It may seem that choosing a New Year gift for your mother-in-law could not be simpler. Just recall what she has been lacking lately: a new pot, some fresher towels, or galoshes for the dacha. But even here, one can stumble upon pitfalls, ruining your husband’s mother’s festive mood.
Psychologist Veronika Akhmetova explained how one gift can please both your mother-in-law and yourself. So that she not only keeps this item but also remembers you with kind words.
"First of all, it is important for a person to feel needed, significant, and valuable. And it is important to know that any gift will be interpreted based on their own values, their worldview, and their perspective. Therefore, of course, in addition to the gift, it is advisable to decode your message," says the expert.
A Gift for Two
Instead of clichés like bed linen or a set of shower gels, it’s better to give your mother-in-law a certificate for bright emotions. This could be a master class or tickets to a concert of her favorite artist. The very fact of sharing emotions and new experiences will play a huge role. This will bring you even closer. By the way, her son, your husband, can also join her. That’s also a valuable moment. When was the last time they spent time together? Most likely, it was years ago. "Make sure this is an absolutely neutral gift that won’t touch her sensitive nature," warns Akhmetova.
Book of Wisdom
No, this is not about a purchased book, but one made by your caring hands. "This could be a collection of her recipes, her skills and abilities, a beautiful photo album where she can insert her notes. You can include pictures of how you cooked together, how you enjoyed her pie or soup. And then, after some years, this album will likely be remembered and become a family heirloom that will simply be passed down, for example, to the grandchildren," explains the psychologist.
There will also be a psychological subtext that you value not only her labor but also her emotions invested in these dishes, in these material values.
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Your mother-in-law wasn’t always a grandmother and mother. In her younger years, she surely had more free time for hobbies. Now, it’s very problematic for her to allow herself to break away somewhere. So help her with that. For example, she told you how she used to embroider or learned to play the guitar in her youth. So give her that trial lesson, take her to a guitar class, or to an embroidery session; maybe it will be a subscription for several lessons.
Useful Gadget
A new phone is immediately ruled out. Older people usually have a hard time adapting to sophisticated modern technology. However, a talking speaker is something your mother-in-law can definitely handle. Such a helper will allow her not only to listen to music, podcasts, and stories but also to set a timer while cooking, check the weather outside, and what to wear, among other things. An electric blanket, a humidifier, or an air purifier, a lightweight and easy-to-use vacuum cleaner — these are what you need to show warm and respectful feelings towards the recipient.
Family Photoshoot
A studio or outdoor photoshoot is a great contribution to your shared family history. Paper photos are not very common today; everything is on phones and laptop memories. Therefore, the dear-to-heart snapshots will be even more valuable. Capture the moment when you are all together and happy, especially during the festive New Year days.
Don’t forget that mothers-in-law are already mature people, extremely thrifty and resourceful, who usually have everything. Therefore, household items, care products, and other things from the list should be ruled out immediately.
"The most important and valuable thing for them is the feeling that they are needed and important. Don’t give them store-bought items. Give emotions, care, impressions. All that can strengthen the bridge between you and your spouse’s family," summarizes Veronika Akhmetova.
