Best gifts for grandparents: 25 ideas they’ll treasure

Finding the best gifts for grandparents can be tricky. After all, they’re usually the ones showering the grandchildren with gifts. So, what do you give those who don’t ask for much?

Whether it’s your parents stepping into the role of proud grandparents or in-laws who can’t get enough of the kids, we’ve rounded up clever and personalized gift ideas that’ll make them smile. From cozy comforts to special mementos, there’s something here for every kind of grandparent.

1. Create a “grandchildren’s greatest hits” photo book

Nothing warms a grandparent’s heart like flipping through their grandkids’ milestones. Capture moments like scoring the winning goal, bringing home a report card full of A’s, or showing off a colorful art project.

“Think of a ‘greatest hits’ photo book like a playlist. Mix the big wins with fun outtakes to keep it interesting.”

—Raffi Apelian, Senior Content Marketing Manager

Mixbook makes it easy with a wide range of photo book styles and fun drag-and-drop editing options.

• Price range: $14.99 and up, depending on size and cover type
• Creative cue: Add short captions (like names, dates, and funny quotes) next to photos for added context and flair.

2. Create a personalized family calendar

Give your grandparents a gift that helps them stay organized and feel loved all year round. A personalized photo calendar does just that.

Choose photos that match each month’s mood, like Halloween costumes for October or beach trips for July, so grandparents feel connected to family memories all year long.

• Price range: $24.99 and up
• Creative cue: Rotate who “stars” each month by featuring different grandkids or family members throughout the year.

3. Gift a stunning canvas print for their wall

Turn a favorite memory into a piece of art they can hang in their home. Canvas prints are perfect for standout family pics, vacation shots, and holiday portraits to fill empty wall space.

A canvas print works especially well for grandparents who love decorating their home or enjoy hosting family gatherings, as it instantly becomes a conversation piece.

For a cleaner, gallery-like look, go with one image instead of a collage. If your grandparents prefer a cozier, more personal vibe, choose a candid family photo that brings warmth to their space.

• Price range: $49.99 and up, depending on size
• Creative cue: Consider doing several single photos instead of a collage. This keeps the look clean and makes it easy to add to a wall gallery.

4. Create a family recipe book

Collect those legendary family recipes (like Grandpa’s not-so-secret sauce or Grandma’s famous apple pie) and turn them into a custom recipe or cookbook. They’ll love that you’re helping preserve family traditions and keeping their culinary legacy alive.

Price range: $14.99 and up

Creative cue: Add handwritten notes and candid photos of kids cooking with their grandparents to make it even more special.

5. Compile a year-in-review photo book

Gather the year’s biggest moments—holidays, birthdays, and family milestones—and organize them into a photo book grandparents can flip through anytime.

“A year-in-review book works best when you cap each section at 10-15 photos—enough to capture the highlights without overwhelming the story.”

—Leslie Albertson, Director of Brand and Creative

Start with your earliest photos from the year and build month by month so grandparents can flip through the seasons in order.

• Price range: $14.99 and up
• Creative cue: Organize your annual review photos by season or month, such as starting with New Year celebrations and ending with cozy holiday pics. This can help with sorting and create a natural flow.

6. Gift a local membership

Give your grandparent something fun to look forward to, like free visits to their favorite museum, art gallery, botanical garden, or golf course. It’s a great gift to get them out and about and make new memories (with the grandkids in tow).

• Price range: $30-$120 annually, depending on location
• Creative cue: Check for senior discounts or family passes. These often come with perks like guest tickets and event invites, which can feel extra thoughtful.

7. Plan a grandparents' day out

Give them a day to remember. It could be tickets to a play, concert, ball game, or even a classic movie at a local theater—any outing that shows the grandparents you know what they love and want to spend quality time with them.

When planning, think about accessibility and comfort. Choose events with easy parking or seating options, and skip anything that requires standing for long periods or navigating steep stairs.

• Price range: $20-$100 annually, depending on the event
• Creative cue: Make them feel taken care of by handling all the logistics, like transportation and meal reservations.

8. Gift a local class or workshop

Help your grandparent tap into a hidden talent or finally try something they’ve always talked about. Whether it’s a cooking class, pottery workshop, painting night, or beginner’s dance lesson, a local experience can be a fun way to spark their creativity and connection.

• Price range: $30-$100 per class or session
• Creative cue: Consider something they can enjoy either with a friend or solo. This way, they won’t have to wait to do the experience if schedules clash.

9. Organize a family staycation

You don’t have to go far to make big memories. A local weekend getaway—a nice hotel stay, a few special meals, visits to local attractions—can be the perfect way to celebrate them. For grandparents who don’t get to see the family often, a staycation is the perfect way to bring everyone together.

• Price range: $150-$400, depending on lodging and activities
• Creative cue: Tailor the experience to their comfort and interests. Choose familiar activities like playing cards or board games, and consider giving them a printed itinerary so they can remember the weekend for years to come.

10. Gift a favorite foodie experience

Are your grandparents foodies? Whether it’s a reservation at that new place they’ve been eyeing or tickets to a local food festival, this kind of gift lets them savor the moment (and dessert, too).

• Price range: $25-$150, depending on the experience
• Creative cue: Elevate the experience by including a printed menu preview, a map of the venue or neighborhood, or even arranging transportation to make it feel extra luxurious.

11. Gift a cozy blanket or robe

A soft, cozy blanket or plush robe makes a feel-good gift your grandparents will love using, especially if you personalize it with their names or initials.

When choosing, think about where they’ll use it most. Something lightweight for afternoons on the porch, or a heavier fleece for evenings on the couch.

For grandparents with mobility challenges, opt for options that are easy to wash and not too bulky to handle.

