Great gifts for your parents or grandparents

Every year I struggle with what gifts to get my parents. They are HARD to buy for (whether its Christmas, birthdays, or their anniversary), because if they need something, they buy it.

It takes more thought to come up with what they need (but don’t know they need), or what I know they’d enjoy.

I’ve gathered up some ideas of what may make great gifts for the parents, grandparents, or other older-than-you adults in your life who probably have everything they need. I also included a section of gifts they most likely DON’T need, but are things people tend to give as gifts when they can’t think of anything else. 

Some of these gifts are over $100, which is more than many people spend on any one gift. If you have siblings or a few people who go in on gifts together, these make great group gifts!

*Note: for consistency, I’m going to use the term “parents” “mom” and “dad”, but these ideas can be used as gifts for any special older adult in your life. Amazon affiliate links are included. We may make a small percentage on select products offered in our links.

Personal gifts

Photo gifts

There are unlimited options for these, but your parents would probably be happy to have updated photos with you and/or your kids.

Every photo website offers photo calendars, canvases, glass/wood/metal prints, etc., but watch shipping charges on these and use places where you can pick up in store. Or you can buy nice frames (with their decor in mind) and add updated photos for display.

Photo books take a little time to organize, but they are amazing to receive. You can also buy subscriptions to create monthly or quarterly printed photo books through various apps from photos on your phone to be sent straight to them. 

Loaded digital photo frames are a great way to share multiple photos. 

Digital photo frames are great because you can use an app or email to add photos to the frame – a perfect gift for someone who isn’t tech savvy. Wi-fi is required, but it’s very easy to use.

Genealogy/DNA test

Are your parents curious about the origins of their families? While they may have some idea, genealogy tests can fill in some of the gaps.

There are options that are genealogy only, and ones that also provide DNA health data. Some of the tests can be used to attempt to connect with distant relatives via online DNA directories, but its optional whether they share their information or opt-in. 

Note: if they are concerned about their information being “out there”, tell them to use a fake name and/or email address without their name in it in order to receive the results.

Make sure that the kit you purchase includes the lab fee so they aren’t stuck with an additional charge to get their results. 

Favorite item that they don’t want to buy for themselves

This gift option needs to be truly personal, in that you are choosing an item that you KNOW they love.

Whether the item is more expensive than they’d pay, only available at certain places, or something that they feel is too frivolous to buy for themselves, they will love receiving thoughtful things.

Note: these are not options that you THINK they will love – only what you KNOW they love. Examples include favorite perfume or cologne (lotions or aftershaves of their favorite scent are often less expensive), favorite wine, beer, or liquor, special chocolates, tea, coffee, or other consumables, or other item that they consider a luxury.

Jewelry

Whether you pick a personalized, engraved, birthstone, or classic items, make sure you pick something the recipient will love and use. 

Tech gifts

Phone or tablet case, cords, and necessary accessories

Unless your parents are really tech savvy (mine aren’t), they probably have a smart phone or tablet and are able to use it. But they probably aren’t keeping up with the latest and greatest accessories for their tech products.

And everyone needs extra charging cords to keep around the house.

Smart speaker

There are quite a few options for smart hubs, but if they don’t already have one, starting with a simple one would probably be the best option.  Not sure what to buy?  Check out Consumer Report’s Best Smart Speaker of the year

Or check Target for Google Nest and other Google home options 

Smart thermometer, smart plugs and/or smart lights

If they can work the apps on their phones, they can work smart plugs and lights. These make it easy to turn lights and other electrical items off and on from anywhere.

Note: some items require a “hub”, while others work with an app or smart speaker, so be sure you get the right type for your needs.

Other smart thermometers here.

Ring doorbell

This thing has changed my life. I love knowing who is at the door and being able to speak to the person without opening the door (and it’s all recorded!).

There’s no worry about packages being stolen and not knowing. I also like knowing if someone is at our house at night or when we are gone. 

They also offer floodlights and other stick up camera options for those who don’t want a doorbell.

These don’t need to be hardwired, but you do have to charge the battery occasionally or so if its not.

Streaming media

There are great for people who want to cut the cable or expand their viewing options.

Fire TV Stick 4K with Alexa Voice Remote, streaming media player

Roku media streaming: There are a variety of options for Roku systems, but they are generally easy to set up and use (ie. my parents can use this)

Home gifts

Air purifying bags

I know…these aren’t any kind of fancy gift, but everyone can use these! Typically filled with activated charcoal, these bags are great at absorbing scents from all over the house.

They’re perfect for closets or entryways with shoes, near litter boxes, and any other area of a house with stagnant or off-smells. Click here to see some options.

Candle Lamps

These are super popular this year as a way to safely use candles. Just plug in, set the timer, and the bulb will melt the candle, releasing the scent into the air. It’s much safer than burner candles, and its a great way to use up candles that get gifted regularly.

