The best gifts for in-laws

Shopping for your in-laws can be a delicate balance: you want something thoughtful and impressive without overstepping. The best gifts for in-laws strike that sweet spot: useful, high-quality, and just personal enough to show you care.

Whether you're buying for a birthday, holiday, or your first visit, these gift ideas are sure to leave a lasting impression. We've compiled gifts for every kind of in-law, from personalized board games and strategy games for those who love to get competitive during game night to gourmet spices and olive oils for the home chefs. When in doubt, we like to go sentimental, especially if they're always asking for more photos of their grandkids. No matter what they're into, you're sure to find something below.

A digital picture frame for all their favorite memories

a mom and child looking at a photo frame

Aura Carver Smart Digital Picture Frame

Best for: The in-laws always asking to see photos

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. Adding photos is really simple, and you can even have it set up with photos before they even get it set up.

A classic bottle of wine, with a twist

Wine and whiskey bottles displayed with metal puzzle cages, cards, and booklets, creating a gift set that combines drinks with a brain teaser challenge.

Unlock the Wine Escape Room Game

Best for: The in-laws who "don't want anything"

If you're just getting to know your in-laws or they insist on no gifts, a bottle of wine is an easy gift, so you don't show up empty-handed. This escape room game makes a simple gift a little more fun: lock the wine bottle in the cage and watch them work their way through puzzles to unlock it. There's also a whiskey version.

A way for them to share their life's story

a card that says happy father's day next to two memoirs written with storyworth

Storyworth Memoir Gift Subscription

Best for: The storytellers

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.

A personalized version of a favorite family game

Custom board game set featuring personalized Monopoly and Scrabble boards, colorful paper money, cards, dice, and game pieces arranged on a table.

Mark & Graham Monopoly Game Set

Best for: The competitive in-laws

Every family has one game that is the subject of much lore. Honor the competitiveness you've partnered with by an upgraded set customized with their last name. If Monopoly isn't their thing, there's also Scrabble, Backgammon, Snakes & Ladders, Connect 4, Mahjong, and more.

A smart bird feeder

A blue smart bird feeder hangs from a tree branch, partially filled with seed, while a close-up photo taken by its camera shows a California Towhee standing on the feeder tray surrounded by greenery.

Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder Pro with Solar Roof

Best for: The birdwatchers

Great for dedicated birdwatchers and beginners alike, the Bird Buddy Pro is our top pick for the best smart bird feeder. It accurately photographs and identifies birds, with a sturdy design that attracts an array of species. It's the gift that keeps on giving as they watch the comings and goings of their backyard fauna.

A watercolor sketch of their home

A couple looks at a customized painting of their home with text that reads "the Johnson Family"

Letterfest Watercolor House Sketch

Best for: The sentimental in-laws

Commemorate their childhood home or current abode with a hand drawn watercolor picture. The personalized sketch is drawn by an artist based on a photo of the family home. It's a perfect way to reminiscence on years past or look forward to times to come.

See more of the best sentimental gift ideas.

A set of excellent wine glasses

A collection of Schott Zwiesel Pure Wine Glasses, some of the best wine glasses.

Schott Zwiesel Pure Tritan Crystal Stemware

Best for: The gracious hosts

This Zweisel crystal stemware set are the best wine glasses we've tested, with a versatile shape for flavorful reds and whites alike. They're also dishwasher safe, so your in-laws won't have to worry about handwashing.

A luxurious cashmere throw blanket

red cashmere throw blanket on an accent chair

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Throw

Best for: The in-laws who appreciate luxury

If you're hoping to impress your in-laws with discerning taste, this 100% Grade A cashmere throw will elevate any space — and it's a fraction of the price of traditional retailers. It's delectably soft and cozy without being stifling, a true winner. This luxurious layer is available in two sizes and eight colors to match their aesthetics. You may even find yourself trying to steal it back during family gatherings.

See more of our favorite Quince home finds that also make great gifts, or more of our favorite throw blankets.

