What is a reasonable gift for a future mother in law?

Tommy, I guess your mother-in-law should be older than 70, right? Cosmetics may not be a good options considering her age. I think you may buy some aliments made in USA, which are good for her health.

Personally, I don't think you need to give her too much money when you see her for the first time. In some places of China, the parents-in-law may give money to the son-in-law when they meet for the first ime. However, you may give her a certain amount of money (not too much) to her as living expenses since you and your wife to be don't live with her. By the way, I am not sure if your wife mentioned Bride Price to you. Some Chinese parents ask a lot of money from their sons-in-law as bride price.

Thank-you very much for your helpful suggestions. I appreciate them very much, as well as your very prompt reply.You are correct. My future mother in law to be is over 70 years old. My future wife to be did not mention Bride Price. Would you be kind enough to give a brief explaination, or give a source where I can learn more?
Thank-you once again,
Tommy

You are a lucky man if your wife doesn't ask for bride price. But I am not sure if her mother has the same thought. It's a long-observed Chinese tradition that girl's parents ask for the bride price in many places of China. However, the girl's parents buy dowery for their daughters. However, I guess that bride price for you isn't required considering of your age. If your wife and mother-in-law don't ask for the bride price, I still think you may give your mother-in-law some money. She is too old to work to support herself.

And I don't know your wedding plan. Will you hold a wedding ceremony in China? If so, be prepared for paying the wedding banquet. The bride's relatives and friends and yours (if you have) come to the wedding to celebrate your wedding and you both will receive red envelopes. Of course, the bride and the groom propose a toast to every guest who attends your wedding ceremony. I think your wife to be knows everything. All you should do is to talk to her and then decide whether you hold a wedding ceremony in China.