The best gifts for grandparents

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One “World’s Best Grandpa” mug or T-shirt is great, but you probably don’t need to expand a collection beyond that. That is to say, grandparents are people, too. With interests! And hobbies! And tastes! So what are the best gifts for them? Something that’s specifically suited for them. Easy, huh? You want to get them something they’ll use, not a trinket that will become clutter. This can understandably feel like a hurdle since many grandparents have already acquired almost all they need (sometimes more), but it actually presents an opportunity to come up with creative gift ideas. What can you provide to make that thing they like just a little bit better? What new spin on something might they not have heard about or tried out yet? Here are suggestions for some of the best gifts for grandparents, whether they’re sentimental, useful, or in between.

Best health tracker: Apple Watch Series 8
Best foot relief: Renpho Foot Massager Machine
Best for entertaining: Halsted Five-Piece Wicker Patio Seating Set
Best for outdoor lovers: Solo Stove Ranger 2.0 Fire Pit
Best for cyclists: Ride1Up Rift Electric Bike
Best for the DIYer: DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill Combo Kit
Best for plant lovers: Ferry-Morse Modern Indoor Bamboo LED Growhouse
Best for birdwatchers: Nikon Aculon A211 8 x 42 Binoculars
Best for bird feeders: Nature Gear Window Bird Feeder
Best for nostalgia lovers: Upcycled Record Coasters
Best throw blanket: Double Stitch by Bedsure Throw Blanket
Best slippers: Baabushka Unisex-Adult Slippers
Best for audiophiles: Bose QuietComfort 45 Headphones
Best for bibliophiles: Kindle Paperwhite
Best for the (kids’) art lover: American Flat Kid Artwork Frame
Best for capturing memories on the spot: Polaroid Originals 600 Express Instant Camera
Best for saving photos (analog): Printique Custom Fabric Cover Photo Book
Best for displaying photos: Aura Mason Luxe Smart Frame
Best for the coffee lover: Bonavita 5 Cup Drip Coffee Maker Machine
Best for the tea aficionado: Tea From Around the World
Best for hydration: Hydros Water Filter Pitcher
Best for home cooks: Grandma and Me in the Kitchen
Best for tidying up: iRobot Roomba i4
Best for the absent-minded: Apple AirTag
Best gift under $15: Magic Custom Photo Color Changing Coffee Mug Cup

Best health tracker: Apple Watch Series 8

Best health tracker

Apple Watch Series 8

Physical activity and mobility are essential to healthy aging, and the Apple Watch Series 8 makes it easier for grandparents to keep tabs on their health. Less expensive than the new Series 9, this watch tracks steps, distance, and calories burned on the bright, easy-to-read Retina display. This fitness tracker also incorporates an ECG that can detect irregular heart rhythms, lets users monitor their blood oxygen levels, and provides explanations of health metrics and recommendations for improvement. If your grandparent has difficulty sleeping, the Series 8 also drills down on their sleep cycles. And it’s equipped with fall and crash detection, allowing for extra peace of mind. Looking for other options? Check out our Apple Watch comparison.

Best for foot relief: Renpho Foot Massager Machine

Best foot massager

Renpho Foot Massager Machine

A gray Renpho Foot Massager with two pockets for feet on a carpet with two feet on either side.

Treat your grandparent to some TLC they can use daily with a foot massager. The RENPHO shiatsu foot massager encases the foot and applies different massage motions and types to the foot to target pressure points. It applies air compression to the top and heel of the foot. This helps to press the bottom of the foot into the kneading, scraping, and rolling motions that work over the foot’s bottom. You can also add heat and set a timer. And a bonus? This model comes with a removable, washable liner.

Best for entertaining: Halsted Five-Piece Wicker Patio Seating Set

Take a Seat

Two wooden chairs and a small table between them all in dark brown, and on the chairs there are small pillows to be more comfortable. — Improve their outdoor lounging.

One of the best gifts for grandparents (or, really, anyone) is a nice table and chairs set to eat, drink, and be merry outdoors. This patio seating set does one better, too: it’s beautiful, comfortable, and space-efficient, but also comes with two ottomans that tuck away beneath the armchairs. (They work great as seating for grandkids, as well as a way to pu put their feet up.) Sturdy backs, arms, and seat cushions ensure a supportive sitting posture, and the all-weather wicker and steel frames will keep the seating in great shape for many seasons.

Best for outdoor lovers: Solo Stove Ranger 2.0 Fire Pit

Fire Captain

A stainless steel Solo Stove Ranger with flames coming out the top on a gravel driveway.