A gift that makes gardening a bit easier

Green garden kneeler and seat with side pouches holding tools and gloves, set on grass with plants and flowers in the background.

Ohuhu Garden Kneeler and Seat

Best for: The in-laws with green thumbs

If your in-laws love nothing more than spending a day in the garden, this two-in-one seat and kneeler makes the perfect gift. The seat holds up to 330 pounds and can be adjusted to ground level for tasks that require kneeling. There's also pockets to hold all their tools.

A set of personalized golf balls

Deluxe Golf Ball Set

Best for: The golfers

If your in-laws love to golf, a set of personalized balls makes a thoughtful and useful gift. Mark & Graham's set comes in three colors (white, bright green, and pink) and can be customized with a name or monogram. Sure, they might lose a few to the rough, but you can always top them off with some refills later on.

A custom bottle of EVOO

Bottle with a custom label reading "You are the best mom in the world. I love you." placed on a floral-patterned tablecloth beside yellow flowers.

Flamingo Estate Personalized Heritage Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Best for: The gourmet couple

This special gift from bespoke brand Flamingo Estate allows you to add a custom label to a bottle of the highest-quality California olive oil. It's a simple but thoughtful gift for in-laws who love to cook.

Personalized playing cards

Shutterfly Personalized Playing Cards

Best for: The star bridge players

If your visits are filled with games of gin rummy or sevens, gift them a set of personalized playing cards, featuring family pictures or photos of the grandkids.

A set of gourmet spices

burlap and barrel set of 6 spices: galic, cumin, paprika, chili, cinnamon, and rosemary

Burlap and Barrel Fundamentals Collection

Best for: The home chef

If your in laws are always agonizing over the perfect rub or marinade, treat them to a set of six flavorful, single-origin spices. This Burlap and Barrel set includes garlic powder, thyme, paprika, chili powder, cinnamon, and rosemary.

A portable fire pit for spending time outdoors

Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0

Best for: The outdoorsy

The Solo Stove is our favorite fire pit, and it's the perfect companion for camping, trips to the beach, or s'mores with the grandkids. With a smokeless design, it has all the warm benefits of a bonfire without dodging the annoying smoke.

A customized marble wine chiller

A monogrammed marble wine cooler with near full bottle of red wine sits on a table next to a small glass with red wine and a board of grapes in the background.

Wood and Marble Wine Chiller

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.

An assortment of the best cookies

Levain Signature Cookie Assortment

Best for: The in-laws with a serious sweet tooth

Nothing says "thank you" like a box filled with some of the sweetest cookies around, and this tin doesn't even require a trek to NYC. Every bite of a Levain cookie is chunky, chewy, gooey, and simply transcendent.

Fresh flowers

The Bouqs Co. Flower Delivery

Best for: Celebrating special occasions

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 The Bouqs, our top pick for the best flower delivery service.

A smart display that'll keep them connected

Amazon Echo Show 8

Best for: Staying connected to grandkids

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, order household essentials, or display family photos. For older adults, we like the Show 8 for its moderate screen (you can also watch movies), but we also recommend the smaller Show 5 for a cheaper option.

A book with headlines from every anniversary

New York Times Premium Custom Anniversary Book

Best for: The couple that reads the paper together

This personalized book is filled with the front page of The New York Times from each year on their wedding anniversary. You can memorialize anywhere from 20 to 50 years in this custom-bound book, which will make an excellent addition to their coffee table.

A new hobby to share

Older man wearing a black shirt and white shorts playing pickleball outdoors, holding a paddle and focusing on the ball.

JoncAye Blitz Pickleball Set

Best for: The active couple

Pickleball is wildly popular and easier to learn and play than tennis or other racquet sports. This is a great beginner kit because it comes with two paddles and a few balls to get them started. We named it the best budget set in our guide to the best pickleball paddles.

A book to memorialize their best dinner parties

Open illustrated book with watercolor cherry artwork framing blank pages labeled "friends" and "menu," designed for recording gatherings or meals.

