Holiday Gift Guide: Parental Edition

Hi, lovely readers!

So. I’ve published holiday gift ideas for the ladies and guys in your lives, but have had a couple of requests for gift ideas for parents as well. I’m always pumped to get reader requests when it comes to post topics, so I was happy to oblige! Below, you’ll find a collection of gift ideas for parents (the list applies to your parents, your in-laws, whoever!), and will hopefully plant seeds of inspiration as you get these folks checked off your shopping list.

Let’s get to it!:

JOINT GIFTS: It can be fun to get your parents a gift they can both enjoy, and these items meet that criteria

• Blue Apron subscription: There are lots of meal subscription services out there, so feel free to choose the one you prefer, but this can be a fun gift for parents to experience together. They might be semi-new empty nesters and still getting used to this whole “cooking for just two” thing, or your dad might be getting into cooking after retirement. Whatever the scenario, if your parents like to cook or are interested in getting more into cooking, this could be the perfect gift for them this year.

• Guest book. Nope — they aren’t just for weddings! My family has always had a guest book in the guest room to record visits of friends and family, and it’s so much fun to page back through it and remember who stayed with you over the years and the various occasions that brought them there. This is one of my favorite go-to gift ideas, as it’s both useful and a keepsake. I like this one in particular.

• Personalized calendar. Want a sure-to-please gift idea? Choose some adorable family photos, put them together in calendar format (so easy to do online through lots of great outlets), and prepare for smiles galore. This is a gift that’s sure to be enjoyed all year! (If your folks are social media savvy, consider pulling photos from their Facebook or Instagram accounts for this project.) This company has some especially lovely options.

• Painting of their house, either past or present. So many family memories are made in our parents’ houses, and so commemorating either their current home or your childhood home through a lovely painting is a wonderful gift idea. Check out this artist as a starting point.

GIFTS FOR MOM: Time for some selections just she will enjoy…

• Personalized canvas pouch. This is a great gift idea for the on-the-go, organized mom. It’s both lovely and functional, and the monogram adds an extra special, gift-worthy touch.

• A monthly flower delivery subscription. I love this as a gift idea! Think about how excited your mom would be to receive a new, beautifully arranged selection of flowers every month from you. It’s a gift that feels extravagant and yet useful at the same time (my favorite kind!).

• Pressure cooker. Yes, it’s sexist to suggest this is a gift your mom will enjoy more than your dad, but I’m going traditional here and assuming that indeed that would be the case. And don’t worry — these aren’t the pressure cookers your mother might have been familiar with from her childhood, that acted as ticking time bombs. These have improved technology and what seem to be magical powers, judging by how quickly they can turn food items like frozen chicken breasts and dried beans into gloriously delicious meals.

• A new watch. Watches always feel special, and if your mom’s a daily watch wearer, this gift will be a constant reminder of you. This watch and this watch are both good options if you ask me!

GIFTS FOR DAD: His turn!

• Bluetooth tracking tag. If he can be a bit forgetful, hook Dad up with this tracking tag (compatible with iOS only) so he can always keep tabs on where he’s left his keys.

• Fulton & Roark men’s grooming products. These go over just as well with dads as they do boyfriends and husbands. Plus, now through December 31, use coupon code CURIOUS at check-out to save 15% on your total order. (And shipping is always free for orders $25 or more. Score!)

• Grilling accessories. Again with the stereotypes, but in my family the dad is the griller (both my dad and my father-in-law, and the same is true at our house, too). If your dad is into manning the grill, too, consider some fun and helpful tools for him, like these kabob grilling baskets or these Himalayan salt plates.

• Motorized tie rack. If your dad (like mine) is a tie addict, this could be the perfect addition to his closet!

Happy shopping!