Which gifts will grandparents find most useful?

Grandparents might not remember how challenging it is to take care of a baby. After all, it may have been quite a while since they last had to do it. In the meantime, they have aged as well. Look for gifts that help babies get to sleep, like a baby shusher or a self-rocking bassinet, so grandparents don't exhaust themselves trying to get your baby down for a nap. Baby seats and bouncers may also be useful, so Grandma and Grandpa have a safe and easy place to put the baby down.

Are technological gifts for grandparents a good idea?

Some grandparents may embrace new technology, while others prefer to stick with what they know. Gifts like smart home gadgets or iPads may be perfect for some grandparents, while others would appreciate something homemade or personalized. Use what you know about your parents or in-laws to decide whether high-tech gifts are a good idea. If you don't know them well enough, skip the extra-modern, and stick with gifts you're sure grandparents will recognize and love.

What kinds of gifts can children get their grandparents?

When your baby is little, you will need to be the one choosing or making gifts for their grandparents. As your baby becomes a toddler and reaches the preschool years, have them choose and create their own gifts for their grandparents. Handmade gifts, like drawings or clay sculptures, are, hands down, the most appreciated by loving grandparents.

The 39 Best Gifts for Grandparents of 2023

It’s said there’s nothing that compares to the joy of being a grandparent. Whether it’s a new role your parents or in-laws are taking on, a holiday, a gift worthy occasion, or a just-because celebration, grandparents like to be spoiled, too.

While it’s fun to give them a present that celebrates their role in your child’s life, it can also be helpful for them to receive something that makes their home more cozy, fun, tasty, or welcoming to your kid. Use this guide to find the right gift for your budget, lifestyle, and needs.

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

Artifact Uprising

A thoughtful way to place all your special snapshots in one spot, a photo book is sure to be cherished and given prominent placement in the grandparent’s home. Creating photo books is simple: just upload your desired pictures, and choose from a variety of book styles, covers, page layouts, and more.

Price at time of publication: $61.20

Courtesy of Uncommon Goods

This gift will literally light up the grandparents life. Keep one lamp, and gift them the other. Connect the lamp to Wi-fi and when one lamp is touched, the other lights up, letting your loved one know you’re thinking of them.

Price at time of publication: $198 for Set of 2 Lamps

Courtesy of HmMugs

A sweet way to announce a pregnancy, these matching mugs for Grandma and Grandpa are customized with the year they became or are to become grandparents. They’ll love sipping some morning coffee thinking about the exciting news and their grandchild on the way.

Price at time of publication: $29 for 11 oz white

Courtesy of Mark & Graham

If the grandparents love to host parties, two-person cocktail hour, or just enjoy their snacks, get them their very own monogrammed cheese board. They’re all made in the USA from maple, so choose your preferred shape, style, monogram, handles, and more.

Price at time of publication: $199

Courtesy of CreateOn

If the grandparent’s house is lacking in fun toys, gift them something they’ll enjoy playing with, just as much as the kids. Magna Tiles are fun-for-all-ages magnetic building blocks that challenge imaginations. Grandparents will love The Beatles- or Grateful Dead-themed Magna Tiles that’ll have them humming while they build.

Price at time of publication: $134.95

Courtesy of Aura

All grandparents want is to see their grandkids. Make that super-easy with a highly rated, attractive, and easy to use digital frame. Simply download an app, connect the frame to Wi-fi, invite family, and share photos. The joy of a digital frame is that family from any location can upload photos to the frame.

Amazon

A fun and memorable activity, this hand casting kit has plenty of room for two hands. The detail is impeccable; you’ll preserve every fine line and fingerprint. Reviewers praise the easy-to-follow instructions and simple process that results in a high-quality product.

Price at time of publication: $39.99

Courtesy of Love Talla

Create a custom piece of jewelry that features the fingerprint of someone you love. Easy to do, simply upload a fingerprint photo using the site specs, and give grandma a lovely and thoughtful pendant.

Courtesy of My Face Socks

Sillier grandparents will love sporting the faces of their grandchildren on their very own custom socks. Choose from a wide variety of styles, sizes, and looks for a unique sock that no one else will have!

Price at time of publication: $12.95

Courtesy of 4Fun

If the grandparents are sporty or have a yard, this set of kick croquet is the perfect family-friendly addition to their lives. Easy to set up and play, the game requires little skill and is loads of fun.

Price at time of publication: $32.99

Tribute

Send faraway grandparents their very own video tribute thanks to this easy to use site. The invite gets shared with a crowd, and the site takes care of all the details to create a touching and memorable video gift.

Courtesy of FoxTrot

Whether you’re going for a visit or sending love from afar, all grandparents will enjoy a well-stocked pantry. FoxTrot curates some of the best gift boxes around, and the packaging is drop-dead fabulous. Choose from a wide array of options that are sure to please even the pickiest grands.

