Win Christmas this year with one of these out-of-the-box gift ideas for mom and dad.(ilbusca via Getty Images)
Parents: They give and they give and they give. And yet, when it comes time for us to give back, they always say, "I don't need anything." Frustrating, right? Well, we're here to help you win that game. While there isn't an official "How to Shop for Parents Gift Guide" out there, this list of surefire picks comes pretty darn close.
This year, get the folks something that'll make their lives easier (like a straightforward streaming device). Or why not surprise them with a personalized cheese board to use during their annual New Year's Eve party? When in doubt, you can never go wrong with a sweet treat or a new kitchen gadget.
Keep scrolling to shop 20 of the best Christmas gifts for parents, starting at just $18. Need more inspiration? Check out our gifting hub and get your holiday shopping done fast.
The Amazon Kindle isn't new by any means, but it may be new to her (especially if reading is a recent venture). Although it's the most affordable e-reader in Amazon's lineup, Broida can't stop singing its praises, saying "it's full-featured and just plain great overall." What does that mean exactly? Well, it's featherweight, has a dark mode for nighttime reading and holds thousands of books.
Could this teeny tiny cocotte be any cuter? Nope! It's the perfect size for dips, nuts, single-serving pot pies or lava cakes. And while we wish we could give every family member a full-size Le Creuset Dutch oven (which is a Yahoo editor fave, no surprise), this option is a little more... financially accessible.
It's no secret that the holidays are hectic, so why not give your parents a good night's sleep? This supportive memory foam pillow (which made our list of the best pillows of 2024) features a gel layer for a cooling effect and is both machine washable and dryable.
Best for back and side sleepers, it has earned nearly 600 five-star ratings. One well-rested Amazon shopper shared: "I've had this pillow for 5 years — it quickly became one of my favorites because it feels like a giant marshmallow and the gel really does stay cool."
Your stepmom had a full life before you entered the picture. With an annual Storyworth subscription, she’ll have a platform to share it with you (and anyone else who cares to listen). Each week she'll answer new questions about her past, present and future, and her answers will be printed in a hardcover book for all to read.
Live in another state? Then deck out your mom's tree with an ornament that represents your home away from home. They're all handmade — the stoneware, glass, and colored glazes create a unique crackled effect on each one.
Who says a Christmas gift can't be practical and inspired? Take the genius Eufy Bluetooth tracker. The handy gadget is just the thing for loved ones who tend to lose their keys or like to keep a close eye on their luggage when traveling.
It's a wallet-friendly favorite of Yahoo Tech Editor Rick Broida, so you know it's dependable. But Android users, beware — it only works with Apple gear.
Festive dish towels are something anyone can appreciate — your parents will think of you every time they spot them in their kitchen. This duo from Anthropologie is utterly jolly, but you can amp up your gift by wrapping them around a bottle of wine or festive baking mix before giving them (hint, hint).
This collection of Godiva deliciousness contains nine decadent chocolates including the brand's classic pecan caramel duet and its midnight swirl.
It also makes an excellent host or hostess gift, so don't forget to grab extras for your aunts and uncles who are having you over for Christmas Eve dinner or New Year's Day brunch.
One happy shopper who deemed it "perfect" and gave it five stars added: "The box includes a delightful mixture of candies. Nothing else needs to be said!"
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Compile a calendar with a bunch of cherished moments from the last year. Or better yet, round up a bunch of sweet snaps from your childhood, so they can take a walk down memory lane. Add your family member's birthdays, anniversaries, school events and other important dates — if you add 10 occasions, your first calendar is free! Yep, you read that right.
Tis the season for holiday entertaining. Your parents (or in-laws or grandparents...) will smile when they pull out this gorgeous wood and marble cheese board at their next get-together. Available in three wood and marble combinations, you can even add the recipient's monogram or last name for $15 more. Thought and useful — bam!
Instead of a candle that burns out after a couple of uses (or gets regifted), get mom and dad a diffuser that they can use for much longer.
The Pura 4 smart fragrance diffuser can fill medium-sized rooms (like a bedroom or living room) with luxe scents; it's easily controlled through the Pura app. You can set a schedule or timer and since it has space for two fragrance vials, even alternate between scents.
