Gifts for In-Laws: 12 Ideas That Always Go Over Well

For your own parents you usually know what to give. For your in-laws it's harder: you know their taste less well, you don't want to do too much or too little, and the gift also says something about you. Luckily a few simple rules get it right almost every time, plus 12 ideas for Christmas, birthdays and anniversaries.

Four rules of thumb

• Do it together with your partner. They know their parents' taste and what they already have. Give the gift together, too.
• Choose something about the family. A gift about their children or grandchildren always lands, because it isn't about your taste.
• Match what you spend on your own parents. That way nobody feels left out.
• Personal beats expensive. A thoughtful small gift lands better than an expensive one without a story.

Order by December 16 for Christmas 2026

For Christmas, order personalized gifts by Wednesday, December 16. Our prints and canvases arrive within 2 to 5 business days in the United States.

Gifts about the family

1. A portrait of the grandchildren

For most grandparents, the grandkids come first. A painted portrait of the grandchildren, or of your family, stays on the wall for years. You see a free preview first, so you can check with your partner that it fits their home. See the family portrait.

2. A photo book of the year

Collect the best photos of your family from the past year. Especially meaningful if you live far away and they see the grandkids less often.

3. Their wedding photo as a painting

Quietly ask your partner for your in-laws' wedding photo and have it turned into a painting. Perfect for a milestone like a 50th anniversary.

4. A framed drawing by the grandkids

Framed, with the name and date on it. It costs very little and often becomes the most treasured gift of all.

Doing something together

5. Dinner at your place

Invite them for a dinner you cook yourselves. A lovely gesture for in-laws you'd like to get to know better.

6. A day out with the grandkids

A zoo, a museum, or a walk with lunch, with the grandkids along. Include the date right away.

7. Tickets to something they love

A concert, a show, or a ball game. Ask your partner what they used to enjoy; that's sometimes a surprisingly good idea.

Safe picks if you don't know their taste

8. Local treats

A basket of cheese, wine, or chocolate from a local maker. Something that gets used up instead of ending up in a cupboard.

9. A beautiful plant

A low-maintenance plant in a nice pot. Ask your partner whether they have a green thumb.

10. An experience for two

Afternoon tea, a boat tour, or a night away. Something they do together, without you having to guess what they like.

For a special occasion

11. A framed canvas of the whole family

For a milestone anniversary or birthday, put all the children and grandchildren in one painted portrait, even if they aren't in the same photo. Go in together with your partner's siblings and it becomes a big gift. See the framed canvas.

12. A tribute to someone who's gone

If a family member or pet passed away recently, a painted portrait can mean a great deal: see our memorial portrait and pet memorial portrait. Only do this after talking with your partner, and choose the moment with care.

In short

The safest gift for in-laws is about the family. Shopping for your own parents or the grandparents too? Read our Christmas gifts for parents who have everything and Christmas gifts for grandparents.