There are styles to match any type of decor too!

Salt lamp

I don’t know whether to believe the health claims about these, but they really are a pretty and soothing light! While no scientific studies have proven that they will change your life, many people swear by them. See options on Amazon here.

Fire and carbon monoxide safety gear

This sounds like such a boring gift, but its SO important!  These safety items are often overlooked, but are essential. They aren’t fun to buy for yourself, so they’re a great gift.

Most homes don’t have enough smoke detectors, so make sure they do! There should be UNEXPIRED smoke detectors on every level of your home, and inside and outside of every sleeping area. 

Smoke detectors: buy new if theirs are outdated, or buy them a pack of batteries and go around the house replace the batteries in all of them (which should be done once or twice a year).

Some fire departments will provide these free of charge and/or help with installation for those who need the assistance. See Amazon options.

Carbon monoxide detectors. Every home with at least one fuel-burning appliance/heater, attached garage or fireplace should have a carbon monoxide alarm. If the home has only one carbon monoxide alarm, it should be installed in the main bedroom or in the hallway outside of the sleeping area. See Amazon options.

Fire extinguishers: These should be in the kitchen, garage, and on all levels. There are a variety of sizes and styles, including standard extinguishers and cans. If you are buying one for someone who is elderly or lacks average strength, consider buying a slim model to ensure they can aim where needed. These do expire, so make sure yours are current! See Amazon options.

Fire escape ladder: If there are upstairs bedrooms, a fire ladder may be the only safe option to escape. It’s not a risk you want to take, especially if there young children or older adults in the home. Amazon offers second and third story length ladders at reasonable prices.

Hobby gifts

Books

If you know their favorite genre or author, this is a great option. Book subscriptions for e-readers is another great option for avid readers. 

Sport accessories

Whether they’re into golf, tennis, walking/running, fitness, or other sport, there are usually accessories or gear they can use. But only if they’ll use it! Don’t try to get them to start exercise that they aren’t interested in. 

Pickleball has become a HUGE craze though, and many communities are putting in pickleball courts. You can get a pickleball set for $25 and up.

Gardening supplies or plants

There may not be much gardening going on in Ohio during the winter, but there are still options to buy now, including indoor plants (if they enjoy these), outdoor thermometer, bird feeders and seed, and garden accessories. 

Air plants and succulents are really popular now, and if your mom doesn’t still have macrame plant hangers, they are back in style!

Subscription gifts

Magazines

If they are already a subscriber, the new purchase typically starts after it expires (if duplicates are received, the magazine customer service can extend the current subscription).

My mom especially loves the Ohio Magazine subscription that I get her. Description: 

“Ohio Magazine is savvy, dynamic and proud – just like its readers. Each issue explores the people, places and trends that define Ohio’s unique character and style. We tell you whos who, whats what and where to find the best things in Ohio life.”

TIME

What they really want with you is time. Unless you still live with them, and in that case, they may enjoy some space.  But otherwise….

Buy them a gift card with the catch that you will go to dinner with them.

Buy tickets for a concert, movie, or show for you to go with them.

Get a mani/pedi gift card and go with her.

Buy them a mall or store gift card and go for a walk around the wall and take advantage of the after holiday sales.

Give them your time. Go for a drive with them and stop somewhere for dinner.

But don’t just make the promises of time…make sure you follow through with them.  

If you aren’t able to spend time with this person due to location, promise regular phone calls and/or Facetime calls – and follow through. 

Is your budget closer to zero?

Pinterest is FULL of ideas for homemade gifts!

It is totally okay to make gifts to give to your loved ones, and often they are the most appreciated!

Use your talents (or use very specific directions from someone else’s talents) to express your love through something homemade. Make cookies, spice mixes, hot cocoa, salted caramel, candy, essential oil sprays, decor – or whatever. 

What they don’t need

The following gift items are often things people go for when they don’t know what to get someone.

They “seem” personal, but typically are just easy and don’t require much thought. The exception is if these are options that your parents LOVE to get from you, as mentioned above.

Perhaps your mom loves a perfume or expensive bath product that is more expensive that she will pay on her own – just make sure its what she still wants, and that she doesn’t still have some from a prior gift. But in general, people have more of these things than they need. 

• Candles
• Throw blankets
• Lotion and bath products
• Coffee mugs
• Ties and scarves
• Random fitness items: Fitness items that you “think” they should use, but they have no intention of using. Don’t get your mom a yoga mat if she doesn’t do yoga but you “think” she should. If you want her to try yoga (and you know she’s game), take her to a class or two WITH you.  

Looking for more suggestions!

What are some of your favorite gifts to give to your parents (or to receive from your grown children)?

Seriously – give me your suggestions so I can use them for future gifts for my own parents!

Check out our Amazon storefront for gift ideas for everyone! *Amazon affiliate links included.