Price at time of publication: Starting at $29.99

Courtesy of Etsy

If Grandma, Grandpa, or another relative has a family-favorite recipe, have them write it down, and turn it into a custom-made gift with their handwritten recipe laser-engraved on a cutting board. A thoughtful present, this one will be cherished.

Price at time of publication: $36

Courtesy of Christine Berrie

Fun for the whole family, it’s easy to join in on game night when the crew is playing Bird Bingo. The set comes with 64 beautifully illustrated cards, so your family will learn all about exotic birds while trying to fill their bingo cards.

Price at time of publication: $28.72

Courtesy of Sleep Number

Whether they are cuddling with a grandchild or each other, this faux fur blanket is so soft and plush, it’ll be a very welcome addition to the living room. Choose from four colors for the ultimate cozy accessory.

Price at time of publication: $35.99

Courtesy of Swoon

Whether they’re cocktail hour fans or not, this zero calorie cocktail mixer three-pack is a fun addition to any home. Make cocktails for the adults, and mocktails for the kids with these tasty mixers.

Courtesy of Amazon

Stock the bookshelf with this well-loved book that will be fun to read over and over again. The kid narrator gives silly tips for how to babysit a grandpa. If a grandma is more appropriate, there’s that option as well.

Price at time of publication: $10.25

Minted

Put everyone important in one beautiful photo art heart display with this easy-to-create, custom piece of art. Minted makes it so simple, and there are tons of sizing, moulding, and frame options.

Price at time of publication: Starting at $50

Courtesy of Uncommon Goods Grandparent Pen Pal Set

Bring back the fun of receiving snail mail with this unique grandparent pen pal set. Made for both generations, they’ll each have fun writing letters using the letter prompts, fun lists, and other activities. The set comes with eight letters and colorful envelopes.

Price at time of publication: $32

Courtesy of Zazzle

If the famous family recipes need a little help in the organization department, this custom three-ring binder is just the trick. Choose from a wide array of size and styles, and let the grandparent who cooks load up the binder with all the family favorites.

Price at time of publication: $22.68

Bed Bath and Beyond

Boiling hot water for tea goes high-tech with this snazzy kettle. You can adjust the temperature between 160 and 212 degrees F to ensure that the water is the perfect temperature for different types of tea. It also features blue backlit LCD displays and the ability to stay warm for up to 30 minutes.

Price at time of publication: $75

Amazon

An easy-to-use device to help grandparents connect with the kids, the Echo Show 5 will allow them to set reminders, play music and games, and even "drop in" on the grandkids for video calls. Just make sure they have a Wi-Fi connection.

Price at time of publication: $35

Dagne Dover

Grandma can store all the family's heirlooms in this lightweight case made of sustainable materials. It features loops for necklaces, holes for earrings, and slots for rings. Plus, it works well for travel or home storage.

Price at time of publication: $55

Diamond Nexus

While these lab-made stones look exactly like real diamonds, they are a fraction of the price and significantly more sustainably made. Treat grandma to this elegant pair that works just as well for everyday as it does on special occasions.

Price at time of publication: $77

Nest New York

This elevated candle will make grandma and grandpa's home smell amazing. It features a lovely blend of crystallized ginger, cinnamon, and vanilla bean. Homemade cookies not included!

Price at time of publication: $46 for 8.1 oz

Amazon

Got a grandparent who spends a weekend morning with a cup of coffee (or tea) and the crossword? This book of 75 of the best New York Times crosswords will give them something to do every other day of the week.

Price at time of publication: $9

Amazon

No one is prouder of a child's artwork than a grandparent! This easy-to-open frame will allow them to display whatever new creation your child givees them. It perfectly fits an 8.5 by 11-inch piece of paper, turning any drawing into a masterpiece, worthy of a place on the wall.

Price at time of publication: $16

Ulta

Pamper grandma with a chic fragrance. This one features 97% natural ingredients and sustainable packaging—a first for Chanel. The scent is light and airy enough to be worn around even little ones. It features notes of jasmine, berry, and citrus.

Price at time of publication: $110

Courtesy of Amazon

Help grandparent learn more about your family comes from. This 23andMe test kit includes the DNA collection, which will then generate more than 80 personalized reports. That includes a relative finder, and what your DNA says about some of the traits you have. Grandma and Grandpa might be surprised about what they learn!

Price at time of publication: $79

Eucalypso Home

This silky, cooling sleep mask feels amazing on tired eyes. Sleep can become challenging as people age (or when little kids are around), and this accessory can help. Plus, it is hypoallergenic for sensitive skin and machine washable.

