Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Christmas

From present ideas to party food, find all your Christmas inspiration here.

In law gifts

15 replies

Etatauri · 12/12/2025 06:59

We leave for our Christmas break next Friday. DH has just confessed he's not had a single thought for his brother and sister in law who we are going to stay with 🤦🏼‍♀️ DH tried to suggest we don't do adult gifts this year and instead got a heads up about a month ago that DBil has got DH something meaningful and special. They usually buy something lovely for me (though less meaningful and more useful as that's the kind of gift I prefer). Hes the type to stick his head in the sand so should have seen this one coming.

I barely know these people, we live abroad and don't see once or twice every two years. They're both late 30's, practical people with good jobs who can buy themselves anything they'd choose. They have one small child, no pets, go skiing once a year and a sunny holiday too. They don't like clutter. They have a house full of gadgets, lovely artwork, throws etc. Usually I get a hamper of sorts but the meaningful gift hint this year has I think got us both spooked 😅 Have no idea about clothing or feet sizes.

Any ideas? I thought about a necklace with their initials on it for her but I rarely see her wear jewellery, and it's a bit late to have something personalised arrive in time now.

OP posts:
PersephoneParlormaid · 12/12/2025 07:08

Just stick with the hamper, consumables are best if you don’t really know them well.
The brother probably will just enjoy giving the present, no need to match it.

Lobelia123 · 12/12/2025 07:36

PersephoneParlormaid · 12/12/2025 07:08

Just stick with the hamper, consumables are best if you don’t really know them well.
The brother probably will just enjoy giving the present, no need to match it.

I agree with this. My BIL and SIL also live abroad. The biggest thing is showing that youre keeping the connection and that theyre part of your family. The act of giving something reciprocal is important, but its the gesture thats meaningful. I dont think you can really go wrong. But your husband is wrong in not having anything to take, its symbolic more than anything and the fact that they are thoughtful and generous makes his 'head in the sand' (which is really just code for 'cant be arsed') pitiful. I would call him out on it.

SkinnyOatFlatWhiteForMePlease · 12/12/2025 07:40

A Framed childhood picture to go with the hamper? I would have suggested having old photographs made into a picture book but it’s too late in the day.

DisplayPurposesOnly · 12/12/2025 07:41

Is there a good theatre show you could get them tickets for (whilst youre there or after you've gone)?

BluntHazeGuide · 12/12/2025 08:02

PersephoneParlormaid · 12/12/2025 07:08

Just stick with the hamper, consumables are best if you don’t really know them well.
The brother probably will just enjoy giving the present, no need to match it.

First answer hits the spot! Also - this is not a you problem. If DH feels bad about not getting his brother some special meaningful thing, then that's on him!

gingerbreadmumm · 12/12/2025 08:15

I’ve bought my db and sil a years family gift membership for a local attraction - would that work? And then a few consumable gifts to go with it x

ThejoyofNC · 12/12/2025 08:17

Some nice sunglasses?

4crackers · 12/12/2025 08:22

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

4crackers · 12/12/2025 08:23

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

4crackers · 12/12/2025 08:25

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Tulipsriver · 12/12/2025 08:35

I'd do a hamper and include a nice framed photo from when DH and BIL were young (well, that's what I'd suggest DH did).

Etatauri · 12/12/2025 14:44

BluntHazeGuide · 12/12/2025 08:02

First answer hits the spot! Also - this is not a you problem. If DH feels bad about not getting his brother some special meaningful thing, then that's on him!

I know! But I'd still have to sit there mega awkwardly on the day when we as a family have nothing to give them....

I think the hamper with a framed family photo is a nice touch. They lost both their parents this year so would be nice for them to have a picture.

OP posts:
Whichone2024 · 12/12/2025 21:19

Maybe you should also get a little something for their kid if you’re staying with them?!

Etatauri · 13/12/2025 15:27

Whichone2024 · 12/12/2025 21:19

Maybe you should also get a little something for their kid if you’re staying with them?!

Oh I sorted the kid present months ago!

OP posts:
Etatauri · 15/12/2025 14:57

Okay we're all sorted :D DH actually did shopping, before Christmas eve. Woah.

Thanks for the help all!!

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread