30 Best gifts for grandparents in 2024

Finding the best gifts for a grandparent can sometimes feel like a daunting task. You want to give the right gift, one that they will treasure. Whether it’s for new grandparents, or that grandparent who already has everything, finding thoughtful gifts can bring joy and warmth to their hearts.

In this gift guide for grandparents, we’ll explore a variety of ideas that cater to their interests, hobbies, and lifestyles, both practical and enjoyable, while ensuring that your present is meaningful and memorable. From sentimental keepsakes to practical gadgets, let’s dive into some delightful options that are sure to bring a smile to their faces.

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In this gift guide for grandparents, I break down ideas for you and your family members to give on all those special occasions into those which are activity-based, sentimental and practical. Whether you are looking for Christmas gifts or a special idea for Grandparent’s Day, we have you covered.

Gifts for grandparents: Activities

When it comes to finding the perfect gifts for grandparents, consider giving the gift of experiences or activities rather than just physical items. A shared experience gift can create lasting memories and strengthen bonds. Gifts that support activities for your grandparents will add value to their lives in ways material items cannot. Here are a few ideas of activities and experiences to gift.

Audible subscription

For the book lover who may now have a hard time seeing the small print, or for the grandparent who would listen to an audio book while going for a daily walk, consider gifting an Audible subscription. A subscription includes thousands of titles from and all-you-can-listen catalog that contains thousands of audio books, podcasts, and Audible originals.

Family Vacation

The gift of time is most precious we can give. Whether it is a day trip or something more extensive, gifting a day together will make family memories for years to come for everyone, making it a great gift for the entire family.

Some simple single day activity ideas include:

Nature Walks: Visit a local park or nature reserve. Enjoy a leisurely walk, pack a picnic, and take in the scenery together.
Museum Visits: Explore a local museum or art gallery. Many have special programs for seniors and offer interesting exhibits.
Farmers’ Market: Spend a morning at a farmers’ market. Enjoy fresh produce, homemade goods, and maybe even some live music.
Historic Sites: Visit a nearby historic site or landmark. Learn about local history and take lots of photos.
Scenic Drive: Take a drive through the countryside or along the coast. Stop at viewpoints or small towns along the way for exploration.
Gardening Day: If they enjoy gardening, spend a day at a botanical garden or community garden.
Cooking or Baking Together: If they enjoy cooking, have a day at home or in a rented kitchen to make a family recipe together.
Art or Craft Workshop: Sign up for a local art or craft workshop. Creating something together can be a fun bonding experience.
Zoo or Aquarium: Visit a nearby zoo or aquarium. Enjoy the animals and maybe grab some lunch at a café.
Theater or Concert: Check out local theater productions or concerts. Enjoying live performances can be a memorable experience.
Beach Day: If you’re near the coast, spend a day at the beach. Relax, collect seashells, or have a picnic.
Sports Game: Attend a local sporting event. Cheer on the home team and enjoy the atmosphere.

Longer trip ideas:

If you are able to spend several days together, consider these ideas for a family gathering to foster meaningful emotional connection with your grandparents:

National Park Adventure: Spend a few days exploring a national park. Enjoy hiking, scenic drives, and wildlife watching. Consider renting a cabin or staying in nearby lodges.
Beach Getaway: Plan a beach trip to relax and enjoy the sun. Activities could include swimming, beachcombing, and visiting local shops and seafood restaurants.
Historic City Tour: Visit a nearby city known for its history. Explore museums, historical sites, and local cuisine. You could also take a guided tour to learn more about the area.
Mountain Cabin Retreat: Rent a cabin in the mountains. Spend time hiking, fishing, or simply relaxing by a fire. You can also explore local attractions or take scenic drives.
Cruise or Riverboat Trip: Consider a short cruise or a riverboat trip. Many offer relaxing itineraries with scenic views and entertainment.
Visit Family or Friends: Plan a trip to visit relatives or family friends. Spend quality time catching up, sharing stories, and reminiscing.
Amusement Park Adventure: If they’re up for it, spend a few days at an amusement park. Enjoy the rides, shows, and games together.
Art and Culture Tour: Explore cities known for their art and culture. Visit galleries, theaters, and historical landmarks, and enjoy local cuisine.

Idea:

Make a photo book from your family trip as the perfect gift to give your grandparent next!

