In the realm of worse case scenarios, those presents for your mother-in-law for her birthday arriving after the big day — that’s high on the list. How to handle: be sure there are ample days left with processing and shipping so your package won’t be late. Or consider last-minute gift ideas.

Ask your spouse for your mother-in-law’s full birthdate (month, day, year). Mark the date in your calendar, and plan ahead for the big milestones (like a 70th birthday coming up).

Before committing to gifts for your mother-in-law, think about how she corresponds with you. Is she the fastest commenter to family pictures on Facebook? Then snoop around on her feed or enlist help by IMing another family member for ideas. Does she send you handwritten notes? Then a more traditional gift would be a good fit.

While you’re snooping around her social media, see if she has a favorite cause that she’s involved in. Maybe she donates to a wildlife cause —  her love of animals can be gift inspiration.

Mother's day gifts for a mother in law often include some kind of photo gift. Pick one that ties in with her style for displaying  family photos — does she have framed family photos on the wall? Is she a calendar person? Is the fridge bare or covered in magnets and snaps?

Pampering presents for your mother-in-law need a little investigation. Talk to your spouse or father-in-law about what services she’s had done. Good questions to consider: Has she ever gotten a massage? Maybe not, because she’s uncomfortable with the idea. Are her nails typically polished when you see her? Is she loyal to one stylist for doing her hair?

Ask your mother-in-law: if you had a free day, what would you do? Maybe she’d take the free time to go for a hike or maybe she’s the gal who’d head straight to the craft store. Let her answer lead you to a great gift idea.

Next time you’re at her home, notice how she has her powder room arranged for ideas on accessories she loves. Do you see fragrant candles and pretty guest towels and soaps all around?

Homemade gifts for a mother-in-law who has everything are a sentimental way to go — the gift sincerely shows you put some thought and time into it. Check out Pinterest for cool ideas on what to make your mother-in-law.

Gifts for the mother-in-law are a shopping challenge that can stump the best of us. She's got opinions, she's got style, and you really want to get the gift just right. Have no fear, we've thought about all the possibilities for what gift she would love. These gift ideas mix practical with beautiful, classic with charming, and check off all the high marks for a great gift for a mother-in-law.