35 Christmas Gifts for Grandparents (2023)

As hard as it is to find gifts for our teens, finding unique gift ideas for grandparents is even more challenging. Many have begun the process of downsizing and don’t need or want more “stuff.”

However, we still seek original gift ideas for cherished family members each holiday. Besides, playing Santa is fun, especially if you can surprise your parents with a thoughtful present. 

Take note of these ideas as you make a list for Grandpa and Grammy, Nana, Papa, or whatever sweet names the grandkids have bestowed upon them. 

Note — We are a readers-supported site and receive a small compensation from purchases made through some of the links in this post.

Christmas Gifts for Grandma and Grampa 

1. Vuori Clothing (Vuori)

We LOVE this brand for athletic and casual wear. The fabric is incredibly soft, and every family member has enjoyed each pair of pants or top they’ve worn.

2. Motion Sensor Lights (Amazon)

These light up when they sense movement so that your mom or dad can have their steps illuminated if they get out of bed at night. It can be installed under the bed, the bathroom, or any space where automatic illumination will enhance safety.

3. Aura Digital Frame (Amazon)

Aura Mason

The coolest thing is that this frame has a unique email address; when you email it pics, they automatically upload to the frame. (Requires WIFI.) Photos that ordinarily just live on our phones become the source of digital entertainment. Your parents will enjoy watching as the Aura cycles through images every few seconds. 

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5. Bombas Compression Socks (Bombas)

 

Compression socks increase circulation in the legs, benefiting anyone who sits for long periods. According to the Cleveland Clinic, here are other potential benefits, especially for people who may be more sedentary. These are socks I gave to my mom, and she LOVES them. 

6. Cuisinart Electric Kettle (Amazon)

An electric kettle is a wonderful gift, especially if your parents like to make a cup of tea, as there are temperature settings for different beverages — 160 degrees for delicate teas, 175 degrees for green tea, 185 degrees for white tea, or 190 degrees for oolong tea. There are also settings for coffee, cocoa, heat, and eating noodles or oatmeal. Safety features include auto-shutoff and stay-cool handle. 

This kettle gets the top reviews and is the one I use daily!

7. Punch Surprise Box (Target)

Target punch box

Fill this fun box with practical things, festive gifts and small luxuries to help them celebrate this holiday. Consider hand cream, festive napkins, candy, a new sponge, a small framed photo of their grandchildren (or pet!) and more. 

8. Ancestry DNA Genetic Testing Kit (Amazon)

Genealogy kits are popular gifts for adults. Why not allow your parents to learn more about their family history through a DNA test?  

9. Coway Air Purifier (Amazon)

Conway air purifier

The Coway Air Purifier gets RAVE reviews by the New York Times, which has spent years testing multiple models. This one captures and reduces up to 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns in the air, including pollen, pollutants, and other allergens. It also reduces odors, which can be especially helpful if they have pets. 

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11. YETI Wine Tumblers (YETI)

yeti wine cooler

If your parents enjoy drinking wine, YETI tumblers will keep their favorite beverage chilled for 24 hours.

12. Heated Blanket (Zonli)

Do your parents brave cold weather to watch your kids play sports regardless of the season? Think about giving them a battery-operated heated blanket. Easy to use, warm, cuddly and comfy. 

13. Levoit Air Purifier (Amazon)

Levoit is another top brand that purifies air of a 1,095 ft space once in one hour. Choose from a variety of replacement air filter that matches their needs – The Toxin Absorber Filter specializes in smog, toxins, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) The Smoke Remover filter specializes in wildfire, smoke and etc. And the Pet Allergy Filter helps to capture pet dander and absorb unpleasant odors.

14. COOP Bed Pillows (Amazon)

Coop pillow

Do the bed pillows at your parent’s home date back to when you were a child? Time to replace them! This pillow is the best overall, according to Good Housekeeping, and has 46,000 reviews on Amazon. It has a unique adjustable feature and extra filling for those who prefer a plumper pillow.

15. Massager for Head and Neck (Amazon)

Heat and deep massage for all your aches and pains. Lots of 5 star reviews. 

16. hOmelabs Sunrise Alarm Clock (Amazon)

sunrise alarm clock

Getting a good night’s sleep can be even harder as we age. This very well-priced alarm clock allows the user to wake up with gradually more and more light, resulting in a gentle and natural start to the day. This one also functions as a clock radio with FM stations and has multiple lighting options. 

17. Opal Nugget Ice Maker- GE Profile (Amazon)

opal nugget ice machine

The size and shape of ice make a big difference in how your drink tastes This countertop-size machine requires no plumbing to install — fill it with water, and within 20 minutes, enjoy crunchy ice. These ice makers are expensive but make a great Christmas gift to splurge on the present.

