What to Buy Your In-laws: Your Ultimate Guide to Thoughtful Gifts and Experiences

Figuring out what to buy your in-laws can sometimes feel like a bit of a puzzle – we're here to give you a little help with our gift experiences for parents across the UK. You might be shopping for your partner's parents for the first time, or perusing for something for a special milestone.

Their tastes and interests can be a bit harder to pin down. You might have already exhausted the list of suggestions from your partner, but you still want something thoughtful. Whether they're readers, cosy crafters or nature lovers, it can be even trickier to find something they'll both enjoy together.

We've put together the only in-laws gift guide you'll ever need including gift suggestions, tips for picking the right one and any other worries on your mind. We've got this!

1. Start with what they're like as people

Your first mission in the 'what to buy your in-laws' quest – think about what they actually enjoy. Maybe when you visit, your mum-in-law is cosied up with a book or knitting a new project. Maybe your father-in-law is outside gardening or hooked on a new TV show.

Let's break down a few different personalities, and it might just give you the inspiration you need!

For the in-laws who love good food and drink

If they're always recommending you new places to eat or cooking up a gorgeous meal, foodie experiences for in-laws might be just what you're after.

A pasta making adventure

They'll learn how to make fresh pasta from scratch, with plenty of delicious results to enjoy afterwards!

• Treat them to: Fresh pasta class with Prosecco in Isle of Dogs, London.

• Price: £70pp.

A wine or beer tasting

A relaxed way to discover new favourites and learn a little more about what they're drinking.

• Treat them to: Sicilian wine tasting dinner in Manchester.

• Price: £70pp.

A baking workshop

From patisserie to bread-making, there's plenty to choose from for in-laws who love a homemade treat.

• Treat them to: Cake decorating workshop in Manchester.

• Price: £60pp.

For the in-laws who already have everything

If you're treating the duo who always tell you or your partner that they don't need anything, a unique experience is a lovely way to still surpise them without adding more clutter to their lives!

Pottery and ceramics

They can get hands-on with clay and make something completely their own, from a decorative bowl to handmade mugs for their daily cuppas.

• Treat them to: Hand building pottery experience in Edinburgh.

• Price: £65pp.

Perfume making

They can experiment with different notes and create a fragrance that's personal to them, or even make one for each other!

• Treat them to: Perfume making workshop with essential oils in Stratford, London.

• Price: £39pp.

Jewellery making

A chance to design and make a piece they can wear, rather than receiving something you hoped they'd like.

• Treat them to: Bead jewellery workshop in Glasgow.

• Price: £18pp.

For the in-laws who love getting out and about

If they're always on walks, visiting new places or filling their weekends with fun little adventures, give them something unique to look forward to!

A foraging walk

A guided wander to discover edible plants, seasonal ingredients and a different side of the local landscape. How gorgeous!

• Treat them to: Seasonal foraging workshop in Mitcham, London.

• Price: £75pp.

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A food tour

Ideal for curious eaters who enjoy discovering independent cafés, markets and restaurants.

• Treat them to: Glasgow restaurant tour.

• Price: £100pp.

A photography walk

A lovely option for anyone who enjoys taking pictures and exploring their surroundings.

• Treat them to: Smartphone photography class in Soho and Chinatown, London.

• Price: £55pp.

For the in-laws with a creative streak

Looking for crafty gifts for your mother-in-law, or got a father-in-law who's always trying a new creative hobby? We've got just the thing!

Watercolour painting

A relaxed introduction to painting, with no need to be particularly artistic.

• Treat them to: Beginners watercolour workshop in Bankside, London.

• Price: £26pp.

Crocheting

A chance to pick up a new skill and work towards making something useful, or just decorative!

• Treat them to: Beginners guide to crochet in Manchester.

• Price: £29pp.

Mosaic making

A colourful, hands-on experience that lets them create a unique piece of art side-by-side.

• Treat them to: Mosaic workshop in Liverpool.

• Price: £40pp.

2. Should you buy one gift for both in-laws or separate presents?

This is totally up to you! Sometimes a shared gift is a little easier, but if you've known them for a while you might feel more confident finding something different for each of them.

Choose a shared experience if:

• They're always on little adventures and trying out new things together.

• They have a shared interest, such as cooking, gardening or exploring new places.

• You're buying for an anniversary, Christmas or another occasion where a joint gift feels natural.

• You'd like to give them something they can look forward to doing as a couple!

Choose separate gifts if:

• They have very different interests and hobbies.

• One of them loves an adventure, but the other prefers to stay in with a cosy film.

• You know one of them particularly well and have a specific idea in mind.

• They've each mentioned something to you in passing that gave you the perfect idea!

3. How much should you spend on your in-laws?

There isn't a set amount you're expected to spend when looking for presents for in-laws. It totally depends on the occasion, your relationship with them and what's comfortable for your budget. Here's a rough guide:

• Under £30pp: Little creative treats, such as a bead jewellery workshop or beginners' watercolour class.

• £30–£50pp: Plenty of hands-on options, from crochet and perfume making to mosaic workshops.

• £50–£75pp: A lovely range of experiences, including smartphone photography, cake decorating, pottery and pasta making.

• £75–£100pp: For a bigger treat, consider a foraging workshop, wine tasting dinner or Glasgow food tour.

If you're buying for both in-laws, you could book a shared experience and split the cost between you and your partner. It's a lovely way to give them something to look forward to without spending a fortune on two separate presents!

4. What if you don't know your in-laws very well?

If you're still getting to know your in-laws, play it safe with something enjoyable and low-pressure. A food or drink experience, beginner-friendly craft workshop or shared activity is a thoughtful choice without feeling too personal.

When in doubt, ask your partner for a little insider knowledge! And if all else fails, you can always opt for a gift voucher and let them choose their own adventure.

5. Should you buy an experience you can enjoy together?

If we've given you some inspiration, you might be considering going along with them to their crafty workshop or adventure. It can be a lovely way to bond with them outside of the usual family get-togethers, especially if you're still getting to know them!

Book you and your partner in and go along with them, or maybe book lunch or dinner for after their experience and join them.

What to write in your in-laws' cards

Ready to get gifting but need some inspiration for your card or gift voucher message? We've got you! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• For Christmas: “Wishing you both a lovely Christmas and a happy New Year. Hope you have a wonderful time celebrating!”

• For a birthday: “Happy birthday! Hope you have a lovely day and get thoroughly spoiled.”

• For an anniversary: “Happy anniversary to you both! Wishing you many more happy years together.”

• For a first meeting: “It was so lovely to meet you. Thank you for making me feel so welcome – looking forward to seeing you again soon!”

• For a more personal message: Mention something you've enjoyed doing together, a sweet inside joke or just let them know how much you appreciate having them in your life.

A little guide to choosing an in-law gift

The perfect gift doesn't have to be complicated

When it comes to what to buy your in-laws, it's easy to get caught up in finding something over-the-top or panic grabbing another pair of matching slippers. But you don't need to go above and beyond to make their hearts sing! Choose something you know they'd love to try and let the workshop do the rest.

No matter what occasion you're gifting for, have a browse and win them over with something that'll make them feel special and known.