When do in-law gifts become a standard?
10%
Once you're married
- Vida James, 28, from New York, NY
"If you have a good relationship with them and see something appropriate, it could be ok early on." - Shelby Kovant, 25, from New York, NY
"I'd never expect my boyfriend to get my parents gifts unless he came on a trip with us or something." - Laura Lefkowitz, 35, from New York, NY
"But seriously, shouldn't he be buying the gifts for his parents?" - Heather Callan, 25, from Chicago, IL
"Wait until you're family." - Erika San Miguel, 32, from Larkspur, CA
"Until then it's not your problem to buy my parents presents." - Carly Twisselman, 25, from Los Angeles, CA
"Once you become a part of the family. Otherwise, it's just a very nice gesture."
10%
It's never standard
- Kristin Castro, 24, from San Francisco, CA
"If you want to get something, it makes you look WAY better... but if not...good luck." - Paula L, 28, from Miami, Florida
"I'm not obligated to get them anything." - Jennifer Manghisi, 27, from New York, NY
"Things like this have to be felt out. Every familiy situtation is different." - Luana Suciu, 25, from Boston, MA
"It depends when you meet them." - Ashley Becker, 26, from New York, NY and Miami, FL
"If you've been dating two weeks, not necessary. After you've met them, it's appropriate." - Greta Eagan, 30, from New York, NY
"Gifts aren't necessary unless you're inspired. If you're staying with them, though, bring something."
63%
A few years into the relationship
- Marisa Zupan, 27, from Brooklyn, NY
"Depends on how close you are to the parents - but a gift always makes a good impression." - Kira Wilkinson, 27, from Washington, DC
"After you are comfortable with them and accepted/expected at holidays, it's standard." - Christina Johnson, 31, from New York, NY
"I hope I can just sign my name on the card for this one :-)" - Genevieve Melzer, 27, from San Francisco, CA
"If you like the in-laws." - Rebecca Nashleanas, 25, from Los Angeles, CA
"Once the relationship is more serious." - Mekalia Reid, 27, from New York, NY
"After a few years and a few holidays together, it simply makes sense." - Julienne Irons, 27, from Los Angeles, CA
"It's appropriate to thank the people who created the greatest gift you could ever get...ME! Ha!" - Shelly Kaplan, 28, from Chicago, IL
"It's a nice gesture but not a requirement." - Lisa Miao, 27, from New York, NY
"Nothing extravagant, you could even just send a nice card. But do something." - Whitney R, 25, from Princeton, NJ
"Depends on their gift giving habits. Reciprocation is important." - Lauren McHenry, 26, from Dallas, TX
"When they feel like family." - Grace Kang, 29, from Los Angeles, CA
"And usually after you've met the parents and spent time with them regularly." - Sara Koch, 30, from Youngstown, OH
"Depends on whether or not you hate the in-laws." - Francesca Lacuesta, 29, from Sacramento, CA
"Just make sure it's something personal and not generic. Handmade gifts are the most meaningful." - Molly Millett, 23, from San Francisco, CA
"You don't really have to give until you're married but it shows interest if you start early." - Katrina Robinson, 28, from Charleston, SC
"It greatly depends on the in-laws." - Jessi Odenbach, 28, from Chicago, IL
"You have to get to know them first." - Amy S., 25, from Chicago, IL
"The longer you know them, the more thoughtful the gifts should be if you want to score points!" - Rosalind Sun, 23, from San Diego, CA
"Once they know you well, it would be standard to give gifts to them because then you're like family." - Cheng-Cheng Lok, 24, from San Francisco, CA
"I usually take time to get to know the in-laws first." - Miranda Elling, 32, from Chicago, IL
"It depends on when the in-laws start giving you gifts or after being part of a family vacation." - Kelly Kaems, 30, from Kew Gardens, NY
"Generally, when things get serious, but always bring a gift if you're invited to someone's home." - Kelly Magsayo, 23, from La Jolla, CA
"Not required unless you're spending the holidays together, but thoughtful gestures never hurt." - Jenna E, 32, from Davenport, IA
"When you've developed a close relationship... then it should become a standard." - Sarah Conrad, 27, from New York, NY
"It depends on how close you are to them. If you know them well enough to choose a gift then get one!" - Lucy Malcolm, 26, from New York, NY
"Depends on the in-laws." - Renee Lucas, 30, from New York, NY
"Don't jump the gun on this. You should have met them a few times before gift giving." - Anne C, 24, from Miami, FL
"Again, you have to feel it out. But, if you found something they'd like, get it." - Deeana Lowe-Chin, 24, from Miami, FL
"You're practically family after a few years. It couldn't hurt." - Corey G, 25, from Chicago, IL
"A few years into the relationship, depending on your age/income/how often you see them annually." - Ashley Hayes, 24, from Los Angeles, CA
"You give gifts to family and friends. If they feel like either, then give a little gift." - Johanna Beyenbach, 29, from New York, NY
"Also depends on the relationship with your parents." - Alison Dichter, 31, from New York, NY
"I'd say less than that could even work. You're dating their daughter. You should make nice." - Dominique Vance, 23, from New York, NY
"If you hang out with them or have stayed with them, get something. You want them to like you, right?" - Rosie Dehoyos, 29, from Dallas, TX
"Try to care." - Emily Pelton, 29, from Brooklyn, NY
"No cheese logs please!" - Jennifer Beio, 26, from Chicago, IL
"If you're visiting anyone's home, it's nice to bring a gift, always!" - Kimone Campbell, 27, from Palm Beach, FL
"You want to buy in the family so you don't want to wait until after you get married."
17%
Immediately after dating
- Sandy Tragos, 32, from Chicago, IL
"If you are invited to their house for the Holidays, at least bring over a bottle of wine." - Alicia Cohen, 37, from New York, NY
"If I am going to visit I will bring a gift whether it's a week or a year." - Jessica G, 25, from Boca Raton, FL
"A quick little something shows you care." - Jen Gsell, 29, from Reston, VA
"It's a matter of courtesy. It shows you care." - Elinor N, 23, from New York, NY
"You cannot go to their home empty handed!" - Emily Woolf, 26, from Brooklyn, NY
"If you're spending the holidays with them, bring something... anything." - Kate Sample, 31, from Chicago, IL
"A bottle of booze will do the trick." - Jacquelyn Tillotson, 31, from Miami Beach, FL
"If you are spending the holidays together a token of joy is respectable." - Joellee LeClair, 34, from Dallas, TX
"That is if it's a serious relationship and you are invited for the holidays." - Allison Baxley, 29, from New York, NY
"Something small like baked goods to start. As time goes by, the gifts should get more sincere."