My daughter-in-law's birthday is this week. Yes, it is weird that we are closer in age than her husband, my son, is to two of his siblings. Why do you ask? Anyway, I really try to be a good mother-in-law. I hate being a mother-in-law, by the way. My own mother-in-law is a HORRIBLE mother-in-law, so the only help I get there is what not to do. Not entirely unhelpful, truthfully. She also happens to be worse mother than she is mother-in-law, so there is that.
I digress. My daughter-in-law. I need a gift. I'd prefer it to be a good gift. Actually, I'd prefer it to be a wow! it's the perfect gift. But, I'm desperate. I'll try not to be greedy. Mark and I thought we had it all figured out. We got her an ice cream cookbook, ice cream dishes, ice cream parfait glasses, tall spoons (for ice cream), toppings, sprinkles, etc. Then, Rebekah reminded us we got her ice cream bowls last year. I don't really remember that, but I'm willing to take her word for it. So, the ice cream gift is out. Don't worry, it won't go to waste, we're giving it to them the following week for their anniversary. ;-) I am nothing if not resourceful. Actually, that's a lie, I'm not resourceful. If I were I wouldn't need your help ALL THE TIME, and I so clearly do--NEED YOUR HELP ALL THE TIME.
In the past, we've given her a gift certificate to Crate and Barrell, gift certificates for pedicures, a picnic basket loaded with goodies, a gift basket loaded with 'relaxation' stuff--book, candles, chocolates. Should I repeat something? We spent a veritable boatload of money tonight buying pink goodies since they just found out the baby they're having is a girl. We sent two pink sleepers for now, and have the rest put away for the hospital and Christmas. Should I give her something baby-related? I thought about offering to make curtains for the baby's room. I don't want to be presumptious though. Maybe she likes the curtains that were there while the room was an office just fine and would be insulted if I offered new ones. I just don't know what to do, and I don't want to blow it. Yes, I am aware that I tend to blow this way out of proportion and attach too much importance to it. I am flawed, work with me.
Please, please help me. I want to score points--there. That's honesty for you. I really want her to like me. Actually, I'd love for her to love me, but I try not to look desperate. Give me your ideas y'all, and remember, I'm on a budget.
I have 1 husband and 4 kids, 28, 21, 12 and 10... I'll be doing the mom thing forever, hence 4evermom.
7 comments:
You could get her a gift certificate to one of her favorite restaurants and a gift certificate to a movie. Then she could have dinner and a movie all paid for and could take whomever she pleased. The hubby or a girlfriend for a girls night out. ??
A massage GC is always great too. You really can't go wrong with those, no matter how many times you've given it. Especially now that she is pregnant. Pregnant massages rock! Just make sure you ask the place if they do pregnant massages or not first. ;)
Good luck! I'm sure she will appreciate anything you get her. It REALLY is the thought that counts. :)
Hello from DC!
If she likes jewelry one of my favorite gifts was a necklace from Loriola.com. It's a colorful pendant on a fun chain.... approx. $36.
What about a subscription to a favorite magazine... a few of my favorites... Real Simple, Cooking Light, Oprah, Parents, Rachael Ray.
Personalized Stationary
A Vera Bradley purse or cosmetic case
I'm always a fan of the gift certificate too...
Hope some of these help!
How about a prenatal massage?
Does she and your son have a favorite B&B or inn nearby they like to visit? Perhaps get her a gift certificate for a night there, along with free childcare, of course! Maybe tickets to a touring Broadway show near where they live?
Hey guys if you’re looking for an awesome gift for someone. Look no further! Check out the website www.cakeandaprayer.com. I gave my friend a cake and a prayer for her birthday and she was blown away by it. The great thing about the gift was that the website had pre-written gift messages. I was surprised at the quality of the gift and the price. It included the gift card, cake (which was so good we all wanted more) and a framed scripture with my name signed on the bottom. Trust me you will not be disappointed! I used this discount code (GB080108) and got $10 off, try it!
I'm convinced I have the best MIL to have ever graced this planet, and I'm sure you're of the same caliber. Truly, the best gift she (or anyone) could ever give me is the gift of time. If you live close enough (I don't know your proximity to them), offer to just help her out when she needs it. Do they have other kids? If so, babysit so they can go out on a date. Perhaps, as she gets further along in her pregnancy, she will need someone to help clean the house. I don't know how much they cost, but maybe you could look into hiring a cleaning service for a month.
Your previous gift ideas sound awesome, and I would be thrilled to receive any one of them!
I think you received some wonderful ideas but I just wanted to compliment you for how much effort you are making to make sure you give her something she loves.
I am already worried about my boys and who they marry because it is so important to me to be a great MIL as well. Let us know what you choose.
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