Play Nice: 48 Birthday Gifts for Your Mother in Law

by Jesse Houghton | Last Updated

Not only are your in-laws an important part of your extended family, but they hold a very special place in your spouse’s heart. Though it’s often hard to come up with a great gift idea for your partner’s parents, finding the perfect gift for them can be very rewarding for both the gift-giver and the recipient.

But it’s not easy to choose the perfect present for your mother-in-law: that’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best gifts you could give them to celebrate any occasion, from chic home goods, to luxury beauty products, to much more. A thoughtfully-chosen gift from this list will show your mother-in-law that you consider them family–without any hyphen.

1. Aromatherapy Stress Relief Candle

A mother's life is full of stress. A great gift idea would be something to combat the stress of motherhood. Try buying your mother-in-law this aromatic candle that smells of spearmint. This is a perfect gift for women who want to come home and rest while bathing in the fresh smell of home.

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From Amazon.com
2. What the F#&% Should I Make For Dinner (Recipe Book)

It can be quite problematic to think of what to cook for your family every night. Help your mother-in-law with this difficult daily task by buying her this fun cookbook. It's a unique recipe book written in a "Choose Your Own Adventure" style. It'll make her laugh and help her to come up with new cooking ideas.

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From Amazon.com
3. Tea Story: A Tea Lover's Gift Set

A mother-in-law deserves some rest. Nothing is as soothing as a hot cup of tea in the morning, so give her a wonderful tea set with a variety of delicious flavors that are sure to please her taste buds. Make her tea time a great experience with this thoughtful gift.

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From Amazon.com
4. Hand-Woven Throw Blanket

Does your mother-in-law often complain about the cold? Then, she'll love this fringe blanket with herringbone stripes. It's stylish and very comfortable. Women like fashion and functionality and love anything that combines both those things, so this gift should be a winner.

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From Amazon.com
5. Adult Coloring Book Set

Coloring books for adults have become such a popular way of distressing for adults. This set includes the coloring book Maybe Swearing Will Help, a funny, motivational book with lots of humor and cursing. Markers are also included. For your mother-in-law who enjoys crass humor, this is a must-buy.

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From Amazon.com
6. Prayer for Mom Wall Art

Mothers love gifts that are thoughtful and sincere, something that can pull on their heartstrings. Buy your mother-in-law a sweet, illustrated prayer. This is framed and can be hung on the wall as a constant reminder that she is always in your family's thoughts and prayers.

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From Amazon.com
7. Flower Glass Tea Mug

Combining anything pretty with something very useful is a solid way to find a perfect gift for your mother-in-law. This flower glass tea mug fits this description exactly. These glass cups are artistically designed with flower handles. They'd look gorgeous as part of her glassware.

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From Amazon.com
8. Fruit Infuser Water Bottle

For the health-conscious mothers-in-law, this gift would be amazing. A fruit infuser water bottle can allow her to keep hydrated with water and reap the benefits that fruits can offer, all while she's on the go! The best part of this product is it's super easy to clean! She'll have so many things to thank you for!

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From Amazon.com
9. Dual Foot Massager and Roller

If there's one thing we can all be certain a woman does at home in private, it's massaging her aching feet. Your mother-in-law would love this foot massager roller which can do most of the work for her. This can help her with foot pain and plantar fasciitis.

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From Amazon.com
10. Car Trunk Organizer

One of the hardest things to keep organized is your car's trunk. So many things are just clanging around loosely there. Well, your mother-in-law can say goodbye to that chaos with this car trunk organizer from Starling. It expands up to two feet long and is customizable in terms of size. Its many compartments ensure she can keep everything in their place!

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From Amazon.com
11. The Mom Appreciation Book

Nothing is a more beautiful gift for a mother than her children's most loving words. Buy your mother-in-law this creative and interactive book, where her children can fill in blanks to make this book their own unique story for their mother to enjoy. She will surely treasure this book filled with her children's love.

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From Amazon.com
12. Smart Yoga Mat

This is a great gift for the healthy and fit mothers-in-law out there. This smart yoga mat lays perfectly flat on the floor and never rolls up unless you tell it to! It rolls itself up once you're done with it. Yogis love it, and mothers will get too.

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From Amazon.com
13. Running Belt

Active women love to be on the go. Many of them complain that it's hard to be active and still have things that a woman needs like her phone, money, basic makeup, etc. This running belt solves all these problems. And unlike most running belts, this can fit phones of all sizes. Your mother-in-law will find this gift very useful.

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From Amazon.com
14. Essential Oil Blends Gift Set

Is your mother-in-law a fan of aromatherapy like most women? Then get her this essential oil blends gift set. It comes with six oil blends for her diffuser. Best of all, it uses only pure essential oils for a completely natural aromatic experience.

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From Amazon.com
15. Heated Back Massager Pillow

Like all moms, your mother-in-law probably has quite a few aches and pains in her body. This back massager pillow, which includes a heater, can be used for the back, neck, shoulder, and more. It provides pain relief for muscles and promotes the circulation of blood. Its four massaging nodes perform a relaxing deep massage that your mother-in-law would love.

