Our Picks for Gifts for in-laws
1PowerPack Nano - Key Ring Power Bank
Picked by that's life! for Father's Day and marked a best seller by Snap Wireless.
A$43Snap Wireless
3Man of Many includes the new AirTag in its tech gift guide; a handy way to keep track of keys, luggage or a wallet for anyone forever losing things.
A$49.00JB Hi-Fi
5Burgon & Ball 'Dig the Glove' Men's Gardening Gloves, Denim Workwear
Tough, well-fitting gloves for the dad who lives in the garden.
A$41.00Backyard Botanist
7CHOCOLATE Buttery Salted Caramels 120gm | 10 x Bon Bons
A small-batch Aussie butter-caramel box that suits almost anyone with a sweet tooth.
A$28.95Pepe Saya
2Broadsheet's gift-guide pick for scent lovers: a calming incense of spiced amber, patchouli and elemi.
A$55Gentle Habits
4Birkenstock 3-step Foot Care Kit
A scrub, balm and care set for tired feet that Bounty Parents put in its Christmas gifts for mums guide.
A$51.95Birkenstock
8A low-cost native-ingredient salt rub with Tasmanian pepperberry, good as a stocking filler for a keen cook.
A$15.50Kakadu Plum Co
Aim for warm, not intimate
Home comforts, good food and drink, a book by an author they like or something for a hobby all hit the right note. Clothing, perfume and anything too personal are best left to their own family.
If you are giving jointly with your partner, ask them for one detail you can build the gift around.
Gifts for the couple
If your partner's parents live together, a gift they can both enjoy, such as a hamper, a board game, a cookbook or an experience for two, avoids having to buy two separate presents.
It also tends to feel more generous than two smaller gifts, and it gives them something to do together once the visitors have gone home.
Food and drink are the safe bet
Good tea or coffee, a box of proper chocolates, a nice bottle or a small hamper suits almost everyone, and it can be shared when you visit. It is hard to get wrong, which matters when you are still learning their tastes.
Check for allergies or dietary needs first. A quiet question to your partner is enough, and a gift that fits shows you paid attention.
Match the budget to your family
Spending far more than the rest of the family can feel awkward. A good quality gift around the usual budget is the safest choice.
Every product below is under A$75 and well reviewed, which suits most families. If you are unsure what is normal, ask your partner what they usually spend.
Add a personal touch
A card with a few warm words, or a photo of the family tucked inside, often means more than the gift itself.
Thoughtfulness, not price, is what they will remember. If you are visiting for the holidays, a small extra for the host, like flowers or a bottle, is always appreciated.
Coordinate so nothing doubles up
With your partner, their siblings and perhaps cousins all shopping for the same two people, duplicates are common. Agree who is buying what, or chip in together on one bigger gift.
HintDrop makes this simple: save ideas to one shared list, call dibs on what you are buying and everyone can see it is taken.
Frequently asked questions
What do you buy in-laws you do not know well?
Choose something warm and broadly appealing, such as good food, tea, a candle or a hamper. Ask your partner for one detail about their taste, and avoid anything too personal like clothing or perfume.
How much should I spend on in-laws?
Match what the rest of the family spends. Between 20 and 50 pounds is common for a thoughtful gift, and spending far more than everyone else can feel awkward.
Should I buy one gift for both in-laws or two?
One shared gift usually works best, such as a hamper, a game, a cookbook or an experience for two. It feels generous and saves you buying two separate presents.
What should I avoid giving in-laws?
Avoid clothing, perfume, anything about health or ageing, and anything that hints at changing how they live. Stick to treats, home comforts and things for their hobbies.
How can the family avoid doubling up on gifts for in-laws?
Put ideas on one shared list and let each person claim what they are buying. HintDrop lets you save gift ideas from any shop and call dibs, so nothing is doubled up.
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