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Whether you're meeting your partner's parents for the first time or are already a part of the family, you're bound to come across many situations where you'll need to wow your in-laws with a gift.
But you don't need to spend a fortune or make a grand gesture to leave a lasting impression. Being thoughtful is always best, especially if you pay attention to the things they enjoy. Go for something that shows you care, whether that's a candle that taps into their sentimental sides or new technology to make their lives easier. We've rounded up plenty of gifts that work for all budgets, occasions, and types of in-laws.
This gift guide includes a sponsored product that has been suggested by Bombas. It also meets our editorial criteria in terms of quality and value.*
A digital picture frame for all their favorite memories
In-laws can be sentimental people, so there's no better personal gift than a digital photo frame. They can view loads of family memories from a single device. As long as the frame is hooked up to WiFi, your in-laws can enjoy the photos you've carefully curated for sharing.
If they've always talked about writing their own book, Storyworth can help them with the process. It's a unique gift that emails them a question a day for a year. At the end of a year, their answers are compiled into a keepsake book that can be passed down for generations.
If you think socks are a dull gift, you haven't tried Bombas. The signature blister tab keeps their heels cushioned and prevents any slipping. Both the men's and women's sizes are available individually or in multi-packs, with countless color options so you can choose one that matches your in-laws' style and needs.
An added benefit is that your gift goes a little bit further. For every item purchased, Bombas donates a piece of clothing to people in need. Business Insider readers can also save 20% on Bombas products by using the exclusive promo code "INSIDER20" at checkout.
Best for: For celebratory events or a date night in
This wine chiller has a low-key design that will match any home decor. You can also get it personalized with their initials. Pair it with a bottle of wine or bubbly if it's a special occasion like an anniversary.
Best for: The in-laws who love to learn new things
You don't have to go far to have an extraordinary adventure. Experiential gifts allow them to try something new and create plenty of memories along the way. Airbnb Experiences is one of our favorite platforms for booking experiences with ease when we travel or stay local. With a wide range of online and in-person options, including sporting lessons, cooking classes, and cultural tours, you can be sure you'll find something that will excite them.
Whether they're beach people or outdoors people, a good picnic blanket serves any couple well. They can use it for sunset picnics in the park, staying off the sand on beach days, and so much more. This one is waterproof and quick-dry, too, making cleanup a cinch.
Best for: The home cooks who love fresh ingredients
Anyone who spends time in the kitchen or garden knows how much fresh herbs can upgrade a dish. While not all climates or spaces can sustain a full herb garden, this indoor gardening system can, so your in-laws can top every last dish with their favorite fresh herbs.
This portable fireplace is made of sturdy cement and makes for a great indoor s'mores night with the family. The fireplace will light right up with just a small amount of rubbing alcohol and a match.
The Amazon Echo Show is an easy way to keep grandparents connected. They can use voice commands to talk face-to-face with family, check the weather, or order household essentials. For older adults, we like the Show 10 for its larger screen (you can also watch movies), but we also recommend the smaller Show 8 and Show 5 for cheaper options. Read our full Echo Show review.
An elevated serving board for their next dinner party
If your in-laws like to host a lot of dinner parties, this lotus-shaped serving tray will elevate their next one. It has built-in spots for dips, crackers, cheese, veggies, and more.
For the couple who loves filling their home with meaningful trinkets collected over the years, this coffee table book is a thoughtful addition to their collection. The pages are filled with beautiful imagery and stories about unique travel destinations around the world.
Nothing says "thank you" like a box filled with some of the sweetest cookies around. Every bite of a Levain cookie is chunky, chewy, gooey, and simply transcendent.
If you've spent holidays or vacations in the past with your in-laws, a sweet photo book to bring back good memories can be a great way to show you appreciate family time with them. Artifact Uprising makes it easy with custom options at affordable prices. Or you can customize thoughtful cards or create individual or sets of prints for $9.
