What present would you like to receive if..

[JJSS123]

So for Mother’s Day, my mil has been like my own mother this past year I’ve had a baby and my own mum has been absolutely vile and is very dangerous police involved etc.
Mil doesn’t really have expensive taste as such and she wouldn’t want me to spend a lot. But what could I get her that’s really meaningful and shows how much I appreciate her and everything she does? Thanks! And before anyone says her son should be doing this, he will be for him but this is a little something from me

I love things that touch the skin, so a silk scarf or a nice scarf for example.

Or - some fragrance brands do soaps, shower gels or body lotions which could be nice too.

Do you have some photos of her with your baby/you/her son that you could put in a frame?

My MIL loved that

I'd go for some fancy soaps / toiletries or chocolates.
I think people generally want consumables rather than stuff to hord.

I do agree with toiletries but I also think they can be a bit naff and generic.

It can seem like you just popped into Boots and bought the toiletries that just happened to be in the nicest packaging. I would, instead, get something like this which is still toiletries but just shows you've put a bit more effort in.

If you want it to be meaningful it should be as personal to her as possible, so something that relates to her personality, her interests, her lifestyle and her likes.

I love a silk scarf. But if that doesn’t suit her style or lifestyle it would be a rather pointless gift.

Similarly, unless she’s the type to really love pampering/skincare/indulgent baths/etc, anything in that vein can come across extremely generic.

I love fancy candles, so something lovely from Neom, White Company or similar would be much appreciated.

She might like a personalised necklace (with a disc for you, your DH and your little one, for example). You can get those made on Etsy.

Or one of those three-fold frames with a selection of photos of her grandchild.

Maybe a cream tea or afternoon tea with you in a nice place?

Unless she's the type who finds 'feelings'-type stuff mortifying, I'd also write precisely what her support and love has meant to you, including a few concrete examples of times she's gone above and beyond.

I'm sure you make her aware of all that anyway, but having it written down in a card/letter means she can re-read it whenever she wants (in private) and repeatedly get a warm glow.

Sorry your own Mum has caused such distress at what should be a joyful family addition of your new baby (congratulations!).
That must be very tough to have to deal with.
But your MIL sounds a gem, and it's lovely you both enjoy a special relationship.