Gang, I got tired of seeing gift guides for grandparents filled with candles, mugs and those personalized necklaces where there’s a charm for each grandkid. Those things are hard to pull off with two kids…having a whole slew of grandkids on there? Too much.
So after a bit of discussion, here are our go-to grandparent gift ideas. These gifts are useful, cool, and things the grands might actually be excited to receive. (In addition to the usual DIY art project, but we figured you prob have that one on lock by now.)
Thoughtful, Cool, & Personalized Gifts For Grandparents
We started with useful gifts the grands we know will actually use (think: home upgrades like Nespresso machines, cozy faux-fur blankets, top shelf booze, even a Kindle), and branched out into things they’ll love but will probably never buy for themselves (fancy slippers, I’m talking ’bout you).
Then we identified a few fun things to brighten up their everyday: flower deliveries and foolproof loungewear, for example, as well as (trust us) CBD-infused bath products. Finally, we did identify some personalized gifts that we’d also love to receive.
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1. Home Upgrades
These types of gifts are sometimes met with suspicion initially (at least in our house), but they eventually prove their worth.
- Amazon Echo Show – This was our grandparent gift a few years ago, and it’s still one of the best things we’ve gifted (especially if you live far from grandparents). I wrote more about the Echo Show here, but I love dropping in on my mom while I’m cooking dinner, and it was an easy way for the boys to stay in touch (before they had their own cell phones).
- Nespresso – My mother doesn’t even know how badly she needs this. This is freaking life-changing.
- Kindle Oasis – The best part? Not only can you read in bright sunlight and in the bath (most new Kindles are waterproof), but you CAN ALSO MAKE THE TEXT AS BIG AS YOU NEED.
Also consider: Hulu / Netflix – Free them from cable tyranny.
2. A Luxe Throw
This is another easy win in the home upgrade category, but a little cozier: a luxe, faux-fur throw. I remember my Dad unexpectedly loving these blankets. This UGG faux-fur throw is the most beautiful I’ve seen, but many swear by Pottery Barn’s (we actually have this one; it’s machine washable), and Quince is now making a lookalike faux-fur blanket that’s under $100 (and also machine washable).
3. Fancy Slippers
My mom wants amazing slippers, but she’d never pay UGG prices for them. Which, frankly, makes them the perfect gift. (Besides, if you’ve never felt the joy of slipping bare feet into fluffy sheepskin…you’re missing out.) That said, my top pick for slippers-lined-in-fluff are actually these faux-fur lined Birkenstocks (and yes — they do come in men’s sizes, too). There’s simply nothing more supportive on aging feet than Birkenstocks. That said, there are a few other fancy slippers that have been big wins (like this North Face pair). Here’s my full list:
4. Monthly Flower Delivery Service
I stole this one from my big brother. He had the brilliant idea of calling a local flower shop, giving them his credit card number, and having the florist deliver flowers every month. Best. Gift. Ever. If you really want an online floral shop, Urban Stems is hard to beat (and they have subscriptions all ready to go).
5. Pampering CBD Products
Products with actual CBD in them (not hemp) are expensive but amazing, which is why they make great gifts. If you haven’t yet tried CBD oils, they can actually help ease aches and pains. Try gifting a luxe CBD bath soak or a fun CBD-infused bubble bath (my Dad was always a sucker for a good bubble bath, haha). If baths aren’t their thing, this CBD body oil has rave reviews; people swear by it for everything from a post-shower oil, to a hand-and-cuticle cream or wearing it just for the scent.
6. Upgraded Loungewear & Pajamas
One of the easiest, most foolproof gifts for literally anyone (including Grandparents) is a cozy set from Vuori. My mom loves her performance joggers (they come in a ton of colors) and hoodie (there’s a zip-front option, too). The guys have equivalent options: my husband loves Vuori’s Sunday performance joggers and the Austin hoodie for hanging around inside.
For pajamas, it’s hard to beat Printfresh. The prints are designed by hand in Philadelphia (soooo cool!), and they’re made from 100% organic GOTS cotton. They released a men’s line, too, which is really fun.
7. Top Shelf Booze
Chances are, if they’ve been around long enough to be grandparents, they probably know what they like to drink. Get that, and put a bow on it. Done.
If you need some recommendations, my personal faves are:
Oban Scotch | Hendrick’s Gin | Woodford Reserve Bourbon
8. Something Personalized
Personalized photo gifts with a minimalist, cool aesthetic are sometimes hard to find, but Shutterfly has a bunch. I love the idea of a little grandparents’ photo book, or something useful: this desk calendar, a monthly planner or a notebook. If you’re willing to take on a project, a family recipe book would be a dream gift.
9. A Custom Night Sky Print
This custom Night Sky Print is such a cool idea. You specify a location and a date, and they’ll print up a custom star map. You can also customize the background colors, and add a personalized message. I got one for Mike — it’s the night sky on the day we met at Michigan State University. Below the star map, I had them print:
He was into mathematics, wore glasses, smoked, and could buy beer.
Obviously I fell in love.
20 years later, it still feels like fate.
Hope this helps!
Plus, we have more gift ideas for your holiday celebrations on our 2022 gift guide hub, and we’ll be rolling out more unique gift guides as the season continues, so keep an eye out!
xo,
S
