What to Get Grandparents for Christmas
Ask grandparents what they want for Christmas and they'll usually say the same thing: "Just come visit." They have their routines, their favorite chair and a house full of things already.
That's a good starting point. The best gifts for grandparents either make their days more comfortable or bring the family closer.
Start with how they live
Before you shop, think about their days:
- Are they often cold? Many older people feel the chill more in winter.
- Do they use a smartphone? Some grandparents text and video chat every day. Others never touch an app.
- Do they live far away? Then a gift that keeps you in touch matters more.
- Do they have hobbies? Gardening, reading, puzzles, baking with the grandkids.
Gifts for comfort
Comfort gifts get used every day:
- A heated throw. Look for simple controls, a few heat settings and an auto shut-off. Machine washable is a big plus.
- Warm slippers. Sheepskin or fleece-lined, with a sole that's fine for stepping outside. You'll need their shoe size.
- A soft robe or blanket for the couch.
Gifts that keep the family close
If they don't see the grandkids as often as they'd like:
- A Wi-Fi photo frame. The family sends photos from their phones, and the frame shows them. Set it up before you give it, so they don't have to.
- A smart display for video calls. A screen that answers calls by voice can be easier than a phone for some grandparents.
- A photo book of the past year, made online and printed.
Gifts from the grandkids
Small hands make the best gifts:
- A drawing, framed
- A handprint ornament with the year on the back
- A letter or a short video message
- A "coupon" for a baking day or a movie night together
These often end up on the fridge for years.
What to avoid
- Gadgets that need an app if they don't use apps already. A gift that needs tech support isn't relaxing.
- Clutter. Decorations and knick-knacks pile up fast.
- Sizes you're guessing. Clothes and shoes are hard to get right. Get a gift receipt if you're not sure.
Set it up for them
If you choose something techy, do the setup yourself before Christmas. Charge it, connect it to Wi-Fi, load the photos, and write simple steps on a card. Then sit with them and show them how it works.
Time is the real gift
A gift is nice. A visit is better. Pair the gift with a plan: a lunch date, a day of baking with the grandkids, or a weekly call. That's the part they'll talk about.
For four gifts compared on phones, Wi-Fi and sizes, see our best Christmas gifts for grandparents.