Subscription club

Give a gift that lasts all year long and provides something to look forward to by gifting a subscription club. There are SO many options for subscriptions – here are a few of my favorite ideas:

Hello Fresh – this is a meal service that provides everything needed for a full meal. Many different meal service subscriptions are out there – I’ve tried a few and Hello Fresh is my favorite.
Annie’s Kit Clubs – is your grandparent a quilter, scrapbooker or one who enjoys crafts? Annie’s Kit Clubs are perfect for the craft-lover. They also have book clubs!l

Other ideas (there are SO many subscription options available):

Meat subscription
Pie subscription (Yum!)
Flower arrangement subscription
Beauty box subscription

Puzzles

Solving puzzles helps exercise the mind and pass the time, and make a beneficial new hobby for after retirement. And there are so many options to choose from, ranging from the traditional jigsaw puzzle to crosswords.

A jigsaw puzzle like this Yellowstone National Park 1000 piece puzzle is fun and challenging.

These wooden 3-dimensional puzzles are so unique, and can be a conversation piece of home decor as well. Check out this pendulum clock puzzle that actually keeps time.

Origami puzzles are fun and unique – check out this Foldology puzzle that has 100 challenges.

Many grandparents grew up doing crossword puzzles, and would enjoy this combination crossword/word search/Sudoku puzzle book.

Gifts for grandparents: Sentimental gifts

Digital Picture Frames

A few years ago, we bought my parents this Nixplay digital photo frame. The gift here is two-fold. In addition to the frame itself, you stock it with pictures from throughout your grandparent’s life. And then add to it remotely on a regular basis using the phone app. This is an excellent choice for first-time grandparents, who will especially seeing new pictures of the younger generations often.

My siblings and I do this for our parents. We can add pictures of our kids or ourselves to the picture frame remotely, which our parents really enjoy since we all live hours away. The frame cycles through all the pictures that have been added, so new pictures are popping up on it regularly. It gives them a way to be part of our lives in a way they couldn’t otherwise. And every time we visit, my sons love to look at the pictures too.

They have enjoyed it so much, my husband and I got another one for his parents a couple years later.

Cutting board with engraved recipe

engraved cutting board with handwritten recipe

A few years ago, my husband and I received as a gift a cutting board with a recipe in his grandmother’s handwriting. It is such a special momento, and we’ve displayed it in our kitchen ever since. Take a favorite recipe and scan it to have these cutting boards created for your grandparents, and order one for yourself while you are at it.

Photo gifts

From custom calendars to a family photo session to a coffee mug with a snapshot of the new baby in the family, options for unique gifts showcasing family pictures are a seemingly endless.

Custom photo blankets like this one are easy to have made, and are both functional as well as a way to showcase family photos in a heartwarming gift this holiday season.

Old TV Shows or Movies

My parents and grandparents love to watch old TV shows and movies that were originally aired when they were children. Bring back fond memories by gifting a DVD set of shows from your grandparent’s youth. Favorites in our family include:

Gifts for grandparents: Keeping it practical

Grandparents also often appreciate gifts that make their lives easier, or reduce their expenses for the coming year. Here are some examples:

Cleaning service

As our grandparents age, some cleaning tasks become difficult or even dangerous. Consider gifting a monthly cleaning service to lift some pressure and reduce risk of injury.

Meat or other groceries

As prices go up, the basics can be a struggle for many of our grandparents. Providing a gift card for groceries, or even purchasing bulk meat, such as a quarter of a cow, can be a life saver.

Gifts to keep them warm

Whether it is heated slippers, a bathrobe, lap blanket, something cozy and warm is a welcome gift this time of year.

These heated slippers can actually have their heat level adjusted and can last up to 7 hours on low. Plus they are a super-cute buffalo plaid design.

Bathrobes are extra cozy in the winter, and this one has three pockets too. It comes in four color options.

Sherpa is so soft and warm, not to mention pretty, making this lap blanket a pretty addition to your grandparent’s decor besides being functional.

For outdoor warmth, consider gifting hand warmers, a heated bleacher seat (for those grandkid sporting events) or a heated jacket.

Hand warmers have been around for a while, but these reusable ones come with four levels of heat, last up to 16 hours, double as a portable charger and come in a whole bunch of colors.

Whether it is for the grandkids’ sporting events or a college or professional game, this heated bleacher seat with arm rests and a cup holder wins.

The heated jackets add an extra layer of warmth. The older we get, the harder it is to retain heat and stay warm in the cold weather. A heated jacket changes everything, and makes those outdoor events, or running errands, less painful.