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Updated Oct 14, 2024Show Your MIL Some Love With These Happy Mother's Day Messages for Mothers-in-Law
Add these to your thoughtfully written card.
Photo: Getty Images | Design: Tiana Crispino
Wondering how to tell your mother-in-law just how much you love her? Mother's Day is the perfect opportunity to show your heartfelt appreciation. While finding an appropriate card is pretty straightforward, figuring out how to say "Happy Mother's Day" to your mother-in-law can be a little trickier. Luckily, we've compiled a list of heartfelt, funny, sweet and inspiring sentiments to help you find the words—even if they don't come so naturally.
No matter how well you get along with your mother-in-law, a little reminder of your gratitude and affection can go a long way. If you're ready to flex your wordsmithing skills, grab a pen and check out these Happy Mother's Day MIL messages below.
In this article:
- What to Write in Your Mother-in-Law's Mother's Day Card
- Sweet Mother's Day Wishes for Your Mother-in-Law
- Funny Mother's Day Wishes for Your Mother-in-Law
- Cute Mother's Day Quotes for Your Mother-in-Law
- Happy Mother's Day Messages From Daughters-in-Law
- Happy Mother's Day Messages From Sons-in-Law
- Example Mother's Day Poem for Your Mother-in-Law
- Happy Mother's Day Wishes for a Future MIL
What to Write in Your Mother-in-Law's Mother's Day Card
Once you've found the perfect gift for your mother-in-law, it's time to write a card. But where do you start with Mother's Day wishes to your mother-in-law? First, determine if she's one for funny notes or if sweet and sentimental is more her love language. Your gut instinct is usually right on target—but if you're still in doubt, you can always re-read a card she gave you on a special day (like your wedding day or bridal shower, perhaps) for insight.
If she waxed poetic on how you've made her child the happiest in the world, feel free to do the same with a passage that celebrates her prowess as a mama (who did such a great job raising your other half). Maybe she penned a message about the future, in which case you can return the favor with Mother's Day well-wishes that speak of all the good times yet to come. Finally, if she praised you for putting up with her kiddo's quirks, you've got the green light to take a more humorous approach by referencing one of your partner's funny habits in your prose.
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Sweet Mother's Day Wishes for Your Mother-in-Law
Design: Tiana Crispino
If you always end up dropping the "in-law" part of her title (no matter what you call your MIL), you have a very special bond to celebrate on Mother's Day. These thoughtful and heartwarming turns of phrase will say, "Happy Mother's Day, mother-in-law" in a way that'll truly touch her heart.
- On a day we celebrate the most amazing moms, I'm thrilled to call you one of mine.
- Of course you'll say that any day is great as long as it's spent with your kids, but this one is all yours—so we're at your service to make it the best!
- No one deserves a better Mother's Day than you do. We hope it's wonderful!
- Thank you for raising my best friend—I'll always be grateful for the person you helped them become.
- Happy Mother's Day. We're so thankful for you and all you do, today and every day.
- From the first day we were introduced, I knew we would get along. Your kindness and warmth made me feel like one of the family, so thanks for that!
- Thank you for being the most incredible MIL that anyone could ever ask for.
- We wanted to let you know just how blessed we feel to have you in our lives. Have the best Mother's Day ever!
- It's hard to put into words just how much we adore you—but we do! Sending all our love to you on Mother's Day.
- You have the biggest heart and are always caring for others—now, let us look after you this Mother's Day!
Funny Mother's Day Wishes for Your Mother-in-Law
Do you and your mother-in-law have a similar sense of humor? If you're lucky enough to share a few inside jokes with her, these funny Mother's Day messages for your mother-in-law will make her chuckle. Who knows? They may be just the thing to cement your status as her favorite child-in-law! (Just kidding, you probably already are).
- Instead of brunch and mimosas for your special day, we brought guac and margs. Cheers to the very best mother-in-law, we love you!
- Happy Mother's Day, mother-in-law. Nope, that sounds weird. HMD, Mom!
- To my reality TV-obsessed MIL, you give Kris Jenner energy on the regular.
- I really wanted to impress you with my wit and literary skills, but all I've got is letters. HMD MIL!
- How do you put up with me?! There's no way I'll be half as nice to my kiddo's future forever love. Happy Mother's Day to a one-of-a-kind mama.
- I know you probably want to spend this day with your actual kids, but thanks for letting me hang!
- May your Mother's Day be filled with love, peace and lots of gin.
- Thanks for passing on your problem child to me—now I know why you were so happy to meet me! Just kidding, have a great Mother's Day.
- Happy Mother's Day to a mother-in-law I actually want to spend time with.
- Mother's Day only comes around once a year, so make sure you MIL-k it for all it's worth!