Menus: A Book for Your Meals and Memories

Best for: The hosts

Inspired by famed chef Jacques Pepin's tradition of recording every dinner party menu in a beautiful illustration, this illustrated journal offers your in-laws the chance to do the same. Each page features an illustrated border by Pepin, with space for them to record the names of dinner guests and what was served.

A dad joke a day to keep the doctor away

Coffee mugs with a colorful Venn diagram labeled "Key Elements of a Dad Joke," placed next to a smartphone displaying a daily joke webpage.

Dad Joke Every Day Interactive QR Mug

Best for: The father-in-law who is always ready with a joke

Why don't mugs ever get lonely? Because they're always getting filled up! If that's the kind of humor your father-in-law is known for, he'll enjoy this coffee mug, which has a QR code he can scan each day for a different dad joke all year. It's the gift that keeps giving! Build out a whole collection with mugs devoted to trivia, literature, history, and more.

A standout Bluetooth record player

An angled view of a Sony PS-LX3BT turntable with its dust cover up and a record on.

Sony PS-LX3BT Wireless Bluetooth Turntable

Best for: The record collectors

If they have an extensive record collection, bring their audio setup in to 2026 with a Bluetooth record player. The Sony PS-LX3BT Wireless Bluetooth Turntable doesn't compromise on sound quality while integrating automatic controls and Bluetooth support for easy connection to wireless speakers.

A portable power station

Jackery portable power station on a table with a drone and a camera

Jackery Explorer 300 Portable Power Station

Best for: In-laws who like to be prepared

Keeping your family prepared in case of a power outage is truly priceless. This easy and compact portable power station provides up to 293 kWh to keep devices charged. It's also great to take along for road trips, camping, or anywhere you may need a short term power supply.

A display piece that the kids can help make

Handprint art kit with painted handprints on paper and a clear display, alongside colorful paint sticks and a small roller.

Layers of Love Family Handprint Kit

Best for: Grandparents

If your in-laws are obsessed with their grandkids, this custom art piece will make a thoughtful and inexpensive gift. Each family member adds their handprint to a plexiglass panel, and then up to five panels can be displayed together. It's a great way to get the kids involved with the gift.

A photo book of fond memories together

Hand flipping through family photos in the Everyday Photo Book.

Softcover Photo Book

Best for: The photo-loving in laws

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 sets of prints.

A year of learning from the greats

A collection of teachers on the Masterclass website.

Masterclass Subscription

Best for: The lifelong learners

A tangible gift is great, but so is the gift of knowledge. Masterclass lets them learn nearly any subject from 200+ experts in the field — writing from James Patterson, cooking from Gordon Ramsey, even leadership from Bill Clinton (or George W. Bush, depending on their preferences). Electronic delivery makes this an especially great last-minute gift.

Read our Masterclass review.

The tastiest chocolate, according to a chocolatier

Close-up of hands selecting a piece from a large assorted box of decorated chocolates.

La Maison du Chocolat Croffret Maison Dark and Milk Chocolate

Best for: An easy gift everyone will love

A bonafide chocolatier wrote our guide to the best chocolate and chose La Maison du Chocolat as the best for gifting. The brand offers an elevated take on the classic box of sweets, with plenty of options to satisfy both adventurous foodies and devotees of the classics. These luxe chocolates are priced accordingly; if you're looking for something a bit more affordable, there's nothing wrong with a classic box of See's Candies.

A mini family photo shoot with a local photographer

Family portrait outdoors on a sunny day, with two grandparents, two parents, and two young children posing together on large rocks surrounded by tall grasses.

Shoott Photo Session

Best for: The in-laws who are always asking for more photos

Shoott is a service that lets you book mini sessions with local photographers on demand. It takes the legwork out of finding and booking a session. The 30-minute sitting fee is actually free, you just pay for the photos you buy. This gift is actually several in one: they'll get a nice day out with the family and several keepsake photos to treasure. Pairs perfectly with a digital photo frame or photo book, too.

