31 clever gift ideas your mother-in-law will adore

Shopping for the perfect gift for your mother-in-law is usually a task that’s met with a certain degree of horror.

Let’s face it, the daunting task faced by many a kid-in-law in Singapore (or anywhere around the world for that matter) requires striking a balance between sweet and appropriate without choosing something that’s too OTT or undeniably underwhelming.

If you need a little help navigating these choppy shopping waters to land on the ideal gift for your MIL, you’ve come to the right place. Ahead, we’ve gathered a selection of definite crowd-pleasers that’ll earn you serious points in the in-law arena this year.

It’ll likely be tough to resist any of these clever gifts that have I-love-you-like-a-mother-sort-of written all over them, but you’ll do well to keep in mind that you can’t really go wrong even if what you pick out isn’t exactly suited to her personal taste.

After all, it’s the effort and gesture that count, right?

Linjer The Bowler Bag (Small)

An effortlessly stylish mother-in-law will understand the sartorial power of a purse, especially a seriously elegant one that’s crafted out of Italian leather.

This one by leather goods brand Linjer is perfect for toting around just the essentials, and comes in three colours: Chestnut, Black, and Navy.

Linjer The Bowler Bag (Small) retails for approx. S$293 (US$215) online.

Rever Warren Card & Coin Holder & Key Holder Gift Set

Nothing says thoughtful more than a personalised gift. That, combined with exquisite small leather goods like the ones from local brand Rever, will surely be something that your MIL will cherish forever.

Rever Warren Card & Coin Holder & Key Holder Gift Set retails for S$116 online.

Phillip Wain Bliss Healer Massage

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A body massage is something that most giftees can hardly say no to, so may we suggest getting the Bliss Healer Massage from Phillip Wain?

This luxurious 55-minute treatment incorporates heated beds, massage techniques, and natural healing ingredients to give the immune system a much-needed boost (especially important during this period!) and improve overall body wellness.

Phillip Wain Bliss Healer Massage is now priced at just S$75 instead of S$180 on Salon Finder. Phillip Wain is located at 333 Orchard Road, #07-00, Mandarin Orchard, Singapore 238867. Call 6250 0100 for more information.

Neal’s Yard Remedies Relax Prepare For Sleep Set

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Give the gift of good sleep with this calming duo. In addition to helping your MIL sleep better, you’ll also be helping Mother Nature with this gift kit – Neal Yeal’s Remedies, in partnership with World Land Trust, will protect a tree in the Jaguar del Norte reserve in Sonora, Mexico with every set purchased.

Neal’s Yard Remedies Relax Prepare For Sleep Set retails for S$30 at TANGS.

Gratefood Company Sorbet Trio + Coconut Bowl & Spoon Set

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Indulging in desserts without guilt is definitely possible when you get her Gratefood Company’s Mix of Sorbet Trio. There’s even a coconut bowl and spoon set when you purchase it online via eBoutiques.

Gratefood Company Sorbet Trio + Coconut Bowl & Spoon Set retails for S$60 exclusively at eBoutiques.

Christmas nail wraps by Emery & Co.

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Nail wraps in Cosmopolis design

Nail salons are notoriously booked out during the festive season and if your MIL has been having trouble securing an appointment, go to her rescue with Emery & Co.’s Christmas-themed nail wraps.

The local brand, which just launched during Circuit Breaker by two creatives, champions hand-drawn illustrations and designs inspired by the beauty of nature and the diverse expressions of cultures.

Christmas nail wraps from Emery & Co. retail for S$14.90 per design, check out the online-exclusive collection here.

Shirt Number White Cube shirt

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Your MIL will adore dressing up (or down) in this cotton twill button-down that drapes beautifully in all the right places.

Shirt Number White Cube shirt retails for S$170 on eBoutiques.

Sunday Staples Carla Heels

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From running errands to enjoying brunch, this understated pair of heels will effortlessly dial up your MIL’s style meter.

Sunday Staples Carla Heels retails for S$42.90 online.

