Why You Can Trust CNET Best Gifts for Grandparents in 2024
Show Grandma and Grandpa just how much you love them with a thoughtful gift.
- Desiree's previous work has appeared in various print and online publications including Search Engine Land, PCWorld, Wired magazine and PBS MediaShift.
There's no one quite like Grandpa and Grandma. Whether it's the few extra dollars they sneak into your pocket, a pantry fully stocked with your favorite snacks or the amazing warm hugs they give out, grandparents are simply the best. Some of them even invest hours raising their grandkids, driving them to various events and reading bedtime stories. So when it's time to celebrate a special occasion, you want to throw some of that love right back at them with a thoughtful gift.
You don't always need to go above and beyond in the gift department to show Grandma and Grandpa just how much they mean to you. Handmade items and personalized gifts are always a surefire bet. But if you truly want to pamper gramps and grams, we've compiled a list of the best gifts for grandparents that they're sure to love.
This beautiful cloth-bound journal contains prompts designed to get the recipient writing. Grandparents can document interesting anecdotes, wisdom and tidbits of information that will be valuable to pass on. My Life Story -- So Far has 106 pages and comes with 36 photo corners for adding pictures to the journal. Over 500 five-star reviews tell you that this is a quality gift.
Send family photos straight to this 10-inch digital frame. It's a great way for grandparents to view all the latest grandkid exploits. You can email photos straight to the digital frame or use the Skylight app to control it. You can even upload a bunch of photos in advance, so they can open it up to see pics of their family.
If your grandparents enjoy watching winged visitors in their backyard, consider gifting them a quality bird feeder. This Squirrel Buster bird feeder attracts a diverse range of feathered friends while keeping those pesky squirrels at bay. Grandma and Grandpa will love creating a bird sanctuary in their backyard, and it's the gift that keeps on giving.
Does Grandma think she's not tech-savvy? Change her mind with an Echo Dot, an easy way to smarten up their home. They'll love being able to ask Alexa play music, set alarms or tell them the weather forecast. Or pair it with a smart bulb, and they can even ask Alexa to turn on the lights.
If there's one gift that's almost universally fail-proof, it's snacks, and Williams Sonoma has the gift basket thing figured out. This impressive tower of treats includes chocolate-dipped orange slices, chocolate-dipped pretzels, dried apricots, roasted salted almonds, nuts and crunch snack mix, and a foil-wrapped milk chocolate pear -- all for $60.
An AirTag would make a great gift for the grandparent who's always complaining they forgot where they put something. These little item trackers can be slipped into purses, luggage and wallets or attached to keys and many other things. Buy one for $29, or a four-pack for $99. You can even get them engraved with their initials for free.
Grandma and grandpa love talking about their heritage. Why not help them learn more about it with a DNA kit? 23andMe is one of CNET's favorite DNA testing services, thanks to its ease of use. The basic ancestry and traits test includes an analysis of your genetic makeup including your regions of origin, maternal and paternal lineage and Neanderthal ancestry. Once you opt in, the company's match database -- which has more than 10 million profiles -- will identify and offer to connect you with people who share a DNA match with you.
Create a custom doormat featuring the World's Best Grandparents -- yours! This is a fun gift that's sure to bring a smile to grandparents who appreciate holiday humor. Opt for one grandparent or two, choose how they look, and even add names on this 24-by-16-inch mat. You can preview before purchasing to ensure that it's perfect. This personalized gift is a great Christmas gift for your grandparents during this holiday season.
Amazon's Kindle is a worthwhile upgrade for the grandparent who likes reading. It's not quite as good as the Paperwhite, but that model costs considerably more. Still, this baseline Kindle is a great e-reader, and its integrated light makes it a big improvement on older models. Plus, you can easily increase the font size, which is a bonus for grandparents who don't feel like putting on their readers.
If ever there were a perfectly comforting shawl, this is it. Demdaco's Giving Shawl is generously sized, seriously soft and cozy -- Grandma will love having two deep pockets for anything she needs to keep on hand. Bonus: The Giving Shawl comes boxed with a ribbon for gifting and includes a bookmark with a touching message. It's available in sage, pink, taupe and cream.
Puzzle and game brand Ravensburger's Cozy line is a huge hit with the grandparents. The 500 large-format pieces are optimal for older adults because they're easier to see and handle. And check out the soothing winter scene: a roaring fire, fluffy pets and a steaming cup of tea. Grandma can really get swept up in the Cozy Retreat puzzle during and after the holidays!
This set of lamps is such a sweet gift: Keep one, give the other to grandparents and whenever you touch your lamp, the other one glows to let your loved ones know you're reaching out. The lamps set up easily using home Wi-Fi, and more can be added -- so you could potentially set up a family lamp network. You can also customize these lamps with over 200 color options.
Shutterfly has lots of affordable photo book options, including one that's geared specifically towards grandparents. It's a great way to compile family memories and capture all their favorite moments with the grandkids. Customize it by choosing your size, cover type, page type and more. Pricing varies depending on the design and size you choose.
Who doesn't appreciate a cozy pair of slippers in December? Treat the grandparents to a pair of Bombas' trendy Gripper Slippers, a slipper and sock hybrid with a fuzzy brushed interior lining. They pack down flat for travel, and they've got grips on the outside to prevent slipping.
This Click & Grow indoor herb garden is a thoughtful gift for any grandparent who enjoys having fresh herbs on hand. Grams or Gramps can enjoy growing basil, parsley, cilantro and even tomatoes year-round. You technically don't even need to have a green thumb, it's that easy. Just fill the base with water, put the pods in and watch your sprouts grow. All you need to do is add a little water every now and then.
Grandma or Grandpa can serve their favorite dishes with pride in this personalized ceramic dish. The hand-glazed stoneware piece (available in red or turquoise) measures 14 x 10 x 2.75 inches and one line of text can be added.