Christmas Gift for MIL

Will she need anything for the new job? New blouse, new pen set, new umbrella, shoulder bag, brief case, cute lunch tote.

What about a spa day for her? Maybe even one "girls day" where the girls go for part of it (like manis and pedis)...maybe breakfast or lunch before or after.

A cooking/baking experience where she might make a friend or two and enjoy some of her hobbies.

Something for her new job (depending what it is maybe a briefcase or a name plate for her desk, stationary, nice pen/pencil set, lunchbag etc.).

You have a lot of good ideas already. I just want to say that, when I clicked on your question, I thought I was going to read another MIL bash. But obviously you love her and care about her Christmas! Speaking as a MIL, thank you!

How about a necklace with the birthstone of your fil? That way she'll have him close to her always.

What about tickets for you adults to an event she canlook forward to--a musical or play at a theatre, a ballet ot even Disney on ice with your kids. It would show that you want to include her in a family event. How nice you are concentrating on her at this difficult time in her life.

My MIL and parents favorite gifts have always been calendars where each month is a different photo of the children of the girls from the previous year. I always choose a picture for January from the previous January, and so forth. They just love it.

Does she need any new cooking supplies? We just got my GMIL, who is still baking at 93, a big basket of baking supplies. Of course she already has a well-stocked kitchen but if your MIL is like most of us, if she cooks and bakes often, she probably had some pretty beat-up stuff - blackened cookie sheets, chipped bowls, warped measuring cups, etc. Additionally, things like cupcake liners, good chocolate, specialty sprinkles, a big bottle of real vanilla extract, etc. can get expensive. We got her some new colorful lightweight but sturdy mixing bowls, measuring spoons where you can actually read the measurement (many have just raised lettering that you can barely see), tons of fun baking cups and sprinkles that she would never buy for herself, some pretty colored spatulas and spoons, etc. It was a big hit.

Another gift idea would be a tablet (iPad, Kindle Fire, Nook etc.) - most writers and story tellers are also avid readers so that's what she may enjoy most, but she could also write, use e-mail, store pictures, etc.

I'm so sorry for your loss - it's a rotten time of year to have to go through this.

check the local art galleries & university extensions....many offer classes! I did a fused-glass art class at our local stained glass shop....it was awesome!

I am sorry for your loss. She sounds like she is doing the best she can..

Maybe offer to make her a new craft space. have her pick an area in her home.. Brainstorm based on what she already owns and then make a plan to fill in with her tables, storage containers or a storage wall for supplies. You could even give her a generous gift card to Ikea, The Container store or a great craft store.

Make sure she has the perfect lighting.. hot pot to make tea and some treats in there.

Maybe have words of inspiration or creativity painted on the walls.

Maybe consider having a child sized table and chairs in there so your children can also be crafty with her.

I love to see the work spaces on Pinterest.. so many great ideas on there.

Maybe a spa day with all the luxury treatment for relaxing. Massage, pedicure/manicure, facial etc.

You could even go with her and spend the day and make it extra special.

My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I know that its hard and difficult to go through from experience.

This might be an excellent time to purchase a Grandmother book. In case you don't know about these, they are nicely bound books that the grandmother can fill in with information about herself, her life and the family for the granddaughter to have as a keepsake. If you got her one to fill out for each of your daughters, it would give her some special times with them, as well as a chance to reminisce and work through her grief. Be aware, this kind of book may consume some hours of time. It's not something one does in one sitting, but little by little over time. I have almost finished one for one of my granddaughters and plan to give it to her for her birthday next week. However, when she gets it I will tell her that we will need to go through it from time to time in order to finish filling in some of the details that I either didn't have access to, or maybe just couldn't think of what I wanted to write.

spa gift certificate for her and one of her also widowed friends.

What type of job is she starting? This kind of leaves your husband out, but how about you (and your daughters if they would behave that long) go out, get a manicure, and buy her a new outfit for work?

A cooking class comes to mind as well, if she would be into that.

Good luck!

Check local community colleges for writing workshops/classes. An acquaintance of mine teaches a class on how to write an autobiography and she says it's her older students who get the most out of the class.

You could make a THANK YOU BOOK.....It would be filled with pictures and stories about everything you have told us about your husband's mother. Everyone could participate and let her know how loved she is and how much you appreciate her. I would also include a favorite picture of her and Grandpa and/or a favorite family photo. If you know how to use photoshop that's a good tool...most drug stores have this capability and the employees can help you.

Blessings....

What about a simple scrapbook. Put a photo of each person in the family and on the page across have each person write something to her. Your little one can draw a picture or you can write a thought for her. Also put a photo of her at the end with a poem or thoughts and a photo of her and her husband. This can be something that she can look at everytime she feels sad. My mother loves hers. I even put one of my son when he was a baby and then a big boy. Also, include any pets. I am not a crafty person either. I just got a cute photo album, some scrapbook paper for the background and some stick on words/letters to brighten up the pages or give encouragement. Good luck and happy holidays.

Does she drink coffee or tea?

How about a mini Keurig coffee maker and an assortment of coffees or teas? She can have it at her desk at work.

Sounds like my mother in law. I'm getting a bunch of yarn for knitting, maybe some baking stuff and other craft goods and making a basket. I'm also going to give her a Michael's gift card so that she can get her own stuff. She constantly knits hats and sweaters for all her grandkids and granddogs, so I thought this would be a good crafty gift.