35 Practical Christmas Gift Ideas for Grandparents (Who Don’t Really Need One)

Inside: Searching for practical Christmas gifts for grandparents who don’t seem to truly need anything at all? Here are 35 brilliant ideas! (Well, we think they’re pretty brilliant, anyway).

You’re expecting OR you had a baby recently. Congrats! And now you’re responsible for getting a Christmas gift for the grandparents, too.

Womp womp womp.

Just what you needed: more responsibilities this holiday season. MORE gifts to add to the gift list this Christmas.

(Of course, you could just add the baby’s name to the gift you already planned to get your parents and/or the in-laws…)

Trust me, grandma and grandpa probably don’t need one more “You’re the Best Grandparent” ever mug, especially if they already have grandkids. So get them a practical Christmas gift, instead!

Here are some ideas that are perfect for grandparents who seem to already have everything they need.

35 Brilliant Christmas Gift Ideas for Grandparents

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We’re going to tackle this gift ideas list in no particular order because it’s more fun that way!

Now onto the Christmas gift ideas for grandparents! When they probably don’t really need a gift, but you want to (or feel like you have to) buy them one anyway.

These gifts won’t go to waste. You’re sure to find something they’ll love, even if they insist they don’t need a thing.

1. Digital Picture Frame

They want to see photos of their grandkids, but what modern parent has time to print out the good ones? Now you don’t have to! 

One of my siblings recently purchased THIS digital picture frame for my mom. There’s a connected app that they can invite relatives to access, which allows them to upload digital photos directly anytime. Grandparents absolutely love it.

They can also upload their own photos, and enjoy them without needing to print them.

2. Fire Pit

I like the efficiency and simplicity of the Solo Stove. 

If they enjoy an evening by the (outdoor) fire, this gift could really impress and double as an “experience gift”. Don’t forget the smores stuff!

3. Roomba

Another gift grandparents love, especially since cleaning takes more and more effort as they get older. Thanks to the Roomba, they can have clean floors all the time!

It’s especially great for capturing pet hair. But keep in mind, it works best on hardwood or linoleum floors.

4. Clock with Indoor/Outdoor Temperature Readings

See the time, date, humidity and current temperature at a glance, inside and outside. This clock can be hung on the wall or used on a nightstand with the alarm clock function. 

(This may be more suited to grandparents who really hate technology and looking up info on their phone.)

5. Professional Carpet Cleaning

There is nothing like having your carpets cleaned by the pros! 

Take this chore off their hands and let a carpet cleaning company do the dirty work.

6. Seed Catalog Gift Certificate

A friend purchased this for their in-laws last Christmas. It allowed them to shop from a new seed company they had wanted to try, but they didn’t have the task of trying to guess what seeds to buy. 

Include the seed catalog for easy browsing and ordering by phone. 

(Research where to buy seeds online or ask your parents where they like to shop first.)

7. Kneeling Pad for Weeding

Kneeling can be really difficult as you get older. So save those knees!

Whether they have a big veggie garden or just some landscaping that needs a little maintenance, a quality kneeling padmakes a practical gift for older parents.

8. Utility Apron

A sturdy apron is a handy way to store trowel, seeds, scissors, plant tags and more while working in the garden. 

It can also help keep clothes cleaner, so they can skip the wash one more time and last longer.

9. Gas Cards

Have you seen the price of gas lately? Gas cards are about as practical as you can get.

They’re especially useful if they have an RV or camper and like to travel a lot. It could also be a subtle way to suggest: come visit us!

10. Car Wash Gift Cards

My mom specifically requested this recently. 

(I know, I know. This whole list was inspired by my own parents.)

It’s something she needs but hates to spend money on herself. Anything that fits those qualifications can make a great gift!

Speaking of…

11. Oil Change Gift Certificate

It’s so exciting, right? But oil changes are a part of life that some of us (raising hand) tend to neglect. 

For older single/widowed parents, it could be especially thoughtful as a reminder to keep up regular maintenance on their vehicle.

12. Outdoor Rug

These outdoor carpets are designed to use outside the RV, but they can also great for home patios. 

They’re easy to fold up and store, and the large size makes for a clean seating/dining area wherever they happen to be.

13. AirBnB Gift Card

Help them go on their next adventure!

Buy the grandparents a certificate to choose where they want to go, and help them make the reservation if needed.

14. National Parks Gift Certificate

If they’re still traveling, buy the America the Beautiful National Parks annual pass or lifetime senior pass and encourage their love of the outdoors. 

Better yet, take them on a trip along with your family!

15. House Plant

Can you really have too many house plants? They clean your indoor air and add SO much to a room without being clutter!

My favorite, easy to care for plant is the Jade Pothos. It’s beautiful and very low maintenance. 

I purchased THIS one from Etsy, and it was so beautiful! Grab a pot or basket to include with the gift.

You could also propagate one from your own plants if you have time before Christmas.

16. Window Bird Feeder

We have THIS suction cup bird feeder, and we love it! It’s simple, cheap and effective. 

The birds come right to the window and you can see them all day. Plus, where we have it set up, the squirrels AND the bears can’t get to it (if you live rurally, you know). 

You do have to remove the screen from the window, and it works best if you can easily access it to refill. Either a pull inside window or a deck access window would work. 

Give this gift with a bag of birdseed for the perfect gift for older parents! 

