The Quintessential Holiday Gift Guide for Parents
Umm, ok. So, I don’t know about you, but if I had to make a list of the people who stump me the most every year when it comes to buying gift, my parents and mother-in-law would be at the top of the list.
(And Mom, Dad or Christy, if you’re reading this, then stop reading now. Or at least act surprised when you open some of these gifts this year. 🙂 Or maybe I’m tricking you altogether and have something entirely different in mind. Haha! You’ll find out soon enough, I suppose!)
So, what do you buy the person who most likely has everything they really need and can most likely buy themselves the things they want? Typically my favorite gifts fall into the sentimental category. I already know that I buy my mom a photo calendar every year. It’s just what I do. And I usually buy my dad a gift card to the iTunes store, which he asks for. But I like to throw in some unexpected gifts too.
I don’t know about y’all, but it’s fun to surprise your parents and give back when they’ve given so much to us kids over the years. It’s nice to give them a thoughtful gift. So, as I’ve been shopping some, I made a short list of what I think might be some good parent gifts this year.
And of course not all of these gifts will be good for everyone’s parents, but there’s a good chance you’ll find something that they will love here. Good rule of thumb: know your people. And buy accordingly. 🙂 This post contains some affiliate links. Click here for my full disclosure policy.
1. Audio Books: I’ve been known to buy my parents books over the years when they have requested them, but I’ve recently discovered the awesomeness of audio books! For me, the best way I’ve found to “read” a book a month is through a subscription to Audible. If your mom or dad is a busy person who loves to read on the go, this may be just the ticket for them.
2. Headphones: If they are going to be listening to audio books, then they will probably need a good set of headphones. BONUS: My dad and grandfather also enjoy a set of headphones made for connecting to the TV. They can listen to the TV without having the volume on the TV on. As their hearing gets, ahem, older, they can listen to the TV without disturbing those around them.
3. Amazon Echo: Have y’all seen this little device? It’s an information teller, audiobook reader, music player, weather announcer, traffic and sports informer and more! All controlled by your voice. If nothing else go read the reviews. Some are hilarious!
4. House Portrait Art: (Mom, stop reading now.) How sweet would it be to get a hand-drawn piece of art of your family home? Maybe their parents home, the home they grew up in? We’re going to my grandparent’s house at Thanksgiving, which is the house my mom grew up in. And I’m thinking about taking a nice photograph of it, and having it drawn for my mom. What do you think?
5. Nespresso Coffee and Espresso Maker: For the coffee lover! My dad LOVES coffee and likes it strong. I’m thinking he’d really enjoy getting a cup of coffee or espresso with one touch of a button!
6. Cast Iron Copper Finish Fire Pit: Do your parents have a nice spot in the backyard for enjoying an evening by the fire? Maybe they would like a small, but pretty fire pit. My parents love having a fire and throwing a s’mores makin’ party when the grandkids are in town!
7. Stainless Steel Indoor Electric Grill – Shoot, I want one of these! I love to grill our food, but I’m not grill master on the big grill outside. These would be great for a parent living in a condo, apartment or assisted living community without access to an outdoor grill.
8. Ring Wi-fi Enabled Doorbell – This is another gift that’s on my list, just because it’s so cool. Have you seen these? Not only are they cool, but they are great for security. You can see a person at your door with the imbedded camera. And you don’t even have to be home! See what I mean? We’ll just get this for everyone on our list 🙂
9. Ultimate Plush Throw – I have given these many times as gifts because not only are they reasonably priced, but they are so cozy! We use our year-round and it’s always the first choice when my family is grabbing a blanket. The price point is sweet, too … less than $50!
10. Family Photo Calendar and Photo Gifts from Shutterfly: Like I mentioned before, I always, always get my mom a family calendar for Christmas. I also make one for myself. Even if your mom or dad don’t use a wall calendar, it’s so fun to look back and see photos each month from the year before. Shutterfly also has a ton of photo gifts. What’s better than getting gifts with your loved-ones faces on them? Two years ago I gave my mother-in-law a blanket with all of her grandchildren’s 1-year pictures on them. She loved it!
11. Digital Photo Frame: This is another gift that never gets old. Why give one picture when you can give 100s? I don’t know a mom or dad out there that doesn’t want to see their children more. And if there are grandchildren, even better!
12. What I Love about Dad or What I Love about Mom fill-in-the-blank books: I’ve always been a sucker for sentimental gifts like these. Anything where you express your love for one another is a winner in my book. These books can be filled out for parents of all ages from kids of all ages. Be sure to include a box of tissue with your book!
13. Family Tree Art: Just like the pictures, there’s nothing better than being reminded of the legacy you’ve created. Fill up one of these adorable family tree with the names of your parents’ children and grandchildren. It will be a sweet reminded all year long their loved ones near and far!
I hope this has gotten your wheels spinning. I know I’ve got a LOT of shopping to do and need to get going on my list pronto!
Have you found other perfect gifts for parents? Let the rest of us in on the secret in the comments!
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The house portrait is awesome! I am going to take a picture of my parents home and see how it turns out! Thanks for the idea!
Isn’t it a fun idea! Glad you love it too!