Get all your news in one place.

100's of premium titles.
One app.

Start reading

Get all your news in one place.

100's of premium titles. One news app.

Start reading

Forbes

Lifestyle

Annie Davidson, Contributor

40 Unique Mother’s Day Gifts Your Mother-In-Law Will Love

The NuFACE Trinity is a great gift for mothers-in-law who want to keep their skin looking bright. Sephora

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 8 and you don’t want to be caught empty-handed—especially if you have a mother-in-law to appeal to. But what to get your partner’s mom? If you’re not sure what she likes, go with something time-tested like flowers or a crowd pleaser like high-end skincare. And if you do know what she likes but are stumped all the same, we’ve done some digging for the best Mother’s Day gifts for mothers-in-law that will surprise and delight even the prickliest of in-laws.

Best Mother’s Day Gifts For Your Mother-In-Law

An Unexpected Fragrance Gift

Diptyque Baies Car Diffuser

You could gift a scented candle or bottle of perfume, but a Diptyque car diffuser is far less predictable and unexpectedly luxurious. Plus, it’s much more elevated than your standard Forest Fresh car freshener.

An Artful Bouquet

The Ellington

Floral design has gotten more experimental in the last few years, and there are a ton of cool ready-made bouquets out there like this one from Urban Stems. Flowers may seem like a predictable option but with so many designs, you can really cater these to your mother-in-law’s personality.

A New Age-y Sleep Mask

Sleep Stone Mask

This light-blocking, sound-muffling satin silk eye mask comes with your choice of “sleep stone” (amethyst, agate, rose quartz, fluorite) which is tucked into a hidden pocket just above the third eye chakra. Who knew an eye mask could have a deeper meaning?

Effortless Fresh Herbs

AeroGarden Harvest Slim Hydroponic Indoor Garden

This counter-sized greenhouse has LED grow lights and a system that tells you when it’s time to add water or plant food, plus it comes with seeds to grow parsley, dill, mint, thyme and two kinds of basil. Beyond it’s functionality, it’s also just great to look at.

Entry-Level Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy Associates Ultimate Wellbeing Bath & Shower Oil Collection

This luxe kit from Aromatherapy Associates features 10 bath and shower oils with scents designed to boost energy, find relaxation, destress and restore balance. For the mother-in-law that’s trickier to shop for, this collection gives her the liberty of choosing what she needs.

Not Your Average Rosé

Patchology Serve Chilled Rosé Eye Gels Set

Resveratrol—derived from grapes—and hyaluronic acid come together in these ultra-hydrating, antioxidant rich eye gels. If your mother-in-law is a wine drinker (rosé, even better), cheers her with these playful patches.

A Shortcut To Her Best Hair Ever

Tineco Moda One Smart Ionic Hair Dryer

This smart hair dryer measures hair moistures levels and air temperature to deliver just the right amount of heat and airflow to dry hair in record time without frying it. She’ll thank you later.

Luxury Skincare Set

La Mer The Mini Miracle Broth Introductory Glow Set

Give her a taste of the good stuff with this introductory set from La Mer, featuring four cult-favorite products in a gift-ready box. Anything “La Mer” will be appreciated by skincare newbies and aficionados, alike, so you really can’t go wrong.

An Indoor Plant That Demands Attention

PAID PLACEMENT

Costa Farms Ficus Lyrata Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant

The Fiddle Leaf Fig is having its moment—you can hardly scroll through Instagram without spotting one or two. This indoor plant not only brightens up the room, it becomes a serious statement piece as it grows.

An Extravagant Accessory For The Kitchen

Smeg x Dolce & Gabbana Toaster

Designer. Toaster. This collaboration between Smeg and Dolce & Gabbana brings the outrageous flair of the Italian fashion brand to the kitchen counter. It’ll certainly make for a conversation piece at family gatherings to come.

An E-Bike With A Classic Look

Bluejay Premier Edition

Bluejay’s e-bikes marry the enduring aesthetics of vintage cruiser bikes with a streamlined 350-watt mid-drive motor and long-lasting battery with five levels of pedal-assist. All she needs now is a fresh breadstick and cut flowers.

The Definition of Beauty Sleep

Slip Silk Pillowcase

What better gift is there that than of anti-bedhead, -creasing, -wrinkles and more? Slip’s pillowcase is made from some of the finest mulberry silk, giving her her best sleep yet.

Not-Your-Average Olive Oil

The Artist Capsule Olive Oil

If you know olive oil, you know that they’re not all are created equal. Brightland’s capsule collection offers a range of flavors, as well as a splash of countertop art.

Real Flowers with Real Longevity

Venus ET Fleur Small Round

While most prefer fresh flowers, the downside is that they always seem to wilt so quickly. Enter Venus ET Fleur dried flowers, which last a whole year.

A Foolproof Fruit Basket

Harry & David Classic Favorites Gift Basket

Harry & David’s pears are some of the best around. Paired with cheeses, chocolates, crackers and more, there’s something for everyone in this classic gift basket.

The Only Pajama Set She’ll Ever Need

Bella Long Sleeve Pajama Set

There’s nothing quite like a good set of pajamas. Cosabella’s, in particular, are an ultra-soft investment that stand the test of time.

The Facial Device That Keeps Giving

NuFACE Trinity Facial Toning Device

Not to suggest that your mother-in-law needs any facial toning, but if she’s interested in skincare, look no further that NuFACE’s buzzy Trinity device. It uses microcurrent technology to target fine lines and wrinkles for anti-aging results.

