recipes pages so they jot down everything inside.
35. Hot Chocolate for the Holidays
Edible gifts are a foolproof idea no matter who you're shopping for, and nothing is more enjoyable during the winter season than sipping on hot cocoa. Delight your in-laws with this set featuring a tin of hot chocolate, snowflake-shaped marshmallows and a milk frother so they can create a rich foam on top. It also includes a pair of adorable mugs—one shaped like a fox, while the other looks like a gnome. Too cute!
Our team received [some of] these products as promotional samples in exchange for editorial consideration and independent review.