Your “thank you” card is already in the mail.
Whether you see Grandma and Grandpa frequently or they’re more of a once-a-year, postcard or holiday visit presence, the warmth and love of an extended family can be, well, heartwarming. Giving them a holiday gift can be heartwarming, too… if you can find the right one.
Because let’s face it—what do you get the people who claim they already have everything?! Another pair of slippers feels like a cop-out, and you’re pretty sure the last scented candle you gifted is still in the box. No pressure, but this year could be your chance to become the grandkid MVP—if you can steer clear of the usual suspects.
Luckily, we’ve rounded up options that are practical, thoughtful, and won’t scream, “I bought this at the last minute.” From tech gadgets they never knew they needed to nostalgic gifts that’ll make them misty-eyed (in a good way), this list has something to remind Grandma and Grandpa that you’re thinking of them.
Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug, $130
“How to Age Disgracefully” by Claire Pooley, $23
Jiggy Personalized Puzzle, $50
We’re Not Really Strangers Card Game, $25
Beautiful by Drew Barrymore 10-Inch Enameled Cast Iron Heart Skillet, $40
Sharper Image Home Luxury Towel Warmer, $163
Shop the best gifts for grandparents
For the tea or coffee lover, consider giving them a tech upgrade with this swanky temperature-controlled mug that can keep their beverage at their exact preferred heat for up to 80 minutes. Even if they’re not so phone savvy, fear not: this writer bought this mug for her 86-year-old grandmother and just set the controls on her own app before letting it loose (and you can also forgo the app entirely).
Crafted from ultra-plush vegan fur, this indulgent blanket is frankly blissful, with a chinchilla-esque outer side and velvety inner. It’s machine washable, easy to cart around (so would make a fab plane blanket, for example), and comes in nine colorways and two additional sizes. Shop for the grandparent who’s “always cold” (despite the thermostat being set to 85°F ) or anyone who wants a little coziness.
For the grandparent who loves to bake, add some pizzazz to their cookware by opting for color—like fuschia, cobalt, or deep green. This one-pound loaf pan has grooves in the bottom to make any banana bread (mmm) or what-have-you lift easily every time, plus it’s oven-safe and dishwasher-friendly to boot. Up the ante and give them a matching cutting board, perfect for slicing all the bread they bake in style.
<!– –>
Smeg may have made a reputation for making funky, retro kitchenware cool (and a fave of AirBnbs everywhere), but the real test is whether it impresses Grandma and Grandpa—which it totally should. You can’t match its convenience and aesthetic. Auto shut-off and a 360-degree swivel base sure add to its charm, too.
Perfect for weddings, outings, flights, the office, you name it—this chic cashmere wrap is a quality addition to any outfit. Available in 12 elegant colors, this shopper-favorite measures 81 by 25.5 inches, so is kind of the ideal size for adding warmth without 1) overwhelming or 2) being a glorified scarf. Plus, the 100 percent Mongolian cashmere is ethically produced.
We have to admit: the Apple AirTag is a thing of beauty. For the person always misplacing their keys, wallet, purse, or what-have-you, the AirTag is a blessing that can significantly reduce tardiness and tears (from them or from you). They can also use an AirTag in their car to remember where you parked, in their suitcase to nervously check its progress throughout the airport, on a pet’s collar to track their location, and more, so there are plenty of ways to use and appreciate it.
<!– –>
For the champagne lover, a bottle of bubbly can of course go a long way. But you could also consider gifting an attractive coffee table book that goes through the history of the Reims-based brand with seriously stunning imagery. Cue “It’s not champagne unless it comes from the Champagne region in France.”