Price at time of publication: $20

Courtesy of Amazon

This kit includes 12 letters you can write—and save!—for the grandchildren to read as they grow up. It is a special way for grandparents to capture their wisdom and love for years to come.

Price at time of publication: $15

Land's End

This classic open cardigan comes in four classic colors, and it can also be monogrammed with Grandma's initials. This piece is cotton and rayon, for maximum, comfort, and it's machine-washable in case a grandbaby spits up on it.

Price at time of publication: $44

OXO

If Grandma or Grandpa is into cooking, then this 15-piece set will be an instant upgrade to their kitchen tools. It features everything from a spatula to an egg whisk and pizza cutter. It is all housed in a useful stainless steel container.

Price at time of publication: $140

Nordstrom

Grandma's skin will feel soft and hydrated, thanks to this powerhouse duo: the nourishing Crystal Elixir Serum followed by the celebrity-loved Magic Cream. The latter is a moisturizer that makes skin appear smooth and glowing, thanks to hyaluronic acid.

Price at time of publication: $44

Nordstrom

With age comes dry skin, and the cold weather doesn't help. These tried-and-true lip balms will help keep grandparents lips hydrated all season long thanks to vitamin E, aloe vera, and squalene. Enjoy festive mint and cranberry scents.

Price at time of publication: $22

Nordstrom

These stretchy, cozy pajamas come in array of neutral colors. The brand, helmed by a certain famous celebrity, is beloved by her equally famous mom (and grandma). So you know it's a luxe pick!

Price at time of publication: $118

Sephora

This high-end shampoo and conditioner works on most hair types to hydrate, add shine, and smooth strands. It will help Grandma feel like she was pampered at the salon—even if she didn't have a chance this week!

Price at time of publication: $42

Rothys

Rothy's signature, sustainable thread is paired with Merino wool for these cozy slippers. As with all other shoes from this brand, they're machine-washable.

Price at time of publication: $129

Courtesy of Bed Bath & Beyond

If grandma runs the kitchen, she will love her very own personalized dish towel that will hang with a source of pride in her kitchen. The towel can be customized with two lines of personalized text.

Price at time of publication: $22

What to Look for in Gifts for Grandparents

Celebration of Their Role

Grandparents play a special role in the family, and that is certainly something to celebrate! Choose gifts that show your parents and in-laws just how important you think they are. That might be personalized jewelry, a mug that says "Grandma" on it, or photos of them with the grandkids.

Kid-Friendliness

You probably want your children to spend some time at their grandparents' home, so why not choose a gift that makes that experience a more positive one? Cozy pillows and blankets can hep create an atmosphere for cuddle time, and a portable bassinet can help babysitting run more smoothly. Games and toys to keep at the grandparents' house can keep the kids occupied and set the scene for family fun.

Connection

There are many different styles of grandparenting, but what really makes grandparents special is the relationship they have with their grandchildren. Choose gifts to facilitate this connection. Some grandparents will love a photo book to keep updated as their grandkids grow. Those who are geographically far from their grandchildren might appreciate a light that they can turn on from afar to show the kids that they're thinking of them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which gifts will grandparents find most useful?

Grandparents might not remember how challenging it is to take care of a baby. After all, it may have been quite a while since they last had to do it. In the meantime, they have aged as well. Look for gifts that help babies get to sleep, like a baby shusher or a self-rocking bassinet, so grandparents don't exhaust themselves trying to get your baby down for a nap. Baby seats and bouncers may also be useful, so Grandma and Grandpa have a safe and easy place to put the baby down.
Are technological gifts for grandparents a good idea?

Some grandparents may embrace new technology, while others prefer to stick with what they know. Gifts like smart home gadgets or iPads may be perfect for some grandparents, while others would appreciate something homemade or personalized. Use what you know about your parents or in-laws to decide whether high-tech gifts are a good idea. If you don't know them well enough, skip the extra-modern, and stick with gifts you're sure grandparents will recognize and love.
What kinds of gifts can children get their grandparents?

When your baby is little, you will need to be the one choosing or making gifts for their grandparents. As your baby becomes a toddler and reaches the preschool years, have them choose and create their own gifts for their grandparents. Handmade gifts, like drawings or clay sculptures, are, hands down, the most appreciated by loving grandparents.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of an eleven-year-old son, an eight-year-old son, and a four-year old daughter. Her kids are so lucky to have all four grandparents live nearby and take an active part in their lives. Maya loves to give them gifts that engage the kids, too. One favorite was a monthly subscription of fishing lures, since her oldest son and her dad love to fish together.

More Gifts for Parents and Caregivers

When it comes to gifts for parents and caregivers, our team has you covered. The Verywell Family team of editors (many of whom are parents themselves) have tested, given, and personally recommend every item we feature. Find more of our top gift ideas for every caregiver (or caregiver-to-be!) in your life: