21 Thoughtful Christmas Gift Ideas For Your Parents
Merry almost-Christmas, friends! Need a little help thinking up thoughtful Christmas gift ideas for your mom or dad? I’ve got you covered…
FOR THE OUTDOORSY TYPE
National or State Park Pass
Do your parents love the outdoors? Consider purchasing them a senior national or state park pass. You can get an annual national park pass for $20 or a lifetime pass for $80. Check your state pass fees here.
Folding Portable Rocking Chair
My dad loves to rock, so we bought him this folding rocking chair for Father’s Day. It was a big hit!
Extra Thick Kneeling Pad
An extra thick kneeling pad like this one is the perfect gift for the parent who has a green thumb and weak knees.
Bird Feeder
My grandma loves to watch birds out her back window. If you think your parents might enjoy bird watching, get them a bird feeder and a bag of bird seed (a bird book could be a fun addition too).
FOR THE BOOKWORM
Large Print Bible
A large print Bible is my #1 gift recommendation for Christian parents. I own one and absolutely love it! It really makes for a nice reading experience.
Finishing Well to the Glory of God by John Dunlop, MD
In this book, geriatric specialist Dr. John Dunlop combines his medical expertise, firsthand experience with patients, and firm commitment to Scripture and proposes nine strategies for finishing life well. Theologically robust and practically relevant, his insights demonstrate the proper physical, emotional, and spiritual preparation needed so that aging and death can result in a purposeful rest in the Savior’s arms.
The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson
For the history buff, this book by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Isabel Wilkerson chronicles the decades-long migration of black citizens who fled the South for northern and western cities in search of a better life.
Audible Gift Card
Give a monthly subscription or a specific book of your choosing (I thoroughly enjoyed Everything Beautiful In Its Time by Jenna Bush Hager–it’s a collection of moving essays and sweet stories about her grandparents).
FOR THE SENTIMENTAL TYPE
Kid’s Legacy Prayer Journal
From Val Marie Paper, this journal will give your parents space to journal intentional prayers for the next generation. Meant to be eventually passed down, it’s a gift to them and to the recipient of their prayers.
Chatbooks
If your parents are missing family this year, send them a Chatbook filled with photos. They’re super simple to make–just upload the photos from your phone into the app, choose the cover, and click order! Make a one-time album or do the monthly mini subscription for just $5/month.
Family Portrait
You may not be able to do a family photo shoot this year, but how about a custom family portrait? Head over to Etsy and support a small business owner. My husband commissioned K.Jane Studio to paint our U.S. Capitol marriage proposal, and it’s one of my very favorite things.
Storycorps Interview
StoryCorps is a non-profit organization that encourages people to record interviews with their loved ones and then send them to the Library of Congress. The interviews are meant to foster a culture of listening and respect across generational lines.
FOR THE HOST(ESS)
Soup Tureen
Growing up, my grandma always served an assortment of homemade soups for Christmas dinner, so my aunt bought her beautiful tureens to serve them in. Isn’t that such a thoughtful and unique gift? Go with a classic white one or check places like Etsy for some fun vintage tureens.
Spices
Quality spices from a place like The Spice House always make for a wonderful gift. My mom loves the Vietnamese cinnamon, chip dip mix, and Madagascar pure double strength vanilla extract.
Keurig
Keurigs are great when you don’t need to make a full pot of coffee or you want to offer your guests a variety. This model brews 6-10 oz. Get a variety pack of K-cups to go with it.
GIFTS OF SERVICE
Pedicure
Our toes become harder to reach with age, so a pedicure can be a treat for mom or dad. If local restrictions won’t allow for a spa pedicure, get a foot bath and offer to cut their toenails–a true act of love!
Grocery Service
If your parents are in the 65 and older range or at higher risk for COVID, they may appreciate a few months of grocery service like Instacart Express this winter. A 3-month membership starts at $29 or you can just get a gift card for them to use as they please.
Pre-made Meals
If you live close by your parents, give them “meals for a year.” Then each month, you can either bring over a hot meal, a frozen dinner, or takeout.
If they live farther away, you may want to look at meal delivery service. Magic Kitchen specializes in meals for seniors and those with dietary restrictions.
FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART
Farkle
My mother-in-love’s favorite game! Attach a note saying that you’d love to do a game night together.
Puzzle Mat
A puzzle roll-up mat is the perfect gift for the puzzle lover in your life. Add a fun family photo puzzle from Pinhole Press to go with it!
Toy Box
Last year, we went “shopping” in our playroom and gave my Dad a bin of toys to keep at his house for when the grandkids come over and visit. It’s been a hit!
There you have it! 21 thoughtful Christmas gift ideas for your parents. I hope that you’ll find something here that will bring your parents joy. But ya know what will probably bless them most? A note of encouragement, a word of thanks, quality time, a phone call, a listening ear, or the gift of prayer. When in doubt, the greatest gift you can give your parents is always love.