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From Amazon.com
16. Hand Repair Creme

Moms work with their hands a lot. They cook, clean, and do lots of heavy lifting with those hands. Help your mother-in-law take care of those important mitts by buying her this shea butter hand repair creme set. She'll surely appreciate your help in maintaining her beautiful, gentle hands.

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From Amazon.com
17. Hanging Picture Frame Display

What home doesn't have photographs of the whole family? This gift puts an artistic spin on family picture frames by hanging picture frames from a sculpted tree. The beautifully crafted branches and leaves and the pure black tree make the display alone a worthy decoration. Your mother-in-law is sure to love this “family tree.”

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From Amazon.com
18. Funny Wine Glass

Who doesn't enjoy a glass of wine once in a while? And who doesn't enjoy a good laugh? This wine glass can help you with both as a hilarious gag gift for the mother-in-law. She must have some days when she needs a big old drink to relax, and this gift plays off of that experience with great wit.

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From Amazon.com
19. Funny Sippy Cup Tumbler

This next gift shares the same spirit of humor. This sippy cup can hold your mother-in-law's wine, coffee, etc. It can keep warm drinks hot for half a day and cold drinks cool for even longer! It comes in more than ten colors and includes a play on words between “wine” and “whine,” only one of which moms like.

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From Amazon.com
20. Bath Bombs Gift Set

Is your mother-in-law tired of the typical bath beads, flower petals, and scented soaps for her bath? Try these cute organic bath bombs. They're made of shea butter, essential oils, and clays that are great for the body's natural healing.

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From Amazon.com
21. Touchscreen Smartwatch

For the busy moms out there, a watch is an absolute necessity to keep track of the time. A timepiece that can also help her activities and checklists is even better. And if it looks gorgeous? Why that would be the best! This scallop touchscreen smartwatch is a solid gift choice.

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From Amazon.com
22. Kitchen Linen Set

Women have a knack for looking good while working. Your mother-in-law surely tries to do this as well. Buy her beautiful kitchen linen set to help her look the part of a magnificent chef. This set's floral design looks dainty and helps beautify her kitchen experience.

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From Amazon.com
23. Bud Vases

Moms love to decorate the interiors of their homes with pretty furniture, décor, flowers, art, and the like. But don't your mother-in-law's house deserves to have more "her?" Get her these three cute bud vases set that say "love you mom" to inject a little here and a little love into her home.

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From Amazon.com
24. Anti-aging Moisturizer Cream

Aging is something we all inevitably face. But why accept it when we can delay it? Your mother-in-law is surely interested in trying to do that. Give her this amazing anti-aging cream that can reduce facial lines and wrinkles and moisturizes her skin. She'll be ever so grateful.

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From Amazon.com
25. Five-Year Journal

Memories are one of the most special things that mothers want to keep. Get your mother-in-law this five-year, question and answer journal, where she can not only write out things she wants to remember but also answer questions that might remind her of the little things that have made up her life.

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From Amazon.com
26. Butterfly Suncatchers

Does your mother-in-law like decorating her house with pretty little pieces? If she does, try getting her these butterfly suncatchers. She can hang them anywhere in the house, and they can add color and style to accentuate otherwise plain parts of her home. They come with a hook and suction cup for hanging.

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From Amazon.com
27. Tibetan Singing Bowl Set

There are lots of interesting ways for people to relax from the stresses of life. Some women turn to new age methods. You can buy your mother-in-law this Tibetan singing bowl set, which she can use to produce calming sounds when tapped. It's very useful for meditating. She might like it!

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From Amazon.com
28. Starry Night Umbrella

Does your mother-in-law love art? Why not blend functionality and practicality with her love of visual arts? This Starry night umbrella will surely brighten up any gloomy, rainy day. She can look at Vincent Van Goh's famous masterpiece while shielding herself from the harsh weather.

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From Amazon.com
29. Personalized Mom Keychain

If your mother-in-law is a huge part of your life, get her something sweet and from the heart, like this personalized keychain. This keychain's message will remind her how much you value your relationship. Plus, she'll have it everywhere with her.

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From Amazon.com
30. Snarky Adult Coloring Book

This coloring book is just for moms. Your mother-in-law must have endured years of stress from childcare. Let her recall those stresses from the comfort of a coloring book. She can relax and laugh at the memories of hardships long past. This is a great gift idea for fun moms.

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From Amazon.com
31. Flowers In A Vase Ornament

No woman can refuse a beautiful ornament for her house. This crystal studded ornament is made of gold flowers and a vase. Your mother-in-law can surely find a place for this piece which can elevate interior décor to a level of elegance.

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From Amazon.com
32. Engraved Necklace

Saying "I love you" to your mother-in-law can be hard. Calling her "mom" can be just as difficult. If you can't say it, just let this jewelry piece say it for you. This sophisticated necklace comes with the engraving, "Always my mother, forever my friend." This gift is a great statement from her child's partner.

