The 40 Best Gifts for Grandmas (We Should Know, We Checked with 8)
Grammy is way too nice to tell you this, so we’ll do it for her: She doesn’t want another scented candle for Hanukkah this year. How do we know? Well, we asked eight grandmothers to tell us what they wanted for the holidays and not a single one mentioned a candle. Nope, not even a fancy Diptyque votive. From a fancy stand mixer to a sweater she’s sure to love, here are the 40 best gifts to buy your Bubbe this year (or your mom, if the gift is “from the kids”), according to actual grandmas.
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1. Harry & David Classic Brunch Meal
For the grandma who likes to brunch
Unsurprisingly, multiple grandmas said their favorite gifts gave them an excuse to spend quality time with the family. A few mentioned liking gift cards from local restaurants or “coupons” from the grandkids for a fancy family brunch. But since dining out might be a little hard to pull off this year, send Nonna this sweet and savory brunch instead. It comes with a ready-to-bake tomato and feta quiche, cinnamon swirl bread, bacon, crab cakes, lobster bread puddings and Bloody Mary cocktail mix. Separated for the holidays? Whip up your own meal at home and Zoom with her, so you can share brunch virtually.
2. Weleda Skin Food Ultra-Rich Cream
For the grandma who’s constantly washing her hands
“It sounds simple, but I would love to get a good hand cream that doesn’t leave behind any film or residue,” one granny told us, going on to detail how her hands are in rough shape after months of constant washing and hand sanitizer application. This popular formula from Weleda should help with all that. It’s infused with essential fatty acids and vitamin E to moisturize, plus organic pansy and calendula flower to soothe and repair irritated skin.
3. Smeg Stand Mixer
For the baker
Your grandma has had her handheld mixer so long, it starts to give off a smoky smell when she whips up a batch of her famous cookies. Treat her to this standing model from Smeg and she’ll never look back. The retro ’50s design will remind her of her younger years and will look great on her kitchen countertop.
4. Airbnb Gift Card
For the world traveler
Turns out, grandmothers can be quite the globetrotters. A few of the women that we spoke with agreed they’d love to get a gift card for an overnight trip somewhere. It might be a little tricky to plan exactly where or when said vacation might take place, but an Airbnb gift card can help make it a reality. Include a note telling her you can plan the adventure together when the time is right.
5. Tory Burch Freshwater Pearl Drop Earrings
For the fashionista
“I’m a total sucker for pretty earrings,” one grandma told us. But she’d never justify spending over $50 on a pair for herself. That’s why you’ll have to do it for her. Gift her a timeless style, like these freshwater pearl drop earrings from Tory Burch, since she’ll insist on wearing them every chance she gets.
6. Modern Comfort: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook by Ina Garten
For the Ina Garten fan
The Barefoot Contessa’s latest cookbook dropped in early October and Nanny’s probably been dying to get her hands on it. If you’re lucky, maybe she’ll whip up a few of the comfort food recipes the next time you come over to visit.
7. Facebook Portal Smart Video Calling Device
For the grandma who loves to video chat
Gigi loves FaceTiming with the grandkids, but she hates having to hold her phone out in front her the whole time. With this smart device, she won’t have to. She can set the 10-inch-wide device on a side table or her kitchen counter and video chat hands-free, so long as the people on the receiving end have Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp. It can even understand voice commands thanks to Amazon Alexa, if she doesn’t want to bother with using the touchscreen.
8. Winc Wine Subscription
For the wine lover
If your mom’s been babysitting the grandkids while you work from home, we’re guessing she could use a few bottles of wine to decompress. Give her a gift card for a Winc wine subscription and she can choose three new bottles to try per month. Start with the one- or two-month option and if she likes it, you can treat her to a whole year’s-worth of wine at a later date.
