You may have grown up scrawling them handmade cards and gifting them macaroni necklaces, but now that your parents are grandparents, you’re on the hook for gifting them something a little more substantial.

After all, they’ve likely been there for you in ways you never could have imagined. As last-minute (and enthusiastic!) babysitters. As advice-givers and cheerleaders. As an extra set of arms for holding you and your babes through all the ups and downs.

Related: To all the grandparents—we couldn’t do this without you. Thank you

To be clear, they don’t do all that because they’re in it for the gifts, but who doesn’t appreciate a thoughtful token of appreciation?

From Grandparents’ Day to the holidays, the best gifts for grandparents are ones that make them feel special and adored. From smart home devices that make life a little easier to heated throws and cozy slippers that make chilly nights a little warmer, we’ve rounded up a selection of gifts for grandma and grandpa that they’ll love just as much as the macaroni jewelry they’ve still got stashed in the attic.

Check out the best gifts for grandparents below!

Looking for more gift ideas? Check out all of our holiday gift guides!

Our top gifts for grandparents

Tiny Tags Gold Family Bracelet

Tiny Tags

Gold Family Bracelet

$130

Sentimental jewelry + her grandbaby pride = MVP gift giver status. The statement Gold Family Bracelet from Tiny Tags was designed with matriarchs of growing families in mind–add customized tags with each little one’s name and update it as the brood gets bigger.

Brooklinen Brushed Flannel Core Sheet Set

Brooklinen

Brushed Flannel Sheets

$169

When the temperatures drop, there’s nothing cozier than slipping into flannel sheets. (Which makes a set one of the best gifts ever.) Brooklinen, one of our all-time favorite brands, offers a line of supremely soft and breathable brushed flannel sheets that are perfect, even for hot sleepers. The sophisticated selection of menswear-inspired patterns easily mix-and-match to create a variety of looks from cabin chic to modern classic.

Stanley The Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler

Stanley

The Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler

$45

There’s no doubt the Stanley tumbler is the trendiest cup out there these days. And even though Grandma and Grandpa might not know about the hype, they will appreciate the function. The oversize tumblers are a great design, holding 40 oz of liquid but still fitting in a standard cup holder. Also, the cleverly constructed lid features a rotating top that lets you drink from a straw, sip from the wide-mouth opening or close it when not in use. See? Fashion and function. Want to make it extra special? Add in some customization in the form of their initials or an apropos title like “Spoiler in Chief.”

Simon & Schuster Mega Crossword

Simon & Schuster

Mega Crossword Puzzle Book

$17.99

Got a parent who can’t help but share their daily WORDLE success (or defeat)? Chances are, they also love the classic brain exercises as well. The OGs of crossword puzzles, Simon & Schuster has been compiling crossword puzzle collections since 1924. This mega paperback includes 300 all new puzzles suitable for all skill levels for them to (slowly) work through. The pages are conveniently perforated for taking on-the-go or collaborating analog-style.

Puffer Hug 418 Scarf

Puffer Hug

Puffer Hug 418 Scarf

$66.88

You may not be able to send a hug, but you can send the next best thing! A Puffer Hug! The quilted wrap keeps them cozy and warm on the field, at home or even in the air. Deep pockets provide a place for essentials or as place to warm your hands while three snaps transform it into a vest that’s perfect for layering. Use it as a scarf, an extra layer, or a lap blanket–it’s so incredibly versatile they’ll wonder how they ever made it through winter without one. You can even make it extra special with a monogram!

ThisWorx Car Vacuum Cleaner

ThisWorx

Car Vacuum Cleaner

$39.99

Does your adorable little angel regularly pepper their car with a sea of goldfish crackers? A gift certificate for a car detailing would be super classy, but this Amazon superstar could be the next best thing. With over 235K ratings, this affordable and surprisingly powerful car vacuum makes it easy to clean up every square inch of the interior. Just plug it into the 12V outlet and you’re good to go!