Whether it's for family potlucks, camping, tailgating, small groceries, picnics, or whatever you can find a use for it, the Dometic GO Soft Storage bag is versatile. What we like is the optional insert that converts it into a cooler bag for fresh produce, frozen foods, cold beers, and more.
A wine subscription service makes their favorite pastime easier for them as they can handpick wine from around the world. They can spend time wine tasting at home with exclusive choices that match their unique palate. We also ranked it as the best wine subscription overall.
Elevated essentials always make great gifts. Think of ways you can upscale the items they use regularly, like these hand soaps from Aesop. They look, feel, and smell luxurious, making them a chic addition to their powder room.
A weekender is the perfect bag for short excursions, overnight visits to the grandkids, or general activities. This one from Cotopaxi has a separate compartment for undergarments, shoes, or dirty laundry, and there are straps to hold a jacket or yoga mat. With eye-catching colors, no one will mistake your bag as theirs.
We love Brightland for its beautiful packaging and delicious olive oil and vinegar. This four-piece set comes with two different bottles of extra virgin olive oil, a bottle of Champagne-style vinegar, and a bottle of balsamic. vinegar Trust: They will use these on everything.
If your in-laws love nothing more than spending a day in the garden, this two-in-one tool bag and folding chair makes the perfect gift. It's a handy workstation that will make long days of gardening a lot more comfortable and convenient.
Foodies will love the chance to test specialty products from several different countries each month. UK biscuits, Grecian baklava, and Italian chocolate are just a few of the many options that can be included in their monthly subscription.
What's a better way to proclaim your state pride and a love for wine that this home decor. This birch-wood display makes a nice piece of wall art that's sure to start a conversation.
Pickleball is wildly popular and easier to learn and play than tennis or other racquet sports. Whether new to the sport or looking to level up their casual play, Recess pickleball sets are a little luxury for all skill levels.
This hub charges an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods simultaneously, ensuring all their gear stay juiced up. Its portable design means it goes with them when they travel abroad or to the coffee shop.
Best for: The in-laws who never pass on a ball game
A gift with a little bit of history, a little bit of architecture, and a whole lot of team spirit. Whether you support their favorite team or not, they'll appreciate this thoughtful art print that'll quickly find a home on one of their walls.
A nice candle is always a welcomed gift. These are made to embody the scents of common places, including rooms in the house. The best part of these candles, though, is that your in-laws will be able to reuse the hand-blown glass vessel once the candle has burned down. All they have to do is put it in the freezer when the wax runs down, pop it out with a knife, and run it through the dishwasher.
Best for: The in-laws who like simple, practical gifts
Your in-laws will love this chic catchall tray for staying organized. Place on a desk, nightstand, or entryway table to hold keys, wallets, headphones, and more. You can even get it monogrammed for an extra personal touch. Choose from small, medium, large, or opt for a set of all three.
Best for: The in-laws who complain about sore muscles
If your in-law is always at the gym or needs to relieve some tension, they can use Thereabody's Theragun Mini massager for a post-workout massage or self-care day. With three speed options, the gun can target any knot and cramp with just a press of a button.
The Amazon Audible subscription is great for entertaining the in-law who loves absorbing new information wherever they go. They can listen to anything they want from thousands of audiobooks, podcasts, documentaries, sleep programs, and more.
With just a whiff, candles have the power to transport us to places far away and memories long gone. That's the whole premise of Homesick, a brand that creates candles with unique scents inspired by different cities, countries, occasions, and moments. Choose a place they love, live, or miss and you have a thoughtful gift that they'll get plenty of use out of too.
Mugs are the perfect vessel for coffee, tea, soups, ice cream, and mac and cheese — the opportunities are endless. The rustic, hand-painted mug in this dinnerware set is made in Italy with an Italian-inspired motif.
Pamper your mother-in-law with these fuzzy slippers featuring removable insoles filled with aromatic lavender buds and thermally conductive flax seeds. In the winter, she can heat them up in the microwave for extra warmth, and in the summer, she can throw them in the fridge for a refreshing cool-down. For men, we love the Subu Concept for its cushioning and water-repelling fabric.
