There's never a bad time to embrace the holiday shopping spirit—especially when it comes to picking out gifts for your parents (or the teachers, siblings, or in-laws that fill that parental role in your life). After all, Mom and Dad deserve something truly special—that they'll actually use.
Your gift options are literally endless thanks to online shopping. But, that can also lead to some serious decision fatigue. That's why I've curated this list of the best gifts for parents, depending on their hobbies and interests.
Always catching their hands in the cookie jar? Send a box of alfajores ASAP. Or, maybe the neighbors know them for their wild game nights—a shiny new Scrabble board is a click away. There’s also a chance your parents are totally sentimental, in which case a personalized collage frame is sure to start the waterworks.
Even if they’re the kind of parents who assure you they don’t need anything, the smallest gift can be a thoughtful way to show your love and appreciation for them.
See below for the 35 best gifts for parents—thoughtful, practical presents that they'll actually use.
Couples who cook together stay together (hey, I don't make the rules). Help avoid fights in the kitchen—all of us have been there, don't worry—with this super easy slow cooker. Simply add in all the ingredients for stews, soups, and even pasta. And of course, you get to reap the benefits when you come home to visit.
Gift this DNA test to your parents, and you might find that learning about your family’s origins brings you closer together. It'll make for a great topic of conversation at the next family dinner, too.
Your 'rents will adore this foolproof smart frame, even if they're not tech-savvy—trust me. You and your siblings can automatically upload new photos from an app on your phone, making this one gift that won't ever get old.
5
Best Kitchen Gift
Cuisinart Frozen Yogurt, Sorbet, and Ice Cream Maker
5
Best Kitchen Gift
Cuisinart Frozen Yogurt, Sorbet, and Ice Cream Maker
Perfect for the parents with a sweet tooth, this highly rated ice cream, yogurt, and sorbet maker will ensure they never get bored of whatever flavor is in the freezer.
Contribute to their next adventure with an Airbnb gift card at the amount of your choosing. Whether they're using it for a luxe penthouse in Hong Kong or a cozy cabin in the mountains, any parent will love this.
When was the last time your parents truly enjoyed a a fresh loaf of bread? They'll have some fun making everything from pizza crust to sourdough and banana bread in this—and of course, they'll have to whip it out when you come home to visit.
Any wine-loving parents will love showing off this wine opener, aerator, and vacuum set (complete with its own LED stand!) on their bar cart at dinner parties. It's also great for the parents who just can't finish a whole bottle of vino on their own.
Your parents have cooked for you for their whole lives, so give them the gift of a well-earned break! Gobble is a meal delivery subscription service that caters to all types of cuisines, ranging from vegetarian and pescatarian to meat-heavy meals. Give your 'rents a gift card or buy them a few meals for a week.
Your parents can bring their favorite tunes with them wherever they go (backyard BBQ! the beach!) with this highly-rated portable, waterproof speaker from Marshall.
11
Best For Memory Makers
chathamplace What a Difference a Day Makes Burlap Print
11
Best For Memory Makers
chathamplace What a Difference a Day Makes Burlap Print
I'm not crying; you're crying. (Okay, I am tearing up a wee bit.) Seriously, though—this gift for parents very sweetly and thoughtfully features all your family's important dates without being over the top. Cue the happy tears.
If your parents love to indulge in a few brews, they'll get a kick out of this craft beer-making kit that will allow them to make their own 12-pack complete with customizable labels.
Record players were cool back in their day, and they're making a serious comeback. But, this one has some serious upgrades they'll appreciate, like bluetooth connectivity and superior sound quality.
Who doesn't love gazing at the stars? Your parents will spend endless nights searching for Saturn's rings once they set this fun gadget up at their house.
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16
For The Foodies
Philips Kitchen Appliances Pasta and Noodle Maker Plus
16
For The Foodies
Philips Kitchen Appliances Pasta and Noodle Maker Plus
Your 'rents will make a date night out of learning how to make homemade pasta with this fun gadget that can help them whip up spaghetti, fettuccini, penne, lasagna, dumplings and more.
17
Best For Fierce Competitors
WS Game Company Scrabble Deluxe Edition Wooden Board
17
Best For Fierce Competitors
WS Game Company Scrabble Deluxe Edition Wooden Board
I know, I know. There are so many other things you'd rather do on a Friday night than sit around with your parents playing Scrabble. But, trust me—they’ll love it (and love you for it).
Your parents probably don't have much trouble remembering you and your sibs' names, but these personalized throw pillow covers will let all of their houseguests know exactly where their priorities lie.
Need pillow inserts to complete this holiday gift? Try these.
If you've got outdoorsy parents (and, yes—laying on the beach counts), they'll love this portable wine or champagne insulator. After all, an outdoor afternoon is incomplete without a chilled beverage. It also works for non-alcoholic sparkling bevvies.
Neha Tandon is the senior commerce editor of Women's Health—she's an expert in discovering the best products and services you can buy and giving recommendations. She discovered her love for magazines when as a teen, she started stealing her mother's magazines. Determined to see more women who look like her and her family members on the glossy covers of magazines, she was guided by seasoned editors and mentors to write for brands including New York Magazine, Cosmopolitan, BRIDES, Harper's Bazaar, Business Insider, Byrdie, and Well+Good. When she’s not grilling dermatologists about the latest skincare trends, she’s doing candlelit yoga or watching Humphrey Bogart movies over vegan pizza. Follow her on Instagram.
Lindsay Geller is the Lifestyle Director at Women’s Health, where she oversees the Life, Sex & Love, and Relationships sections on WomensHealthMag.com and the Mind section of Women's Health magazine. When she's not writing or editing articles about the latest dating trends and pop culture phenomenons, she's usually watching reality TV or playing with her dog, Lucille (Go Fetch That) Ball.
Pooja Shah is a freelance writer and lawyer based in NYC. She's wanted to be a writer ever since growing up watching Rory Gilmore of Gilmore Girls pursue her passion for journalism. You'll find her forever sampling different NYC cafes, waking up at 6 am to go to Orange Theory, and binging BBC thriller dramas. Follow her on Instagram and visit her webpage here.