Christmas Gift Ideas for Your In-Laws

Choosing a Christmas gift for the in-laws can be tricky business. Usually, they don't help matters much because they say things like, "All we want is for you to be happy, " or "Don't spend your money on us, dear." Let's assume that your in-laws have all the basics, and you can't afford to buy them, say, a luxury yacht. What do you get your in-laws for Christmas?

Flameless scented candles. Flameless scented candles are ideal because they're both practical and luxurious. Practical because they can be used in the event of a power outage without posing the risk of fire. Luxurious because they fill the house with a lovely ambiance and aroma. They come with a timer, a feature that's also practical and luxurious. For example, they can set the timer for the candle(s) to come on just before dusk, and to go off after they've fallen asleep. The candles will also turn on if they're not home, making it look like someone is home. Flameless scented candles make an excellent holiday gift for the in-laws.

Flameless scented candles can be purchased online or by phone at Home Shopping Network (HSN), QVC, or ShopNBC. (They require batteries, which are not included, so plan ahead and include the batteries with the gift.)

Winter traction spikes or chains for their shoes. If your in-laws live in a cold climate, slipping on the ice or snow is a real concern. There are many brands of winter traction aids that slip over the shoe. Both the spikes and chains attach to the toe and heel of the shoe and provide additional traction in slippery conditions. These slip-ons attach and remove easily, and will switch from shoes to boots and back again. Whether your in-laws are active in the winter or have trouble making it down their own front steps, these are a good gift.

Winter traction slip-on spikes or chains can be purchased at television retailers (I got my folks theirs from QVC) or major sporting goods retailers (I've seen them in the Dick's flyer).

Board or electronic games. If your in-laws are the type who are always up for a good time, buy them a game as a holiday gift! Apples to Apples, Sequence, Dominoes, Scrabble, Monopoly, Life, Rack-o, or Uno Attack are just a few suggestions. If they have little ones who visit, buy Hungry, Hungry Hippo; Chutes and Ladders; or Candy Land to keep at their house. (Wrap it up and say it's from the little ones.) Think of all the family fun that'll result from this Christmas gift! If they like to play by themselves, buy them a hand held electronic game like Solitaire, Wheel of Fortune, or Tetris.

Board or electronic games can be purchased at toy stores (Toys-R-Us) and all major discount retailers (like Walmart, Target, or Kmart).

Tickets. Treat your in-laws to a special event by surprising them with a Christmas gift of tickets! Think about upcoming concerts, sporting events, plays, lectures, museum exhibits, and fundraisers. I know that our local minor-league baseball team always has a special at Christmas time- sometimes it includes a free t-shirt with the purchase of tickets. And there are always ticket specials in December for the LPGA, although the tour doesn't come here until June. Christmas is a good time to buy tickets for events that take place at other times in the year.
Tickets can be purchased either at the box office and/or local vendors or through online retailers like Ticket Master and Live Nation.

Gift certificates. Although this may seem like a lame stand-by, it's actually quite thoughtful. If your in-laws religiously go to Cracker Barrel every Tuesday, let it be your treat one Tuesday. Or if they always get a cup of coffee at McDonald's after walking the mall, buy them McDonald's gift certificates. (They'll love bragging that it's from their son- or daughter-in-law!) Whatever they're into- golf, shopping, crafting- a gift certificate makes a thoughtful Christmas present.

Gift certificates can be purchased on site. Some retailers offer gift cards online or at outlets like Hess and Walmart.

Buying a Christmas gift for your in-laws will be easy now that you have these good ideas!