The Perfect Gift to Impress Your Mother-in-Law
Mothers-in-law are stereotypically overcritical and hard to please. Use this guide to get her a gift that’s sure to impress.
Characterized by long, curving leaves with sharp points, African plant Sansevieria trifasciata has earned the nickname Mother-in-Law’s tongue. The phrase “mother-in-law” is packed a stigma and a set of negative stereotypes-type it into any search engine and your result is pages and pages of articles with titles such as “Mother-in-Law from Hell” and “I Hate my Mother-in-Law!” Unlike Sansevieria trifasciata, which requires only minimal watering, a relationship with your mother-in-law takes time, effort, and a lot of care. Whether you’re just starting this relationship or you’ve known each other for years, here’s how to go the extra mile for her.
Pay attention
The objects that people choose to display in their home can provide great insight into their lives and interests. Observe these objects and ask her about them. Maybe her mother taught her how to make that quilt that’s folded neatly over the rocking chair, or maybe she buys a unique clock from every place she travels to. Use these sentimental objects as a framework for your gift-she’ll appreciate the thought even more.
Be creative
How many times have you been handed a beautifully wrapped gift only to open it and find an envelope holding a gift card to a store you’ve never heard of? In theory, the idea of a gift card is nice because the recipient has the freedom of choosing their own gift. But gift cards are also impersonal and don’t give the recipient the impression that you spent a lot of time or effort on the gift. A gift card to a spa might seem like the perfect gift for someone who works a stressful job and needs to relax, but getting there and using the gift card before it expires might be an added stress. Instead, make her a customized spa basket. She’ll be able to use everything whenever she wants, either all at once or separately, and she’ll be flattered when she sees how much work you’ve put into the gift.
Listen to her
Listening to people can tell you what a person wants and is interested in, but also what they don’t want. Engage in conversations with your mother-in-law to learn about her likes and dislikes-you’ll be able to avoid giving her a gift she doesn’t like or can’t use.
Make it personal
Add elegance to an ordinary gift with engraved initials. A simple stamp or monogram makes a gift look more impressive and even expensive. Even the smallest personal touch adds meaning to a gift.
It’s the thought that counts
It’s a worn-out cliché, but it’s true. Going that extra mile to make a gift personal definitely shows. Your mother-in-law will be able to tell if you put time and effort into the gift, and that’s enough of a present for her.
Gift Ideas
Flowering Tea Wooden Box Everyday Small Plain Journal Afternoon Tea at the Ritz
Fortnum & Mason, £75.00 Noble Macmillian, £29.00 Lastminute.com, £40.00
Orla Kiely Chocolates Ladies Favorite Basket Family Ties Charm Bracelet
Butlers Chocolates, £12.99 Fortnum & Mason, £50.00 Astley Clarke, £195.00