• Price range: $30-$100, depending on material and personalization
• Pro tip: Look for machine-washable options (easy care for the win) and choose breathable fabrics like fleece or cotton blends for maximum comfort.

12. Give grandkids’ art that lasts

Those finger paintings and crayon masterpieces deserve to be on more than just the fridge. Turn them into a custom kids' art photo book or wall print their grandparents can admire for years to come.

“We often see families scanning or photographing kids’ artwork before it fades or gets lost. Organizing it in a photo book keeps everything in one place and makes it easy to revisit later.”

—Raffi Apelian, Senior Content Marketing Manager

• Price range: $14.99 and up, depending on format and size
• Creative cue: Scan or snap high-quality photos of each piece of artwork and group them by age and theme.

13. Curate a family tree gallery wall

Bring the family “roots” to life with a photo-filled family tree for your grandparent. Gather pictures of everyone from great-great-grandparents to the newest grandbaby, print them in smaller sizes, and arrange them in a tree shape as the ultimate home decor.

• Price range: $50-$100, depending on print sizes and frames
• Creative cue: Use uniform frames or a consistent color palette to keep everything cohesive. You can also add simple labels (like names and birth years) for that museum-like look.

14. Assemble a gourmet food basket

Build a custom basket with specialty coffees or teas, artisanal cheeses, and gourmet chocolates (thoughtful and tasty).

Keep their dietary needs and preferences in mind, such as nut-free or low-sugar options. You can also toss in a handwritten menu describing each hand-picked item to add a personal touch.

• Price range: $30-$100
• Creative cue: Theme the basket around something they love, like a “Sunday brunch” set with pancake mix and maple syrup or a “tea time” basket with biscuits and honey.

15. Gift a subscription box

This is a gift that keeps on giving. Subscription boxes are a fun way to surprise your grandparents month after month with something they love but wouldn’t splurge on, like gourmet coffee, puzzle gifts for Grandpa, or self-care gifts for Grandma.

• Price range: $20-$60 per month
• Creative cue: Pick something that matches their vibe, like tea and crosswords or DIY and paint nights. Look for boxes with flexible delivery schedules and easy cancellation in case they want to switch things up.

16. Curate a personalized reading nook basket

For the grandparent who loves snuggling up with a good book, curate a cozy reading nook basket. Fill it with a few books (either classics or the latest historical novel they haven't read yet), a soft blanket, their favorite tea or coffee, and a personalized bookmark.

• Price range: $40-$100, depending on what you include
• Creative cue: Choose books with decorative covers and add items to the basket that match it. You can also fill the empty space with decorative paper shreds to make it aesthetically pleasing.

17. Gift high-quality hobby supplies

Think about your grandparents’ favorite hobbies, from gardening and painting to woodworking and birdwatching. Upgrading their go-to tools or restocking their favorite supplies can show that you support what they love to do.

• Price range: $25-$100, depending on the hobby
• Creative cue: Look for specialty or premium versions of items they already use, like ergonomic tools or artist-grade paints.

18. Assemble a game night kit

A game night kit is a fun and thoughtful gift for the grandparents who love to host or just enjoy quiet nights in. Fill a basket with a few new board games, a deck of cards, a puzzle, and snacks to munch on between turns.

• Price range: $30-$75, depending on the games and extras
• Creative cue: Include a mix of classics and easy-to-learn games they can play with friends or grandkids. Popcorn and “winner” prizes are fun additions, too.

Bonus (almost free) gift ideas for grandparents

The best gifts don’t come with a price tag—they come from the heart. If you’re on a tight budget or short on time but still want to do something special, here are a few more ideas grandparents will appreciate:

19. Record a “we love you” video message from the whole family.

20. Make a handwritten “top 10 things we love about you” list.

21. Frame your grandparent's favorite quote or saying.

22. Perform a dance or skit for them with the family.

23. Create and send a playlist of their favorite songs.

24. Bake and deliver their favorite treat with a warm note.

25. Plan a fun photoshoot with your grandparents, then scan and digitize the photos for keepsakes.

Tips for picking the right gift for grandparents

Finding the perfect gift isn’t about the biggest box or highest price tag, but rather what fits your parents’ stage of life and makes them feel seen as grandparents.

The most meaningful gifts show you understand what they enjoy, how they spend time, and the little ways they connect with your kids.

Here are a few quick tips to guide you along the way:

• Think about their hobbies and how they like to spend time.
• Keep their physical needs and mobility in mind.
• Choose gifts that help them feel connected to family.
• Avoid adding clutter if they’re downsizing or simplifying.
• Go for practical with a personal twist (the sweet spot).
• When in doubt, photo gifts never fail.

Give treasured gifts with Mixbook

Whichever idea you choose, the best gifts for grandparents are thoughtful and personal, especially when they know it came from you. From unique photo book ideas to custom calendars, Mixbook makes it easy to create something they’ll cherish for years.

Explore Mixbook’s personalized gifts for grandparents for even more ways to turn memories into moments they can hold.

FAQ

What is a subscription box for grandparents?

A subscription box for grandparents is a monthly (or quarterly) delivery filled with goodies tailored to their interests. It could be a box of books, puzzles, snacks, or self-care treats. It’s an easy way to surprise them with something new and thoughtful throughout the year.

What is the best gift for elderly grandparents?

Like any gift, the best gift for elderly grandparents is something thoughtful and easy for them to enjoy. For example, if they have limited mobility, it could be cozy comforts like a soft blanket or a custom coffee mug. Printed photos are also always a good idea since they're personal and timeless.

What are some useful gifts for grandparents?

Useful gifts for grandparents help make their everyday life a little easier. For instance, a personalized calendar can help them keep track of birthdays and appointments—something both practical and personal.