Pink Jambu Batik Chiffon Silk Shawl

This limited-edition chiffon silk shawl handmade by Malaysian artisans is another piece that your MIL will enjoy wrapping herself in, and it matches well with both evening wear and day ensemble.

Pink Jambu Batik Chiffon Silk Shawl retails for approx. S$334.27 (US$250) on Dia.

Mmerci Encore Ritual Ceramic Essential Oil Burner

Can’t make time for the real thing? Bring the spa to her than with this functional yet aesthetic object that can transform her living room into the ultimate realm of relaxation.

Use the diffuser with Mmerci’s assortment of pure essential oils – we’re currently in love with the stress-relieving Hinoki (S$45) and space-deodorising Aomori Hiba Wood (S$42) variants.

Mmerci Encore Ritual Ceramic Essential Oil Burner retails for S$55 online.

Ask a French/Flowers Dried Surprise Bouquet

It’s a fact: you simply can’t go wrong with the delivery of a flower bouquet to brighten up anyone’s day, especially if you’re celebrating the holidays at a distance this year.

And if your MIL isn’t one for the superstitions, these dried blooms will make the perfect gift – it doesn’t need water (or even direct sunlight for that matter) and can probably last for months.

Ask a French/Flowers Dried Surprise Bouquet retails for S$159 on eBoutiques.

Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz

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For the woman that appreciates a good glass of wine, you can’t go wrong with this classic from one of the most well-known wine brands in the world.

With a harmonious balance of fruit and oak, we’ve been told the Bin 389 is loved and sought after by many wine aficionados around the world so cart out while you can.

Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz can be found at liquor stores. You can also get it for S$106 on Zalora. It’s also available on iShopChangi for S$93.90 but it’s currently out of stock at the time of writing. You can submit your email address to have them notify you when it’s back in stock.

Tily Tea Large Glass Teapot

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For the tea lover, you’ll do well with this aesthetically pleasing teapot that’s made from high-quality borosilicate glass.

With a see-through body, she can watch her favourite tea bag infuse and release all the wholesome goodness while admiring the gorgeous hues that the tea creates.

Tily Tea Large Glass Teapot retails for S$35 at eBoutiques. Complete the set with the Tily Tea Ceramic Warmer (S$22).

Bvlgari Serpenti Eye-bite sunglasses

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When it comes to protecting the eyes from UV rays, no option is more chic than a pair of sunnies. With this pair from Bvlgari, we won’t be surprised if your MIL doesn’t want to take it off.

Bvlgari Serpenti Eye-bite sunglasses retails for S$470 online.

Bespoke jewellery from Millemiere Jewellery

No matter her personal style, these understated and delicate huggie hoops are guaranteed to please.

Prices vary according to design. Reach out to Millemiere Jewellery via Instagram for more information.

Coach Park Silver White Women’s Watch Gift Set

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Let her shimmer in Swarovski crystals this holiday season with this snazzy gift set that includes one elegant stainless steel bracelet watch adorned with a gold-toned crown and a complementary stainless steel bangle.

Coach Park Silver White Women’s Watch Gift Set retails for S$480 on Cocomi.

Le Labo Candle Discovery Set

Having a hard time choosing a Le Labo candle for your MIL? Well, save yourself the trouble and just reach for this discovery set that’s essentially a trio of Figue 15, Palo Santo 14, and Petit Grain 21 candles that she’ll enjoy using.

Le Labo Candle Discovery Set retails from approx. S$91.85 (€56.67) online. You can also visit the Le Labo boutique in Ngee Ann City to enquire, or place your order via WhatsApp by messaging Le Labo at 8940 1126.

Mimo by Conetar Like A Cleopatra Set

Not only do these all-natural, classic Portuguese soaps come in different variants to target common skin concerns, they also come in an irresistible packaging that any recipient would appreciate.

Mimo by Conetar Like A Cleopatra Set retails for S$132 online. You can also find Mimo by Conetar at Lumine Singapore.

Diptyque Palette of Eaux de Parfum

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Got a MIL who owns an impressive assortment of fragrances? Score brownie points by adding this series of perfume rollers to her collection.

