Gifts for Son-in-Law: Ideas for Christmas, Birthdays and the Wedding

A good gift for a son-in-law does two things: it welcomes him into the family and it does not try too hard. You may not know his taste in clothes or music, so skip those. Choose a well-made object anyone would be glad to own, or a game that gives you something to do together at family gatherings.

The test: will it still be in use a year from now — ideally when the family is together?

Something for the family table

A backgammon set. A game for two that bridges generations: quick to learn, endlessly replayable, and a natural way to spend an hour together after a family meal. How to play backgammon.

A cribbage board. If cribbage runs in your family, teaching him is a gift in itself. How to play cribbage.

A premium deck of cards. Black and gold, or gold foil, for the family card game. Plastic decks survive spilled drinks. See card games for adults.

A poker button set. If the family plays poker, a dealer and blind button set says "you are part of the game now".

For his pocket

A pocket watch. A classic father-in-law's gift on the wedding day — he can wear it during the ceremony and keep it for every formal occasion after. How to wear a pocket watch.

A pocket compass. "For the new direction" writes itself as a card. A hinged bronze case looks like something handed down.

For his desk

A Newton's cradle. The classic desk toy, and a safe choice when you do not yet know his taste. How it works.

Gifts for son-in-law by occasion

• Wedding day: the pocket watch or the compass, with a handwritten note welcoming him to the family.
• Christmas: a game for the whole family — backgammon, cribbage or a good deck of cards.
• His birthday: the Newton's cradle or the compass; small, well made, and impersonal enough to be safe.
• Milestone birthdays (30th, 40th): pair a game with an invitation to play it.

What to avoid

• Anything about his appearance — clothes, grooming, fitness.
• Anything with a message about the marriage ("look after our daughter" mugs and the like).
• Very expensive gifts that make the couple feel they owe you, or that outshine what you give your own child.

A gift to a son-in-law is best given to him alone, with a short note. If you are buying for the other side of the family too, see gifts for father-in-law.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good gift for a son-in-law?

A well-made object anyone would like, such as a pocket compass or Newton's cradle, or a game to play together, such as backgammon or cribbage.

What do you give a son-in-law on the wedding day?

A pocket watch or compass with a handwritten note welcoming him to the family is a classic choice.

What is a good Christmas gift for a son-in-law?

A game the whole family can play, such as backgammon, cribbage or a premium deck of cards.