Few things rival a good wood fire, especially for those who love the outdoors. But the work it takes to build, stamp out, and clean up makes it more of an endeavor than many are willing or able to expend on an average weeknight. It’s why we’re very excited about the Solo Stove, which does basically for the fire pit what BioLite did for the camp stove: make it clean-burning, efficient, and easy with a very high-performing flame. Weighing in at 16.5 pounds, remaining smokeless due to smart design, and leaving only ash behind, this gift will literally warm your grandparents’ hearts … and hands.

Best for cyclists: Ride1Up Rift Electric Bike

Best for cyclists

Ride1Up Electric Bike

Do your grandparents enjoy bike riding, but might appreciate some pedal assist? Consider the Ride1UP Rift. Almost ready to go out of the box, it provides a stupendously smooth ride whether they’re upgrading from a different electric bicycle or have always ridden an analog bike. It strikes the right balance between easy assembly, ease of use, comfort, and overall design. Explore more of the best electric bikes. — Brandt Ranj

Best for the DIYer: DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill Combo Kit

Best for the DIYer

Dewalt 20V Max Cordless Drill Combo Kit

A yellow and black Dewalt tool bag with a cordless drill, impact driver, LED light, and battery charger in the foreground.

Grandpa may be great at fixing things around the house, but some of his tools may have seen better days. This cordless drill set from trusted tool maker DeWalt comes with essential tools he’ll rely on over and over again for tasks around the house: a one-and-1/2-inch drill driver and a 1/4-inch drill driver. Both are cordless and designed with ergonomic handles that make them easy to hold for long repairs. The LED light provides 110 lumens of light, helping illuminate tricky spaces, while the charger keeps the included lithium ion batteries charged. And the contractor’s bag keeps everything together and organized.

Best for plant lovers: Ferry-Morse Modern Indoor Bamboo LED Growhouse

Best for the plant lover

Ferry-Morse Modern Indoor Bamboo LED Growhouse

A rectangular bamboo growhouse by Ferry-Morse with a tray of geraniums growing inside.

Got a grandparent who can’t wait to get their hands dirty in the garden come spring? Ferry-Morse’s Modern Indoor Bamboo LED Growhouse lets them cultivate plants all year. They can pop houseplants in for much-needed light during the colder months. The growhouse features 10 light intensity levels and comes with a timer. And the 14-inch grow space provides plenty of room for green thumbs to start seeds for an in-home garden or for eventual transplanting. If your grandparents require more space for their plants, consider one of the best greenhouses. And if they are new to the greenery game, we’ve got gifts for that, too.

Best for birdwatchers: Nikon Aculon A211 8 x 42 Binoculars

Eagle Eyes

A pair of professional binoculars all black and with dark glass lenses and in large round shapes. — Don’t miss the forest, or the trees.

Give grandparents some new insight and entertainment when they’re out exploring with a pair of good binoculars. And whether they’re in a city (just look up NYC birdwatching, it’s big time), the country, or the suburbs in between, wildlife abounds for them to watch—ditto if they’re out on a boat or hiking in the woods. Different binoculars suit different uses, but the 8×42 pair we recommend comes with quality Nikon lenses and is a great full-size option in the ideal size for birding, whale watching, and wildlife viewing. If your grandparent would appreciate a set of the best birdwatching binoculars with a smartphone attachment for photos, consider the Celestron 71009 SkyMasters.

Best for bird feeders: Nature Gear Window Bird Feeder

Best for bird feeders

Nature Gear Window Bird Feeder

see through bird feeder — Smart design, easy to clean, with an unobstructed view of feeding birds.

If your grandparents would prefer the birds come to them, consider this window bird feeder from Nature Gear. Strong suction cups keep this charming acrylic window bird feeder attached securely to their window. The feeding tray and house detach for easier cleaning. A circular cutout helps to increase the visibility of birds from inside their home for a first-row view. Got a grandparent who appreciates both birdwatching and photography? Help them capture all the avian antics with the best bird feeders with cameras. — Julian Vittorio

Best for nostalgia lovers: Upcycled Record Coasters

Best for music lovers

Upcycled Record Coasters

Six coasters in different colors made from vinyl records arrayed in a stack.

Does your grandparent have a killer vinyl collection? While some records are consigned the attic, designer Jeff Daniels has given vinyl new life. In his Philadelphia studio, he’s repurposing the labels cut from the center of these records and turning them into stylish sets of coasters. The discs are sealed to prevent moisture damage from beverages. And each set features a range of albums that span musical genres, which will likely start some conversation.