A Hollywood-Worthy At-Home Face Mask

Glamglow Youthmud Glow Stimulating Treatment Mask

Glamglow’s mud mask is a fun at-home treatment with some serious smoothing and exfoliating results. Its slight tingling sensation tells you that it’s working.

The Only Shoe She’ll Ever Wear

M.Gemi Hand-Stitched Suede Driving Moccasin

Make your mother-in-law feel like she just returned from Europe with an authentic Italian shoe, handmade by local artisans in their family-owned workshops. This particular moccasin, The Felize, is a bestseller (and for good reason—it’s as comfortable as it is attractive) and comes of an array of different colors.

Surprisingly Stylish Salt and Pepper Mills

Peugeot Paris Matte Navy Salt & Pepper Mills Set

While a set of salt and pepper mills may not seem like the most exciting gift, it’s great for the practical hostess. And this pair in a navy matte finish is both understated and elegant.

A Supremely Soft Robe

Journelle Emma Robe

Sleepy can still be sophisticated. Journelle’s Emma robe, with its lace trim, certainly makes the case for elevated sleepwear.

The Freshest Fragrance

Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia Cologne

A bestselling fragrance from a renowned brand, Jo Malone’s English Pear & Freesia Cologne is universally beloved. It’s a timeless gift.

Jewelry To Charm Her

Jennifer Fisher Script Nana Charm

If your mother-in-law also happens to be a grandma, Jennifer Fisher’s script charm is a sweet way to honor her. The jeweler also has iterations like “Grandma” depending on which moniker she prefers.

A Puzzle That Doubles as Art

John Derian Dancing Butterflies 750-Piece Puzzle

While John Derian has some of the most unique and beautiful homewares, the Dancing Butterflies puzzle makes attaining one an interactive experience. The benefits are twofold.

A Dog-Lover’s Delight

Furbo Treat-Tossing Dog Camera

If your mother-in-law is a dog-lover, she’ll love you for getting her a Furbo. It’s a dog camera, but not any dog camera—it has treat-tossing and two-way audio capabilities so she’ll never have to be away from her pet for too long.

A Futuristic Skincare Mask

HigherDOSE Red Light Face Mask

While this gift may take some explaining to your mother-in-law, it’s well worth it. It uses red lights to firm and even out skin, but is surprisingly relaxing at the same time.

A Do-Everything Pan

Our Place Always Pan

Why get her one pan, when you can get her all? Our Place’s Always pan does the work of up to eight traditional pieces of cookware. Plus, it comes in some pretty great colors.

A Book For Every Month

Book Of The Month Subscription

The gift that keeps giving, a Book of the Month subscription really does all of the work for you by selecting and sending a book every month. Get one for yourself so you’ll always have a few talking points.

A Plush And Petite Jewelry Box

Sophie Bille Brahe Velvet Jewelry Box

Practical and beautiful, Sophie Bille Brahe’s velvet jewelry box is timeless gift. It’s also available in two other colors.

The Gift of a New Skill

MasterClass Membership

Suggest a skill, or let her choose with a MasterClass membership. The online classes are something she can do on her own, or with a friend.

A Smart Skin Cleansing Device

PMD Clean Smart Facial Cleansing Device

PMD’s cleansing device not only gets deep into pores, it feels like a micro-massage at the same time. Beyond cleansing, it also helps with skin firmness and elasticity.

A Treat Worthy of Royalty

Fortnum & Mason Royal Blend Tea Bags

For the anglophile who knows every drop of royal family drama or indulges in some Bridgerton, Fortnum & Mason’s Royal Blend tea bags are the way to go. The packaging makes for its own keepsake.

A High-Quality Hand-Care Routine

Aesop Resurrection Hand Care Kit (Duet)

Everyone could use a good hand care kit. Aesop’s Resurrection set, which includes a hand wash and a hand balm, is the best of the best.

A Playful Set Of Placemats

Cloud Placemats in Rainbow Mix

For even more family gatherings, La DoubleJ’s Cloud placemats are a playful addition. Setting the table will no longer be a chore.

Lists, But Better

Papier Cosy Nook List Notepads

For the list-lover, Papier’s notepads add a charming twist. Available in packs of three, they’re almost too pretty to use.

An Authority In Italian Cooking

The Missoni Family Cookbook

For some authentic Italian cooking (and as with most things Italian), the Missoni family knows best. This book has some of their most indulgent family recipes for you to share with yours.

European-Style Cookies, Handmade in New York City

Sant Ambroeus Classic Cookie Tin

Satisfy her sweet tooth with this assortment of cookies from Sant Ambroeus. The tin, alone, is worth gifting.

The Most Stylish At-Home Workout

Bala The Starter Kit

Take her back to the 80s with Bala’s vibrant weights. The Starter Kit is enough to suffice as at at-home gym.

A Pair of Resort-Ready Slides

Alepel x Renna Cream Slides

Handmade and hand-painted, shoe brand Alepel’s design and jeweler Renna’s aesthetic come together to make these exceptional slides. Take it a step further and have them monogrammed to make it an extra special gift for your mother-in-law.

An Elevated Basket Tote

Loewe Raffia Basket Tote Bag

There’s always a place in a woman’s wardrobe for a raffia basket tote. And you can’t beat Loewe’s quality.

Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.

Already a member? Sign in here