43 Best Gifts for Parents Who Claim They Don’t Want Anything
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Here’s the truth: The absolute best gifts for parents is time spent together, but if you want to show that you’re thinking of them or if you live far away, we have ideas on that front too. Whether you’re shopping for your mom, dad, or in-laws, our shopping editors recommend items that foster quality time. Tech gifts like a new Bluetooth projector for monthly movie nights or sentimental gadgets like the Aura Carver digital picture frame, which you can preload with pics of their grandkids, are always a hit. You also can’t go wrong with personalized gifts like a custom cutting board with the family name, if they still love to cook for you. For parents who seem to have everything, we like thoughtful presents, such as a journal where you can record prompts like “The best advice you would give your 16-year old self.” It serves as a perfect under-$20 gift idea that’ll help you make (and preserve) memories—which, after all, is the gift that keeps on giving.
The best gifts for parents, at a glance
- Best Mom and Dad Gift: Aura Carver Digital Picture Frame, $149
- Best Anniversary Gift: Personalized Travel Adventures Map Print, $96
- Best Christmas Gift: Breo N5 Mini Neck Massager With Heat, $60
- Best for Parents Who Like to Host: Anthropologie Gilded Agate Cheese Board, $78
- Best Sentimental Gift: Tell Me Your Life Story Keepsake Book, $11
- Best Gift for New Parents: Casper Hyperlite Sheet Set, $125
- Best Gift for In-Laws: TMY Mini Projector, $70
- 1/43
Aura Carver Digital Picture Frame (10.1")
Here’s a thoughtful present for parents or grandparents who don’t live close to their loved ones. They’ll delight in seeing their little ones on their screen every day thanks to this digital photo frame that creates slideshows of your favorite family photos.
- 2/43
Tell Me Your Life Story, Mom: A Mother’s Guided Journal and Memory Keepsake Book
Give your mom a timeless keepsake with this guided journal. It features more than 200 prompts to help her capture her life story and wisdom, turning her memories into a treasured family heirloom. (There’s also a version for Dad, of course.)
- 3/43
Tangerine Pickleball Paddle Set
Whether they’re just picking up the sport or have been at it for years, this vibrant set includes two lightweight pickleball paddles with a honeycomb core, plus a canister of durable pickleballs. Perfect for adding a splash of fun to their game.
- 4/43
Personalised Travel Adventures Map Print
Turn cherished travel memories into a one-of-a-kind piece of art with this personalized hand-drawn map print. Perfect for capturing up to 14 of your parents’ favorite places and their special moments, it’s a unique gift that celebrates their adventures together.
- 5/43
Amazon Kindle E-Reader
Gifting a new parent? “I’ve waxed poetic about my trusty Kindle before, but I’d love to upgrade to a newer version like this one since the light is adjustable. (I’ve found that mine can be too bright for midnight nursing sessions.) And since I only have one free hand while feeding the baby, a tablet like this is so much easier for me to read than a paperback. Pair it with a gift card for e-books for bonus points,” says Glamour contributor Deanna Pai.
- 6/43
Mark & Graham Scrabble Game Set
Level up family game night with this coastal-inspired Scrabble set. Featuring a sleek turntable board, smooth white tiles, and a stylish scorepad, it hallmarks the tradition of family game nights. Personalize it with a name or monogram to make it a cherished family keepsake.
- 7/43
UrbanStems Flower Subscription
One of the best subscriptions around? A bouquet of flowers delivered right to their door so they always know you’re thinking of them. Choose from different tiers to match their style and your budget, and each delivery includes a beautiful vase. It’s a great gift for your mother-in-law who likes to cheer up her home with greenery and fresh flowers.
- 8/43
Bestinnkits Smart Coffee Cup Warmer Set
Ensure that Mom or Dad’s coffee never goes cold with this coffee-cup warmer set that they can conveniently keep on their desk.
- 9/43
Baby Brezza Bottle Washer Pro
For new parents up to their necks in bottles and pump parts, this all-in-one bottle washer is a game changer (and one of our favorite things to gift new moms and new dads). It automatically washes, sterilizes, and dries, saving them from the endless cycle of handwashing and drying racks, which gives them more time to enjoy their little one.