9. George & Viv Very Merry Baking Bundle
For the cookie queen
We got this for our grandma last year, and she’s barely stopped talking about it since. The bundle features two spatulas and a baking mat, all in a cute seasonal pattern that will make the process of whipping up batch after batch of her famous Christmas cookies even more festive.
10. Quay Australia All Nighter 50mm Blue Light Filtering Glasses
For the grandma who’s glued to her phone
She still uses the iPad you got her to read in bed every night, but the bright screen does start to bother her eyes after a while. Tell her to rock these sleek cat-eye blue light glasses while she uses it and that problem will be solved once and for all. After checking with a couple of our experts, we can confirm that this is a gift she didn’t know she needed.
11. Sarah Chloe Diamond Accent Locket Necklace
For the sentimental grandma
She already carries pictures of the kids with her everywhere she goes (they’re her phone background, of course), but there’s something about a locket that just feels extra special.Have a photo of your family professionally placed in the 14-karat gold plated locket for a gift that’s sure to make her cry—in the best way.
12. SilhouettesbyElle Hand Cut Custom Silhouette Portrait
For the grandma whose house is already covered in photos of the grandkids
Speaking of the grandkids, here’s another gift centered around them she’ll love: A silhouette portrait. All you have to do is send this Etsy seller a side profile photo of each person you want included and select what size you want. She’ll take care of the rest. Frame it when it arrives, and Mom will have it hung on her wall in record time.
13. Simplicity Teas Teas of the Month Club
For the tea drinker
Sign Gam Gam up for this tea subscription, and each month she’ll get four different full-size bags of loose-leaf tea delivered straight to her door. Oh, and her first box will come with a cute tea steeper, too. “Such a fun treat to get in the mail each month. I have truly enjoyed each of the teas we have received so far,” writes one reviewer.
14. Dagne Dover 365 Large Landon Neoprene Carryall Duffle Bag
For the frequent visitor
This roomy duffle will let Nana organize everything she could possibly need for a weekend getaway at your house, which is the most travel she’s doing these days. The water-resistant neoprene bag includes plenty of pockets, a laptop sleeve, top carry handles and an optional crossbody strap. But our favorite feature has to be the separate pocket for shoes, genius!
15. Fitbit Versa 3
For the grandma looking to get her steps in
“I just got this new Fitbit and I’m amazed by how it can do so many things,” one grandma told us, referring to built-in GPS, fitness tracking, call and texting features. The only problem? She can’t seem to get the Fitbit app on her phone to sync up with it, so she suggests that if you’re going to get your grandma one for the holidays, be sure to offer to sit with her to set it up.
16. Bala Bangles One-Pound Weight Set
For the trend setter
Let’s be honest: Chances are your gramma’s never heard of Bala Bangles, so the brand recognition (or the fact that they were on Shark Tank) won’t win you any brownie points. That said, when you tell her how she can wrap them around her wrists or ankles and wear them while power walking for an extra toning effect, she’ll definitely be on board.
17. Olay Sleigh with the Best Skincare Set
For the grandma who takes her skincare seriously
She’s been using the same skincare regimen for the past 20 years, so it’s high time she switched things up. Gift grandma this set of four full-size bottles of Olay’s best-selling Deep Hydration Serum, Retinol24 Night Face Moisturizer, Regenerist Micro-sculpting Cream and Retinol24 Night Eye Cream to encourage her to branch out. We have a feeling she’ll wonder why she didn’t make the switch sooner.
18. Nordstrom Moonlight Pajamas
For the grandma who needs new PJs
Contrary to popular belief, most grandmothers have no desire to wear a giant muumuu to bed. They do, however, like supersoft pajama sets. This classic one from Nordstrom has amassed over 1,000 five-star reviews thanks to its relaxed fit and lightweight feel. Looking for a plus-size option? Check out this similar style.
Available in sizes XXS to XL.
19. Urban Stems Flower Subscription
For the grandma who loves to get flowers
With this fresh flower subscription, Gram will get a bountiful bouquet delivered weekly, bi-weekly or monthly, depending on which plan you choose. Talk about a gift that keeps on giving.