Boarderie Ciccetti Cheese & Charcuterie Board

Boarderie

Ciccetti Cheese & Charcuterie Board

$129

Listen, if there’s anything better than opening your door to find a gorgeous spread of cheese, meats and other nibbles of deliciousness, I can’t think of it. Truly, when I first laid eyes on this baby, it felt like winning the lottery. (Granted it arrived to save me from 90% of my party food planning, but still.) Anyway, Boarderie’s super fresh, highly curated charcuterie boards are guaranteed to impress even the most unimpressible in-laws and what’s more important than that? Absolutely everything included is top-notch, from the tangy merlot pecorino to the highly addictive tangerine and chili marinated olives, it’s like a chef raided a gourmet grocery store for you. Even better? The package comes on an acacia wood serving board with bamboo cutlery so they can be guest-ready in an instant. (Boards are available in a range of sizes and in our experience, the portions are super generous and can feed more than they estimate.)

Masterclass

Masterclass

Online Classes

According to research, learning a new skill can help keep older brains sharp. If there’s something they’ve been interested in learning, signing them up for a class to explore it makes an awesome gift. Another option? Masterclass. On their own time they can work on skills like cooking with Gordon Ramsay, photography with Annie Leibovitz or even comedy with Steve Martin. (Hey, if grandpa is going to tell jokes, they may as well be good ones.) With an impressive collection of experts in all kinds of fields (David Sedaris! Tan France! Issa Rae!) MasterClass is the online curriculum they’ll wish they had in college.

Aura Carver Luxe

Aura

Digital Frame

$179

Forget what you know about digital photo frames. The Aura is all that and then some. Paired with a free app, it sets up in minutes to instantly share photos and videos with far-flung loved ones anywhere in the world. It’s super simple to use and comes with unlimited storage and no added subscription fees, so Grandma (and grandpa) will never have to nudge you for photos again. Prices start at $179

Alices Table

Alice's Table

Virtual Class

She may already be the hostess with the mostest, but there’s always something new to learn. From arranging a stunning wreath to assembling an almost too gorgeous to eat charcuterie board, she can hone a skill right at the dining room table with a virtual workshop from Alice’s Table. Not only do they send everything she’ll need right to her doorstep, but the workshop itself is loaded with tips and tricks that she’ll carry with her long after it’s over. (Did you know if you don’t have fresh flower food that vodka will do in a pinch??) For the ultimate gift, sign both of you up for one of their upcoming workshops and do it together!

Jiggy Christmas Town Puzzle

Jiggy Puzzles

Christmas Town

$49

Everything about Jiggy Puzzles is just *chef’s kiss*. From their gorgeous artwork created by women artists all over the world to their stunning packaging and quality materials, it’s nearly impossible to pick just one. But if we had to right now it would be this stunner from Heather McLaughlin, a designer from Bristol, UK. The colorful holiday themed scene gives us all the cozy vibes and makes us wish we could teleport right into it.

Custom Family Portrait

Aysa Haris

A Custom Family Portrait

$19.06

Australian artist Aysa Haris draws fun, modern portraits of your family members based on your favorite photos of them and assembles them into a family tree. The art is delivered digitally, so you can have your drug store print it on photo paper or send a copy to grandpa to set as his desktop background! Prices start at $19.06

Google Nest Doorbell

Google

Nest Doorbell

$179

Getting up to see who’s at the door is so 2000-and-late. Instead, gift your tech-minded parents Google’s Nest Doorbell and put the answer in the palm of their hands. The powerful battery-powered video doorbell sends alerts to their phone or Google smart home device when there’s activity and allows them to respond in real time or even play a pre-recorded message if they’re away. Even better, this latest model doesn’t require any wiring (though is an option if they’d prefer) and comes in a variety of gorgeous muted colors.

Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen.)

Amazon

Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen)

$249.99

How about giving them a 24/7 assistant? They can yell at it to hear the weather, find a recipe or watch anything on Prime. It also pairs with Amazon’s other smart home devices so they can see who is at the front door from inside (through the Ring doorbell) and even use it as a security camera when they’re away. One amazing feature is the turn-style device—the screen literally follows you. So while going back and forth across the kitchen preparing dinner, there’s always a full-screen view.