When the temperature drops, they'll more than appreciate this super soft, fuzzy throw blanket that's 100% made from virgin wool in the USA. They can curl up in it on the couch or drape it over the bed for extra warmth during sleep.
E-readers makes it easy to carry around many books minus the weight. If your in-laws inhabit the library and bookstore pretty much all the time, get them this Kindle. It's water-resistant, can be read in the sunlight, and has long battery life. Read our full review of the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite.
If their weekends are spent experimenting with new dessert recipes, they'll love this cake stand. It's a beautiful way to keep their confections on display. And, when it's off cake duty, this can be used as a punch bowl too.
A shea butter bundle for softer and healthier skin
If your in-law is into skincare, Shea Radiance's shea butter treats dryness for healthier skin. You can choose from lavender, citrus, or a mix of the two scents, and if you aren't sure what fragrance they would enjoy, there is also an unscented option.
This modernist backgammon set is made for game nights and slow Sunday afternoons. Not only is it a fun activity they can enjoy together, but it's probably the most attractive backgammon set they've ever owned.
An Airbnb gift card for in-laws who love to travel
A tangible gift is great, but so is the gift of an unforgettable trip. For the jet-setting duo, bring them one step closer to their next vacation (as soon as vacations are safe again) with an Airbnb gift card so they can explore someplace new together. You can find more hotel and Airbnb gift card options here.
If your in-laws are avid skiers, treat them to these fun, creative glasses that literally "slope." It's a great way to celebrate their favorite hobby year-round.
You can never go wrong with flowers. They smell divine, look beautiful, and add a fresh pop of color to any space. Choose one from UrbanStems, our top pick for the best flower delivery service.
Best for: The ones who love having flowers year-round
For stunning bouquets that will last for years, Idlewild is our choice for the best flower delivery service you can buy for dried bouquets. The preserved florals are a great alternative to a live bouquet for a similar price.
Adventurous eaters and hot sauce lovers will definitely enjoy using this trio of spicy condiments. Spicy honey, spicy maple, and gochujang sriracha give them all sorts of new ways to spice up their favorite foods.
Remi is a former reporter for Business Insider's affiliate commerce team, Insider Reviews. After graduating from Colgate University with a degree in Creative Writing and Political Science, Remi joined Business Insider to help readers find the best products worth buying. Since joining the team in 2018, Remi has reviewed hundreds of products and interviewed founders of industry disruptors, such as direct-to-consumer startups Koio and Absolut Art. She specializes in women's lifestyle, but loves to learn about any and all products that add value and excitement to our everyday lives. Say hello at rrosmarin@businessinsider.com. Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here.
Taylor Jeffries is a Lifestyle Reviews Fellow with Insider Reviews. She is a recent graduate of New York University where she earned her bachelor's degree in Journalism and French. She is originally from Chicago, Illinois but currently lives in New York City.Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here.
Les is the Deputy Editor for Insider Reviews, primarily overseeing the Tech Reviews sub-vertical, which includes reviews and explainers of consumer electronics, streaming, gaming, and entertainment products and services. Previously, he led Insider Reviews' Style and Beauty, Tech and Electronics, Health, Fitness, and Outdoors, and Travel teams. He works with Insider Reviews leadership on strategy for all of Insider Reviews. Previously, he was the editor of the many expert product-buying guides that Business Insider recommends. In addition, he covers photography and printing products for the Tech section.Having started his career in print magazines, Les is a journalist with nearly 20 years of experience as a writer, editor, and researcher. Prior to joining Insider, he was a senior editor at Digital Trends (DT), covering photography and in-depth features as well as leading DT's NYC bureau. His byline has appeared in publications including Computer Shopper, Men's Journal, and Men's Fitness.While his specialty is in consumer technology, he's a versatile writer who has covered various topics, including men's lifestyle, health and fitness, outdoors, travel, women's interests, automotive, photography, toys, and more.Originally from California, Les lives in New York City and is obsessed with everything Ikea and Lego.Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here.
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