The kitchen may be an obvious starting place for scouting Christmas gifts for a mother-in-law who loves to cook. However, first you want to dig in deeper. Does she have a wishlist of kitchen tools or dishes (a cake stand that is just her style?). Does she seem slowed up by a particular system (doing soups in batches because she lacks an immersion blender?). Try to be specific to her needs.

Is your mother-in-law the woman who has mastered the art of couponing? Does she seem visibly distressed by a pricey gift given to her since she knows she could find a better deal? Then make sure to find a gift that feels like a smart choice — nothing showy.

Does your mother-in-law have incredible fashion sense? Does she shop at some of the same shops as you? Does she know that mules have made a comeback? Then play to her style with your gift. Just be sure to keep to accessories, where you can’t get wrong with sizing.

Does her home look magazine-worthy? The best Christmas gifts for a mother-in-law who has everything often connect with the home. Because when you love to fill your home with beautiful things, there’s no finish stamp (you just redecorate!). Just be sure to riff on her design sense before choosing a little something for her home sweet home.

Does your mother-in-law have a planner that’s busier than yours? If your busy-bee MIL is an entrepreneur or running a business, she could probably use some practical solutions for helping stay organized. Find out the basics before starting your hunt for Christmas gifts for your mother-in-law — like does she use a planner or her smartphone to keep track of all those meetings and to-dos?

When in doubt on where to begin with Christmas gifts for a mother-in-law that feel unique, think on any ideas related to her most unique role of Grandma. Look for sentimental gifts that connect her with the grandkids she adores.

Everyone has some project on their back burner that they hope to get to this weekend. See if you can find out what your mother-in-law has been hoping to have time for. You could then gift her the supplies to get it done — or surprise her with that vacation photo book, completed.

Find the perfect gift and you are sure to score points:

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