An audiobook subscription

Collage of book covers available on Audible as audiobooks against a dark blue background.

Audible Gift Membership

Best for: The podcast addicts

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.

An indoor garden for fresh herbs

Click & Grow Smart Garden

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.

A sentimental candle

Mother's Day setup with a lit candle labeled "Thank you, Mom," a stack of pancakes topped with strawberries and cream, fresh flowers, a wrapped gift, and a cup of tea against a pink background.

Homesick Candles

Best for: The nostalgic ones

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.

A fun experience they can share

An elderly woman wearing an apron claps as a young woman shows her a plate of pasta as part of an Airbnb Experience.

Airbnb Experiences

Best for: The in-laws who love to try 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 options, including sporting lessons, cooking classes, and cultural tours, you can be sure you'll find a unique and memorable experience.

Cozy slippers to keep their feet warm

The author wearing Bombas Sunday Slippers.

Bombas Women's Sunday Mule Slippers

Bombas Men's Gripper Slippers

Best for: The homebody in-laws

Bombas makes some of the best women's slippers and best men's slippers that we've tried. 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.

A deep dive into their roots

AncestryDNA Origins + Ethnicity

Best for: The family genealogists

If they're a family history buff, this DNA kit offers them a chance to peek into their genealogical heritage. They'll also gain access to Ancestry's database of records and family trees, so they can map out their origin story.

An e-reader for easy reading anywhere

Person holding a Kindle e-reader with text on the screen, accompanied by caption text highlighting its 7-inch Paperwhite display and faster page turns.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

Best for: The bookworms

If your in-laws frequent the library and bookstore pretty much all the time, get them a Kindle. E-readers make it easy to carry around many books, minus the weight. It's water-resistant, glare-free, and has a long battery life. Read our guide to the best Kindles.

An elevated serving board for their next dinner party

Personalized Compact Swivel Cheese Board

Best for: The in-laws who are serious about their cheese presentation

If your in-laws like to host, this personalized cheese board will elevate their next dinner party. It comes with cheese knives set in their own storage drawer and swivels closed to a compact wedge for storage. It can be customized with your in-laws' initials for an extra special touch.

A wine subscription they can enjoy together

Four bottles of wine and a cardboard Winc box placed on a doorstep.

Winc Wine Gift Subscription

Best for: The wine connoisseurs

A wine subscription service makes their favorite pastime easier for them as they can handpick wine from around the world and find new favorites. A Winc subscription sends them six new bottles each month, which are matched to their unique palate. We also ranked it as the best wine subscription overall.

A catch-all tray customized with their names

Assortment of colorful lacquer serving trays, some monogrammed with initials, displayed with drinks, a lemon, and a cocktail shaker.

Bamboo Lacquer Serving Tray

Best for: The in-laws who like simple, practical gifts

Your in-laws will love Mark & Graham's chic catch-all trays, which can be used for serving, decor, or staying organized. There are several options for personalization, including the choice of a monogram, name, logo, or date.

A sampling of snacks from around the world

Universal Yums Gift Box

Best for: The foodies

Foodies will love the chance to test specialty products from several different countries each month thanks to Universal Yums. UK biscuits, Grecian baklava, and Italian chocolate are just a few of the many options that can be included in their monthly subscription.

A portable massage device

A person in snow gear sitting outside massaging their leg with Therabody’s portable massage device.

Theragun Mini

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 Therabody'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 the press of a button.

A gift for the baseball fanatic

A framed image of a blueprint of Yankee Stadium baseball field.

Baseball Stadium Blueprints

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 cake stand to show off their creations

Glass Domed Cake Plate

Best for: The couple who loves to bake

If their weekends are spent experimenting with new dessert recipes, they'll love this cake stand. It's a beautiful way to display their confections. When it's not on cake duty, it can also be used as a punch bowl.

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