Best throw blanket: Double Stitch by Bedsure Throw Blanket

Best throw blanket

Double Stitch by Bedsure Throw Blanket

A good throw blanket doubles as decoration and a source of warmth. Designed in a Manhattan studio, Double Stitch by Bedsure features a subtly striking geometric design. It’s made of 100% cotton, and the yarn is specially woven for durability. This blanket also meets OEKO-TEX 100 standards for high-quality textiles and using water responsibly. And this versatile, cozy looks at home everywhere from the couch to the patio.

Best slippers: Baabushka Unisex-Adult Slippers

Best slippers

Baabushka Unisex Adult Slippers

A gray Baabushka Unisex Adult Slipper with a leather sole.

Sometimes there’s nothing better at the end of the long day than sliding into a cozy pair of slippers. These pull-ons are handmade from wool felt in New Zealand, and the material allows for airflow to prevent overheating. These slippers also feature a rubber sole for cushioning and are designed with a non-skid tread. They’ll be a treat to grandparents who wouldn’t necessarily buy slippers for themselves.

Best for audiophiles: Bose QuietComfort 45 Headphones

Best for audiophiles

Bose QuietComfort 45 Headphones

Whether your grandparents are fans of Bob Marley or Beethoven, Bose’s Quiet Comfort 45 Headphones are a gift they will appreciate. Made with soft leather, these headphones are incredibly comfortable to wear. These noise-cancelling headphones also let users choose between quiet and aware modes, so they can block out sound or still hear what’s going on around them. Dedicated audiophiles can also adjust the EQ to their personal taste or choose from some presets. These wireless headphones also have a range of up to 30 feet and provide up to 22 hours of battery life on a single charge. They’re also great for enjoying podcasts and audiobooks.

Best for bibliophiles: Kindle Paperwhite

Best for the bibliophile

Kindle Paperwhite

There are plenty of reasons the Kindle Paperwhite topped our list of best Kindles. For grandparents who love to read, they’ll appreciate the convenience of a device that lets them take their library to bed with them or when they travel. At just under half a pound, it’s easy to carry and the 6.8-inch screen is larger than many paperbacks. The 300-dpi display is easy to read and users can adjust the light levels provided by the 14 LED lights. And it’s priced in the middle of Kindle offerings, often on sale for less than $100. Undecided? Read our full review of the Kindle Paperwhite.

Best for capturing memories on the spot: Polaroid Originals 600 Express Inst ant Camera

Full Circle

A small camera to take pictures which is classic with its camera lenses and all black color. — Capture memories in the moment.

The first self-developing Polaroid camera was made in 1948, and they rose to prominence in the mid-’60s, where they stayed for decades before having a trendy resurgence in recent years. Have some non-smartphone family photo fun with a gift your grandparents will almost certainly have experience with and memories tied to. Best of all, with an instant camera, they can keep these mementos for years to come.

Best for the (grandkids’) art lover: Americanflat Kid Artwork Frame

Best for the (grandkids') art lover

American Flat Kid Artwork Frame

Two black picture frames that feature children's art.

Grandkids create a lot of adorable art, and it can be challenging to hold onto it in an organized way. The Americanflat Kid Artwork Frame makes it easy. Grandparents will appreciate its capacity to store up to 100 pieces of paper art. It also doubles as an attractive frame with a mat and shatter-proof glass. Available in sets of two or four that accommodate 10-inch by 12.5-inch creations, these frames come in black, white, silver, walnut, oak, light wood, and multicolors and the apparatus necessary to hang them. They open easily like a book and come with elastic straps for when grandparents want to store the art.

Best for saving photos (analog): Printique Custom Fabric Cover Photo Book

Look Book

Some books are placed side by side, and all the books are in different colors. — Page through the memories.

For the grandparents who have everything, the best gift doesn’t take up too much space and does offer a lot of joy. The surest route there? A custom-made clothbound photo book. Customizable from 10 to 100 pages with a whole host of layouts (full bleed, collages, and more), Adorama’s Printique provides quick and high-quality photo book-making. It’s simple to get professional-looking results with their system—including on the exterior, where you can add a die-cut with a photo (we love this option) or foil printing, too. Interested in more options for storing photos? Here’s are more of the best photo albums.

Best for displaying photos: Aura Mason Luxe Smart Frame

Best digital picture frame

Aura Mason Luxe Smart Frame

A picture of two little kids laughing in a gray picture frame next to an iPhone with the same image of the kids.