This year, swap the candle for something a little more sophisticated, like this Pistachio & Wild Fig Reed Diffuser from Nest. With notes of creamy pistachio and sweet fig, it’s like gifting them a breath of Mediterranean air—minus the airfare. Plus, it’s one of those fancy things they’d never buy for themselves but will absolutely enjoy every time they walk into the room
Hear us out: a towel warmer is the gift everyone wants without knowing. Especially in the frigid temps of winter, there’s nothing better than stepping out of the spray and wrapping yourself up in luxury. For that reason, a towel warmer (like this one with auto shut-off after 45 minutes) makes the ultimate “they’re going to be obsessed but wouldn’t have bought it for themselves” gift, which is what everyone really wants. For those grandparents who want to add to the spa-like ambiance, there’s a built-in oil diffuser they can use to add their preferred fragrance.
<!– –>
Oftentimes, the conversation that comes up when chatting with or about our grandparents is how we each wish we’d asked each other more questions. Memory, perception, and connection can be so very special, and this easy but intimate card pack has a lovely mix of thoughtful prompts and starters without feeling like homework. It’s genuinely fun to play—during dates, dinners, get-to-know-yous, and more IRL scenarios—and would be a hit among grandparents looking to connect further with the youngsters.
If your grandparents practically live in their garden, this 3-in-1 Convertible Garden Tote from Evergreen is a game changer. It’s got everything they need—a sturdy kneeler mat for their knees, a bag for tools, and it completely unfolds into a flat mat for hauling away things like leaves or grass clippings. Basically, it’s their new favorite gardening sidekick that’ll save their back and knees without cramping their style.
<!– –>
IMO, grandparents are often left out of the skincare conversation, largely because of our occasional focus on aging and prevention. (Got wrinkles? Sorry, no longer needed. But that’s a rant for our beauty section.) Still, the right products can go a long way in making your grandmother or grandfather feel refreshed and comfortable, and they deserve to glow too. This oh-so-satisfying exfoliating peel is seriously magical—and it’s also vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated from 70 percent “antioxidant-rich organic botanical juices.”
Technically, these everlasting roses stay vibrant for up to a year after purchase; in our experience, they’ve lasted several. (This writer’s had her own set since 2022 and has yet to see a difference in flower quality.) This rose arrangement is meticulously preserved to *spark joy* for any fresh flower lover. Don’t mistake these for a dried bouquet, no. These are much more realistic and sure to thrill Grandma or Grandpa to pieces every time they walk past (and are reminded of you.)
Sometimes the best gifts are the ones that are most functional for daily life and organization. And we can’t deny it; aging comes with more health maintenance requirements for each individual. For the grandparent who’s always laden down with various medications or vitamins, this stylish storage accessory might at least make a frustrating daily ritual look good on their countertop. Plus, the set is also stackable, magnetic, and extendable. (They can also swap out the tiles and use it to store toiletries or jewelry when traveling—so they’re not locked into using it for doctors’ orders.) The set comes in three sizes and seven colors.
<!– –>
Getting the proper snooze and having enough energy is crucial for competitive games of Bridge or playing with infant great-grandchildren in the park. Especially for the grandparent who might be spending more and more time resting (or just binging Downton Abbey and quoting every line uttered by the iconic Maggie Smith, RIP), the right bedding can make a world of difference. Introduce them to this crisp yet soft percale sheet set from The Citizenry available in six colors.
Compression socks are taking the world by storm, with many athletes and travelers even embracing the style for comfort and recovery. For grandparents who just want a lil’ extra relief from inflammation, joint pain, or just the hassle of long days and weeks, an attractive pair of compression socks can do a whole lotta good—like this temperature-regulating, odor-free set made from snuggly alpaca fiber. And if they’re not into knee-highs, we also love the cushioned Low Cut Socks ($40) which are pretty much the softest things they’ll ever slide their feet into.
“How to Age Disgracefully” is pure, laugh-out-loud mischief full of firecracker personalities (and an escape car or two.) This post-retirement social club includes a kleptomaniac, a Banksy-style “knit bomber” vandalizing statues across town, a woman deep in hiding, and more. Heartwarming, gratifying, and complex, the story effortlessly balances a good time with more complex questions of visibility, regrets, and the difficult art of making new friends once your routine has largely solidified; it’s the type of book that will amuse them and/or make them feel seen—at the very least, a delightful escape.
