Gifts You Definitely Should Not Get Your Mother-In-Law

Author Deborah Y. Cohn published an article discussing her studies on gift giving, and found that the worst types of gifts can be categorized as aggressive, selfish, or obligatory.

Passive-aggressive gifts are more obvious than you think: avoid things like wrinkle cream or a mustache-waxing kit. Good Housekeeping shared some of the in-law gift giving horror stories, which included things like obviously regifted items, outdated electronics, and even a scale — yikes!

An obligatory gift could be something your MIL already has plenty of, like the wall decor with silly sayings on it. There are only so many times she should hang up a "Live, Laugh, Love" sign. Try not to repeat gifts: a framed family photo from the current year is a good, more personal alternative that will always be new.

Gag gifts can be funny to a close friend or family member, but your mother-in-law probably won't get it and it might come off as selfish instead. Unless you're all down for a white elephant-style gift exchange, avoid shocking gifts and pranks like whoopee cushions, sex toys, and shirts with weird sayings on them (in fact, maybe avoid clothing altogether, unless you're super familiar with her size and style).

There are a few things your mother-in-law wishes you knew, and one of them is probably how to give better gifts. Luckily we found a few gifts that scream thoughtfulness without straining your mind or your wallet.