- 10/43
KitchenAid Classic Series Stand Mixer (4.5 Quart)
If Mom or Dad spends a lot of time in the kitchen, they’ll be forever grateful for this stand mixer (complete with a removable stainless-steel bowl) that can make kneading dough and mixing up batters a whole lot easier.
- 11/43
Vinglacé Wine Bottle Chiller
It’s always nice to get away and have some me time. This wine bottle chiller is a great accompaniment to a day out with their friends. It also makes for a great anniversary present; just add a bottle of vino.
- 12/43
Ooni Karu 12G Multi-Fuel Outdoor Pizza Oven
Make pizza nights more interesting by getting the whole family involved, grandkids included. This pizza oven is so simple to use and makes perfect pies that the whole family can enjoy.
- 13/43
Deironply Custom Golf Ball Stamp
Dad will be the coolest guy at tee time if you gift him this golf ball stamp he can customize with his own initials.
- 14/43
Yeti Hopper Flip 12 Soft Cooler
If they love trips to the beach, or even just visiting their neighbors across the lawn, this lightweight Yeti cooler is easy to pack and will keep drinks, snacks, you name it, fresh. It’s also a great gift for new parents. “Never would I have anticipated becoming a Yeti fangirl, yet here I am talking about coolers with the utmost enthusiasm. As a breastfeeding mom, I find it’s one of my most used items, given all the toting around of bottles, pumping on the go, and staying hydrated with chilled water and electrolyte beverages. When I’m past this stage, it’ll be great for toting drinks and snacks around for pool hangs, picnics, and for travel,” says Glamour contributor Laura Lajines.
- 15/43
J Jimoo 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
Give your parents the gift of beauty sleep with these silk pillowcases. Made from luxurious mulberry silk, they’ll keep hair frizz-free and skin care on point.
- 16/43
We’re Not Really Strangers Family Edition Card Game
How well do you really know your parents? Find out with this game that sparks deep conversations and laughter. It’s perfect for game nights, offering three levels of questions that will reveal new sides of each other and strengthen family bonds.
- 17/43
TMY Mini Projector
Whether you’re viewing old family footage, reliving vacation photos, or watching the game outside, this tech gift brings everyone together. With its upgraded 1080P HD quality and Bluetooth connectivity, it’s your ticket to turning any space into a mini home theater or backyard cinema.
- 18/43
Breo N5 Mini Neck Massager with Heat
What parent doesn’t need a neck rub? This mini neck massager offers soothing heat and a gentle, humanlike massage experience, perfect for unwinding after a long day or grabbing a moment of peace at home.
- 19/43
Our Place Perfect Pot
“As a parent, I know how challenging meal time can be, especially when you’re multitasking, which parents are always doing. One-pot cooking makes dinner a whole lot easier, and the Perfect Pot from Our Place makes things a lot simpler. It’s very versatile—I love using the steamer so I can have al dente veggies and leave them in longer for kiddos who enjoy things a bit mushier. I would be stoked to give or receive this,” says Andrew Brady, chef and co-owner of Dear Annie + Field & Vine.
- 20/43
Ugg Scuffette II Slippers
A cozy Christmas gift like slippers is always a good idea for mom or dad. This pair is comfortable, non-slip and suitable for your wallet at under $100.
- 21/43
“Exceptionally Bad Dad Jokes” by Spiffy McChappy
Dad will love this novelty book of family-friendly dad jokes that he can whip out at the most appropriate (or inappropriate) times.
- 22/43
Uncommon Goods Homemade Limoncello Kit
Do your parents love a cocktail? They can have fun learning how to make their own homemade limoncello with this kit.
- 23/43
Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine
The Nespresso Vertuo machine (a.k.a. caffeine!) is a perfect gift for any coffee lover. Even if they’re longtime French press lovers, they’ll appreciate how sleek and incredibly easy to use this is.
- 24/43
MasterClass Gift Card
The ultimate gift card? One that fuels their passions via MasterClass. With a membership, they’ll get access to a treasure trove of more than 200 classes taught by the world’s best (think Gordon Ramsey and Martha Stewart). Whether they’re into cooking, writing, photography, or leadership, there’s something to spark their creativity and expand their skills.
- 25/43
Turner Classic Movies Presents “Leonard Maltin’s Classic Movie Guide”
If Dad’s an old movie buff, he’ll love this classic movie guide book that zooms in on all the classics, from Casablanca to Singin’ in the Rain.
