Gift Smarter, Not Harder
With the holidays closing in, it's time to start thinking about what to gift your loved ones. While it might be easy to shop for kids and parents, it can be trickier to find presents for grandparents. Is it better to give them food or a gift card? What about a flower pot? Whether you have the perfect item in mind or you're blanking on ideas, here are 10 gifts you should not give your grandparents and 10 useful ones to give instead.
1. Board Games
Unless your grandparents love playing Monopoly, you probably shouldn't gift them a board game. Sets, like checkers or chess, might be a better idea to gift instead if they've already shown interest or are good at strategy games. Otherwise, it's back to the drawing board.
2. Scented Candles or Fragrances
Candles or fragrances, especially those that are heavily scented, can irritate sinuses and cause discomfort. If your grandparents like aromas, ask them which ones they prefer or have them sample a few so that you have a better range to choose from when gifting.
3. Cleaning Supplies
Please, don't be subtly telling your grandparents to clean their house. Even if that isn't your intention, gifting them a box of Swiffer Wet Wipes doesn't exactly send a great message. A more thoughtful idea would be to upgrade any outdated household appliances they have, like a vacuum cleaner.
4. Rubik's Cube
Similar to board games, unless your grandparents like puzzles that tickle their brains, gifting them a Rubik's Cube is probably not a great idea. This colorful block can be a fun way to pass the time, but it can be difficult to twist and turn. A better present might be a crossword book, if your grandparents enjoy that.
5. Gift Cards
Gift cards aren't necessarily a bad present, but it does seem thoughtless. Instead, ask your grandparents first where (and what) they like to shop. If they give a specific brand but don't name specific products, give them a gift card for that store. But always ask first, or else you risk gifting them a card to a place they don't like.
6. Food
Gifting food is a bit tricky; your grandparents may have allergies, intolerances, or other dietary restrictions they need to follow. These snacks could also just end up collecting dust in the cupboard. If your love language is food, cook them a homemade meal or treat them to a restaurant of their choice.
7. Books
Are your grandparents bookworms? If not, don't gift them books. Most novels are printed in very fine text, which may be hard to follow without the right glasses. Unless your grandparents have said they've gotten back into reading, skip this idea.
8. Flower Pot or Plants
Flowers and potted plants can enliven a room, but if your grandparents' house is already littered with clutter and greenery, it's probably better not to add to that mess. However, if your grandparents have green thumbs, gift them some gardening seeds.
9. Expensive Jewelry
A sparkling diamond necklace or a shiny new watch are wonderful presents. But when their tags come with lots of zeroes at the end, you'd want to be absolutely certain these accessories are what your grandparents would like. Rather than making impulsive purchases, bring your folks along and let them choose.
10. Complicated Gadgets
Thinking of gifting your grandparents a VR headset? A drone? Or maybe a new phone? Tip: take note of what tech gadgets they currently use before swiping your card. Avoid giving them devices that are too complex to use. Otherwise, they'll likely end up unused and shoved in the closet.
Now that we've covered the 10 gifts you shouldn't give your grandparents, what should you give instead? Read on for 10 better present ideas.
1. Photo Frame
If your grandparents like framing family photos or artwork, this is a simple but thoughtful gift. Rather than giving a single frame, buy a set that includes various dimensions so that they can hang up pictures of different sizes.
2. Weighted Blanket
Just in time for the holiday season! Weighted blankets not only trap warmth, but depending on their material, they can apply constant therapeutic pressure. Your grandparents will love these—especially if you gift a pillow or two with it.
3. Massager
Unless you can purchase a whole massage chair and your grandparents have room for it, buy a neck massager instead. This U-shaped tool works out knots in the neck, shoulders, and upper back, and is relatively easy to use. Plus, they're usually heated, which feels heavenly on tense muscles.
4. Slippers
Sounds like another simple gift, but slippers go a long way. This is the perfect present to gift during fall and winter when hands and feet get easily cold, so your grandparents will thank you for it. There are lots of options out there, but the best are ones made of felted wool.
5. Photo Album
What's better than gifting photo frames? Giving a photo album! Whether you choose to leave the album empty or not, this is a great present to give grandparents who love to keep memories close to heart. But if you already have a few pictures you've collected through the years, feel free to place them in to make the album more personal.
6. Shopping Trolley
As your grandparents get older, it may be more challenging to go shopping or drive a car. Gifting them a foldable shopping cart they can wheel around will make it more convenient for them to go on grocery runs and other errand trips.
7. Comfortable Shoes
Why stop at slippers? Give your grandparents a pair of comfortable, breathable shoes they can spend hours walking in. This makes an especially great gift if they like to stay active or go for morning strolls. Look for a pair with cushioned soles and good arch support.
8. Wool Socks
This is another reminder to help keep your grandparents' feet warm and cozy. Along with slippers and shoes, give them a pair of wool or heated socks. Since these are typically long, they'll keep the calves warm, too, and they're amazing with boots.
9. Bathtub Tray
Do your grandparents like sipping on bubbly in the bath, or maybe they just need a caddy to place all their bathing essentials? Whatever the use may be, a bathtub tray makes a wonderful gift. It'll also bring everything within reach instead of having to stretch across the shower for it.
10. Handmade Gifts
For a one-of-a-kind gift, knit your grandparents a scarf, craft a personalized photo frame, or sculpt them a mug. Put your skills to the test and give them something truly unforgettable. After all, these are the kind of gifts that can't be replicated.
