Holiday Gift Guide – PART III – GIFTS FOR MIL

Greetings, pretty people!

It’s Wednesday, and finally hump day!  Wednesdays are a great day for me. I go to the gym bright and early (at 5:45am!) and if we’re being honest, I have a completely different output on Wednesdays because I get started so early.  Why don’t you get up that early on the other days of the week then, Coleen?  Now THAT is the question, isn’t it?!  And a story for another day.

I am working hard, actually, to create a new morning routine, and to wake up earlier each day.  I made it a December goal of mine, and so far, so good. I probably need a nighttime routine also, because it takes me forever to fall asleep these days!  I toss and turn, and toss and turn some more. My brain will not shut off, which is (more than) half the problem.  So then, I’m not feeling rested when it’s time to wake up.  It’s a vicious cycle, really.

How about you??  Do you have a morning routine?  Something you do in the evening to wind down before bed?  How much sleep do you get/need each night?  Tell me all your secrets! 

Okay I’m getting distracted.  You’ll find that happens sometimes, but then I realize it and get back to the point.  So here we are, getting back to the point, and what you’re really here for. Today is the third installment of my Holiday Gift Guide! 

Part III – GIFTS FOR YOUR MOTHER-IN-LAW:

This will forever be a hard one.  And it doesn’t even matter how long you and your significant other have been together, a MIL is a MIL is a MIL and will make your life difficult even if she doesn’t mean to.  You want to impress, but not overdo it.  If you are lucky and his mom is easy to get along with, it’s hard regardless because you still need to select the perfect item to fit her personality.  And then if she’s judgmental… oof. You have to play the game.  It feels like it’s lose/lose, but let me help you WIN my pretties! 

So, my first suggestion here, is to really think about who she is and what she likes.  It sounds so trivial, but I really think it’s important, especially in this particular category of gift giving.  Who else buys gifts for her- and will they be well thought out or generic?  See, if you’re even halfway going in the direction of a “well thought out” gift, then you’re already winning.  No sweat!

So, think about what MIL really truly loves? If she has a hobby or a guilty pleasure of some kind.  Does she love to cook, to relax, to travel, drink wine {no, but really}!  Next, check out my list and see if anything fits into your categories!  I bet there’s something here she’ll love, and in turn, love you for!

#1- Packing cubes

Does your mother-in-law love to travel?  Or, do you and your boo live far enough away where she has to stay over when she visits?  How convenient and beautiful are these 5 piece packing cube sets?  Under $60 and they come in so many colors and patterns, there’s sure to be one that fits her personality!  And, by using this link, you can get up to $15 off your purchase along with whatever other sales they have going on for the holidays!!

#2- Passport Wallet

Another, less expensive option if Mom is a Wanderlust is this wallet.  It fits a passport, has identity protection technology, comes in 35 colors and is a STEAL at less than $15!  It even holds some cell phones!  This is a winner. 

#3- Unique vases

Here is a great idea: small home decor items such as pretty vases.  The ones in the pic above are out of stock now (already!) but These come in a few colors and will run you under$20 which gives you a little extra to maybe get a few stems to add to them.  Bonus points!  Who doesn’t love flowers?!

#4- A fancy bed for her fancy pet

Perhaps his Mom is really into her dog {or cat}.  And I mean reeeeally.  Well here is a very unique gift for you to get her!  Slightly different than the image above, but either way, Princess will be sitting pretty in this dog bed!  A little pricey, but when it’s right, it’s right.  Nothing is too good for a fancy lady with a fancy pet. 

#5- Perfume

I know that I’ve already talked about the men’s version, but this could be a great gift for Her too!  In case you missed my post on Gifts for Him, I’ll repeat myself.  Sephora does a holiday sampler every year for $65, where you receive sample size items of I think 10 perfumes to try, and a voucher for one full size of your choice to be redeemed at a later time.  You don’t have to stress out about picking the right fragrance, because she gets to choose for herself! 

Sephora also offers other “Favorite” kits for her including lipstick, mascara, a deluxe perfume sampler {$75} and others.  I’m a sucker for a good kit.

#6- Succulents

You certainly could choose to gift live plants, but why do that when you could get these adorable faux plants that look like the real thing!  Choose from white or natural colored pots and they are under $25!  What is not to like about cute little plants?!  And if you’re looking to spend more, you could get two sets, or mix and match with other vases that go with her home decor.

#7- Pretty Earrings

Jewelry can be totally overdone, but not if you do it right!   These simple but classic earrings are a great pick and will be flattering when worn by women of all ages!  Under $50 with free shipping, and they come in silver, gold, or rose gold tones!  MIL pleasing perfection!

#8- Reed diffuser

Such an unexpected replacement for the standard candle gift!  You can get reed diffusers at many different price points, and in a million different scents.  Personally, I always go for something with a little musk, or something that is seasonal especially when gifting.  Pier1 has some great ones!

So there is my list. BUT because it’s Wednesday and on top of that, all this talk of gift giving is putting me in an extra specially cheerful mood, here are a few more ideas for your MIL:

• Does she love to cook?  How about an Instant Pot and/or cookbook. OR a gift certificate for cooking class! {but NOT if that would offend her! If she can’t cook that might be a line you don’t want to cross}
• What about creating a recipe box and include a recipe or two you may have that she loves!  This can be a very easy DIY or you can purchase of course. 
• Skincare!  What woman doesn’t love to pamper herself and take care of her skin (especially as we age!).  You could put together a little basket of skincare goodies!  Here is the link to my Online Shop & Beauty Group where you can view some really great skincare products.
• Make a photo blanket from a site like Shutterfly.  They are always running great sales for the holidays and there are so many styles to choose from.  Great way to showcase photos of the grandkids or even old photos of your MIL/FIL!  So special! 
• Do you have kids?  Make a coupon book for Grandma activities!  This could easily be made for under $10 and you can choose inexpensive activities.  These activities could be anything from an afternoon movie and popcorn on the couch, to a touch a truck event, sledding together.  The possibilities are really endless here.  Perfectly thoughtful.

If we’re being honest, which I hope we are, I’m really not sure how I just came up with this many MIL gift ideas.  I feel like this is one of my biggest struggles when it comes to holiday shopping!  I guess I just solved my own problem though! 

Let me know what you think in the comments below!