- 26/43
Diptyque Tubereuse Fragrance Home Wall & Car Diffuser Refill Insert
These Electric Home Fragrance Wall Diffusers from Diptyque are such a beautiful design and can be filled with any of their signature scents. Our faves? Amber and Tuberose.
- 27/43
Artifact Uprising Everyday Photo Book
We’re loving the new deep green hue of this classic photo book—perfect for personalizing Mom and Dad’s coffee table with their favorite snapshots. It’s all about celebrating the small moments with a touch of elegance and simplicity.
- 28/43
23andMe Health + Ancestry Service
Dive deeper into your family’s history and uncover hidden stories with this DNA test kit—who knows what surprising details your parents will uncover.
- 29/43
Casper Hyperlite Sheet Set (Queen)
“Our daughter recently shifted into her own room after turning one, and we finally have our room back to ourselves. Investing in nice bed sheets like Casper’s Hyperlight set is one of the best gifts one can give to a new parent, IMO,” says Nikita Charuza, founder of Squigs Beauty and freelance fashion and beauty editor.
- 30/43
Nécessaire The Body Lotion
Skip the gift certificate and level up their skin care regimen with this luxe body lotion made with soothing scents like eucalyptus and santal.
- 31/43
Malin+Goetz Tomato Candle
This trending candle will fill their home with crispy notes of tomato vine and greens.
- 32/43
Bala Bangles Exercise Weights
A simple way to exercise, even if Mom or Dad is squeezing it in during a leisurely after dinner walk, these weighted wristbands from Bala, which can be worn on the ankle or wrist, are beloved by Glamour editors.
- 33/43
Ninja Air Fryer (4-Qt.)
Any home chef will adore this top-rated air fryer, which takes the fuss and so much clean up work out of cooking–which means more time you can spend together actually eating.
- 34/43
Aesop Aromatique Room Spray
If they can’t indulge in a spa day as often as they’d like, a spritz of this around the home will help relax and refresh.
- 35/43
NutriBullet Single-Serve Blender Set
“I’m always on the go and in the car a lot between dropping off my kids, commuting to work, or running errands. A quick pow-wow smoothie gets me fueled up in a jiffy. My daughters love their morning smoothies too. Parenting hack: I add a bit of kale to get them to eat more greens,” says Jennie Yoon, founder of jewelry brand Kinn.
- 36/43
Free Village Countertop Bullet Ice Maker (6-Minute)
A useful gift for any parent that hosts happy hour, this tabletop ice maker will help ensure their beverages are always chilled to perfection.
- 37/43
Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Facial Wand & Serum Bundle
Self-care is a great way for mom and dad to unwind. Enhance their wellness routine with this red-light therapy facial wand that will rejuvenate and refresh their skin.
- 38/43
Made In Blue Carbon-Steel Wok
Glamour commerce producer Leilani McQuay swears by this steel wok by cookware maker Made In. “This wok is one of the best investments I’ve ever made—it has made cooking easy and enjoyable! I’ve prepared some of my finest dishes with it, from delicious fried noodles to the fluffiest eggs. It heats up quickly and is nonstick, and clean-up is a breeze. I’ve even gifted it twice!”
- 39/43
Shark Cordless Hand Vacuum
For the parents who’ve always been on top of every crumb and dust bunny, this lightweight hand vac is just what they need. It’s perfect for their relentless tidying, with powerful suction and a sleek, easy-to-use design that makes cleaning a breeze—no more following them around with the vacuum.
- 40/43
“Capri Dolce” Vita by Cesare Cunaccia (Assouline)
Coffee table books make beautiful gifts to display around the home, and this will help them escape to Capri, even if taking them on a trip is far from being in the cards.
- 41/43
Zulay Kitchen Handheld Milk Frother
“I love this for whipping up a tasty decaf almond-milk latte. It’s a nice little treat while I’m playing with my kids,” says Elisa Solomon Kaplicer, founder and designer of Elisa Solomon Jewelry.
- 42/43
Yosuda Under Desk Elliptical
If they could use a little more exercise but have difficulty with mobility, this under-desk elliptical gadget can help them get moving at their own pace.
- 43/43
Artifact Uprising Hardcover Travel Photo Book
Help them remember their favorite travel memories with this DIY custom photo book that can store all of their favorite pictures and moments of family members who are far away.