Best gifts for parents: Great gift ideas for moms, dads, and guardians
What do you get for the folks who raised you? We have some ideas.
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Credit: Mashable photo composite / keurig / uggs / courant / ALYSSA KAUANOE / winc
Buying gifts for your parents is tough. What do you get the people who gave you life — the people who raised you into the responsible adult you've grown up to be?
The thing is, you can't really ask them for ideas. They'll almost always tell you that they don't want or need anything, just quality time together or a handwritten card. But let's be real: You still feel compelled to get them something every time a gift-giving holiday rolls around. And it's got to be something good.
When shopping around, try to think outside the box and consider their hobbies: Do they travel? Are they into neat gadgets? Do they like doing couple-y things? You'll want to get them something they'll love and use, but also (hopefully) something that will help them connect with you (their kid) as well.
If you're totally stumped, then don't worry — that's what we're here for. Below, we've rounded up a selection of over 40 unique gifts for parents. It should help take some of the guesswork out of buying a present for the mom or dad who already seems to have everything.
Topics Gadgets
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Credit: SHUTTERFLY
A customized photo book
For Sentimental Parents
Your parents likely kept physical photo albums of you as you grew up, but perhaps they've stopped printing pictures as we've moved into the digital age. Take them back with a sentimental photo book filled with great memories. Shutterfly's albums give you a ton of customization options (from size to page design) and start at just $15.
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Credit: Bose
PROMOTED
A pair of noise-cancelling headphones from Walmart
Best for Parents of Young Kids
If unlimited childcare isn't feasible, then the next best thing for the very tired, very burnt-out parents in your life is a pair of noise-canceling headphones. When witching hour hits at 5pm, mom and dad can slip on this pair from Bose and crank the tunes, a podcast, whatever — even just for a few minutes. Even without anything playing, the cush and cozy headphones will dull surrounding chatter to a more palatable decibel.
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Credit: TCL
A 4K smart TV
For Parents Getting Into Netflix
If your parents still don't have a smart TV, you can get them one as a gift and score some serious brownie points. This new 55-inch 4K smart TV from TCL has a gorgeous Ultra HD display and a built-in Roku system (so they don't need to futz with any separate media players or dongles). It also supports both Alexa and Google Assistant for hands-free voice control.
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Credit: SANDRA DUMAIS
An Ode to Home State dish towel
For Parents With Hometown Pride
Your parents probably love where they live — or at least we hope they do. Help them show off their hometown pride with an Ode to Home State dish towel. Each one has a cute design on one side and a poem about a particular place on the other, adding a fun personal touch (and a conversation piece) to your parents' kitchen.
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Credit: Bark
PROMOTED
Peace of mind with Bark
Best for Keeping Kiddos Safe Online
Anyone with littles will appreciate a way to maintain healthier boundaries and increased vigilance around screen time, which is exactly what Bark does. From monitoring texts and time spent online to keeping tabs on bullying situations and other online activity, Bark helps keep parents informed and kids protected. For a limited time, get a free phone with any Bark Phone mobile plan.
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An Instant Pot
For Foodie Parents
Need a pressure cooker? No problem. Need a slow cooker? No problem. Need a rice cooker? No problem. The Instant Pot Duo is all of those things plus a yogurt maker, a steamer, a warmer, and a sauté station. The six-quart model can cook for up to six people and features dishwasher-safe components to alleviate some of the dinnertime grunt work for Mom and Dad.
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A houseplant
For Parents Who Are Also Plant Parents
Do you come from a long line of green thumbs? Consider perusing Bloomscape: The site sells a wide variety of greenery that arrives fully grown and pre-potted, so all your parents have to do is find the perfect spot for their new plant. (The one in the photo is a philodendron, FYI.)
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Credit: KEURIG
A Keurig
For Serious Coffee Drinkers
If your parents can't even open their eyes in the a.m. until they've had some coffee, an easy-to-use Keurig will surely be a huge hit. The K-Duo machine can brew both single-serve cups and full carafes of java, depending on how much caffeine they require on a given morning, with multiple brew sizes and strengths to choose from.
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Credit: ARRA DAVID AND ANNE JOHNSON
A set of chilling coasters
For Parents Who Love To Chill
Who doesn't enjoy cracking open a cold one after a long day? Made from rock-solid stone, these anti-tip coasters will keep your parents' beveraginos chilled (and upright) while they sip — just pop them in the fridge or freezer for at least 30 minutes before happy hour.
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Credit: ALYSSA KAUANOE
A U.S. National Parks scratch-off poster
For Nature Lovers
There comes a point in every empty-nester's life when they consider buying an RV and hitting the road. For them (and all other parents who love exploring the great outdoors), a U.S. National Parks scratch-off poster makes a really cool gift idea. This one features original illustrated icons of all 63 parks and a customizable title.
