Gifts for Grandparents

Grandmas and grandpas

Grandparents mostly want more of the grandkids, so the best gifts bring the family closer: photos that update on their own, video calls with no fiddling, games everyone can play at the kitchen table. After that, think comfort and ease. Bigger cards, better light, a warm throw, and a bird feeder to watch from the window.

Under $25 8 ideas

  1. Grandma, I Want to Hear Your Story

    A guided journal of questions about her life, filled in at her own pace. There is a matching Grandpa edition. The family keeps the answers forever.

    Jeffrey MasonBook

    See it on Amazon

  2. Bicycle Jumbo Index Playing Cards

    Normal-size cards with oversized numbers, so nobody squints at their hand. A small swap that keeps the weekly card game going.

    BicycleStocking stuffer

    See it on Amazon

  3. Rummikub

    The tile game that works from age eight to ninety. Easy to learn, hard to master, and big tiles that are easy to read.

    PressmanAn experience

    See it on Amazon

  4. Qwirkle

    Match colors and shapes with chunky wooden blocks. Simple enough to play with young grandkids, with enough strategy to keep adults interested.

    MindWareAn experience

    See it on Amazon

  5. The New York Times Sunday Crossword Omnibus

    Two hundred Sunday puzzles in one fat book, months of mornings with coffee. For the grandparent who does the paper's crossword in pen.

    Will ShortzBook

    See it on Amazon

  6. First Nature 3055 Hummingbird Feeder

    A simple, easy-to-clean feeder with ten ports. Hung outside a kitchen window, it draws hummingbirds all summer.

    First NatureStocking stuffer

    See it on Amazon

  7. Ghirardelli Premium Chocolate Assortment

    Individually wrapped squares in several flavors, good for a candy dish when the grandkids visit. An easy add-on to any bigger gift.

    GhirardelliGets used upStocking stuffer

    See it on Amazon

  8. Callaway Supersoft Golf Balls

    A low-compression ball that goes farther with a slower swing, which is why so many older golfers use it. They lose balls like everyone else, so they will be used.

    CallawayGets used upStocking stuffer

    See it on Amazon

Under $50 5 ideas

  1. Tile Mate Bluetooth Tracker

    Clip it to keys or a wallet and the phone app rings it when it goes missing. Works with iPhone and Android, unlike an AirTag.

    TileStocking stuffer

    See it on Amazon

  2. Sunbeam Heated Throw Blanket

    Warm in minutes with simple controls and an automatic shut-off. Lets them stay comfortable in the evening without turning the thermostat up for the whole house.

    Sunbeam

    See it on Amazon

  3. The Sibley Guide to Birds, Second Edition

    The standard North American bird guide, with clear paintings of every species. Pair it with the feeder or binoculars and they will have names for every visitor.

    David Allen SibleyBook

    See it on Amazon

  4. WE Games Continuous Cribbage Board

    A solid wood board with pegs and cards stored inside. Cribbage is a game grandparents tend to know and love teaching to grandkids.

    WE GamesAn experience

    See it on Amazon

  5. Harry & David Royal Riviera Pears

    Big, juicy pears packed individually in a gift box, a holiday tradition in plenty of families. Gets eaten rather than stored in a closet.

    Harry & DavidGets used up

    See it on Amazon

Under $100 3 ideas

  1. AncestryDNA Genetic Ethnicity Test

    A spit test that maps where the family came from and connects to distant cousins. Grandparents are often the family historians, and this gives them a new chapter to dig into.

    AncestryAn experience

    See it on Amazon

  2. Brome Squirrel Buster Standard Bird Feeder

    The feeder that actually keeps squirrels out: their weight closes the ports. Hang it where they can see it from their chair and it becomes daily entertainment.

    BromeFor display

    See it on Amazon

  3. Brightech LightView Pro LED Magnifying Desk Lamp

    A bright lamp with a built-in magnifier for crosswords, mending, pill bottles and fine print. Good light is the gift people do not know they are missing.

    Brightech

    See it on Amazon

$100 and up 4 ideas

  1. Aura Carver Digital Photo Frame

    Every grandchild with a phone can add pictures from anywhere, and the frame needs nothing from the grandparents once it is plugged in. The gift that keeps arriving all year.

    AuraFor display

    See it on Amazon

  2. Amazon Echo Show 8

    Video calls that start by voice, so there is no app to open or button to find. It also shows the weather, plays old radio favorites and works as a photo frame.

    Amazon

    See it on Amazon

  3. Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB)

    Turn up the type size and every book becomes large print. Lighter than a hardcover and lit from within, which helps tired eyes in the evening.

    Amazon

    See it on Amazon

  4. Celestron Nature DX 8x42 Binoculars

    Bright, sharp binoculars that focus close enough for the feeder outside the window. A big step up from the old pair in the hall closet.

    Celestron

    See it on Amazon