When it came to buying a gift for my parents-in-law, I really wanted to get something that was nice but was something they could actually use. I can still recall the first conversation we had about gifts in the middle of the bedding aisle in Target like it was yesterday.
Every suggestion I suggested was met with a soft but drawn out, “no” because my husband didn’t think they’d want it. This went on for a solid twenty minutes of us going in and out of aisles with me asking him whether this item or that item would be a good gift. All of which resulted in the same response.
“What about this blanket?”
“No.”
“This camera bag would be nice – right?”
“No.”
“Socks? Everyone loves socks!”
“No.”
“So what suggestions do you have?”
“I don’t know.”
Wash, rinse, repeat.
Eventually, we figured it out and every year since, like clockwork, the same conversation ensues until I eventually suggest something that results in him saying, “that’d be cool.”
Well, this year we’re thinking ahead (well, look at us!) and have some ideas we’re planning on gifting that would be perfect for your in-laws or parents.
FOR THE COMFY ONE
- Heating Blanket
- A Groupon for a massage or a cooking class.
- A gift card to a restaurant they love for a special date night.
- These very, very comfortable pajamas for a cozy morning.
- Matcha tea or a gift basket with hot cocoa, a monogrammed mug, cozy floor socks, and sweet treats for the holiday season.
- A good book or a gift card to a bookstore.
- A picture frame with pictures of their kids and grandchildren in them for a sentimental gift.
- A pair of cozy slippers and a robe.
FOR THE ONE WHO LOVES TO COOK
- A monogrammed apron.
- This griddle for cooking everything from pork belly to frying an egg.
- New oven mitts to keep their hands safe from the heat.
- An air fryer, if they don’t have one already. If they do, this dehydrator is pretty cool. If the price is too much you can pay in installments!
- These frosting tubes for the in-law who loves to bake.
- A cookbook featuring some recipes they might enjoy.
- A slow cooker because even if they have one, having two means you’ve fully evolved into a Crock-Pot expert. Plus it just makes cooking very simple.
FOR THE HANDY ONE:
- A gift card to their favorite hardware store is always a fun gift that’s appreciated.
- A toolbox. Bonus points if you can monogram it so it’s personalized but totally not necessary.
- A new tool belt, if their old one is pretty worn.
- A corkboard with nails to place all of their favorite tiny tools.
- Gloves for them to work with when they’re fixing things.
