I decided to start off my holiday gift guide posts with the person I find the hardest to shop for: my Mother in Law!

My mother in law is great at many things, but receiving gifts is not one of them.( I really shouldn’t talk, because I’ve been know to burst into tears when I don’t like my gifts, but I’ve tried growing out of that tradition and have done much better the last couple of years.)Back to the matter at hand. This is a woman that cried one year over not receiving a Swiffer. Tears folks! But since this is the woman that raised my husband (and even though she may drive me nutty 90% of the time) I like to try and please her when I’m purchasing a gift for her.

Without further ado here are my picks:

1. Say Cheese: Go on to your local Craigslist or look up Wedding Photographers in your area. Most Wedding Photographers do portrait shots as well. Gather the whole family together for a family picture. You can be traditional and have it done in the studio or have a location shoot and take some shots at the beach. For a couple of hours you can book a photographer for around 100-300 depending where you live. Take a peek at some of my favorite photography shots!

2. While diamonds may be a girl’s best friend that really isn’t in the budget this year. So I opt for pearls this year. Instead of a classic strand, which I’m sure your MIL already owns how about purchasing some multi-strands in varying shades. One of my favorite sites to spend time on Oh-ing and Ah-ing is Turq Jewelry. Much of their press comes from bridal magazines, but I don’t think you need to walking down the aisle to pick some of their pieces up. For some lower cost options check out here and here.

3. Stop and smell the roses. Who doesn’t love receiving flowers? Give your MIL the gift that keeps on giving all year round. Calyx Flowers has A Year of Flowers gift available on their site. A different variety is sent out each month. This is gift that will surely please.

4. Fashionista: You know that deep down inside your reserved and classic MIL there is an inner fashionista dying to come out. While it is probably a stretch to get her into some leggings and tunic dresses along with feathered hair pieces (hopefully not all at the same time) it might be easier to warm her up to the idea of fashion with this amazing wrap from VIVRA. The touches of gemstones make it perfect for a night out on the town.

5. Mother Earth MIL: If your MIL is hopping on the Green bandwagon help her cut her water bottled habit by purchasing this sleek new Water Pitcher from DWR. This charcoal water pitcher creates filtered, mineral rich water. Plus with it’s innovative design it is able to go from fridge to table.

6. Doris Day MIL: For the quintessential perfect homemaker how about treating your MIL to a world famous cooking class at Viking . Numerous locations around the US and classes start at $79. She can take speciality classes in chocolate making or learning to cook the cuisine from Italy, Spain, France, etc. She’ll love it and hopefully test out her new skills on you.

7 + 8. BYOB: Since everyone is trying to cut cost and start entertaining at home, what is better than giving your MIL some wine and Blind Taste Testing glasses to have her own at home tasting party. My favorite wine to give out is none other than Bitch. It’s an amazing tasting wine and you get to say Bitch in front of your MIL. What else could be better! Plus the glasses are from Tiffany’s. Every woman knows and loves that Robin’s Egg blue box.

9.Global Taste master: If your MIL loves to travel the globe (Lucky you) this feather knife set is the perfect gift for you. Mosaic scours international meccas in the search for unique items that reflect a strong appreciation and love of travel. These would make for a great conversation starter. They are handcrafted in India and are a steal at only $50!

I hope this guide is helpful. Feel free to join in and comment about your perfect gift choices for your MIL.

Next up is quirky gifts for the Man in your life. Stay tuned.