Comfort beats novelty
A softer throw, a better pair of slippers, a quality dressing gown or a cushion that supports properly will get used every day. Grandparents often put up with things that are worn out because they still technically work.
If you have noticed something they make do with, replacing it with a good version is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give.
Food and drink they enjoy
A hamper of good things, a favorite tea, a box of chocolates from a proper chocolatier or a bottle of something they like are always welcome. They are easy to share with visitors, too.
If they have dietary needs, a carefully chosen food gift shows you have paid attention.
3Lindt Lindor Assorted Milk Chocolate Truffles Large Bag - World Market
A bag of good chocolates that is easy to share with visitors.
$13.29World Market
4Pears and Apples Fruit Gift Basket, Royal Riviera - Harry & David
A fruit gift basket of good things for a grandparent who loves a treat.
$61.98Harry & David
Something to do together
A board game, a jigsaw, a cookbook you can cook from with them, or a garden project gives you a reason to spend time together, which is what most grandparents want most.
Pair it with a plan for when you will use it, and the gift lasts well beyond the day.
5Sensing Colors by Jessica Poundstone 1000 Piece Puzzle
A jigsaw to do together on visits.
$17.99Galison
6Uncommon Goods | Mason Jar Indoor Herb Garden | Hydroponic Grow Kit
An indoor herb garden is a small garden project to start together.
$20Uncommon Goods
Keep the tech simple
Tech gifts can work brilliantly, such as a simple digital photo frame the family can send pictures to, but only if they are easy to use. Set it up before you give it.
If you are unsure, choose something that works straight out of the box with no apps or accounts.
8Model One AM/FM Radio with Internal Bluetooth Speaker - Tivoli Audio
A simple radio with a proper dial that works straight out of the box.
$179.99Nordstrom
Gifts from the grandchildren
Grandparents treasure anything the children have made or chosen. A framed drawing, a handprint keepsake, a photo book of the year or a recorded story read aloud means more than something bought off a shelf.
For younger grandchildren, a parent can help pick something small and let the child hand it over. The moment of giving is part of the gift.
Buying together as a family
When several relatives are shopping for the same grandparent, it is easy to end up with three throws and no slippers. Agree who is buying what, or pool money into one bigger gift they would not buy themselves.
HintDrop makes this simple: save ideas to one shared list, call dibs on what you are buying and the rest of the family can see it is taken.
Frequently asked questions
What do you buy grandparents who say they want nothing?
Go for things they will consume or use up, such as good food, tea, a hand cream or a candle, or something that makes daily life easier. Time together, like a day out or a meal, is often what they value most.
How much should I spend on a gift for grandparents?
There is no set amount. Grandchildren often spend 10 to 30 pounds, while adult children may spend more or pool money together. A thoughtful gift with a handwritten note beats an expensive one without.
What are good tech gifts for grandparents?
Keep it simple and ready to use. A digital photo frame the family can add pictures to, a large button phone or a simple tablet set up in advance all work well. Avoid anything that needs lots of apps or passwords.
What is a good gift from a young grandchild?
Something handmade or personal, such as a drawing, a framed photo or a photo book. Grandparents value the effort and the child's own touch more than the price.
How can the family avoid buying the same gift for a grandparent?
Put ideas on one shared list and let each person claim what they are buying. HintDrop lets you save gift ideas from any shop and call dibs, so nothing is doubled up.
Ready to actually find something?
Browse gifts for grandparents