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Credit: HELLOFRESH
A HelloFresh subscription
For Parents Who Hate Meal Planning
Planning meals, hitting up the grocery store, and then preparing a bunch of food can be an absolute slog for new parents and older folks alike. Enter HelloFresh, a meal delivery service that will ship fresh ingredients and step-by-step recipes straight to their home. You can personalize their plan based on their favorite foods, dietary needs, schedule, meal sizes, and more, starting at just $7.49 per person.
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UGG slippers
For Parents Who Like To Putz Around
The 'rents need something cozy for chilly days when socks just won't do. A nice pair of slippers is a tried and true gift; UGG's are so comfortable that your fam might just try to wear them to the grocery store or post office. (No shame.) The brand's popular Ascot style comes in 17 different colors and tons of different sizes, including wide and extra-wide options.
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"Booze & Vinyl: A Spirited Guide to Great Music and Mixed Drinks"
For Parents With An Lp Collection
This bestselling coffee table book pairs 70 classic albums with classic cocktail recipes that perfectly complement their mood, lyrical imagery, and/or artist, from Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club to Vampire Weekend. Each LP is accompanied by liner notes about its musical highlights and some gorgeous photography.
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Credit: BAMBÜSI
A bamboo cheese board
For Parents Who Love To Entertain
This clever cheese board features wide grooves for wrangling crackers, nuts, and olives, along with some convenient slide-out drawers for storing the matching cutlery set (included). It's made from 100% bamboo, so it won't stain or absorb any funky odors from their charcuterie spread.
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A portable Yeti cooler
For Parents Who Like To Tailgate
If your parents always make an appearance at your alma mater's tailgates, a Yeti Hopper M30 2.0 is a no-brainer gift. Available in six colors, this portable soft cooler features a leakproof liner, a wide-mouth opening, and ColdCell insulation with incredible ice-retention power. It can hold up to 20 cans or 28 pounds of just ice, so they're set for a whole day of college football.
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Credit: WINC
A Winc subscription
For Wine Lovers
Often referred to as "the Netflix for wine," Winc is a subscription service that'll deliver premium bottles of vino right to your parents' doorstep. Members get four bottles of wine per month and can rate their favorite flavor profiles and regions for curated recommendations. (Here's hoping they invite you over for their next tasting.)
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Credit: OSTRICH PILLOW
An Ostrichpillow Light
For Parents Who Need Some Shuteye
OK, so this looks a little silly — but your parents are gonna love it. Made from high-quality eiderdown cotton, the Ostrichpillow Light works wonders as a neck pillow or eye mask for folks who can seemingly nap anywhere.
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Credit: GROWLERWERKS
A carbonated growler
For Craft Beer Fans
If they're homebrew and craft beer enthusiasts, GrowlerWerks' uKEg will make it easier for them to transport and store limited-edition ales from their local brewery. The vessel itself features a vacuum-insulated, stainless steel design that can keep beer fresh for up to two weeks, while its carbonation cap will make sure it doesn't go flat. Cheers!
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Credit: FARBERWARE
An air fryer
For Making Fried Food Healthier
Everyone should be hopping on the air fryer train — including your parents. This Farberware model has eight preprogrammed settings for hassle-free cooking, plus enough room for up to two pounds of food. It requires little to no oil to work its crisping magic, so your parents can feel better about their weekly wing nights.
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A Furbo dog camera
For Parents Who Are Also Pet Parents
If work forces your parents to be away from their darling dog(s), this bestselling device will make it easy for them to check in throughout the day. It features a Full HD camera with two-way audio for a mid-day "good boy/girl," plus a built-in treat-tossing mechanism that works with Furbo's free smartphone app. (Think of it as a high-tech baby monitor, but for dogs.)
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A video doorbell
For Parents Who Love Smart Devices
Who's at the door: you, an Amazon delivery driver, or a nosy neighbor? They'll be able to see exactly who's paying them visits with the Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell. Once it's hooked up to their existing doorbell's wiring — there's no professional installation required — they're free to check in on its HD feed right from their smartphone or tablet.
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Credit: PEXELS
A Udemy course
For Lifelong Learners
Give your parents the gift of a new skill by signing them up for an online Udemy course. Its extensive library of classes cover dozens of different topics, from marketing to drawing to Python programming. Courses start at just $19.99 each, but the best part is that once they enroll in something, they'll get unlimited access to it for life.
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A Date Night In Box
For A Romantic Night In
Date nights are an important part of relationships, but actually planning one and mustering up the energy (or desire) to leave the house can be a lot. Make your parents' lives easier with a Date Night In Box, which is exactly what it sounds like: a package filled with everything they need for a fun date night at home. (Past themes have included "That's so '70s," "Resort," and "Under the Stars.") Gift card options start at $50, which covers one month's box plus $8 toward add-ons.
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An essential oil diffuser
For Parents Who Need To Relax
Essential oils are said to reduce stress and promote mindfulness. This diffuser has seven ambient light modes and four timer settings, allowing your parents to set their preferred tone. The set also comes with 10 essential oils, including lavender, peppermint, and lemongrass.
