gift guide: grandparents
MY BOYS are supremely lucky to have both complete sets of grandparents nearby, completely engaged and a big part of their lives. They’ve grown up having ‘Grandma + Papa’ and ‘Baba + Poppy’ around to babysit, for frequent family dinners, for holidays [sometimes with all 4 of them at once], cheering on the sidelines of their football games and singing along at their birthday parties. I can count on one hand the number of ‘stranger’ babysitters we had when the boys were little. They ONLY wanted their grandparents to hang out with them; spoiled with the best, nobody else would do and they were very happily obliged. It’s such a special relationship and a true gift for everyone involved. We ALL know that we are beyond fortunate to be able to share these big + small moments together and don’t take it for granted for a second.
BUT EVEN knowing your ‘elders’ really well doesn’t make it easy to find the perfect gift for them when it’s their turn to be celebrated [and obvs many people don’t have the advantage of proximity or closeness to help, making it extra tricky]. Lots of grandparents are trying to downsize and don’t really want more ‘stuff’ or already have enough of their favorite things. I mean, at some point there are only so many ceramic frogs one person can collect no matter how cute they are. Handmade gifts from the family are always adorable, especially if your grandparents are sweetly sentimental. But if you want to really spoil them, I have some ideas for you. There are lots of really thoughtful ways to celebrate our special people in a useful [but not utilitarian] way or that doesn’t leave them with more stuff to try to find a home for. You can also gift them really special, uniquely personal things that may become family heirlooms that honor them for generations. And some grandparents are still just delighted by a really nice present. Whatever the case, there are lots of ideas here to help honor the older people in our lives and make them feel super special. And if you don’t find the perfect thing, check out my whole big ShopMy Collection for even more awesome grandparent gift ideas. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo
Gifts for Grandparents
>> Make your grandparents the heroes of their own story and ensure that their special memories will be preserved for generations with a Storyworth Memoir. Each week, your loved one[s] will receive question prompts that inspire them to share their memories, either in writing or through voice recordings. At the end of a year, Storyworth assembles their precious memories into a book with unlimited color photos as a priceless keepsake. LOVE this. >> $99
>> Houses hold such special places in our hearts and evoke so many memories. Celebrate a beloved childhood home, first apartment or other special place with a Custom House Print from Minted. It can be printed in different sizes and a bunch of different shades to match any style or decor and has a space to write the address or a message. They can even frame it for you, too, if you’d like. Minted has a TON of awesome personalized and custom gifts that are perfect for just about anyone of any age. >> from $38
>> These pretty Eileen Fisher Waste No More Felted Phone Pouches are a gorgeous representation of form + function. They’re made from scraps from Eileen Fisher’s Renew clothing take-back program that have been felted into pretty new fabric and made into super handy phone bags. Each one is unique and there are several color schemes to choose from. + $98
>> This Personalized Pickleball Bag is custom embroidered with a name, initials or a cute team name. It has separate wet + dry compartments and comes in several colors. So cute for your avid pickleball players. >> $30
>> The Tea Spot in Boulder has a gorgeous selection of teas and tea gifts that would delight any tea lover. Choose individual teas or a pretty Tea Spot Gift Set for a really nice present. You’ll also be supporting a woman-owned + cancer-survivor business that pledges 10% of their profits to cancer research, recovery and wellness. Win Win. >>
>> Help your grandparents feel close to family with an Aura Smart Digital Picture Frame. It’s compact enough to fit almost anywhere, including on the wall, and can be easily updated with new photos or short videos instantly from anywhere in the world there’s an internet connection. Anyone you invite can share to it, so if your aunt lives in upstate New York, your brother lives in San Diego and your daughter lives in Paris, they can all upload photos to the frame anytime via email or through the app. It’s seriously magical. It couldn’t be easier to use and is such an awesome way for everyone to stay connected. >> from $149
>> Ok, I already LOVE Jiggy Puzzles for so many reasons. They promote women artists from around the world, which allows them to offer the most gorgeous and unique puzzle designs around. They provide a little bottle of glue with each puzzle so you can keep and frame your gorgeous artwork when you’re finished. Now they’re inviting YOU to be the artist and Make Your Own Jiggy, which is SO cool. Just upload any original photo or artwork and they’ll print either a 500- or 100-piece puzzle for you to love. Such a special gift. > from $39.99
>> Terrain has a gorgeous selection of Wreaths [fresh, dried and faux] for every season and occasion. They’re all so beautiful and would make both a lovely decoration and a keepsake to remind your grandparents of you each time they hang it. They also have a huge collection of gardening supplies and tools if they’d rather make one themselves. Check out the Gift Guide for Gardeners + Green Thumbs for lots more ideas. >>
>> Radiant Malas are handmade in Boulder with love and intention by two women who painstakingly hand-select each crystal bead + unique guru bead for their specific vibrational powers. They over-hand knot each one-of-a-kind necklace and make the hand-tied tassels, too. They also make beautiful bracelets and Tiny Intentions Choker Necklaces. Shop by intention or just pick a favorite color. >> from $128
>> Take style, performance and comfort up like 18 notches with Vuori. Their crazy SOFT performance + loungewear goes seamlessly from your daily walk to brunch to chilling without a blink. And Vuori makes their products with ethics and sustainability in mind, so you can feel good about feeling SO good in your clothes. A pair of Vuori Joggers paired with any of their DreamKnit tops is like giving your grandparents a comfy hug each time they put it on. It’s available in both women’s and men’s styles or matching if that’s your thing. My dad lives in his Vuori, especially when it gets chilly. >>
