Give your daughter-in-law a birthday greeting she will remember.
The tenuous relationship between daughter-in-law and mother-in-law is one that has been explored and parodied in popular culture for decades. In reality, however, most mothers and daughters-in-law get on much better than their relationship is portrayed. Buying gifts for a daughter-in-law, especially a new one, does not have to be a daunting task. Birthday greetings do not have to be extravagant, but they should be meaningful.
Religious Greetings
For a religious birthday greeting, tell your daughter-in-law how much of a blessing she is to you. This can be a simple statement or a short poem telling her how great a role she plays in your life. In many cultures, daughters-in-law are matriarchal figures and are honored for the parts they play in the daily life of the family; writing a religious message can help show your daughter-in-law how much she is appreciated.
Love Messages and Poems
Despite the stereotypes that exist about the relationships between mothers and daughters-in-law, these relationships can be strong, loving ones. Writing a loving, poetic greeting to your daughter-in-law can be a touching reminder of the affection the two of you have for each other.
Strained Relationship
A simple greeting card can be a way to begin to repair old wounds and hurts within the mother/daughter-in-law relationship. If the two of you have had a falling out and have not been on speaking terms, you can send a greeting telling her how sorry you are that things haven't been made right. Be sincere in your apology, and you can begin to bridge the problems the two of you have had in the past.
New Daughter-in-Law
If your son and daughter-in-law are newlyweds, a birthday greeting card with a "welcome to the family" message can help your daughter-in-law feel more at home in her new role. This can help open the lines of communication between the two of you and make getting to know each other easier.
