Let’s be honest: whether you get along with your in-laws or not, shopping for them is hard. Do you pick something that just makes sense for the woman of the house, because women are typically in charge of the gift-buying and exchanging, or do you try to find something to make the man of the house pleased as well? It’s tricky, and even tricker if you’re wanting to impress people who you don’t know well or haven’t known that long.
To help out, we’ve rounded up a few gift options that are sure to get at least one of your significant other’s parents happy, and if all else fails, opt for comical. even if it’s only comical for you, at least it’ll decrease your internal tension a bit. There’s something about the holidays that brings out the best in families (while also highlighting the dysfunction), so food or alcohol are also safe choices in many situations. If you’ve got better ideas, clue us (and everyone else) in in the comments.
Kate Spade Pierrepont place Corkscrew & bottle Opener
$50 through Nordstrom
Like we said, red wine works well with family gatherings
Richwood Creations state silhouette cutting Board
$48 through Nordstrom
A gift that has a personal touch is sure to be a winner
Eau D’Italie set of three Scented Soaps
$42 through Net-A-Porter
Not the most original idea, but a safe bet
Jonathan Adler Brass Tic Tac Toe Set
$195 through Neiman Marcus
Playing games always helps relocation time along
9-in-1 tool and Tire Tool
$55 through Neiman Marcus
A nifty and useful gadget will win over the techie parent
MarieBelle Cacaotelle hot Cocoa Collection
$58 Neiman Marcus
Spike a warm cup of cocoa and you are set
Diptyque yearn 2013 holiday Candle
$68 through Barneys
A great candle is another incredible gift staple
Oscar de la Renta Ikat dot photo Frame
$135 through Neiman Marcus
Actually, add this beautiful frame to your personal wish list
Vosges Piemonte Hazelnut Milk chocolate Crunchy Pralines Bonbons
$38 through Barneys
If you find yourself in a real predicament, opt for the chocolate