Bday Gift for a SIL, Whom I've Never Met

I think you are really nice to think of her, if she was not going to be here so close to her birthday then you might be able to get away with not doing something...I think if you ask the BIL what he thinks, is she on FB so you can see what her likes are?, maybe she has some hobbies or collects something, I collect mice and that is what a lot of people do for me when they don't know what to get. I get lots of mice Christmas decorations from Hallmarks collections. Anyway, that's what I would do if I found myself thinking of getting someone that is family a gift for the first time.

If someone in the family can't tell you about her likes/preferences I'd give her a gift certificate to a store where she lives. I always enjoy gift cards. But as I type that i realize I love to shop. Perhaps she doesn't.

I would try to find out more about what she likes from family and go that route.

Ask your brother what she likes.

Maybe take her away for a few hours for lunch or coffee and get to know her without anyone else there??? The gift of time is my favorite gift...and the memory lasts forever.

I wouldn't do perfume without knowing exactly what her preferences are.
She may not be that into candles either.

However....you DO know that she is a wonderful mother to a little son. You can't go wrong with a beautiful photo frame.
Ask your brother for help. Does she wear brooches and pins?
I'm sure you can find something she will really appreciate, but I would stear clear of anything scented.

Just my opinion.

I wouldn't do perfume. I am one of those women who love nice perfume but can't wear it; or sometimes even be in the same room with some perfumes or other scented products. Anything scented like candles, even household cleaners can give me a headache or make me nauseous, so I have to be able to buy them myself.
Does she or your brother have a facebook page? If so you may be able to get some ideas from her pictures or comments. Her friends will also have pages and you can contact them through a private message and ask them for ideas.
You don't say where they live or anything about their lifestyle but if they like to go out to the theater a nice evening bag should be a welcome gift.

I think perfume is too personal unless your brother can tell you what brand she likes. How about theatre tickets?

Perfume can be tricky. I would not go that route. Can you ask your brother what she would like or what her favorite store is? If she drinks wine, you could get her a fancy scarf, wrap it around a wine bottle, add a cute bracelet and a nice card.

If she does not like wine, you could go to kohls and get her something useful for the winter? A nice pedicure/bathtime basket. Or something from Bath and Body works. All their stuff smells so nice and they have aromatherapy products there, for sleep, stress relief, relaxation.. maybe some sugar scrub and body butter and a nice candle?

Something she can use, just for her.

If you know what store she likes and you want to spend more, add a gift card of say $20 - $30.

You are very sweet to want to get her a gift. I am sure she will love anything you give her. She sounds like a lovely lady. (and so do you)

Am I the only one to think maybe a gift for a SIL you have never met is a bit.... awkward? If I were her, I would then start stressing out every year wondering if I should buy you something on your birthday!

I like the idea of a beautiful photo album, picture frame, scarf, good gloves, nice umbrella, wallet, etc. Perfume? Not really--hard to buy even when you know someone pretty well.
What about something "Cats" related? A DVD or CD perhaps?

Go to Sears or Walmart or Target and get a family photo done and frame it to give to your SIL.

In addition, ask your brother her likes and dislikes and if there are any American treats in particular that she loves (I'm guessing that they don't live in the States? Do they live in her country of origin?) and put together a care package of sorts.

I too think perfume is too personal, people like different scents and so on, so I'd steer away from that...unless you do perfumed body products like lotions, etc. That would probably be okay.

I would also probably go with a bottle of wine or something, a scarf or a piece of jewelry. I would ask your brother for suggestions, but earrings are pretty universal and you could probably find some that she would love. If she's stylish, hit up a major department store and go for something "in" right now.

Good luck and have fun!

Maybe a beautiful album.....Target has some really nice ones, but then there is always Hallmark....lots of cute/beautiful albums with different themes. You're very sweet to want to treat her at your first meeting!
Have fun!
Eta: maybe an album of pictures of your brother/ her husband throughout his life!

If you brother is "taking" many people to a show for her birthday...make sure it's a nice gift for sure! Good luck. Hope you have fun!

(Especially since your brother is taking you to Cats, lol) I would take her out to lunch and get to know her. It would also be a nice break for her.

Not sure how much you want to spend, but digital picture frames are great. Also, maybe a charm that she could put on her own necklace chain. Ask your brother if she prefers gold or silver.

A few ideas pop in my head. I wish you had a little bit more time because I have ordered from this company before several times, it is my go to when I need a gift. But you can find some of these things at Things Remembered located in the malls, I know there is one in the Superstition Springs Mall in Mesa. Here is the website store I was talking about, they have so much to choose from.

http://www.personalizationmall.com/Engraved-Silver-Heart-...

You could get a bouquet of fruit delivered to her from Edible Arrangements

http://www.ediblearrangements.com/Default.aspx?utm_campai...

or send her a bouquet of flowers.

Dear Mum4ever -
You are so sweet to agonize over the perfect gift, but it isn't necessary. She's probably somewhere doing the same thing. Your warm welcome into the family, your friendship and acceptance will be all the gift she could ever need or want. Anything additional you choose to give her will be perfect.
Enjoy your visit.