Physical photos are great, but so many of our images are digital these days. Fortunately, the Aura Mason Luxe Smart Frame is designed so that people take photos and videos on their phones and send them directly to the frame for display. Named the best overall in our roundup of digital picture frames, the Aura allows for vacation photos to show up in real time in your grandparents’ living room. Grandma and Grandpa can also invite friends and family to see their latest adventures and their privacy is secured. What’s more, the 9.7-inch screen is color-calibrated for a vibrant display and the frame is available in sandstone, graphite, white quartz, and pebble. And storage is unlimited.

Best for the coffee lover: Bonavita 5 Cup Drip Coffee Maker Machine

Best for the coffee lover

Bonavita 5 Cup Drip Coffee Maker Machine

A stainless steel coffee makers with a thermal carafe from Bonavita.

If your grandparents love to start the day with coffee, but don’t have the space or inclination to invest in an espresso machine or a latte machine, the Bonavita 5 Cup Drip Coffee Maker Machine provides a high-quality brew with less space and energy. This drip coffee maker meets the Golden Cup Standard for artisan brewing and its temperature range of 198° to 205°F allows for optimal flavor. They can also use the Pre-Infusion Mode to enhance the flavor of the beans prior to brewing. And the coffee brews into a stainless steel carafe that will keep it warm for hours.

Best for the tea aficionado: Tea From Around the World

Best for the tea aficionado

Tea From Around the World

A set of ten labeled vials containing teas from around the world by Uncommon Goods.

If Grandma’s an Earl Gray fan, she’ll appreciate the opportunity to sample some more flavors from around the globe with this set. It comes with 10 tubes of loose leaf tea, including Milky Oolong tea from Thailand, Long Jing green tea from China, Darjeeling Margaret’s Hope black tea from India, and Kenya Kirinyaga black tea. Each tube makes a cup of tea between 6 and 8 ounces. She’ll also receive a book that tells her more about the history of the teas and provides brewing tips for the perfect cup.

Best for hydration: Hydros Water Filter Pitcher

Best for hydration

Hydros Water Filter Pitcher

A clear plastic pitcher with a gray water filter on top against a plain background.

Hydration is important at any age, and this attractive pitcher and water filter in one makes it easy. Grandparents will appreciate the this lightweight container, which holds 64 ounces of water and is designed with a filter Hydros says works five times faster than its competitors. Its filters are made from coconut shell carbon in a casing that is free of potentially dangerous BPAs. At 14 inches high, it should fit on the shelf of most full-size fridges and it’s sleek enough to leave on the table for everyday meals.

Best for the home cook: Grandma and Me in the Kitchen

Best for the home cook

Grandma and Me in the Kitchen

A lavender and purple colored cookbook featuring an older llama and a younger llama making cookies.

Making treats in the kitchen around the holidays is a tradition for many families, but this cookbook encourages the culinary collaboration to continue throughout the year. Created as part of the Little Chef series for kids ages 4 and older, Grandma and Me in the Kitchen starts out with basic kitchen skills, then progresses to simple recipes with fun illustrations. Soon enough, the grandkids will be the ones making the snacks.

Best for tidying up: iRobot Roomba i4

Best robovac

iRobot Roomba i4

By the time someone’s a grandparent, they’ve probably done more than their share of vacuuming. Their kids aren’t around to do chores anymore, so why not treat them to a robot vacuum pitch in? iRobot’s Roomba i4 arrives almost ready to go out of the box. Just plug in the charger, bring the i4 close, and it will attach magnetically. The iRobot app makes it easy to connect new device to WiFi through a series of fun screens. Then, all they have to do is press “Clean” and the iRobot will map their home with its sensor and get busy dispensing with the dust bunnies.

Best for the absent-minded: Apple AirTag

Best for the absent-minded

Apple AirTag

For the tech-savvy grandparent who also has a tendency to misplace things, the Apple Air Tag can help reduce hours of fruitless searching. They can set it up using their iPad or iPhone in one step. Once they’re connected with the Find My app, they can place the AirTag with anything they don’t want to misplace and also check on its location. The AirTag is also voice-assisted, so they can just ask Siri to help them find whatever they’re looking for. Let’s be honest, you’re ordering some for yourself, too.

Best gift under $15: Magic Custom Photo Color Changing Coffee Mug Cup

Cheap Trick

A black and white cup with a picture of a family printed on it and a heart-shaped tail in black. — Now you see it.

Yeah, we know we said enough with the mugs, but this one is worth the exception. It’s an affordable, personalized gift for grandparents, and yes, it would pair nicely with our pick for best useful gift, now that you mention it. Pick a handle shape and inner mug color, pick a photo, pick your text, and add a little bit of fun to your grandparents’ morning cuppa.