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From Amazon.com
33. Mom and Baby Elephants Necklace

You can't go wrong with jewelry as an option for birthday gifts for your mother-in-law. She would love this necklace with a mother and baby elephant pendant. The design is understated, but the image is heartwarming. Your mother-in-law will love it, and so will your partner.

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From Amazon.com
34. Activity Book for Adults

How about a gift that piques your mother-in-law's interest and stimulates her brain cells? She must have lots of spare time, so why not give her something to activate that brilliant brain of hers? This activity book has over 100 puzzles that include Sudoku, Word Search, and Crosswords. She'll have loads of fun, and it might take her a year to finish all of them!

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From Amazon.com
35. Landscape Kitchen Knife Set

Is your mother-in-law's kitchenware a bit humdrum and basic? Gift her this pretty landscape kitchen knife set to give her kitchen a little more personality. Each knife is not only beautifully crafted but also have a variety of natural landscapes printed on them. This set looks and is sharp.

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From Amazon.com
36. Ageless Women, Timeless Wisdom Book

Your mother-in-law must have lived quite a long and successful life. Gift her this book entitled Ageless Women, Timeless Wisdom, which contains narrative from some of the world's most successful and intelligent women in the world. She'll find great perspectives and shared experiences with these women.

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From Amazon.com
37. Fleece Blanket

Mothers love being comfortable at night. They enjoy feeling cozy despite the cold. So why not buy your mother-in-law Pavilia's deluxe fleece blanket with sleeves? It's very soft, warm, and very light. It's like thick robes she can wear whenever she wants!

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From Amazon.com
38. Double Ring Necklace

Sometimes, the best gifts are the simplest ones. This double ring necklace represents connection and love. Its design is simplistic but classic. The gift comes with a pretty gift card with a simple loving message for a mother. It's nothing fancy, but it's from a place of simple appreciation.

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From Amazon.com
39. Practicing Mindfulness Book

Mindfulness doesn't come naturally for everyone. If your mother-in-law likes to relax but isn't quite a pro at it, give this book as one of the birthday gifts for your mother-in-law. It can teach her how to integrate peace and meditation into her life. She'll be happier and more content after learning from this book, and she'll have you to thank!

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From Amazon.com
40. Aromatherapy Necklace

Buying jewelry for your mother-in-law is pretty typical. Up your gift-giving game by buying her an aromatherapy essential oil diffuser necklace! Not only does this make her look spectacular, but it also allows her to bring her favorite aromatic smells comfortably. She'll love the turtle design on this diffuser.

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From Amazon.com
41. Promedix Garden Working Gloves

If your mother-in-law loves to spend her free time gardening, she must use her hands a lot. She could be getting lots of nicks and scratches on them from all the garden work. Buy her this garden glove set to protect those productive hands. This comes with three pairs of breathable knitted gloves that are colorful and eye-catching in design.

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From Amazon.com
42. Mom Box Sign

Sweet and sentimental gifts are always appreciated by moms, and your mother-in-law is probably no different. This box sign has an endearing message about how awesome she is, and coming from you, she'd like the thought behind it. This artistic box can be placed anywhere prominently in her home to show off how much she's valued.

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From Amazon.com
43. Ceramic Owl Pots

This set of 6 ceramic pots is a great birthday gift for the mother-in-law who likes gardening and outdoor décor. This adorable owl pot set comes in six different designs and holds succulent plants. The design is very quaint but fresh and is sure to liven up her garden. These pots are a hoot!

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From Amazon.com
44. The Woman's Wakeup Book

Change is the only constant in a woman's life. Your mother-in-law has probably figured that out and is welcoming the idea of change. This book is a great birthday present to help her begin on the path to change. This book inspires for any woman to start over, continue progress, or shake up her life.

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From Amazon.com
45. Flare Leg Yoga Pants

Yoga pants aren't for everyone. Some ladies find them way too tight and revealing. If your mother-in-law likes to exercise but is quite conservative, get her a pair of these flare-leg yoga pants. She can feel comfortable when being active but still feel at ease with how her outfit looks.

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From Amazon.com
46. Wallaroo Sun Hat

Most active mothers spend lots of time outdoors, whether exercising, gardening, or simply enjoying nature. Help protect your mother-in-law's skin by buying her Wallaroo's pretty sun hat. This way, she can stay active and healthy, and look like a million bucks at the same time. These hats come in a wide variety of colors, so make sure to pick her favorite!

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From Amazon.com
47. Bamboo Pajamas

Who doesn't like to rock a pair of pajamas when they're going to bed? Most moms love that. So, why not buy your mother-in-law an extra comfortable pair made of bamboo, which is softer than cotton! These pajamas are 70% bamboo and ultra plush and environment-friendly!

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From Amazon.com
48. Waterproof Rain and Garden Ankle Boot

Gardening in the rain can get messy and does not look pretty. Your mother-in-law can surely attest to that. So, instead of getting expensive but pointless birthday gifts for your mother-in-law, give her these quaint but almost rustic boots for her to use when working in the rain. She can stay clean and look adorable even in her muddy garden.

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From Amazon.com