Face it. Most of us grow up in semi-neurotic homes where things
may seem to be perfect from the outside, but inside the cage there’s a
lot of weirdness. Once we’re grown, we get married and bring
our neuroses along with those of our parents to our new spouses – whose
neuroses often seem much worse than our own. The worst
neurotics in our families are usually, by fable or truth, our
mother-in-laws (MILs). I’ve identified 10 types of MILs and found 10 absolutely perfect gifts for them – if you dare to actually give them of if not having a sense of humor is not one of your MIL’s shortcomings!
If funny and silly gift ideas for your mother-in-law is not quite what you are looking for, we’ve also collected up some great gift ideas for mother in laws that are thoughtful gift ideas your mother-in-law should love. So if you are looking for funny gift ideas, read on or if you need a seriously great gift ideas, skip towards the bottom of this article. For Mother’s Day, for a birthday or any other holiday, these make great gifts.
Funny Gift Ideas For Mother-In-Laws
1. The Menopausal Mother-In-Law
Menopause is a rough time and it
can put a rough edge on the nicest mother-in-law. But sometimes, that
rough edge is just an excuse for being extremely mean, instead of just
being mean. Either way, your MIL really should be reminded that she’s not the most pleasant person to have around. The 7 Stages of Menopause Wall Sign
can be used as a helpful reference for whatever mood she is currently in and handy when trying to figure out how best to deal with her.
Menopause 7 Stages Sign
2. The Hypochondriac Mother-In-Law
Yes, you know. A headache
means she has brain cancer and a cut on her finger means she’s a
hemophiliac. No, not a hemophiliac; a hypochondriac. What’s the
perfect gift? The Complete Manual of Things That Might Kill You: A Guide to Self-Diagnosis for Hypochondriacs by Knock Knock Books. At least she will complain more knowledgeably.
The Complete Manual of Things That Might Kill You by Knock Knock
3. The Nagging Mother-In-Law
One of the
most common problems with mother-in-laws are that they often nag, or at
least seem like they’re nagging when they keep repeating, ‘You should do this. You should do that.’ This solution is not exactly a gift for you MIL, but one for you! It’s the (Laugh Out Loud) LOL Rollover Dog. (Also available in LOL Rollover Monkey and LOL Rollover Pig.) When she starts nagging, get your dog to rollover laughing!
LOL Rollover Dog
4. The Yappy Mother-In-Law
Yack, yack, yack. She talks and talks
and pays no attention to the fact that you are leaving the room; she
follows you to the bathroom if she’s in the middle of a saga about her
neighbor’s sister’s boyfriend… which she never stopped to think might
just not interest you. You want to scream at the top of your lungs, "Shut up, will you!" but your spouse will killlll you. So, how about this book? Listening: The Forgotten Skill, A Self-Teaching Guide. Too much of a hint? Or not enough?
Listening: The Forgotten Skill: by Madelyn Burley-Allen
5. The Alcoholic Mother-In-Law
She’ll drink whatever you happen
to serve and she’ll drink all of it and then look for more. You could
recommend Alcoholics Anonymous or you could just encourage her to bring
her own in this WineRack Bra.
Winerack Bra
6. The Ultra Religious Mother-In-Law
Always
preaching to you, you will surely go to Hell if you don’t listen to
this MIL. She’s praying for your soul, but you’ll never get to Heaven,
especially if you give her these Jesus Bandages with a free toy inside.
Jesus Adhesive Bandages
7. The Tacky Mother-In-Law
All
those awful gifts she brings you… the figurines that she expects to
see displayed when she comes to your home. Why not buy her a figurine
that’s hard to beat when it comes to ‘tacky.’ Let me introduce you to
the Mooning Garden Gnome.
Mooning Garden Gnome
8. The Find A Husband-Obsessed Mother-In-Law
This MIL really needs a
man. When you go out with her, she’s always trying to impress the
nearest middle aged man – even if he’s with his wife! She’s persistent about
asking you to find her a nice date and you just don’t want to be in the
position of fixing up your MIL! Why not help her indirectly? There’s
a book for everything, you know. And How To Marry Money will give her real tips on how to meet men, and rich ones at that.
How To Marry Money by Kevin Doyle
9. The ‘You’re Not Good Enough For My Daughter’ Thinking Mother-In-Law
Oh, yeah? Well, if you think I’m not good enough, you need to see this movie! Son-In-Law. (This is actually pretty funny!)
Son-In-Law (1993) DVD
10. The Know It All Mother-In-Law
Whether she does or doesn’t genuinely know a lot, know it all MILs are as annoying as as a mosquito bite on your bum. The Book of General Ignorance: Everything You Think You Know Is Wrong is sure to challenge her; at least it will keep her busy for awhile.
The Book of General Ignorance
If
you don’t dare give these funny gifts to your MIL as veiled insults, at least you
can amuse yourselves by fantasizing about giving them while you actually
get one of these genuinely thoughtful gift ideas for mother-in-laws.