20. Bearaby 15lb Cotton Napper
For the worrywart
We got one of these for our grandma last Christmas, and she sleeps under it almost every night. The blanket’s knit layers of organic cotton give it 15 pounds of weight, which create a soothing sensation, almost like you’re being hugged, when you lay under it. Bearaby’s weighted blankets are by far the chicest on the market, too.
21. Beaches by Gray Malin
For the aspiring globetrotter
A grandmother with a major case of wanderlust told us she’s asking for a travel-themed book this year. “I think it might help to at least look at pictures of exotic places, even if I can’t go there myself,” she explains. This book from photographer Gray Malin contains breathtaking beach images of Sydney, the Amalfi Coast, Saint-Tropez, Cape Town and more.
22. Philodendron Heartleaf
For the gardener
Grandma has a legendary green thumb, but she misses her garden in the colder months. Get her this philodendron heartleaf plant to keep her company through the winter. As the name suggests, the pretty cascading leaves are heart-shaped, so she’ll be reminded of your love for her every time she tends to it. Aww.
23. SpaFinder Wellness 365 Gift Card
For the spagoer
“I like getting treated to a hair appointment, a manicure, anything that makes me feel a little pampered,” a grandmother of two told us. Think your mom or grandma feels the same? Then get her one of these SpaFinder gift cards. She can use it to book an appointment at one of the thousands of affiliated spas and salons across the country.
24. Ramalin Custom Watercolor Pet Portrait
For the animal lover
One granny admitted that while she’s always a fan of receiving framed photos of the grandkids, this year she’s hoping for a portrait of her Westie, Scout. Send this Etsy artist a photo or two of Grammy’s tabby cat, and they’ll create a beautiful watercolor painting you can have framed for her. Yup, this one’s going right on the mantel.
25. Gaiam Beginner’s Yoga Starter Kit
For the beginner yogi
If quarantine’s got Mom feeling a little bored, use this year’s holiday gift as a way to encourage her to take up a new hobby. She’s always said she wants to get into yoga, and once you get her this coordinating yoga mat, block and strap she’ll have no excuse but to give it a try. Have her check out Yoga with Adriene on YouTube for some free beginner classes.
26. KnitCrate
For the knitter
Here’s one cliche about grandmas that’s actually pretty true: A lot of them enjoy knitting. If yours just so happens to be one of those women who lives up to the stereotype, gift her a three-month subscription to KnitCrate. Each shipment contains two skeins of premium yarn, a knitting pattern and a crochet pattern. In other words, hours of entertainment for Mimi.
27. Ugg Ansley Water Resistant Slipper
For the grandma who needs new slippers
We got these for our grandma five Decembers ago and they’re still going strong. Sure, the shearling lining isn’t quite as fluffy as it once was, but she swears they still keep her feet toasty. The sturdy EVA sole ensures that she won’t slip and makes them suitable for outdoor wear, in case she has to venture outside to grab the paper. And the suede exterior is water resistant, which might explain why these babies will last forever.
28. Real SimpleMagazine Subscription
For the grandma who still reads magazines
We know, we know, you can’t remember the last time you picked up a print magazine. But according to two of the grandmas we talked to, they still enjoy reading them! One recommended subscribing to Real Simple for its practical tips on cooking and organization and ideas for activities to do with the grandkids.
29. Lord Jones High CBD Formula Body Lotion
For the grandma with arthritis
Unfortunately, age often comes with an increase in aches and pains. If Grammie has been complaining about her sore knees or her arthritis acting up, put a bottle of this CBD-infused body lotion in her stocking. Reviewers say the 100mg of CBD help to ease pain and soreness almost instantly.
