Useful Gifts for Elderly Grandparents That They’ll Actually Use

Finding the best gifts for grandparents can feel like a big task. What do you give the people who have given you so much? The key is simple: choose gifts they’ll actually use and enjoy! These practical and (more importantly) thoughtful gift ideas will make their lives a little brighter and more fun.

 

Let’s explore some grandparent gift ideas that are as useful as they are heartfelt.

Tech for Everyday Joy

Give the gift of technology, but make it meaningful and easy to use. These options are designed to fit right into your grandparent’s lives without being overly complicated to setup or use.

 

  • Family Digital Picture Frames: Help them stay connected to everyone, no matter the distance! With digital picture frames from Aura and Nixplay, you can upload pictures remotely so that they’ll always have fresh snapshots of family moments.
  • Bird Feeder with a Built-In Camera: If your grandparents are birdwatchers, this could be a major game-changer. These high-tech bird feeders with built-in cameras let them enjoy close-up views of their feathered visitors, with some options even identifying species on the connected app!
  • Voice-Activated Smart Speaker: Devices like the Amazon Echo or Google Nest sure makes life easier with their hands-free assistance for everything from playing music and setting reminders to keeping up with news and weather updates.

Staying Active and Engaged

Useful gifts for grandparents are ones that can help them stay active, whether that looks like a walk with their friends, crafting, or spending time in their garden.


  • Trekking Poles: Perfect for grandparents who enjoy taking strolls or hikes, trekking poles add a bit of stability and comfort, making it easier to take in nature. Even better? Why not consider joining them on their hike?
  • Puzzles and Craft Kits: Keep their minds sharp and creativity flowing. From jigsaw puzzles to beginner-friendly knitting and painting sets, there’s something out there for every interest.
  • Easy-Grip Gardening Tools: For green-thumbed grandparents, ergonomic gardening tools help to reduce hand strain and let them focus on what they love—tending to flowers, herbs, and veggies.

Cozy Comforts

Who doesn’t love a little comfort? After that hike or gardening session, these ideas make unwinding even more enjoyable.

 

  • Heated Blanket: A soft, warm heated blanket is like a big hug they can wrap themselves up in.
  • Personalized Mug: With their heated blanket, pair a personalized mug with coffee or tea samplers for an everyday treat. Add a family picture or a sweet message for that extra touch.
  • Cozy Slippers: Look for extra cozy slippers with arch support and memory foam—a perfect grandparent gift idea for all-day comfort. 

Ideas to Bring the Family Closer

Grandparents cherish moments with family. These gifts help create memories that everyone will treasure.

 

  • Family Game Night Kits: Put together your own game night kit with simple board or card games like Uno or Ticket to Ride—perfect for grandparents and grandkids alike!
  • Custom Recipe Book: Gather your most beloved family recipes in one place. A custom family cookbook is a great way to celebrate your family’s most beloved culinary traditions. Have every entry written by the family member who makes the recipe, accompanied by a picture of the dish!
  • Handwritten Letters in a Keepsake Box: What’s more personal and heartfelt than a handwritten letter? Gather notes from the whole family and present them in a beautiful keepsake box. It’s a timeless way to share your appreciation and love for your grandparents.

Gifts for Everyday Convenience 

Sometimes, the best gifts for grandparents are the ones that make their lives a little easier. These practical picks are useful without being boring or patronizing.

 

  • Large-Print Books or Audiobooks: Large-print books or a subscription to an audiobook service such as Audible is perfect for grandparents who love reading but need something easy on the eyes (or ears)!
  • Rechargeable Reading Lamp: A portable, adjustable reading lamp is a great addition to those books you’re gifting, whether it’s rechargeable or battery-operated.
  • Grocery Delivery Gift Cards: Services like Instacart or Amazon Fresh make trips to the grocery store a thing of the past, giving grandparents more time to relax and enjoy life. Put them in a grocery money-themed card holder to really drive the theme home!

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Gift

When it comes to finding gifts grandparents actually want (and will use), think about their hobbies, interests, and daily routines. Do they love nature? Opt for the bird feeder camera. Are they always mentioning how cold they get? The heated blanket is a perfect solution. Tailoring your gift to their actual needs or personality shows thoughtfulness and care.

 

If you’re still unsure, Elfster’s Wishlists and gift exchange tools are here to help! Not only do these resources take the guesswork out of shopping, they also ensure that you’re gifting something that your grandparents truly want.

Celebrate Your Grandparents with Gifts They’ll Love

Grandparents are special people, well deserving of gifts that are useful and personal. Whether you’re shopping for Mother’s Day gifts, the best Christmas gifts, or just want to give them some love just because, the best gifts for grandparents are the ones that make them feel loved and appreciated.

 

Ready to make their day? Get started with your Wishlist or gift exchange on Elfster and bring some extra joy to their lives this season!

About Sam Watanuki 76 Articles
Sam loves writing about the holidays, but you can find him cooking up tons of holiday feasts and treats using the kitchen tools gifted to him from his Wishlist!