We also love the Care Hub feature— a free feature in the Alexa app that gives you new ways to remotely check in on parents or loved ones. You can even get notified if they ask for help or contact emergency services yourself.

L.L. Bean Personalized Bocce Set

L.L. Bean

Personalized Bocce Set

$129

Invest in a gift the whole family will love, like this Bocce ball lawn game set! Encourage grandma and grandpa to get outdoors and moving, while also spending quality time together. (And what grandparent doesn’t love a little personalization?)

Nettie Pickleball

Nettie

Pickleball Doubles Set

$149.99

Pickleball > Shuffleboard. And though the tennis/ping pong mash up has become a total sensation across all demographics, it’s really found favor with the older crowd. A shorter court and wiffle ball style ball (which doesn’t move too far or too fast) means less running and exertion. (Let’s be honest, it’s also what makes it appeal to my 40-year-old running-averse self as well.) Gift grandma and grandpa their new favorite hobby with one of the fun doubles sets from Nettie. Not only are they the most stylish paddles out there, the female-founded company was created to spark joy and connection across generations. How much do we love that?

We Are Knitters Knitting Kit

We Are Knitters

Knitting Kit

$36

Whether grandma (or grandpa!) is a skilled knitter or never picked up a set of needles in her life, there’s something for her at We Are Knitters. Their awesome kits come with luxe yarn and all the supplies required to craft a stunning wearable or home accessory to be proud of. (And if they get stuck, WAK has great video tutorials to help!) Prices start at $36

Pleasant Ranch Modern Bird House

Pleasant Ranch

Modern Birdhouse

$199

Regular old birdhouses are, well for the birds. The handmade, nicer-than-my-actual-house mid-century modern birdhouses from Pleasant Ranch are for the stylish birds. Mounted in the g-rents yard they become a piece of functional art, but also look totally killer on a bookshelf.

Birdbuddy Smart Bird Feeder

Birdbuddy

Smart Bird Feeder

$239

Or, you could take their bird feeding and watching to a whole new level. Armed with an AI-powered camera and paired with a go-anywhere mobile app, this smart bird feeder records and tracks their guests of the day. Best of all, they’ll never miss one thanks to real time alerts. And maybe, just maybe, they’ll get off your case about sending daily photos of the grandkids.

Haflinger Wool Slippers

Haflinger

Wool Slippers

$66

A brand that’s been in the slipper biz for over 50 years clearly knows what they’re doing. We love all their styles, but think grandparents will appreciate these most given their indoor/outdoor sole (which makes grabbing the paper easy-peasy) and their unbeatable arch support. The boiled wool upper is breathable and lightweight to keep them comfortable no matter what the temps. Prices start at $66

Kindle Paperwhite

Kindle

Paperwhite

$132.99

When it comes to e-readers, you can’t beat the simplicity of the Kindle Paperwhite. The matte screen and new adjustable warm light makes it easy on the eyes, even in bright sunlight and it stays charged for weeks. (Or, if they’d rather listen, it’s bluetooth compatible!) It’s even waterproof so they can read stress-free while poolside.

Hydroflask Insulated Serving Bowl

Hydroflask

Insulated Serving Bowl

$64.95

Does grandma worry about her famous potato salad getting too warm at the family picnic? Not with this stylish insulated bowl from Hydroflask. The double-wall construction keeps hot food hot and cold food cold for hours on end while the press-in lid makes transport safe and easy.

Audible Subscription

Audible

Subscription

$7.95

You could also go right for the books themselves. An Audible subscription will put thousands of hours of entertainment right at her fingertips. From books to podcasts and even some original programming, it’s the gift that keeps on giving. Prices start at $7.95 per month.

