Grandma, Grandpa, Nana, Papa—whatever endearing nickname you call them, they are undoubtedly the most difficult people to shop for. Even more so than finding a gift for your mother-in-law. What are the best gifts for grandparents that they will actually like?
For one, they have practically everything they need, and they seem to want for nothing (other than to see their grandkids more, of course). Secondly, they spoil everyone else in the family to such a high caliber each Christmas that trying to even the gift-giving playing field is next to impossible.
But don't give up just yet. Finding the perfect gift for your grandparents requires you to take one of two routes: practicality or sentimentality.
If you lean towards practicality, think about things your grandparents actively use in their everyday lives. Are there any daily obstacles a new gadget or gizmo could make easier? Maybe a favorite hobby that could use an upgrade or some new accessories?
If your family's matriarch and patriarch are all about sentimentality (and let's face it, most grandparents notoriously are), there are a million and one ways to tug at their heartstrings. Maybe have the kids make them DIY Christmas ornaments. Maybe dedicate an entire weekend to Christmas activities with the family. Just make sure that what you're getting obviously has some thought put behind it and isn't just another "world's best g-pa" frame that'll take space on their already-crowded shelves.
Grandparents deserve something special for everything they do. So, to get those creative juices flowing, here are 25 unique Christmas gift ideas your grandparents will love:
Nostalgic Candy Box
Credit: Amazon
Grandma and Grandpa will feel like kids on Christmas when they open this box of assorted candy that was popular back in their day.
Ancestry Kit
Credit: Amazon
Not only will this gift give your grandparents a greater understanding of their heritage, but it will also create an opportunity for them to reminisce about your shared family roots with you.
Embroidered Sweatshirt
Credit: Etsy
Proud grandparents want to show off their title of "Nana" or "Papa" any chance they get, and what better way than with a cozy embroidered sweatshirt?
Personalized Garden Sign
Credit: Amazon
If you have some avid gardeners on your hands (or even just grandparents with a green thumb), this adorable personalized sign shows off their plant babies and their grandbabies.
Letters to My Grandparents
Credit: Amazon
Create a keepsake that will tug at even the toughest of grandparents' heartstrings with this book of letter prompts for you—or your kids—to fill out.
Pen Pal Set
Credit: Uncommon Goods
Help your little ones stay in touch with long-distance grandparents via old-school letter writing. This set makes it easy with prompts and beautiful stationery.
Back Massager
Credit: Amazon
Grandparents deserve to be pampered, and this massaging chair pad (with heat!) will have them feeling relaxed in no time.
House Shoes
Credit: Amazon
Help keep Grandma and Grandpa's feet warm and cozy with these luxe-feeling wool and leather slip-on house shoes.
A Watercolor Painting of Their Home
Credit: Etsy
We all know Grandma and Grandpa's house is special. So why not immortalize it with a beautiful watercolor painting?
Essential Oil Diffuser
Credit: Amazon
Not only is this essential oil diffuser a beautiful addition to any room, but it's also great for relaxation and creating a cozy ambiance for your grandparents.
Tabletop Firepit
Credit: Amazon
You know what else creates a cozy ambiance? A mini firepit that can sit on your grandparents' patio table. It's perfect for hanging out on the porch during chilly evenings.
Herb Garden
Credit: Amazon
Herb plants are notoriously hard to keep alive, and yet, nothing beats the taste and smell of fresh basil. This indoor herb garden takes care of all the hard work for your grandparents so they can enjoy fresh herbs all year long.
Board Game Set
Credit: Amazon
Looking for a fun activity, the whole family can get in on? This classic game set includes checker, chess, cribbage, dice, cards, and backgammon for endless hours of fun.
Grandma's Story
Credit: Amazon
Help your grandparents preserve their stories with this guided journal that asks thought-provoking questions about their life experiences. Don't worry—there's one specifically for Grandpa too.
A Ghostwritten Autobiography
Credit: StoryTerrace
If your grandparents aren't able to write or just not the journaling type, hire a ghostwriter. StoryTerrace is a service that pairs people with professional ghostwriters who capture their stories and turn them into hardcover autobiographies.
Our Moments
Credit: Amazon
Get your grandparents talking with this fun conversation game. It features over 100 questions to spark meaningful conversations and help you get to know each other even better.
Recipe-Engraved Cutting Board
Credit: Etsy
Keep your family recipes alive for generations to come with this personalized cutting board engraved with a handwritten recipe from your grandparents—or their grandparents.
Photo Calendar
Credit: Etsy
Pictures of grandkids are always a hit with grandparents. Make it even more special by creating a personalized calendar with new photos for them to "ooh" and "aww" at every month.
Cute Doormat
Credit: Etsy
Grandparents always want their families to feel welcome. And this personalized doormat is the perfect way to show them how much you appreciate their hospitality.
Cheeky Doormat
Credit: Etsy
But if they're a little on the snarky side, they might appreciate this very honest doormat instead.
Sippy Cups
Credit: Etsy
Does she drink red while he only sips on IPAs? This personalized wine and pint glass set is the perfect gift for grandparents with different tastes in adult beverages.
Personalized Wall Calendar
Credit: Etsy
As much as we'd love our grandparents to be high-tech and use digital calendars, some prefer the good old pen-and-paper method. This personalized acrylic wall calendar is a nice upgrade from that ratty old book they've been using for years. Happy gifting!
Slideshow Frame
Credit: Amazon
We all know (and love) the digital photo picture frame. But this one actually allows you to send new photos directly from your phone, so you can keep Grandma in the loop no matter where you are.
Photo Blanket
Credit: Etsy
Pictures in picture frames are nice. But do you know what's even nicer? Pictures on a cozy fleece blanket that's covered in all your favorite faces. Trust us, Grandma and Grandpa will be fighting over this one—so get two.
Customized Face Mug
Credit: Etsy
And when in doubt, just stick one of their grandbabies' faces on a mug. It'll be their new favorite morning coffee companion.
Editor's Note: Products featured on Wide Open Country are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