30. The Guest List by Lucy Foley
For the bookworm
All of her friends have been talking about this suspenseful Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick, so she’ll be psyched to finally see what the hype is about. The murder mystery has been sold out in a lot of local bookstores, but you can order it on Bookshop.org to ensure that Gammy’s favorite bookshop still gets the proceeds from the sale.
31. Rifle Paper Co. Recipe Tin
For the home cook
Help Nan upgrade her recipe organization game by putting one of these pretty recipe tins from Rifle Paper Co. under the tree. She can store her existing loose-leaf recipes inside, or transfer some of them over onto the included 24 recipe cards. It even comes with 12 divider cards, to help separate out meals by category.
32. Kindle Paperwhite
For the tech savvy grandma
If your grandma navigates her iPhone with ease, she might appreciate having a Kindle Paperwhite to read on. The device will allow her to download thousands of books that she can read anytime she wants thanks to its slim, portable design. Yup, even when she doesn’t have Wifi. The Paperwhite name comes from the fact that the screen mimics real paper so it won’t glare or cause eye strain. One thing to note? It’s currently backordered until November 13, so don’t wait too long to order this gift.
33. Shutterfly Personalized Wall Calendar
For the grandma who likes to plan
Fill a calendar with pictures of the grandkids (and granddogs, of course), for a super easy-yet-meaningful gift. Include important dates like family birthdays and anniversaries to truly make it feel personalized. And don’t be surprised if you see it hanging on the fridge the next time you’re over at her house…
34. Knock Knock What I Love About Grandma Fill in the Love
For the nostalgic grandma
Another sentimental idea? This little fill-in-the-blank book which features prompts like “I love how you always say ____” and “I love to play ____ with you.” Have the grandkids fill it out themselves (with your translations below, of course) and it’s sure to be Mom’s favorite gift by far.
35. Charter Club Crewneck Cashmere Sweater
For the hard-to-shop-for
Have you ever met someone who doesn’t like cashmere? We haven’t. So, when it comes to pleasing even the pickiest grandmas, you can’t go wrong with a 100 percent cashmere sweater. And the 22 different colors mean she can always exchange it if she doesn’t like the one you choose. Psst, it’s available in plus sizes too.
Available in sizes XS to XL.
36. Tile Pro Bluetooth Tracker (Set of 2)
For the forgetful grandma
Look, we all misplace our phone and from time to time. But if your grandmother is notorious for losing her reading glasses, you should really think about getting her a Tile Pro. She can slip the slim device into her glasses case, put it in her wallet, or attach it to any other essential she doesn’t want to lose. The Tile Pro syncs up to an app on her phone so she can easily locate her items.
37. Homde Jewelry Organizer
For the grandma with an impressive jewelry collection
This four-drawer jewelry organizer also has two side cabinets and a top compartment, making it the perfect solution to Gram’s overflowing jewelry box. “It literally [fits] every piece of jewelry I own, which is shocking, and it looks fairly unassuming on our vanity stand near the bathroom,” says one reviewer.
38. Royal Craft Wood Luxury Bathtub Caddy
For the bubble bath regular
Considering this bathtub tray has a wine glass slot, a book/tablet holder, and removable compartments for candles, bath salts and bubble bath, we’re not exactly surprised it’s amassed over 7,500 five-star reviews. Something tells us Nonna is going to be speechless when she unwraps this one. Bundle it with some aromatherapy bath salts to really take the gift to the next level.
39. Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Robe
For the grandma who needs a new robe
Made from the same material as Barefoot Dreams’ mega popular throw blankets, she’ll want to stay in this supersoft microfiber robe all day long. And since she’s retired, she totally can. “This robe is the most amazing thing I have ever felt on my skin. Soft as butter!” one buyer declares.
Available in sizes 1-4.
40. Blueland the Clean Essentials
For the clean freak
Sure, your grandmother might be a little confused when she unwraps a box of cleaning supplies. But once you tell her about Blueland’s reusable bottles and affordable refills, she’ll be excited to get scrubbing.
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