Inexpensive Gifts for the In-Laws

Talk with your spouse to find out what your in-laws may like.

When looking for a good gift for your in-laws, talk with your spouse to find out what his parents like. This will keep you from purchasing gifts that the in-laws may not enjoy. If you're on a tight budget, you can always create a personalized gift using items you have at home of from an arts and crafts store.

Magazine Subscription

For the in-laws who love to read, give them both a magazine subscription. For example, if your mother-in-law likes reading about celebrities and their latest projects, give her a gift subscription to "Entertainment Weekly" or "Biography" magazine. If your father-in-law is always taking pictures of wildlife and visiting the zoo, give him a subscription to "National Geographic Magazine."

Photo Album of Grandchildren

Purchase an inexpensive photo album and paste pictures of your children during key moments in their lives as a gift for the in-laws. In addition to the photos, have the children each write a thank-you note to your in-laws, thanking them for their support and love. Also include some of the children's artwork along with popular quotes you hear the in-laws say to the children.

Basket of Baked Goods

If your in-laws love desserts, you can give them a decorated basket filled with delicious baked goods along with two or three bottles of their favorite wines. You can include banana nut oatmeal bread, pistachio lemon cookies, peanut butter almond fudge and apple caramel toffee. In addition to the treats and wine, include a handwritten letter that expresses your appreciation for them.

Gift Card to a Home-Improvement Store

If your in-laws have a garden and enjoy experimenting with various vegetable or herb plants, you can give them a gift card to a local home-improvement store. Also throw in the latest edition of the "Farmer's Almanac" and some gardening books.

References

• 34 Great Homemade Gifts You Can Make Yourself
• Lending Tree: Great Last Minute Gifts