36 Best Gifts for In-Laws

Find unique and thoughtful gifts for the bonus relatives on your list.

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December 08, 2023

Let's be honest: Families are complicated. Factor in a father-in-law, mother-in-law, brother-in-law or sister-in-law (or all of the above), and you might feel totally lost when it comes to holiday shopping. Maybe you have a general idea of who they are and what they like, but you're not sure what type of gift is appropriate.

We get it. And to help, we've found 36 thoughtful, failproof gifts that are sure to delight every type of in-law. Scroll on to see those and make one positive impression.

Best Sentimental Gifts for In-Laws

$59 $50.15
15% Off!

A sentimental gift goes a long way. Give them a behind-the-scenes look at this year's biggest moments (like your baby's first steps or a trip that you and your partner took together) by converting your camera roll into a custom photo album. This hardcover book from Artifact Uprising is our first pick for its premium fabric binding, display-worthy dust jacket, crisp layouts and reasonable price point.

25% Off!

Skip the usual pleasantries and tug on their heartstrings with this personalized pillow cover. The accent is crafted from 100 percent cotton (so it's incredibly soft to the touch), while the stacked text is available in three fonts. If it were up to us, we'd customize the pillow cover with all of their kids' or grandkids' names according to birth order.

$42

We've said it before, and we'll say it again: Puzzles make great screen-free gifts for the whole family. Replay some of their fondest memories and promote some good old-fashioned bonding with a custom photo puzzle. You can choose one image or opt for an entire collage.

If someone in your family (say, your brother-in-law or sister-in-law) recently welcomed a new baby, then consider getting them a special keepsake to mark the occasion. You could go with a beautifully woven blanket and hat set that bears their child's initial, or opt for a traditional silver cup, a "Little Golden Books" treasury or a wooden block engraved with their baby's birth stats.

$20 $14
30% Off!

Speaking of quality time, you can't go wrong with a family-friendly game. Introduce your in-laws to "Dinner Dares," an illustrated card deck with 20 ridiculous challenges. (Think "take a sip of your drink without using your hands" and "impersonate someone at the table for the rest of the meal.") This is bound to be a favorite game and a special memory for everyone down the line.

Best Gifts for Father-in-Law

$14.63

What man doesn't want to know how the world's top entrepreneurs built their empires? Pique his interest (and create common ground on popular apps, snacks, shoes and more) with this book based on NPR's acclaimed podcast. It's a must-read for the father-in-law who dreams of starting a business or wonders how the pros did it.

$29.99 $27.99
7% Off!

Keep your father-in-law company while he works in the garage or weeds the yard by handing him a portable Bluetooth speaker. This Anker device has a 24-hour battery life and a waterproof finish, plus a sturdy profile he can set up on any surface.

From $119

Draw inspiration from his favorite lake, bay or fishing river, and gift your father-in-law a custom topography map. Each piece comes laser-cut and hand-assembled to showcase water depth and surrounding roads, towns and landmarks. Simply choose the size you want, and the artist will take care of the rest.

$89.99 $69.99
22% Off!

Prepare to impress your father-in-law on another level. Elevate his outdoor table (and give him an easy way to make s'mores) with this pint-sized smokeless fire pit from Solo Stove. The unit goes from box to burn in minutes, and it includes a stand, pellet adapter and nylon carrying bag. Need other outdoorsy ideas? Try a campfire beer caramelizer, a canvas log carrier or a custom sign for his new setup.

Best Gifts for Mother-in-Law

$33.95 (Set of 12)

Delight your mother-in-law (aka the Hostest With the Mostest) with these dashing wine glasses. They're perfect for seasonal entertaining or everyday use and will fit comfortably in the palm of her hand thanks to the stemless design. To sweeten the delivery, pair the gift with her favorite bottle of white or red.

Now here's a gift that will make her feel oh-so pampered. Treat your mother-in-law to some "me time" with this clever and convenient Book Nook Reading Valet. The base is made from acacia wood and can hold her glasses, mug and page all at once. You could also present her with a book-shaped vase, a book-themed puzzle or a book club-scented candle.

$59 $35
41% Off!

If she's the sentimental type, then give your mother-in-law a dedicated spot for all of her holiday cards. This berry garland makes for a fun and festive keepsake, and it includes 10 iron clips to get her started. She can hang the piece horizontally, vertically or even drape it around the nearest doorframe.

$48 $33.6
30% Off!

When all else fails, fill her home with the scents of the season. (Read: Mistletoe, Fresh Balsam, Peppermint Stick, White Fir, etc.) She'll love the beautifully packaged box almost as much as the warm glow each of the six candles gives off.

Best Gifts for Brother-in-Law

Pay tribute to your brother-in-law's alma mater (or favorite team) with a college stadium picture frame. You can choose from 16 state schools and impress him with a 3D replica of his home field. The 4x6-inch photo slot on the left allows him to show off a moment from one particularly special game. Need more winning ideas? Try spirited rock glasses, a "Touchdown Treats" gift box or a rechargeable hand warmer he can bring to the next big game.

You don't have to understand everything about his job to know that your worker bee of a brother-in-law could use a new tech organizer. Go above and beyond this year with a handsome brown leather roll-up case. Inside, he'll find three pockets for charging cords, AirPods, USB drives, memory cards and more.

$28.99

If he's into thought experiments or the power of positive psychology, then gift your brother-in-law The Five-Minute Journal. This linen-bound book uses a simple, structured format to help him focus on all the good in his life. He can start it right away or save it for New Year's Day.

Sure, he might have a Crosley and stacks of vinyl, but does he have a cool way to display his favorite albums? If not, step in on your brother-in-law's behalf and buy him one (or two!) of these quad record ledges. You can choose from five materials and six finishes to ensure that the shelves complement his design style.

Best Gifts for Sister-in-Law

$49.50 $37
26% Off!

Every woman could use a safe and stylish way to transport her jewelry. Show your sister-in-law that you're looking out for her engagement ring, favorite necklace and more by handing her this petite leather travel box. You can choose from six neutral hues and even personalize the top with her name or initials.

If she's into astrology or always down to try something new, then gift your sister-in-law this special online class. She'll pick a day and time that works best for her, then join leading astrologist Emily Klintworth for a 75-minute session on reading her birth chart and forecasting the year ahead. By the end of the class, she'll have a deeper understanding of herself and her potential.

$45

Whether she's a beauty lover or brand new to the makeup game, she'll appreciate this gorgeous eyeshadow palette. The teddy-soft tin features a mix of matte, shimmer and metallic shades plus a two-sided brush so she can create a variety of holiday-ready looks. If we had to bet, she'd also love a gel manicure kit, a silk pillowcase or a stylish cosmetics bag.

$19.99

If this doesn't get her into the holiday spirit, we don't know what will. Help your sister-in-law discover many perfect pairings this season and surprise her with a copy of Cookies & Cocktails. The hot pink book has high-gloss pages and gooey recipes to spare and will make such a fun addition to her coffee table or bar cart.

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