Pro tip: When purchasing the Pura 4, be sure to build a set and pick out two scents, so your parents can start using the diffuser right away. Right now, I have my Pura 4 loaded with Honeycrisp Oakwood and Pumpkin Chai, and can't get enough of these seasonal aromas.
Whether your family is into board games or not, crowding around a fun puzzle is a great way to get everyone involved. They're just the ticket for those lazy days between Christmas and New Year's or on an evening after a day of too much screen time.
This gorgeous option from Jiggy comes with glue, so you can turn your completed masterpiece into wall art. It includes a glass jar too, if you prefer to do puzzles again and again.
Give your parents the gift of a zen moment or two with this acupressure mat and pillow set. A go-to gift of Yahoo Gifting Editor Amanda Garrity, this No. 1 bestseller is designed to stimulate blood circulation and increase endorphins in as little as 10 minutes.
One blissed-out reviewer wrote: "I wasn't sure if this would help with my lingering sciatica and related pain, but after trying it, I have to say that I am impressed... I had to find the right position and get used to the sharp initial pressure points but stuck with it (no pun intended) and I could feel the difference after 15-20 minutes."
Simplify your parents' at-home entertainment by gifting them the streaming device that Yahoo Tech Editor Rick Broida calls "both easy to learn and easy to use." Meet the Roku Ultra.
With its user-friendly interface, there's no more confusion around changing inputs and mixing up logins, just easy access to their favorite shows and movies on Netflix, Apple+, Prime Video and more. Trust me: This is one gift they'll thank you for — and mean it.
One kitchen gadget your parents likely don't already own is a sparkling water maker. Whether you want to subtly hint to them to drink more H2O, kick a soda habit or just have fun with a new appliance, Philips' gizmo is a great option. It's simple to use and can be set up in seconds (seriously!). More than 700 have been bought in the last month alone at Amazon.
One five-star fan shared, "Three months in and I've bought three of them because it's a simple but effective water carbonator. This is our first sparkling water maker. After one too many trips to Target for more cases of Waterloo, I found the Philips brand carbonator for a solid entry-level price and decided to give it a go... Why three? One for home. One for work. And one as a gift to a friend who was really interested in ours."
Whether mom and dad have a skin care routine or not (it's never too late to start!), a holiday kit of minis is a great way for them to try out a new brand and a few new-to-them products.
Drunk Elephant makes some of my favorite formulas of all time, so its annual holiday bundles are staple gifts for me. This kit, valued at $145, includes a full-sized moisturizer, as well as a travel-sized eye cream, face wash and glycolic serum.
P.S. Yahoo Beauty Editor Jennifer Romolini is also a Drunk Elephant fan and deemed the brand's vitamin C serum the best of the year.
While a big, ridiculously plush robe may be an overdone gift, you won't regret gifting a pima cotton one from Lake Pajamas. This short robe is ideal for mom to wear when getting ready — it's lightweight enough that she won't overheat when blowdrying her hair.
This cheery red stripe is festive for the holiday season, but rest assured she will reach for this wrap all year long (I have one in blue and wear it daily, unless it's in the laundry basket). And don't worry — Lake Pajamas also makes robes for men!
If your parents are pros in the kitchen, treat them to a sharp new knife set. This Martha Stewart-approved 15-piece set from Henckels has everything they need to slice and dice up a storm — including a sleek butcher block to store all of the knives in.
Did I mention this stainless steel set is more than 50% off right now? Score.
Instead of telling time the traditional way, this clock cycles through 13,000 classic literary quotes that spell out exactly what time it is. Get a new quote every minute, five minutes, 30 minutes or hourly — it depends how often they check the time. "This was for my mother who is hard to shop for. She immediately got it up and running and has sent screen shots of her favorite quotes for over a month now," one five-star reviewer raved, adding that it's useful, unique and worth every penny.
When in doubt, give your parents something they'd never buy for themselves... like ultra-luxe leather gloves. These suede and leather beauties are incredibly warm, thanks to the wool-blend lining. I have these and can't recommend them enough — they make me feel classy and sophisticated the moment I slip them on.
While these gloves are designed for women, Rudak makes equally beautiful gloves for men.
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