<!– –>
Y’all know the drill. When you see a “best gifts for grandparents” guide, you’re going to see some sort of personalized photo gift. You could upload a photo of your gaggle of great-grandchildren to show off, a final image they’ll be itching to see. Or you could digitize a nostalgic photo from their past that captures a fond memory to recreate. Or simply, you might know their taste in puzzles and use the personalization capability to recreate an awe-inspiring landscape or challenge. Either way, this under-$50 puzzle is a winner, and you can even customize the packaging.
Whether they love to walk or just find it more difficult to be on their feet for longer stretches of time, the cloud-like Hoka sneakers are sure to be blissfully comfortable. And hey, grandfather sneakers are popular for a reason. These shoes have maximum cushioning, a streamlined upper, and are even lighter than you’d expect.
Once, we read a tweet about how the ultimate buy for a “little treat” was a bar of soap: relatively inexpensive, with an optimal payoff in feel-good benefits. A decadent soap immediately elevates the shower experience. Flamingo Estate is a producer in Los Angeles focused on the combination of nature and luxury, so the richness of their soap is like none other. Plus, it has exfoliating poppy seeds, sea salt harvested from Big Sur, organic peppermint, and other garden ingredients.
<!– –>
For the grandparent looking to keep up with their fitness, consider these wearable weighted bangles that can add light resistance to a walk, crafting, or household chores. They come in increments from 1-3 pounds (and multiple colors) and are so chic, they might not want to take the weights off.
The Ninja Creami blew up the Internet when it was first released thanks to its many options of making ice cream, sorbet, protein treats, DIY mix-in shakes, and more. For the grandparent with the sweet tooth, the Ninja Creami hits the spot—and may be one of the few kitchen appliances they don’t already own. Bonus: it’s a total magnet for coaxing more family visits.
For the grandparent you can’t seem to keep from their various “projects,” these all-season leather gloves from Wyoming-based brand Give’r are made to withstand the toughest of elements. The all-natural wax coating, waterproof membrane, insulation, and reflective heat shield make these an absolute powerhouse. The craftsperson, gardener, or outdoorsy grandparent will especially value this pair.
<!– –>
Meet the new star of happy hour. The avid host or hostess will adore the multi-functionality of this charming snack set with three patterned porcelain cups. Fill with bar nuts, chips and dip, coffees and teas, or even use the tray for candles.
Sometimes, getting that nice red open from the cellar can be such a damn headache. This easy-to-use electric wine bottle opener splits the time and hassle in half without splitting the cork, too. The amateur sommelier, foodie, or mobility-challenged will love its convenience.
Sure, Grandma might have her favorite cast iron pan already, with years of seasoning baked into the finish. But that doesn’t mean she can’t love the kitsch and warmth of this heart-shaped skillet from Drew Barrymore’s Walmart collection for special occasions—like hosting you for breakfast.
<!– –>
Clogs are a staple in any grandparents’ wardrobe, and it doesn’t get much better than this pair designed by a Nike alum for premium support. The dual-density EVA midsole is designed to feel like you’re “walking in a grassy field” in terms of mixing stability and softness. So while Grandma and Grandpa may have gotten slippers as a gift before, you bet they haven’t felt slippers like these.
The bookworm grandparent will appreciate this sleek wooden organizer for their bedside table or side table for storing their current read, hot beverage, and the glasses they can otherwise never find. The bottom is scratch-proof—so no fear for the antiques—and it’s portable enough to tote from room to room too.
Whether grandma lives in overalls or hasn’t yet been converted to the glory of the onesie, this super soft FP Movement version is sure to provoke the epiphany that yes, you can basically wear pajamas in the daytime. Its slouchy oversized fit summons impressions of coolness rather than sloppiness, and it’s definitely layerable for use in any season. She’d love it for exercise, lounging, and social engagements. Don’t be surprised if she even buys multiple from the whopping 15 available colors.