Cute Mother's Day Quotes for Your Mother-in-Law
Still wondering what to say to your mother-in-law on Mother's Day? Instead of trying to come up with something new, let a thoughtful quote do the talking for you. There are so many meaningful Mother's Day sayings out there from historical figures, literature, film and more. Find our favorite Mother's Day quotes for a mother-in-law below.
- "A mother gives you a life, a mother-in-law gives you her life." — Amit Kalantri
- "God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers." — Rudyard Kipling
- "Once blessed with a wonderful mother; twice blessed with my mother-in-law." — Danielle Carson
- "The mother-in-law is the center of a family." — Les Dawson
- "It's not easy being a mother. If it were easy, fathers would do it." —Dorothy, The Golden Girls
- "She taught me what's important, and what isn't. And I've never forgotten. And that's what mothers do, I say." ― Steven Herrick, A Place Like This
- "I have never appreciated my mom and mother-in-law as much as I do now. It's just very comforting to have them around." — Heather Rae El Moussa
- "Mothers are all slightly insane." — J.D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye
- "All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother." — Abraham Lincoln
- "My mother-in-law you may be, but a friend in you I'll always see." — Unknown
Happy Mother's Day Messages From Daughters-in-Law
Design: Tiana Crispino
Whether you're just starting to build a relationship with your mother-in-law (now that you're officially part of the fam) or have been getting close for years, you'll definitely grab her attention with these gracious and heartfelt inscriptions.
- I must have done something right to land [partner's name] and you. Hope that never changes.
- My mom is a hard act to follow, but you've truly become a second one to me. Happy Mother's Day!
- Don't know how I ever could have worried about joining this family—you've made me feel at home from the get-go! HMD to an iconic matriarch.
- I'm one lucky daughter to have you as my MIL. I love you!
- I'll let [partner's name] toast you first, but then it's my turn. Have a terrific time today, mother-in-law!
Happy Mother's Day Messages From Sons-in-Law
Getting sentimental is one way to thank your sweet mother-in-law, but you don't have to wear your heart on your sleeve to win her over. Keep things simple (and perhaps throw in a compliment or two), and you've got the perfect message for your spouse's mama. If you're a son-in-law thinking of what to write in a mother-in-law Mother's Day card, check out these ideas for inspo.
- I lucked out with you as a mother-in-law and I don't say that often enough. So, Happy Mother's Day, Mom. Enjoy it!
- Your son/daughter/child is everything and more to me—thank you for your role in raising them.
- I know you'd be happy to go out for the day, but how about dinner here? I've already planned the menu and [partner's name] helped make it perfect.
- My mom made great pancakes while we were growing up, but to be honest, I like yours better (shhh). Happy Mother's Day to the mom who keeps me well fed.
- [Partner's name] is a phenomenal mother and clearly she learned from the best. Happy Mother's Day to you from us and your equally grateful grandkids!
Example Mother's Day Poem for Your Mother-in-Law
If you really want to pull out all the stops this year, how about writing her a mother-in-law poem for Mother's Day? It's a really thoughtful way to express your gratitude, and it doesn't have to be overly complicated. We've composed an example of a Mother's Day Poem for a MIL to help you get started.
Mother's Day comes just once a year,
And we are so lucky to have you here.
For a mother-in-law as special as you,
We want to say thanks for all that you do.
Today is our chance to send love your way,
And we hope you feel cherished on this Mother's Day.
Happy Mother's Day Wishes for a Future MIL
Design: Tiana Crispino
You may find yourself saying "mom" with little to no hesitation after you've been married for a few years. But until you reach that comfortable threshold, it's totally okay to swap mushy tidings for something sweet and simple instead. Here are our favorite Happy Mother's Day wishes for a future MIL.
- I'm honored to have gotten to know you since [partner's name] and I got engaged and you're an amazing mom. Happy Mother's Day!
- Great moms aren't a guarantee, but [partner's name] and I got lucky. Treat yourself today, please?
- I hope your Mother's Day is one for the books. I booked you some time at the spa to commemorate the occasion!
- Excited to celebrate you today—and many more Mother's Days to come!
- You've been a major help with all of our wedding plans, so take today off—seriously. Happy Mother's Day future MIL!
- Next year, you'll officially be my mother-in-law, and I honestly can't wait!
- I'll always remember how excited you were when [partner's name] and I got engaged. It meant a lot then, and it still does today. Happy Mother's Day.
- The future looks bright—having you as my MIL is going to be awesome!
- Sending you hugs and kisses on this Mother's Day and all the ones yet to come.
- To my mother-in-law in the making, I hope this Mother's Day brings all the lovely things you deserve.
