Penn’s parents got to the point where they forbade us to buy them any gifts or bring anything into the house. They started the family tradition of making donations in honor of the gift recipient to a favorite charity. We honored their wishes but wanted to show up on Christmas day with SOMETHING. Here are some ideas that won’t clutter the house:
House Sketch
Whether it’s the home they live in now or maybe the one that was their favorite, a custom illustration will melt any heart.
Electric Kettle
Avoid clutter by upgrading a kitchen appliance. This electric kettle is so sleek and comes in some great colors. I know my mom will love the upgrade for her tea time.
Digital Photo Frame
I gave this gift to my parents and they love it. Warning: You may want to help them set it up. Once it’s operational, you can send new pictures that will show in the frame.
A Flower Subscription
My mother-in-law is in the end stages of Alzheimer’s. It’s awful. When she was living in her own home, Penn tried to bring her flowers on visits. She loved flowers and would have loved a subscription like this.
Peanut Brittle
This homemade peanut brittle is made by Penn’s uncle. I think food gifts are always safe for those who don’t want to clutter up the house. Warning: once you start eating it you won’t be able to stop.
Family Faceoff
This is a shameless plug for a game we created, but it’s a wonderful grandparent gift. It promises time together and lots of laughs.
New York Times Birthday Book
This premium book from the New York Times features the front pages from the day you were born plus all the birthdays that follow.
A Fill-In-The-Blank Book
I feel like this fill-in-the-blank book would be a fun project for grandparents and grandkids.
Pajama Set
As a mom, I don’t want another bathrobe but I would never turn down a comfy pajama set.
Lego Retro Radio
Give them the gift of building a 1970s transistor radio replica. It even has a sound brick that lets you turn the dial to actually hear music.
Personalized Cocktail Napkins
They will not be able to argue about you bringing them a gift if it’s something they will use right away.
Looking for more ideas? Check out all our 2024 Gift Guides here.
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