A good gift for a mother-in-law can help smooth things over in a relationship. One has only to take into account several important nuances in order not to be mistaken with the choice of a gift.
What to focus on when choosing a gift
First of all, consider the age of the mother-in-law. A young or young mother-in-law most often wants her daughter-in-law to perceive her as a competitor. In this case, it is most appropriate to give fashionable, very feminine gifts. Good perfume, exquisite accessories (gloves, bags, scarves), fashionable gizmos will be an excellent gift if the daughter-in-law as a whole represents the tastes of her mother-in-law.
Books by favorite authors have always been and will be a good gift for an intelligent mother-in-law. On the one hand, you can learn from your husband about his mother's literary tastes, on the other, you can confirm the status of a cultured person.
If the mother-in-law is an elderly woman who, moreover, is used to flaunting them, you need to give gifts of a completely different type. They should create coziness and comfort - a coffee grinder, a warm cozy robe, comfortable slippers. Such gifts carry the hidden message "we care about you and want you to feel good." Most likely, the mother-in-law will be flattered by such attention.
The second important factor when choosing gifts is whether the mother-in-law lives with the family or not. If living together, gifts should demonstrate concern for the home and the desire to please the mother-in-law. Individual gifts should not be cheap or expensive; their value should be weighed against the family's income to avoid possible resentment from the mother-in-law. A variety of household appliances that make housekeeping easier would then be the perfect gift.
If the mother-in-law lives separately, the gifts may be decorative and less functional. However, even in this case, if the mother-in-law has a need for some useful devices, first of all, you need to give them. If the kitchen is full of all kinds of multicooker, rice cooker, double boiler, you can give all sorts of decorations like candlesticks, napkin rings, favorite movies or bed linen.
Gift Choice and the Art of Diplomacy
It is very important to consider the type of relationship between the husband and his mother. If they have a close, trusting relationship, it is important for the daughter-in-law to consult with her spouse before choosing a gift. He knows exactly what his mother wants to receive as a gift. By the way, when presenting a gift, it is desirable to emphasize that it was mainly the husband who chose the gift.
If the relationship between the husband and his mother is not too warm, the choice of a gift turns into a diplomatic act. In this case, the gift cannot be familiar or intimate. It is better to choose things that are useful, neutral, and functional that do not carry an emotional message.
