Best Holiday Gifts Your Mother-In-Law Won't Return

You might not know her taste that well…or she's difficult to please…or she already has everything she wants. Or you've already been tipped off by your spouse that she doesn't want another scarf, candle, vase or knickknack. Here are some ideas for holiday gifts that won't wind up in the closet, re-gifted, or on eBay.

1. A snuggly-warm afghan.

So many to choose from, so many places to buy them, so warm and soothing around her shoulders on a cold night, when she's curled up with a good book and a glass of wine. Also called "throws," they can be found in fabrics as simple as cotton or as luxurious as cashmere and can dress up her living room décor as well as keep her warm. Just make sure they're soft and thick and easily cleaned. A good start would be your local Target or Home Goods store. Or try the selection at Lands' End. Among the many, they've got a soft, 100% cotton herringbone throw (reverses to solid) for $49.50, available in Charcoal, Light Clover Green, Light Tan, Lighthouse Navy and Ruby.

2. A Healthy Back Bag from AmeriBag®

The reputation of these bags precedes them - everyone I know wants one! My mother-in-law loves hers (and so does my mother). Specially designed to fit the curve of your back, this bag distributes weight evenly because of its integrated (and adjustable) shoulder strap. So it makes toting your daily load so much easier. And the claims are true. I took the contents of my old bag (Believe me, I carry around a lot of stuff) and put them into my new AmeriBag and it truly didn't feel as heavy. There's also a place for everything - six open organizer pockets and one zip pocket inside and four exterior pockets. The leather is the classiest and most popular, although several other fabric choices are available, including canvas and microfiber. The "small" size holds all your essentials, including gloves, PDA, cell phone, a small journal and a magazine. The leather bag is available in Black, Arctic, Black w/contrast stitching, Blush, Celery, Cognac, Espresso, Olive, Red with contrasting stitching, Saddle and Sand. $128.00 on line.

3. A cuddly shirt.

If she's the casual sort, she may never want to take this off! It's called the Wooby(TM) Cardigan and it's one of Sahalie's perennial favorites. Probably because it's extra-soft and warm, yet lightweight for layering and travel. Relaxed fit and two-way zipper, with front patch pockets and a double-layer collar for more warmth around the neck. Washable. Comes in a variety of earth-tone shades: Beet, Gull, Sage, Teal and Teddy Bear. Order on-line or from their catalog. $49.50.

4. A fragrant moist heat pack.

Put this herbal moist-heat pack in the microwave for a few minutes and she can soothe away her aches from a day at work, at the computer, or chasing grandchildren. The flax seed fill is combined with an aromatherapeutic blend of lavender, rosemary, peppermint, cinnamon and chamomile. Large size and convenient shape covers from neck/shoulders down the length of the back. Terry-cloth cover is easily cleaned and feels soothing against the skin. She can also put it in the freezer to use as a cold pack. Available in pink. $39.99 from Solutions. Order on-line or from their catalog.

5. If all else fails, an Amazon or Barnes & Noble Gift Card.

Maybe she loves to read but you don't know her taste. Or if you do, you don't know if she's already read the newest book by her favorite author. Let her decide. This is a good choice especially if she lives far away. Just make sure that she either lives near a Barnes & Noble or that she has internet access.