Diptyque Palette of Eaux de Parfum retails for S$160 at Escentials and TANGS.

T2 Tea Three Little Teas

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Christmas Breakfast, Melbourne Breakfast or French Earl Grey? With this gorgeous box of tea, why choose when you can have them all!

T2 Tea Three Little Teas retails for S$20 at all T2 Tea stores and online.

Indian Spicebox Silver Spicebox Kit

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Spice up your MIL’s kitchen with this Indian spice box that’s been given a modern twist. The kit comes with a full-colour cookbook and nine organic spices beautifully packaged in tins and solid wooden blocks.

Indian Spicebox Silver Spicebox Kit retails for S$95 on eBoutiques. A gold version is also available.

Latch Handmade bracelets

Handcrafted with cowhide leather and semi-precious stones, this is one impressive gift that will keep you in her thoughts throughout the year.

What’s more, you also won’t want to miss the brand’s promotion of the month where you can get one bracelet for free with every two purchased. Use promo code ‘LATCHXMAS2020’ to enjoy this special deal, which ends 15 December 2020.

Prices vary. Shop Latch Handmade bracelets here or email [email protected] for customisation queries.

TheImprint Work Bundle

Work essentials can be a real bore sometimes, but you can circumvent that by just adding a personal touch like monogramming her initials on this personalised notebook and lanyard duo.

TheImprint Work Bundle retails for S$58.60 on Shopee.

NestBloom Bundle Kit

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Seriously, who wouldn’t appreciate the gift of good skin? This pretty-in-pink gift set doesn’t just come with four delectable bird’s nest “blooms” that look like pieces of art, you’ll also be getting a set of crystal spoon and double-wall bowl plus an hourglass that are all essentials for the NestBloom Ritual.

NestBloom Bundle Kit retails for S$198 at TANGS.

Lulla Aspen Pyjamas – Women

Help her sleep better and keep her cosy with this classic 100% cotton white pyjama set that’s equal parts minimal and modern.

Lulla Aspen Pyjamas – Women retails for approx. S$127.49 (RM389) online.

Royal Spade Shell Ring Holder

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Give her vanity a touch of whimsical with this seashell-inspired trinket tray that’s the perfect size for storing all kinds of small accessories.

Royal Spade Shell Ring Holder retails for S$18 at TANGS.

SoulSister Spirits Gin Singapore Edition Hamper Set 2

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If she’s been hearing the gin-gle bells ring lately, take that as your cue to grab this Soulsister hamper that comes with a bottle of gin, a Copa glass, and a candle.

SoulSister Spirits Gin Singapore Edition Hamper Set 2 retails for S$182 at TANGS.

To Home sculpture by Dae Byu

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For the cultured mother-in-law, impress her with this adorable fibreglass resin sculpture made by Korean artist, Dae Byu.

To Home sculpture by Dae Byu is available for sale at Ode To Art.

Bynd Artisan Home For Christmas Box

With a chic leather Valet Tray, a keychain holder, and a scented clay ornament that is crafted with a heady cocktail of bergamot, geranium, orange blossom, sea salt, eucalyptus, and juniper, this Bynd Artisan x Candles of Light collab will surely put a smile on her face.

Bynd Artisan Home For Christmas Box retails for S$198 online.

Sunday Bedding Sage Green French Linen Set

Of all the materials used in bedding, linen is typically the fabric of choice for those with sensitive skin as well as those who need to frequently wash their sheets. Show her that you want nothing but the best for her with Sunday Bedding’s 100% French linen sheets.

Sunday Bedding Sage Green French Linen Set retails from S$355 on the Sunday Bedding website and eBoutiques.

The Green Capsule Airplant Greenwall Workshop

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For the one with green fingers, gift her the experience of creating her own greenwall with The Green Capsule. We reckon she’ll have a field day learning the basics of air plants and how to maintain them.

Airplant Greenwall Workshop is priced at S$38, you can purchase a gift card for the experience via Giftano.