foldycardChristmas gifts for parents that they will actually use
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Parents are famously hard to buy for. "Don't get us anything" usually means "get us something we'll use". Here are ten gifts that pass that test, with honest notes on who each one suits, and a card message to go with every one.
The ten gifts
1. A Wi-Fi digital photo frame
Load it with family photos, then keep sending new ones from your phone wherever you live. Look for a frame that takes photos from an app, so it stays fresh without you visiting.
- Who it's for
- Parents who live far from their kids or grandkids.
- Skip it if
- They don't have Wi-Fi at home.
I've loaded this with some of my favorite memories of us. I'll keep adding more, so keep an eye on it. Merry Christmas!
2. A smart display for video calls
A screen on the kitchen counter that answers video calls by voice is often easier than a phone for parents who find apps fiddly.
- Who it's for
- Parents you call every week.
- Skip it if
- They're uneasy about a camera and microphone at home.
Now you have no excuse not to answer my calls. Merry Christmas! Can't wait to see your faces more often.
3. An e-reader
Lighter than a paperback, with adjustable text size for tired eyes and room for a whole library. A built-in light makes reading in bed easy.
- Who it's for
- Big readers, especially anyone finding small print hard work.
- Skip it if
- They love paper books. A bookstore gift card will go down better.
For all the stories you read to me when I was little. Merry Christmas, and happy reading!
4. A "tell me your story" journal
A guided journal with prompts about their childhood, first jobs and how they met. They get to remember, and you get their stories in their own handwriting.
- Who it's for
- Every parent, especially the ones who love talking about the old days.
- Skip it if
- They dislike writing. Record a voice interview with the same questions instead.
I want to hear all your stories, the ones I know and the ones I don't. Merry Christmas!
5. A heated throw blanket
Warm in minutes and far cheaper to run than heating a whole room. Look for automatic shut-off and a cover you can machine-wash.
- Who it's for
- Parents who are always cold.
- Skip it if
- They already have one they love.
To keep you warm until I can come and give you a proper hug. Merry Christmas!
6. Item trackers for keys and wallets
Small tags that ring from a phone, for parents who are forever hunting for keys, glasses cases or the TV remote. Pick one that matches their phone: AirTag for iPhone, other brands for Android.
- Who it's for
- Parents who misplace things daily.
- Skip it if
- They don't use a smartphone.
Merry Christmas! Now we'll always know where the keys are. (Still working on the glasses.)
7. A foot or neck massager
A small luxury most people never buy for themselves.
- Who it's for
- Parents who are on their feet all day or carry stress in their shoulders.
- Skip it if
- They have a health condition that makes massage a bad idea. Check with them first.
For all the years you've been on your feet for us. Time to put them up. Merry Christmas!
8. An enameled cast-iron Dutch oven
Soups, stews and bread from one pot that lasts for decades.
- Who it's for
- Parents who cook for the whole family.
- Skip it if
- Lifting heavy pots is hard for them. A lighter nonstick casserole is kinder on the wrists.
For many more family dinners around your table. Merry Christmas, and I'll bring dessert!
9. An indoor herb garden
A countertop planter with its own grow light means fresh basil and mint all winter.
- Who it's for
- Parents who garden and miss it in the cold months.
- Skip it if
- Their kitchen counter is already full.
Something green for the winter months. Merry Christmas, and I can't wait to taste what you grow!
10. A family card or board game
The gift that gets everyone off their phones after dinner, and brings the grandkids to the table.
- Who it's for
- Families who get together over the holidays.
- Skip it if
- Nobody in the family enjoys games.
For game night at your place. Fair warning: I plan to win. Merry Christmas!
How to choose
- Think about their week, not the holiday. What do they do every day? Gifts that slot into a routine get used for years.
- Easy beats clever. If a gadget needs an app, set it up before you give it, or plan to do it together on Christmas Day.
- Ask a sibling. They may know what Dad has been complaining about lately, and you can split the cost of something bigger.
- Set a budget first. Every idea here comes in under-$50, mid-range and splurge versions, so pick the tier before you browse.
Don't forget the card
Every gift above has a message to go with it. Press Send as a card to put it in a Christmas card, add your names and send the link. It can arrive on Christmas morning even if the gift is still on its way. On an iPhone Duo or another foldable it opens as they unfold the phone; on any other phone, with a tap.
Need different words? Try 66 Christmas card messages or the message builder.
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