>> Everyone needs dish towels and if you’re going to use them, they might as well be gorgeous and work perfectly. Geometry Tea Towels come in a zillion really pretty prints, are super duper soft, quick-drying [ie. not stinky], actually absorbent AND they’re made entirely from recycled post-consumer materials. Choose a few or pair them with some coordinating Dish Cloths for a pretty and very useful gift. Use Darcie15 for 15% off your whole Geometry order. >> from $14
>> A gorgeous update on a classic ‘grandparent gift,’ this Artifact Uprising Easel Calendar is elegant and completely personal. You get to choose from a brass or black easel and decide which 12 photos you want to share and you have an instant perfect gift to bring a smile each month all year long. Artifact Uprising has tons of other really beautiful photo gifts too, from books to ornaments, and they’re all really special. >> $59
>> Take grandpa’s grilling to the next level with a Made In Carbon Steel Griddle Set. It includes a professional-grade griddle and a Grill Press to create deeelicious smash burgers, grilled cheese, smashed potatoes and more. It’s non-toxic, non-stick and compatible with both open fire grills and all types of stove cooktops. Each piece is also available separately as well as a whole huge line of gorgeous Made In cookware, bakeware, knives and utensils. See the Gift Guide for Foodies + Home Chefs for lots more ideas. >> $199
>> Oh I love this so much. You can have your pet [or up to three] sculpted into a fully handmade Custom Pet Mug, so with each sip you get a little peek at your favorite furry friend. These are handmade in Germany, so the lead time is a bit longer, but totally worth it if you plan ahead. This is such a special keepsake for beloved pets, both living and passed. >> from $54
>> You could hardly go wrong with Flamingo Estates’ Tablemates Set. It’s complete with a rich, dark Balsamic Vinegar made from Trebbiano and Lambrusco Grapes that are hand-harvested and oak-barrel aged. Paired with their super popular Olive Oil, produced from grapes grown by a fourth-generation California olive farmer whose trees were grown from ‘cuttings taken from some of the oldest and most renowned Olive groves in Europe.’ The set is beautifully packaged for a stunning gift for anyone who likes to cook or eat. >> from $86
>> Give your grandparents a giant squishy hug from afar with an impossibly cozy Sunday Citizen Robe or Wrap. They have lots of styles and fabrics to choose from, so if heavy and fuzzy isn’t their thing, Sunday Citizen will still have you covered in something soft and luxe. They make awesome blankets, too. >> from $109
>> A locket can keep precious memories close to your grandparents’ hearts. Verabel Jewelry on Esty has a huge selection of really pretty, unique vintage lockets and will even put the photos in there for you so it’s all ready to gift. >> from $45
>> Support active grandparents with a pair of Black Diamond Trail Cork Trekking Poles. Designed for stability and durability, they’re also easily adjustable and come with powder baskets for snowy conditions. >> $129.95
>> If you love a golfer and chocolate lover, look no further than these awesome Lindt Milk Chocolate Golf Balls. They’re filled with super delicious hazelnut and chocolate and are just a pretty adorable special treat. >> $10.99
>> Keep snail mail thriving and beautiful with gorgeous Minted Personalized Stationary. There are so many pretty patterns, prints and styles to choose from and they come packaged all ready for perfect gifting. Minted has a TON of awesome personalized and custom gifts. >>
>> This Birdfy Smart Birdfeeder is just so delightful. It lets you know when your feathered friends are visiting and with an optional AI-powered app, it will identify them and teach you about them, too. I would watch this all day long, it’s so cool. There are several different models and designs to choose from, including a Smart Birdbath, too. >> from $149
>> Blankets make THE best gift. Just about everyone loves a good snuggle and Barefoot Dreams’ Throws are designed for maximum cuddliness and style. They’re so super soft and come in a bunch of colors and prints to suit anyone’s taste. They also have some really special collabs, including one with the MLB for your serious baseball fans. Check out the Gift Guide to Blankets for lots more cozy ideas. >> from $158
>> If you love a grandparent who’s a snacker or just really doesn’t want any more stuff, send them a gift from Nuts.com. They have a huge selection of super yummy nuts, dried fruits, crunchy snacks, candy and treats that can be enjoyed thoroughly and then be gone. There are a ton of boxes to choose from or you can design your own with grandma’s favorites. >> from $19.99
>> Help keep your grandparents active and strong with a sturdy pair of Brooks Walking Shoes. They have a great variety of supportive, comfy, stylish shoes for women and men. Plus tons of running shoes, of course, if your GPs are still getting after it. Either way, they’ll be set up for max comfort and stability with Brooks. >> from $130
>> Food evokes so many memories and just brings a lot of joy. Send your grandparents the gift of their favorite food from Goldbelly. They partner with a HUGE variety of small restaurants and bakeries around the country to ship nostalgic [or new] favorites to your door. They’ll send pretty much anything your heart desires from samosas to lasagna to kolaches. >> from $25
>> Faherty lies at a really nice intersection of traditional and modern. They use gorgeous fabrics in traditional prints and marry them to nicely tailored, updated style and fit for the perfect combo. There are so many great pieces to choose from, including this Movement Monterey Shirt that comes in 12 different color/print options, is wrinkle-free and totally machine washable. Both my dad and husband are huge fans of Faherty for its quality, fit and style. You really can’t go wrong. >>
>> Sports Illustrated’s The Story of Baseball in 100 Photographs documents the full history of America’s favorite pastime through beautiful images and storytelling. There’s also a version for football. See the Gift Guide for Tailgaters + Sports Fans for lots more ideas for the sports fanatics you love. >>
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