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Buying gifts for in-laws, whether that’s around the holidays or just for special occasions, can be a challenge.
Some people absolutely adore and cherish their in-laws, while others have more complicated relationships with the family they married into.
Let us be the first to say that no true loved one should ever expect a gift from you, nor are you ever obligated to spend your hard-earned money — especially in this economy — but if you’re looking for gifts that are just this side of snarky, we have some suggestions.
These are the best passive-aggressive gifts for in-laws that will be sure to spread, if not cheer, at least a smile on your face, this holiday season.
A 'Beginner's' Cookbook
I feel like this is so passive-aggressive, I am having a hard time even suggesting it.
But if you truly want to go low, pick up this book for the in-law who considers their dishes to be the best (even if they are always the ones left uneaten at the family potluck).
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Home Repair and Maintenance
In a similar vein, you could really get the in-law who fancies himself an expert in home repair and maintenance jobs upset with this oh-so-thoughtful gift.
'Make the House Smell Great Again' Candle
$28.12
from
Etsy/BaumDesignsShop
Send an oh-so-subtle message to the in-law whose house you hate to visit because of the smell.
This gift will be especially poignant if the recipient tends to lean to the right politically!
Subtle Trump Christmas Towels
$8.8
from
Etsy/ThreadWindyCorner
Speaking of leaning right politically, if your in-law is more MAGA-inclined than you and you wanted to give them the ultimate passive-aggressive gift, you may just consider gifting them a lovely set of holiday-themed dish towels that may or may not have a hidden message on them…
Hey, the message is easy to miss, in your defense!
A Gift They Can't Regift
We all have that one in-law that we know secretly regifts gifts, so this could be the perfect (and dare we say, charming) way to call them out.
For That In-Law Always Spouting Conspiracy Theories
$6.99
from
LAISMAN/Etsy
All right, so this one is a little more outright than passive-aggressive, but it can still bring a smile to the face of any amateur or expert conspiracy theorist.
A Political Donation in Their Name
Price may vary
from
I am sweating just thinking about it, but donating enough to earn an official membership card to your in-laws’ opposing political party may just be the worst gift you could ever give. Or the best, I suppose, based on how awful you both treat each other?
For That In-Law Who's Always Late
Can’t be late if your alarm clock is attached to you, right? (Side note: I am that in-law who is always late, so honestly, I can’t even be mad about this gift idea.)
A Passive-Aggressive Parenting Book
Imagine getting this gift when you’re well into your parenting journey. Ouch.
A Pepsi Cooler for the In-Law Who Only Drinks Coke
I’m specifically thinking of how tickled I would be to gift this to my mother, a woman who notoriously eschews any and all carbonated beverages that are not specifically Diet Coke, but you probably have an in-law who is similar.
And on the flip side, if they’re a Pepsi-only person, pick them up a Coke cooler. Passive aggressiveness at its finest!
