I begin by saying I don't know whether you are female or male, because some gifts might be inappropriate for a woman to receive from a man with whom she is barely acquainted. Assuming that you are a female: a Gold neck chain (18K - standard in Spain) might be a good choice - no medals or lockets, just the chain. That way, she can wear whatever she wants on it. If it's a high quality item, it will be appreciated.
Also, several times I took a 'point and shoot' camera & several extra rolls of film and left them for my wife's cousin with whom we stay in Campello (Alicante) when we left. I think she appreciated them.

Thank you, rgf and Eddie, for the suggestions. I have actually given many of those gifts suggested. I am female, and for some reason, my mother-in-law is the hardest to buy for. (Is it just me, or are all Spanish suegras challenging?) Maybe i'm putting too much into it. Anyway, rgf, I really like the museum book/item idea, and Eddie, I think I will look for the gold chain. Thanks again for the ideas.

My experience is similar to that of others here. I have never gone wrong with a "coffee table" book from that part of the U.S. from which I hail...of course most people like to look at the natural beauty of Minnesota, so...

Also, my experiences have taught me that since most of the commercial goods can be bought now on the web, something like this, which tells a story about where you're from. and gives the person a visible, tangible reminder of you, is best. It's also allowed me to tell stories and explain a few things since none of my Spanish acquaintances have been to Minnesota. I think you'll make a wise choice by going the book route.

Thanks to all who took time to help out with my question. Definitely, I will not make a blunder of giving cash! MM's website is such a help to those who have questions about anything on Spain. Maybe one of these days, Madrid man, you may want to arrange for MM's members to meet in Madrid. I just received an e-mail from my daughter and described the lifestye of the senora. According to her, the senora love to attend concerts (classical music). Rgf, thanks for the suggestion. I will get her a nice scarf from the Kennedy Center Souvenir Shop and will also invite her for dinner.

rgf, I will be in Madrid from Dec. 29 - Jan 2; sevilla - Jan 3-5. let us get together.
granda - Jan 5-7; Morocco - Jan. 8-11. you you may send your response via e-mail.

I'm rehashing this topic because I am panicking!!!I NEED HELP!@!!
Please help me in suggesting a gift for mi suegra!!! Every suggestion mentioned on this forum has been run by mi esposo, with less than enthusiastic response...Is it just her, or are all mother-in-laws like this!
(It's not like I want to impress her, I just want to give her something that won't end up in the bottom drawer.)

Yup, suegras are all like this. The only thing that ever works may be giving her the thing you know she uses (brand of face creme, perfume, special soap) etc.

Hi, laduque,
Well, this suggestion may not bring about the desired reaction from hubby either, but here goes. How about a beautiful set of sheets? Really nice sheets with a high thread count are so outrageously expensive in Spain, and they're much more affordable in the US. I've noticed too that really gorgeous ones are treated almost as heirlooms in Spain. (For a matrimonio size bed in Spain you need to buy queen size sheets, although the fitted one are a tiny bit too big. Maybe two flats would be OK.) Beautiful tableclothes also seem well received, and some lovely thick, soft towels are nice. Good luck. (BTW, my suegra never used any of the practical things we gave her, but would put them way in the back of a closet, because they were "too good " to use!)

Good (read: expensive) perfumes are almost always well received. It seems Spanish women can't have enough perfumes. However, this is a very personal item, but this is what my ladyfriend always takes for her sister and mother back in Spain she she's visiting me here in the USA. It's REALLY tough to shop here in the USA for people in Spain because, quite frankly, very little of what we have here IS MADE IN THE USA and the quality is most often better IN SPAIN. Good luck! I always have this problem EVERY Christmas.

Saludos, MadridMan

Thank you for the GREAT suggestions!
Diana, I was actually thinking of a tablecloth, they just moved into a brand new piso this month and something for the house may be nice.
I know, it is difficult to buy American here and take it over there, the quality is "always better in Spain".
With all your help, I'm closer now to a sigh of relief, and regalos in hand!

Diana - brilliant suggestion - good sheets and towels (Egyptian cotton and such) are really expensive in Spain from what I've seen!