It happens to me every year, without fail. The holidays roll around, and I’m left frozen in place, wondering how I could possibly pick the right gifts for friends and family. I scramble to every store and website I can think of, searching for the perfect, most unique presents for everyone I know.
Once the adrenaline wears off and my senses return, I realize that the answer is always the simplest. Go with something that speaks to the recipient. What’s their role? What does their daily life consist of, and how can I use a gift to make them feel more special?
If you’re anything like me, you might need a little extra help figuring out your gifting strategy. Lately, in my world, my shopping list has three major categories: grandparents, in-laws, and parents. Below, you’ll find great gift ideas for all three groups that are sure to bring holiday cheer!
Gifts for Grandparents
Whether they just welcomed their first grandchild or they’re seasoned vets, grandparents are always happy to receive a gift that comes from the heart.
Digital Picture Frame
Everyone loves pictures, but grandparents especially love pictures. So why not upgrade their collection with a digital frame that connects to their wifi to display all the photos they want? You can drop photos in straight from your own devices, making it easy to load up the frame before gifting.
Modern Pet Food Bowls
Something nearly all grandparents have: four-legged friends. Upgrade their food and water station situation with modern yet understated bowls that blend in with any style. Set in a raised metal stand, it’s the perfect size for a small dog or cat and sturdy enough to withstand even the most excited eaters.
Vintage-Inspired Board Games
Some of my favorite childhood family memories were made during a board game. Even more were made during the holidays. Complete with Scrabble, Monopoly, and Clue, this gift set is a perfect holiday activity for the entire family that can fuel tradition for years to come.
Kindle Oasis
Bring the grandparents into the modern age of digital book ownership with the best e-reader on the market. A Kindle Oasis has a 7-inch screen, ergonomic design for easy grip, and has access to over 3 million titles in the Kindle store. They can even download children’s books to read to the grandkids!
Colored Glass Cake Stand
When I think of my grandparents, I think of fresh-baked goodies on the counter. There’s nothing more exciting than spotting a plate of cookies or a decorated cake upon arrival, and it only gets sweeter when the display is as fabulous as this. A colorful glass cake stand will (literally) elevate everything that comes out of the oven and make everyone want to dig in.
Gifts for In-Laws
When it comes to finding holiday gifts for your in-laws, it’s all about the wow factor. These gifts are sure to impress.
Get in the vacation mindset with gorgeous photo books filled with dreamy escapes. Image Source: Left & Right
Coffee Table Photo Book
Inspire your in-laws’ next vacation with a book full of beautiful destinations. I love giving coffee table books as gifts because they pull double duty—one part visual adventure, one part home decor. These Taschen photo collections showcase stunning spots across the U.S. and Mediterranean.
Coravin Wine Preservation System
For me, shopping for my in-laws is like trying to find a gift for the people who have everything. I mean it in the best way, but it makes it really hard to impress them. This wine preservation system was the answer to my holiday prayers last year, and I’m here to tell you that I’m still getting credit for changing their lives.
Pickleball Set
There’s nothing wrong with a bit of friendly competition, especially when it involves the game it seems like everyone is playing. Pickleball seems to be everywhere, and your in-laws will love being able to stay active while playing the hottest sport of 2023 when they have a 4-player set they can take anywhere.
Wine & Cheese Picnic Basket
It’s easy to forget that our in-laws are also couples who enjoy romantic moments together, too. This picnic basket has everything they need for an impromptu picnic, including a 2-bottle compartment and a special slot made just for a cheese board. It also comes with backpack-style straps for convenient carrying.
Kodak Inflatable Outdoor Projector Screen
You can forever change movie night for your in-laws with a single gift. Anyone can build a home theater indoors, but how many people can set up a full-blown cinema-worthy movie night from the comfort of their own backyard? This Kodak inflatable screen makes it all possible.
Gifts for Parents
As long as parents have kids living in the house, convenience will always be a priority. These gifts can all make their lives a little easier.
Backpack Cooler
When parents are in charge of hauling the family snacks on a hike, during a weekend soccer game, or for a trip to the beach, a backpack cooler keeps their hands free for any surprises. This bag has a removable liner and enough room for everyone’s food and drinks.
3 in 1 Charging Station
Parenting means that all the devices must be charged at all times. No exceptions. This 3-in-1 wireless charging station is the perfect hub to house their smartphone, AirPods, and smartwatch while also working as an alarm clock. It’s compatible with most iPhone, Samsung, and Pixel devices, making it a no-brainer gift for any parents.
Airbnb Gift Card
I may not be a parent, but I spend a lot of time with my friends who are. If there’s one thing I’ve heard them all repeat is that they need a proper vacation. Give them the nudge they need to take some PTO and get a family trip on the books with a gift card they can apply toward an Airbnb booking.
Silk Pillowcases
If you can’t send them on a vacation, give them the gift of better sleep. At this point, I think we all know that sleeping on a silk pillowcase can benefit hair and skin, including minimizing wrinkles. The luxurious fabric is more breathable than cotton, making it ultra-comfortable and an essential ingredient in a good night’s sleep.
Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker
Sensing a theme here? Well, a good night’s sleep can only be made better by a great cup of coffee, and a bad night’s sleep can definitely use the boost. Whether they want to brew a single cup or a whole carafe of hot or iced coffee, their favorite caffeinated beverages can be ready to drink at the touch of a button with this gift-worthy Ninja coffee maker.
Happy shopping!
Now, you have no excuse not to give great gifts this holiday season. Happy shopping!