18. Long Distance Friendship Lamp (Uncommon Goods)

Friendship Lamps

Let your loved ones know that you are thinking of them-one for them and one for you. 

19. Paint by Sticker (Amazon)

paint by sticker

Have you seen the “Paint by Sticker” craft books? They were originally conceived as art projects for kids, but there are also excellent books for adults, including those by publishing powerhouse Workman. If your parents are dog lovers, they might enjoy this one.

20. Cozy Earth Pajamas (Cozy Earth)

Everyone deserves a pair of these-all sizes, all colors and all comfortable. 

21. Letters to My Grandchild: Write Now. Read Later. Treasure Forever.  (Amazon)

Give this to the grandparents and let them leave a legacy of letters. 

22. Bird Feeder  (Amazon)

bird feeder

Watching the birds come and go outside a window provides entertainment and a view of the natural world. The National Geographic Guide Field Guide to the Birds of North America is a great companion gift to the bird feeder, the #1 top seller on Amazon.

23. MasterClass (Master Class)

Are your parents active learners? They might love an annual gift membership to Masterclass, where they can take virtual classes from some of the most accomplished writers, chefs, actors, leaders, and more.

24. Women’s Vionic Gemma Slippers (Amazon)

Designed by a podiatrist, has lots of support and is super comfy. 

25. Godiva Chocolates (Godiva)

We have always loved Godiva candy and think their advent calendar filled with delicious candy is a yummy Christmas gift. Shop early for this one.

26. Bark Box (Bark Box)

bark box

Do your parents have a dog that dominates their lives? Give them a fun way to interact with their favorite pup with a subscription to Bark Box — every box is filled with treats and toys that will be delivered to their house on a schedule you choose. Order December 18 at 12pm to get by Christmas. 

27. Paint Project (Amazon)

paint by numbers

This is one of a series of watercolor project books that are wildly popular. Dana Fox, the creator, provides light outlines of each design. This is an option for any artist-to-be, even if they’ve never picked up a paintbrush.

28. Apple AirTag (Amazon)It is so annoying to misplace wallets or purses. Apple Airtags can help. ( Save 17%)

29. Electric Can Opener (Amazon)

Make their lives easier with this can opener-press a button and voila. Save 40% on Cyber Monday.

30. Audible Subscription (Amazon)

Audible

Reading can get challenging for some adults as they age, but a subscription to Audible allows them to listen to books read aloud, often by the author.

Pair this with the Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen); your parents will have endless good books to listen to.

31. Erin Condren 2024 Planner (Erin Condren)

Erin Condren makes amazing planners, and they are the most popular brand among the Grown and Flown community. Help them keep track of appointments, Zoom calls, doctor visits, Pickle Ball games, and family dinners with the grandkids with one of these beautiful and very functional planners. Available in many styles and colors with a long list of optional add-ons.

32. Amazon Prime membership

Pay for their yearly Prime membership, allow them to order from Amazon, and enjoy two-day FREE shipping all year round. Plus, your parents can enjoy streaming thousands of TV shows and movies and unlimited, ad-free access to over a million songs and hundreds of playlists.

33. Bills Paid

As people age and are likely on a fixed income, some may become overwhelmed with fear of running out of money and skimp on things they enjoy. Pay a bill for your parents or buy them a yearly Netflix subscription. Other gift ideas include paying for a cleaning service, home repair, gift cards for gas or their favorite grocery store, lawn service, car detailing hairdresser, or restaurant.

34. Donations in their honor

Donate to the non-profit of their choice, and they will receive a note of thanks acknowledging the gift. It’s a win-win.

35. Companionship

Stuff is great, but the most popular suggestion among our Grown and Flown Parents Facebook Group, by far, was to give grandparents the gift of your time and your presence. However, they prefer to celebrate during the holidays, so make sure you and your teens join them for what’s more meaningful to them.

More Gift Lists:

Stocking Stuffers for Teens and College Students

Advent Calendars

About Helene Wingens

Helene Wingens has always been passionate about painting pictures with words. She graduated from Brandeis University with a degree in psychology and three years later from Boston University School of Law with a Juris Doctor. In a year long clerkship for an appellate judge Helene honed her writing skills by drafting weekly appellate memoranda. She practiced law until she practically perfected it and after taking a brief twenty year hiatus to raise her three children she began writing a personal blog Her essays have been published in: Scary Mommy, Kveller, The Forward, and Grown and Flown where she is Managing Editor. You can visit Helene's website here

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