Gifts for parents and grandparents who say they don't want anything
Well reviewed presents for mum, dad and grandparents, with what people complain about and the questions to ask before you buy.
10 gifts scored from public reviews · $15 to $442 · Updated
The shortlist
In a hurry? Prices and buy links first. The write-ups are below.
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Parents and grandparents are often the hardest people to buy for, partly because they really do have most things already. These gifts score well in public reviews and are things people use, rather than things that sit in a cupboard.
Before you buy, read the “Not for” line on each one. A couple of these depend on what phone they have or how comfortable they are with technology.
For a reader
Kindle Paperwhite (2024)
$234
They can make the text bigger, and the screen is easy to read in bed without a lamp. Set it up before you wrap it if they're not confident with gadgets.
- Pocket-lint No star rating. Cited for what it says.
Not for: Anyone who already owns a Kindle from the last few years. The improvements are small.
For someone who's always losing their keys
Apple AirTag (2nd generation), 4 pack
$99
It's only useful if they have an iPhone, so check first. Buy holders too, because the tags have no keyring hole.
- Macworld No star rating. Cited for what it says.
Not for: Anyone with an Android phone. It won't work for them at all.
For someone who likes a project
LEGO Icons Flower Bouquet (10280)
$60
A good one for a grandparent who does jigsaws. It takes a few evenings, and they'll need a vase for it afterwards.
- The Brothers Brick No star rating. Cited for what it says.
Not for: Someone who wants a finished thing to put straight on the table. You'll need a vase, and someone has to build it.
For someone who likes nice things
NEOM Perfect Night's Sleep candle (1 wick)
$51
A smart present that doesn't need explaining. Some people find it small for the money.
Not for: Anyone who judges a candle by its size. You're paying for the oils and the name, not the amount of wax.
For a parent who still runs or plays sport
Theragun Mini (3rd generation)
$220
Good for sore muscles. It's a poor choice for anyone with weak or painful wrists, because the handle vibrates.
Not for: Anyone with sore or weak wrists. Some reviewers find the vibration through the handle uncomfortable after a few minutes.
Aura Carver digital photo frame
$189
A 10-inch photo frame that family can send pictures to from their phones. Popular with grandparents who aren't on social media.
Not for: A home without reliable Wi-Fi, or someone who'd be uneasy about their photos being stored online.
Charbonnel et Walker Pink Marc de Champagne Truffles (200g)
$32
Milk chocolate truffles with champagne and strawberry, in the pink box people recognise. A thank-you present that looks the part.
Not for: Children, anyone who avoids alcohol, or someone who'd rather have a big bar for a quarter of the price.
Ooni Koda 12 gas pizza oven
$378
A portable gas pizza oven that cooks a pizza in about a minute. For a garden, not a kitchen.
- TechGearLab No star rating. Cited for what it says.
Not for: Someone without outdoor space, or who wants to cook big pizzas for a crowd at once.
Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones
$442
Sony's top noise-cancelling headphones. Very good at shutting out a train or an open-plan office.
Not for: Someone who'll mostly use them at the gym or in the rain. They're made for commutes and flights.
Burt's Bees Essential Kit
$15
Five travel-sized Burt's Bees basics in a small box, including lip balm, hand salve and foot cream. An easy Secret Santa for under £15.
Not for: Someone who's vegan, or who already has a bathroom full of miniatures they never open.
Questions people ask
Is a Kindle hard for an older person to set up?
It needs a Wi-Fi connection and an Amazon account. If you can, set it up yourself before you give it, and download a couple of books you know they'll like, so it works as soon as they open it.
Do AirTags work with Android phones?
No. They only work with an iPhone or iPad. If your parent uses Android, they won't be able to use it at all.
What do you get someone who says they don't want anything?
Usually something they'll use up or use every day, rather than another object to find space for. A book on an e-reader, a candle, or something that saves them a small hassle, like finding their keys.