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An Amazon Prime subscription
For The Gift Of Convenience
If you and your family are all still sharing one Prime membership, maybe it's time to have your parents break off to their own account. They'll get access to free two-day shipping, music, Kindle e-books, exclusive movies and shows via Prime Video, and much more. (Note that if they prefer to stay on your joint plan, for whatever reason, they can exchange this gift membership for an Amazon gift card.)
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A Waterpik water flosser
For Improved Oral Health
Regardless of age, pretty much nobody likes going to the dentist (especially if it involves a lecture about flossing). Help your parents maintain their healthy smiles with a Waterpik water flosser, which is up to 50% more effective than regular ol' string floss when it comes to improving gum health.
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Credit: ATLAS COFFEE CLUB
An Atlas Coffee Club subscription
For Java Connoisseurs
Switch up your parents' morning cup of joe with a subscription to Atlas Coffee Club, a service that'll mail them roasted-to-order coffee from around the world. Along with the beans themselves, each box includes information about the specific blend, brewing recommendations, and a postcard from the country of origin. Gifting options start at $49 for three months.
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A Philips smart bulb starter kit
For Decking Out Their Smart Home
If your parents are old-school and still use those clunky outlet timers to set a light schedule while they're out of town, get them this smart bulb kit. The bulbs screw right into most standard sockets and are easily controlled by the included hub, which works with a mobile app and voice controls. (Bonus: They can be set to white or colors.)
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An eufy RoboVac 25C
For A Little Help Cleaning
No matter what kind of flooring your parents have in their home, this quiet little robot vacuum will be able to clean it without the 'rents having to lift a finger. It can be controlled and scheduled via mobile app or voice commands, and offers a nice 100-minute runtime.
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Reusable water bottles
For Parents On The Go
If your parents are still drinking out of single-use plastic water bottles, bring them up to speed with reusable bottles. These Contigo ones feature spill-proof Autoseal lids and Thermalock vacuum insulation that can keep drinks cold for up to 28 (!) hours. Best of all, they're safe to throw in the dishwasher.
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A Brooklinen Luxe Core sheet set
For The Best Night's Sleep
Having an extra set of clean sheets is always clutch come laundry day. Spoil your parents with this luxurious set from Brooklinen. Its cotton sateen sheets are silky soft and look chic, so their bed will get an instant decor upgrade.
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A Bluetooth food thermometer
For Barbecue Aficionados
Cooking meat correctly often means monitoring a thermometer, but this nifty gadget is one your parents won't have to check. It connects to a mobile app via Bluetooth or WiFi and lets your parents select their desired doneness; they'll get alerts on their smartphones when the food is ready, or if it's under- or over-cooking.
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Credit: COURANT
A Courant Catch:2
For Up-to-date Smartphone Users
Ideal for parents with a lot of devices, this Qi-certified wireless charging station delivers a fast charge in a sleek package. The Italian leather finish makes it look like a piece of decor; it's also weighted, so it won't slip around on their desk.
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An AeroGarden Harvest Elite
For Fresh Veggie Enthusiasts
Outdoor gardening is a seasonal pursuit, but your parents can use an indoor hydroponics system all year long. This AeroGarden comes with seeds like basil, parsley, and mint to get their countertop garden started. The attached grow lights make fresh veggies and herbs possible even in dim kitchens.
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An Ember smart mug
For Serial Sippers
If your parents' morning coffee is more of an all-day companion, they'll love a mug that'll keep it warm while they sip. This Ember mug will keep a drink hot for an hour and a half on its own, or all day with the compatible coaster. Plus, they can control its temperature through a companion mobile app.
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A Tile Essentials pack
For Parents Who Always Lose Their Keys
If your parents are constantly misplacing stuff, getting them some Tile Bluetooth trackers will probably save you both from some serious frustration. This starter set includes two Tile Matse for a keyring, one Tile Slim for a wallet, and one Tile Sticker for remotes, purses, or sunglasses cases.
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Credit: Sunbeam
A heated blanket
For Parents Who Are Always Cold
If your parents are constantly complaining about how cold they are (it happens naturally as we age, don’t judge!) a heated blanket can help them feel more cozy. Whether they’re lounging on the couch or snuggling into bed, this blanket features a selection of 10 heat settings and preheat feature to warm them up in no time flat. There’s also a 10-hour auto-shut off function for peace of mind.
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A portable charger
For Parents Who Love to Stay Connected
You’ll never have to worry about missing a call sesh with your ‘rents when they have a portable charger. They can enjoy sending and receiving all the selfies and video calls their hearts can handle and not worry about running out of juice. This model is slim, lightweight, and features overcharge protection.
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A sparkling beverage maker
For Parents Focused on Hydration
Unlike Sodastream, which can only carbonate sparkling water and then flavor drops are added, this sparkling beverage maker can directly carbonate juice, cocktails, tea, coffee, wine, and more! Since it carbonates the liquid directly, there is no dilution of their drink.
