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60 Best Gifts for Every Kind of Mother-in-Law

She'll love these unique, thoughtful and luxury finds.

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mother in law gifts

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Searching for the perfect gift for your mother-in-law can feel a little, well, intimidating whether you're already close or just getting to know her. She likely already has everything she needs and might even say she doesn't "want" anything new, but it's still important to find a present that makes her feel special. She is, after all, one of the most important women in your partner's life. To help you track down an appropriate option, we've compiled the best mother-in-law gifts for any and every occasion.

No matter if it's her birthday, wedding anniversary or Mother's Day (it's never too early to start planning), we've got you covered. Our guide has a ton of thoughtful, luxury and affordable options under $20 ― most of which will ship quickly if you're hunting for a last-minute gift. Think everything from houseplants and chic home decor to trendy jewelry and fashion accessories. If you two are super close, you'll find a few personalized gift ideas along with top gifts for women our readers can't get enough of. There are sweet presents for grandma, the bonus mom in need of self-care and plenty of small, meaningful gifts that won't break the bank. And, of course, you'll find a wide range of Amazon gifts to put a smile on her face.

Regardless of what you choose, we're confident she'll be delighted. Just be sure to keep her hobbies and interests in mind as you browse!

1
Unique Gift Idea

Candle Warmer Lamp

Amazon’s Choice
Candle Warmer Lamp

If she loves burning candles, this sleek candle warmer provides all the benefits without the dreaded burning smell. She can adjust the bulb brightness and use it as a lamp, too. Hint: Pair this gift with a best-smelling candle, so she'll want to use it right away.

RELATED: Best Candle Warmers for a Cozy Feel Without the Flame

2
Beauty Gift for Mother-in-Law

Miracle Balm

Miracle Balm

If she's a fan of the "no-makeup makeup" trend, this miracle balm provides natural yet glowy results. According to Good Housekeeping editors, the product feels hydrating and gives a dewy, buildable coverage.

RELATED: We Tried It: Jones Road Beauty's New Miracle Balm

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3

Petite Meyer Lemon Tree

Petite Meyer Lemon Tree

Sure, flowers are nice, but if you really want to make an impression, go with this petite lemon tree. To her delight, it will begin to produce within 1–2 seasons.

4

Birth Month Flower Heart Necklace

Birth Month Flower Heart Necklace
Credit: Uncommon Goods

This birth month flower necklace is a fantastic look for all ages. Made of high-quality resin with dried flowers, our editor owns one that she wears almost daily.

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5
Personalized Gift Under $20

Initial Canvas Tote Bag

On Sale
Initial Canvas Tote Bag

This high-quality canvas tote bag, which has more than 11,000 ratings on Amazon, is the perfect addition to her everyday wardrobe. It's personalized with her initial and is ideal for grocery shopping, a day of retail therapy or a fun picnic in the park.

6
Perfect For Mother's Day

Butterfly Suncatcher

On Sale
Butterfly Suncatcher

She won't be able to get enough of this gorgeous butterfly suncatcher that's created especially for mother-in-laws. It's filled with real preserved flowers and one Amazon buyer said they love "how unique and special it is."

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7
Funny Mother-in-Law Gift

Daughter-in-Law T-Shirt

Daughter-in-Law T-Shirt

This punny cotton tee is a gift for both of you since you're her new favorite. It's unisex and available in 10 flattering colors, from understated black to bold hues like red and purple.

8
Personalized Mother-in-Law Gift

Personalized Jewelry Box

Personalized Jewelry Box

Customized jewelry boxes have been a hit with Good Housekeeping readers this year and we predict they'll continue to sell. This faux-leather version has slots for rings, dividers and necklace hooks to keep her favorite pieces organized while she travels.

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9

Solar Garden Cat Statue

On Sale
Solar Garden Cat Statue

If she's the type to spend hours in her garden, there's no better gift than this solar cat statue. It will charge in the sun during the day to create beautiful lighting at night and you'll score bonus points if she's also a cat mom!

10

Wind Chimes

Wind Chimes

We promise she'll be obsessing over these gorgeous butterfly wind chimes. With a rose gold finish, aluminum tubes and brass bells, one Amazon reviewer said the "music from the chimes is light and peaceful."

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11
Looks Like a Luxury Gift

Dark Berries & Bergamot Scented Candle

2-Day Shipping!
Dark Berries & Bergamot Scented Candle

When in doubt, gift her a scented candle that doubles as home decor. This 19.4-ounce pick features an embossed daisy pattern and a crackling wood wick that burns for about 90 hours.

12

Rechargeable Hand Warmer

Rechargeable Hand Warmer

With this nifty device, her days of complaining about cold hands will be over. This rechargeable warmer will keep them toasty for up to four hours. Plus, she can easily take it on the go.

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13

Pop Up Card

Best Seller
Pop Up Card

She'll be telling her friends all about this bouquet card, which is beautifully crafted of paper. It's incredibly realistic and can be displayed all year.

14
Gift Under $15

Pearl Bracelet

Pearl Bracelet

She'll never guess that this elegant bracelet features artificial pearls. Made of stainless steel, it's complete with a box chain and a lobster claw clasp, making it easy to take on and off.

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15

Acrylic Paperweight

On Sale
Acrylic Paperweight

Here's a gift that toes the lie between practical and sentimental. She can put it to good use as a paperweight and the sweet message is bound to make her cry.

16

Mother-in-Law Wood Plaque

Mother-in-Law Wood Plaque

The simplicity of this wood plaque is part of what makes it such a great gift. While it has a wooden stand to keep it upright, the decorating options are endless if she hangs it on the wall.

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17

2024 Wall Calendar

Editor’s Choice
2024 Wall Calendar

Help her keep track of appointments, vacations and loved one's birthdays with this lively wall calendar. Every month is illustrated with beautiful blooms, plus there's plenty of space to jot down daily engagements and notes along the side. Our suggestion? Pair it with Rifle Paper Co.'s planner sticker set.

18
JUST A LITTLE SOMETHING

Hoya Kerrii Variegated

Hoya Kerrii Variegated

Say "we love you" in a subtle but sweet way with a heart-shaped succulent that's easy to maintain. This beauty prefers bright, indirect light and will need to be watered only once the soil has fully dried.

RELATED: 24 Best Indoor Plants to Brighten up Every Room

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19

Small Leather Wallet

Small Leather Wallet

Small but spacious, this leather wallet features RFID blocking, along with eight card slots and a spot for her bills. The well-rated wallet is available in tons of colors, so you can find her favorite.

20
For the Grandmother of Your Kids

I Love Grandma This Much

I Love Grandma This Much

For your mother-in-law whose also known as "grandma" to your kids, this personalized book will show her how much she's loved by the whole family. Customize the story with grandma's name, add up to four children's names and write your own dedication.

Headshot of Cailey Lindberg
Cailey Lindberg
Commerce Editor, Gifts & Lifestyle

Cailey Lindberg (she/her) is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience covering products, lifestyle, entertainment and food. Before joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, she was a staff writer at USA Today's shopping network, Reviewed.com. 

Headshot of Alyssa Gautieri
Alyssa Gautieri
Associate Lifestyle Editor

Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.

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