HP Envy All-in-One Photo Printer

HP

HP Envy All-in-One Photo Printer

$229

No one appreciates analog quite like the Grandparents. They can print photos to their heart’s content with the super convenient all-in-one printer from HP. Not only does it print a wide range of photo sizes that they can grab directly from the cloud or social media, but it’s also Alexa enabled—so there’s someone else they can ask for help besides you. 😉

Force of Nature Cleaning Kit

Force of Nature

Cleaning Kit

$65

Sometimes practicality rules. Especially when it’s something this useful. A 4-in-1 replacement for practically everything under the kitchen sink, Force of Nature’s revolutionary cleaning appliance uses electricity to convert salt, water and vinegar (from the capsule) to make a hypoallergenic multi-purpose cleaner that’s just as effective as bleach without the toxic chemicals, dyes and allergens. Just fill to the line with tap water, squeeze in a capsule and in nine minutes you’ve got everything you need to tackle cleaning day.

Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Kettle

Fellow

Stagg EKG Electric Kettle

$165

Form meets function with the gorgeous Stagg EKG Electric Kettle from Fellow. The modern + minimal design has total Swedish vibes but was actually designed in California and is used in barista competitions across the US. The precision heating ensures the optimal temps for brewing the most perfect cup of tea or coffee–and it’s nothing short of elegant sitting on the countertop.

Crate & Barrel Bedside Carafe

Crate & Barrel

Bedside Carafe

$24.99

Add a bit of elegance and care to their nightstand with this two-piece glass carafe set from Crate & Barrel. It’s perfect for middle of the night wake-ups, breakfast in bed or even the bathroom counter.

Artifact Uprising Wall Calendar

Artifact Uprising

Wall Calendar

$39

Start a new tradition of giving the grandparents a calendar with the year’s best photos. This fabulous design from Artifact Uprising is a top pick since the photo section is perfectly perforated to remove and save.

Sunbeam Heated Throw Blanket

Sunbeam

Heated Throw Blanket

$59.99

Cozy up those chilly nights with a cloud-soft heated throw blanket. Three heat settings can be dialed up and down for comfort and a three-hour auto shut-off offers peace of mind.

Uncommon Goods Long Distance Friendship Lamp

Uncommon Goods

Long Distance Friendship Lamp

$170

Feel the love from miles away! Simply turn one on with the touch of your hand and its mate will do the same—even on the other side of the world. The wifi-enable pair lets loved ones know you’re thinking of them, cycling through a rainbow of colors or by assigning a color to a specific family member. They are sold as pairs and singles, but there is no limit to how many lamps can connect to your group. Spread the love! (Price is for a pair.)

Uncommon Goods Gardener's Tool Seat

Uncommon Goods

Gardener's Tool Seat

$40

There’s no denying that gardening is hard work! This transportable and convenient gardener’s tool seat can help. Part folding stool, part detachable tool bag, this handy work station features 21 pockets for tool carting on a lightweight metal frame.

iRobot Roomba 694

iRobot

Roomba 694

$199.99

What’s better than the gift of always clean floors? There are hundreds of robot vacuums on the market these days with all kinds of bells and whistles (wifi! mopping! self-emptying!) but simple is where it’s at when it comes to grandma and grandpa. Voted one of Wirecutter’s best robot vacuums, this tried and true machine delivers a reliable clean that truly makes life easier.

jasper-hill-farm-vermonter-box

Jasper Hill Farm

The Vermonter Box

$115

If they’re cheese fans, there’s no better gift than a box of delicacies from Jasper Hill Farm. Fresh from the hills of Vermont, their award-winning cheeses make the ultimate party plate, but the truth is they’re almost too good to share.

Grandaparents hugging their grandchild

Motherly's Digital Classes

33. Grandparents 101

$30

Motherly’s brand new Grandparents 101 class is every new grandma or grandpa’s guide to keeping their newest edition happy, healthy and safe. Hosted by Motherly’s Co-founder Liz Tenety and featuring lessons taught by Certified Nurse Midwife Diana Spalding and child development expert Ann McKitrick, new grandparents walk away feeling so much more prepared for this new and exciting role. Lessons include Infant care 101, the latest American Academy of Pediatric health and safety guidelines, generational changes in parenting guidance, car seat safety, babyproofing and more

A version of this story was published November 12, 2021. It has been updated.