What gift to give to your boyfriend’s mother on her birthday?

You have been dating your boyfriend for some time. One day, he casually drops that her mother’s birthday is coming up next week. Mentally skate to a stop, biting your lower lip in concern. This is important, but what the heck would make a great gift? Do you give it alone or should it be a dual effort? The answer depends on two things: the length of his association with his mother and an intimate knowledge of her likes and dislikes. Both of these factors decide the type of gift that would be most appropriate.

Here are some creative ideas that can make your gift shopping experience less stressful!

1. Gift certificates for a spa/salon
Whether you’re a stay-at-home type or a working woman, a gift certificate to a renowned spa or salon will always work for the recipient. Allow him to have a day of luxury, enjoying a massage, pedicure, manicure and facial treatment. Every woman loves to feel pampered.

2. Take into account the tastes of your mother
Is your favorite occupation knitting a series of woolen garments for your family? If so, put together a basket of high-quality yarn in a few well-chosen colors, a set of knitting needles, and a pattern book. The next cardigan you wear could be the knit for her! Alternatively, replace knitting paraphernalia with books, music and video CDs if you’re a voracious reader and love listening to music.

3. Fashion accessories for a fashionable mom
Beautify your mother with a pretty cashmere shawl, scarf or stole. For the working mom, a modern leather bag, the timeless classic, is a great idea. Fashionable gloves are equally considerate, if she wears them.

4. Say it with flowers
Surely you have a favorite flower: check with the groom. If you have just begun to interact with your family, particularly your mother, then a beautiful bouquet of your favorite flowers is a suitable gift. Attach a thoughtful birthday card to the flowers.

5. Even mothers love chocolates!
This is something that all women, no matter how many candles on their birthday cake, have a soft spot for. But be sure to choose a delicious gourmet chocolate. Make it really personal by carving a message especially for her on the slab. (Of course, check with your boyfriend just in case her mom is allergic to chocolates. You won’t see her face start to react, will you?)

6. Do something awesome!
Oh, this is a gift that’s perfect if you share an amazing bond with her mom and have known her for a while. Is her mother passionate about a cause? Does she have a favorite charity? Secretly (couple with groom) donate to this charity in her name, giving her full name and photograph and other details. These charities usually respond by thanking the donor and may also post the same in their newsletter.

Remember, you are not married yet! You have to walk that fine line between “too much and too little”. Overtly extravagant or expensive gifts are therefore not really the order of the day. In fact, they can even be mistaken for a ‘bribe’; a thinly veiled attempt to curry favor. Whether or not you want her mom to think of you as perfect marriage material, just make sure any gift you choose is personal and thoughtful!