You may have grown up scrawling them handmade cards and gifting them macaroni necklaces, but now that your parents are grandparents, you're on the hook for gifting them something a little more substantial.
After all, they've likely been there for you in ways you never could have imagined. As last-minute (and enthusiastic!) babysitters. As advice-givers and cheerleaders. As an extra set of arms for holding you and your babes through all the ups and downs.
To be clear, they don't do all that because they're in it for the gifts, but who doesn't appreciate a thoughtful token of appreciation?
From Grandparents' Day to the holidays, the best gifts for grandparents are ones that make them feel special and adored. From smart home devices that make life a little easier to heated throws and cozy slippers that make chilly nights a little warmer, we've rounded up a selection of gifts for grandma and grandpa that they'll love just as much as the macaroni jewelry they've still got stashed in the attic.
Check out the best gifts for grandparents below!
A Custom Family Portrait
Australian artist Aysa Haris draws fun, modern portraits of your family members based on your favorite photos of them and assembles them into a family tree. The art is delivered digitally, so you can have your drug store print it on photo paper or send a copy to grandpa to set as his desktop background! Prices start at $19.06
Amazon Echo Show 10
How about giving them a 24/7 assistant? They can yell at it to hear the weather, find a recipe or watch anything on Prime. It also pairs with Amazon's other smart home devices so they can see who is at the front door from inside (through the Ring doorbell) and even use it as a security camera when they're away. One amazing feature is the turn-style device—the screen literally follows you. So while going back and forth across the kitchen preparing dinner, there's always a full-screen view.
We also love the Care Hub feature— a free feature in the Alexa app that gives you new ways to remotely check in on parents or loved ones. You can even get notified if they ask for help or contact emergency services yourself.
L.L. Bean Personalized Bocce Set
Invest in a gift the whole family will love, like this Bocce ball lawn game set! Encourage grandma and grandpa to get outdoors and moving, while also spending quality time together. (And what grandparent doesn't love a little personalization?)
We Are Knitters Knitting Kit
Whether grandma (or grandpa!) is a skilled knitter or never picked up a set of needles in her life, there's something for her at We Are Knitters. Their awesome kits come with luxe yarn and all the supplies required to craft a stunning wearable or home accessory to be proud of. (And if they get stuck, WAK has great video tutorials to help!) Prices start at $36
Pleasant Ranch Modern Birdhouse
Regular old birdhouses are, well for the birds. The handmade, nicer-than-my-actual-house mid-century modern birdhouses from Pleasant Ranch are for the stylish birds. Mounted in the g-rents yard they become a piece of functional art, but also look totally killer on a bookshelf.
Prices start at $199
Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder
Bring the bird party to the backyard with a squirrel-proof feeder. They're pesky critters, but this sturdy steel number promises to be 100% effective at keeping them at bay.
Haflinger Wool Slippers
A brand that's been in the slipper biz for over 50 years clearly knows what they're doing. We love all their styles, but think grandparents will appreciate these most given their indoor/outdoor sole (which makes grabbing the paper easy-peasy) and their unbeatable arch support. The boiled wool upper is breathable and lightweight to keep them comfortable no matter what the temps. Prices start at $66
Kindle Paperwhite
When it comes to e-readers, you can't beat the simplicity of the Kindle Paperwhite. The matte screen makes it easy on the eyes, even in bright sunlight and it stays charged for weeks. (Or, if they'd rather listen, there's a headphone jack!) This latest version is also waterproof, so if they're lazing by the pool, there's nothing to stress about.
Audible Subscription
You could also go right for the books themselves. An Audible subscription will put thousands of hours of entertainment right at her fingertips. From books to podcasts and even some original programming, it's the gift that keeps on giving. Prices start at $7.95 per month.
HP Envy All-in-One Photo Printer
No one appreciates analog quite like the Grandparents. They can print photos to their heart's content with the super convenient all-in-one printer from HP. Not only does it print a wide range of photo sizes that they can grab directly from the cloud or social media, but it's also Alexa enabled—so there's someone else they can ask for help besides you. 😉
Force of Nature Cleaning Kit
Sometimes practicality rules. Especially when it's something this useful. A 4-in-1 replacement for practically everything under the kitchen sink, Force of Nature's revolutionary cleaning appliance uses electricity to convert salt, water and vinegar (from the capsule) to make a hypoallergenic multi-purpose cleaner that's just as effective as bleach without the toxic chemicals, dyes and allergens. Just fill to the line with tap water, squeeze in a capsule and in nine minutes you've got everything you need to tackle cleaning day.
Tovala Smart Oven
Not every Grandma wants to spend her day slaving over a pot of homemade whatever. For the cooking averse, you can't do better than the smart oven from Tovala. It may look like your average toaster oven, but this app-enabled lifesaver eliminates shopping, prepping, cooking and cleaning through a weekly meal delivery that cooks to perfection inside. Choose from the menu on their website or a ton of grocery store brands like Trader Joe's, Annie's, and Earth's Best. Just scan the code and pop the ingredients in. Yes, it's that simple.
Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Kettle
Form meets function with the gorgeous Stagg EKG Electric Kettle from Fellow. The modern + minimal design has total Swedish vibes but was actually designed in California and is used in barista competitions across the US. The precision heating ensures the optimal temps for brewing the most perfect cup of tea or coffee–and it's nothing short of elegant sitting on the countertop.
Crate & Barrel Bedside Carafe
Add a bit of elegance and care to their nightstand with this two-piece glass carafe set from Crate & Barrel. It's perfect for middle of the night wake-ups, breakfast in bed or even the bathroom counter.
Artifact Uprising Wall Calendar
Start a new tradition of giving the grandparents a calendar with the year's best photos. This fabulous design from Artifact Uprising is a top pick since the photo section is perfectly perforated to remove and save.
Collage Custom Art Blanket
Turn your kiddo's masterpiece into Grandma and Grandpa's most prized possession. Collage can turn any work of art into a custom blanket in a variety of fabrics and sizes. They can even print double-sided!
Sunbeam Heated Throw Blanket
Cozy up those chilly nights with a cloud-soft heated throw blanket. Three heat settings can be dialed up and down for comfort and a three-hour auto shut-off offers peace of mind.
Uncommon Goods Long Distance Friendship Lamp
Feel the love from miles away! Simply turn one on with the touch of your hand and its mate will do the same—even on the other side of the world. The wifi-enable pair lets loved ones know you're thinking of them, cycling through a rainbow of colors or by assigning a color to a specific family member. They are sold as pairs and singles, but there is no limit to how many lamps can connect to your group. Spread the love! (Price is for a pair.)
Uncommon Goods Gardener's Tool Seat
There's no denying that gardening is hard work! This transportable and convenient gardener's tool seat can help. Part folding stool, part detachable tool bag, this handy work station features 21 pockets for tool carting on a lightweight metal frame.
iRobot Roomba 614
What's better than the gift of always clean floors? There are hundreds of robot vacuums on the market these days with all kinds of bells and whistles (wifi! mopping! self-emptying!) but simple is where it's at when it comes to grandma and grandpa. Voted Wirecutter's best robot vacuum, this tried and true machine delivers a reliable clean that truly makes life easier.
Jasper Hill Farm The Vermonter Box
If they're cheese fans, there's no better gift than a box of delicacies from Jasper Hill Farm. Fresh from the hills of Vermont, their award-winning cheeses make the ultimate party plate, but the truth is they're almost too good to share.