Finding an appropriate Mother's Day gift for your own mother can be challenging enough, but doing the same for your mother-in-law can prove even more frustrating and often, more important. With all the family politics one often finds in dealing with a mother that isn't actually your mother, picking the right Mother's Day gift can raise your estimation in the eyes of the general family unit.
Instructions
1. Engage your mother-in-law in friendly conversation and try to get her to let her guard down around you. This is the only way to get a feel for the kind of person she is and what kind of things she might appreciate for a Mother's Day gift.
2. Pay attention to what her own children give to her on Mother's Day. Some families make a huge production of this special day while others merely treat it as a card giving occasion.
3. Ask your spouse what he or she thinks will be an appropriate gift. Beware of overgiving as much as undergiving as this makes it look like you're just trying too hard to impress, which can lead to a backfire.
4. Send flowers if all else fails. Even if your mother-in-law isn't the floral type, few women aren't moved by a gift of flowers on a day intended to celebrate their maternal accomplishments.
5. Offer your services or talents in some way that helps your mother-in-law in her daily life. If you're a home improver you can offer to fix her screen porch; if you're a gardener, you can spruce up her garden.
6. Remember that whatever you give as a gift should be something that reflects your sincere appreciation of the woman who brought your husband or wife into the world.