Recommended Best Gifts For Mother In Laws
1. For Mother In Laws Who Suffer From Back Pain – Hollywog WiTouch
Hollywog WiTouch is the first remote controlled wireless pain relief device to dramatically reduce back pain. (Consider this TENS Massager
for treating general aches ans pains). The Hollywog uses TENS
technology and provides a FDA approved drug free alternative to reduce
pain and discomfort. The Witouch is small, lightweight, thin and
flexible. It is so discreet your MIL can even wear the WiTouch under her
clothes. The Hollywog gets excellent reviews and many people have seen a
significant improvements in reducing the pain in their lives from using
one.
2. For Mother In Law Who Hate Wasting Electricity: Wireless Remote Control Outlet Light Switches
These Etekcity ZAP Auto-Programmable Wireless Remote Control Outlet Light Switches are simple plug and use light switch devices and they are terrific. It can make any plug into one where you can turn things on and off with a simple click of a remote rather than having to get up when your Mother In Law is feeling a bit lazy or creaky. It comes with several remote buttons so that your MIL can control almost all the devices she needs from the bed or sofa. They are also great in helping save money as things can be turned off and on. It is super simple to use and can be programmed with just a click of the remote.
3. For Mother In Laws Who Loves Reading Books: The Book Pillow
If your mother in law suffers at all from arthritis, the Hog Wild Peeramid Bookrest will be a great gift idea. It is a pyramid shaped book pillow holds books open or hold any electronic reader at the perfect angle comfortably so that your MIL does not need to prop it up herself. It sounds simple but for folks who have any problems with their hands, this pillow will really help them. She can use it anywhere including for reading in bed.(For more ideas for moms with arthritis or hand pain, take a look at these terrific gift ideas for folks with hand pain.)
4. For Mother In Laws Who Need More Security: Pretty Metallic Heart Alarm Key Ring
This
heart key ring is so pretty , you mother in law may be fooled into thinking it
is just something fun to wear. Your MIL can use it to hold her keys or wear
it on her purse or just use it as she would any other pretty accessory. It comes
in both pretty a silver metallic and a red metallic heart.Not only does it look pretty but it can keep you MIL safer. It holds a 100 decibel
alarm that activates when the pin is pulled out of the heart. It’s not one of the best personal alarm systems around, but if you MIL could use a discreet alarm that will be easy to use, it’s hard to beat.
5. For Mother In Laws Who Love Massages: Zyllion Shiatsu Massage Pillow With Heat
Zyllion Shiastu Massage Pillow
If you mother in law’s back gets all achy or just enjoys getting a massage, the Zyllion Shiatsu Massager
is light and portable and can be used almost anywhere. It can be
positioned exactly where your mother in law needs massage relief. There are four
separate nodes that provide a deep rotating motion that that switches
direction every 3 minutes or so and it also heats up nicely. It’s not
packed with a lot of features that premium back massagers offer but what
it does have for the price is great targeted relief almost instantly
for tight muscles and cramping backs. It is really light and simple to use. You can also think about the more
cushioned HoMedics Shiatsu Plus Pillow if your MIL is particularly sensitive.
6. For Mother In Laws That Like To Clean: Black+Decker BDH2000PL MAX Lithium Pivot Vacuum
The Black + Decker MAX Lithium Vacuum
has a high performance motor with cyclonic action to provide really
strong suction. It has a cool pivoting head feature which makes it
really easy to clean different surfaces easily. It has a handy pivot
tool and brush set which is really great for grabbing pet hair from furniture and other
upholstery. With its lithium battery, you will have enough of a charge
to actually clean without worrying about losing suction before you are
done cleaning. Of all the handheld Black + Decker small vacuums, I think
this one offers the strongest suction in the smallest package.
7. For Mother In Laws That Live Alone: Cuff Smart Jewelry That Helps Her Stay Connected
Cuff has a recent line of smart jewelry to help women stay connected with their families and loved ones. If your mother in law gets hurt or is in trouble,
she can notify folks in her network and get help. Unlike those personal alarm systems that are bulky, ugly and embarrassing, the Cuff Jewelry line is extremely discreet and pretty enough to wear everyday and everywhere.There are variety of
pieces and many are interchangeable and they are surprisingly
affordable. If you are interested in what wearable technology has to
offer in terms of keeping your Mother In Law connected with you or your spouse, check out our
article on jewelry that can save your life, visit Cuff, or read reviews and buy your Cuff Jewelry here.
Hopefully, these will give you some great ideas for the perfect gift for
your imperfect Mother In Law. Perfect for Mother’s Day, for birthdays or
any other time you need a thoughtful gift for an older woman.
Keeping you posted…
SEE ALSO:
10 Best Low Budget Gift Ideas For Those With Back Pain
10 Cool Gadget Gift Ideas For Those With Arthritis and Hand Pain