17. Space Heater or Electric Blanket

If your parents live anywhere that experiences real winter, a space heater is a great gift!

As you age, you feel the cold more. My parents and grandparents all adore little heaters that they can easily carry room to room like THIS one.

An electric blanket with an auto-turn-off feature like THIS one is a great alternative, especially if you’re worried about the risk of fire hazards with a small space heater.

18. “Tell Your Life Story” Book

So many older parents are practically begging to share their life stories. They want to remember AND have someone else they love appreciate all those little details.

There are so many great options on the market for this! From handwritten to electronic. Ask friends for recommendations or find one at your local Barnes & Nobles.

19. Meal Kit /Grocery Subscriptions

When grandparents are finally empty nesters, they sometimes have a hard time transitioning to cooking for just two.

Meal kits can be a fun way to learn new recipes, and there tends to be less waste with the pre-portioned ingredients.

Try:

• Homechef – they have meal kits as well as oven-ready meals that require no prep work. 
• Factor – all the rage right now! Awesome selections, and the meals come fresh, not frozen.
• HungryRoot – This one is great for single parents (my mom loves it); they offer tons of healthy options especially for those with food allergies or sensitivities. 

Related: Minimalist Gifts for Her – 39+ Ideas for Women Who Hate Clutter

20. Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Grill

My dad has THIS Ninja indoor grill, and it’s really the only small kitchen appliance he owns besides a coffee pot. 

It allows him to cook just a chicken breast or a steak or two at a time (or a few more) without heating up the whole kitchen. Plus, this model has several more functions they can try out if they’re an ambitious foodie.

21. Anti Fatigue Mat

For tired legs, these fatigue mats (in so many fun colors!) are a lifesaver while doing dishes or working in the kitchen, and the best part is, they actually stay put. 

Another idea would be for use in a shop/garage floor, if your dad is into carpentry or mechanics and stands a long time on concrete.

22. Pineapple Corer (& Slicer)

Unlike many kitchen tools, this new pineapple gadget is just one of those novel things that is actually super useful, according to my mom (and The Minimal Mom on Youtube! – a minimalist, really). 

It makes cutting fresh pineapples a snap, so if they love pineapple, they can skip buying pre-cut fruit, which will save them money.

23. Swedish Dishcloths

These dishcloths are super absorbent and have so many uses: washing, drying, even window-cleaning – and take up less space than a pile of cotton dishcloths.

24. Spoon Rest

This might be one of the most underrated kitchen tools! Pretty, simple, and SO useful for keeping counters clean while cooking, every kitchen needs a spoon rest (I chose one with a hole for hanging it up, which is surprisingly hard to find!). 

So if the grandparents don’t have one, this would make a great gift.

25. Memory Foam Mattress Topper

Mattress toppers like THIS one can breathe new life into an older mattress. 

It’s a great idea to try before splurging on a new mattress (and I know many parents hate to fork out money on this type of purchase).

26. Waffle Weave Blanket

This soft and lightweight blanket is menopause-approved. 😉 

It has just the right amount of weight and warmth to add between a sheet and comforter, but it’s very breathable unlike the popular fleece blankets.

27. Reading Light

If your mom or dad likes to read at night, having a small reading light can be less intrusive than a bedside lamp (if their partner likes their sleep, that is).

28. Sconce

Sconces are surprisingly pricey! If they need to add more warm light to their home, give them a a plug-in sconce like THIS gorgeous one (skip the hard install kind) this Christmas.

They might not want to splurge on a fixed income.

29. Crocs

Classic crocs can be the perfect casual shoe for men and women alike – easy to slip on when they’re stepping out to the mailbox or watering plants. 

These shoes might not look the best, but everyone needs a comfortable, easy slip-on for quick, random trips outside the house.

30. Sorel Slippers

Sorel has the best, high-quality slippers I’ve found for both women and men. 

They’re made for both indoors or outdoors. So theoretically, they could walk the dog or wear them around the house in total comfort. Although, come to think of it, maybe get the crocs for outdoor trips?

(Do they already have slippers they love? Get them some cozy socks, instead.)

31. Lightweight Robe

Bamboo is very breathable and incredibly soft, so it makes a great choice for a lightweight robe. (My grandma lives in hers!)  

This popular waffle-weave is a good option for grandfathers.

32. Record Player

My mom bought THIS nostalgic turntable for herself last year, and it’s one of her favorite purchases.

This particular record player also plays CDs, cassette tapes and the radio. If they’re more tech-savvy, they can use the bluetooth function to stream music as well.

33. Show Tickets

Depending on where your parents live, they may be excited to take in a show now and then- from plays, to concerts, comedy acts, ballet, etc. 

You might even inspire a new pastime if this is something they’ve never really explored before.

34. Recreation/Sports Gift Certificate

Think bowling, dancing, mini golf, baseball tickets. 

Get grandparents out of the house, and help them reconnect with each other at the same time. Double win.

35. Furnace Filter Subscription

I actually ordered a furnace filter on Amazon subscribe & save for my mom this year. 

Allergies were wreaking havoc on her health, and I suspected her two large, indoor dogs meant more frequent furnace filter changes were needed. 

She was excited with this purchase that shows up at her doorstep every other month without even having to think about it.

Read Next: 27 Clutter-Free Christmas Gifts for 1-Year-Olds

Got any brilliant Christmas gift ideas for grandparents I forgot to include? Share in the comments!