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38 Best Gifts for Parents That Are Useful and Unique
Including meaningful picks for new moms and dads.
Parents do it all. Handling school drop-offs and pick-ups, preparing meal after meal, assisting with homework, planning extracurricular activities and homework, the list goes on. Throw their own hectic work schedule into the mix, and it might seem like there's never a moment to relax and recharge as a parent, not to mention handle basic household tasks. That's why we're sharing this roundup of the best gifts for parents.
If you're a child shopping for your own parents or grandparents, we have meaningful gifts for Mom (and your mother-in-law!), fun finds for Dad and sentimental presents for Grandma or Grandpa. When picking out the perfect present for new parents, you can't go wrong with a more useful gift, like a meal delivery subscription or smart mugs that keep coffee hot for hours. There are also a ton of unique ideas from Etsy for the parents who just seem to have everything and always say they want nothing.
So grab your wallet and shop these gifts for parents that are perfect for Christmas, anniversaries, birthdays or just because you admire and appreciate them so much.
Uncommon Goods Long Distance Lamp
This lamp comes as a pair, and when you touch one to light it up, the other lights up, too. Send one to Grandma and Grandpa, or other far-flung relatives, and it's easy to feel connected.
Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager
Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager
At the end of a long day of chasing around kids or grandkids, someone is going to need a massage. Not only does this offer a deep kneading, it also heats up for extra relief.
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Ember Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug
Ember Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug
If the parents in your life can't bear the idea of drinking coffee that's gone cold for the next 18 years, give them this smart mug, which keeps coffee hot while it's on its charging coaster. Users can also download an app to control the temperature or program presets.
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QI-EU Wireless Charging Station
This extremely convenient charger has enough capability to charge a phone, smartwatch and wireless headphones all at once.
RELATED: Thoughtful Gifts for Moms That Are Unique Enough for the Woman Who Has It All
THE COMFY Wearable Blanket
For the mom or dad who is always cold, they will find instant warmth and comfort in this one-size-fits- all wearable blanket that's made from plush Sherpa. It comes in kids' and adult sizes, so you can get one for everyone in the family. It also comes in different colors and prints.
Chatham Place What a Difference a Day Makes Burlap Print
Chatham Place What a Difference a Day Makes Burlap Print
Commemorate all the birthdays of their grandkids in one place of with this customized burlap print. You can choose one of two sizes, and you can get it framed or unframed.
SKT Productions Screen Cleaner
Kid fingerprints get everywhere. Save parents from a life of dirty devices with this simple screen cleaner, which works on almost any touchscreen.
Thanks to this mixed flower subscription, they'll be reminded of nature's beauty — and just how much you appreciate them — every month.
PeachyPrintsByRosie Llama Family Cutsomized Print
PeachyPrintsByRosie Llama Family Cutsomized Print
Anyone can have a regular family portrait, but only a truly unique family deserves one as fun as this! If alpacas are too trendy, you can get pick birds, penguins, dogs or foxes.
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Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Menus: A Book for Your Meals and Memories
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Menus: A Book for Your Meals and Memories
All of those family dinners have to add up to something, right? In this blank recipe book, the legendary Jacques Pépin has illustrated pages and prompts, so parents can record important dinners, the wines that were served and even the music that played during the meal.
Artifact Uprising Artifact Uprising Color Series Photo Book
Artifact Uprising Artifact Uprising Color Series Photo Book
Help them document a new addition to the family, an awesome vacation or just a year in the life with these photo books. They come in sizes 5" x 5" to 8" x 5", and you can choose the color of the cover.
Few brands can beat Yeti's durability, so this is ideal for new parents (or parents of toddlers). It's puncture- and rust-resistant, as well as dishwasher safe. It also keeps drinks at the perfect temperature.
Or, opt for this travel mug, which holds a bit more liquid. The slim profile also means it's great to throw in a purse or diaper bag. And the most important thing? The lock works like a charm.
Adeco Family Tree Metal Wall Hanging
Adeco Family Tree Metal Wall Hanging
Give kids a glimpse into their ancestry with this eye-catching family tree that features six picture frames. Fill them with shots of their grandparents, cousins, you name it.
If they love nothing more than traveling, they'll get a kick out of marking all the fun destinations they've visited over the years on this handmade wood map.
Cuisinart 20-Piece Deluxe Grill Set
Cuisinart 20-Piece Deluxe Grill Set
This 20-piece grilling set has everything they'll ever need to make steak, ribs, burgers, you name it. It's a bestseller on Amazon for good reason. It's heavy-duty, easy to clean and even comes with a thermometer fork!
Personalized Photo Keyring in Leather Case
With this mini photo album keychain in a leather case, parents can keep their loved ones close whether they are headed off to work or vacation. It comes in 10 different colors and includes an engraving.
Arlo Essential Wire-Free Video Doorbell
Mom and Dad can see exactly when the babysitter arrives with this wire-free video doorbell that's approved by the Good Housekeeping Institute. It provides a 180-degree wide field view and is equipped to let them communicate to anyone at the door or opt for a pre-recorded response when they're unable to answer.
Harry and David Grand Signature Gift Basket
Harry and David Grand Signature Gift Basket
A gift basket full of gourmet goodies never fails to impress. If they're feeling for something sweet, they can reach for pears or apples. When a craving for something savory strikes, there's everything from mixed nuts to three-seed crackers.
Marisa (she/her) has covered all things parenting, from the postpartum period through the empty nest, for Good Housekeeping since 2018; she previously wrote about parents and families at Parents and Working Mother. She lives with her husband and daughter in Brooklyn, where she can be found dominating the audio round at her local bar trivia night or tweeting about movies.
Monique Valeris is the senior home editor for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
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