The only person harder to shop for than grandma, is grandpa. Not only have your grandparents been on this earth a long time, but they also tend to buy themselves everything on their own list.
While the perfect gift for your grandparent will vary based on their hobbies and home, we’ve made a list of all of the best gifts for grandpa, so you can find the exact gift to make your family member smile.
1. A Beer of the Month Subscription
If you have a grandfather who loves beer, or loves activities that involve beer (like fishing or watching sports, for example), then a beer of the month subscription is the perfect gift for him. Not only will he get to try a new a beer each month and expand his palate, but he also will have something to look forward to all year long—making this the gift that keeps on giving.
2. A Watch
Watches are one of the oldest and most popular gifts—and for a good reason. Not only are they something a bit luxurious, but there are so many options. Even if your grandfather already has a watch, chances are you can find one with cool features he doesn’t have, giving him the option to rotate between his collection based on his agenda.
Some watch ideas include an Apple Watch, watches created for divers, or those that show multiple time zones, all things he will show off to his friends with a smile on his face. Of course, this is a bit pricier of a gift, so it might be a good idea to get your cousins in and purchase this gift as one for your grandfather.
3. A Digital Photo Frame
We know we recommend this gift in a lot of our articles, but it really is an amazing gift. A digital photo frame not only allows your grandparents to display all of their photos with pride (without having to squint at a tiny phone screen), but every member of your family can send new photos to the frame all year round.
4. Take Grandpa to a Show
Many individuals start to downsize in their late 60s and early 70s, and simply don’t have use for any more stuff. If this sounds like your grandfather, then it’s time to give the gift of quality time. Take your grandfather to dinner, a concert, or a show. Even if his favorite bands are no longer performing, there are many tribute bands which can provide just as fun a show!
5. A Certificate for Help Around the House
For those with a grandfather in his 80s or older, don’t underestimate the value of help around the home. Most grandfathers have a list of projects they want to do, but don’t have the physical capabilities to do. Even if you aren’t very handy, don’t underestimate the value of an hour of yardwork, laundry, or a home-cooked dinner for an aging grandparent.
6. A Gag Gift
The gift of laughter is just as important as useful gifts. Of course, you will need to take your grandfather’s brand of humor into account before you buy, but we know there is something on the market that will make them laugh. Just check out this grandfather’s ice cream shovel, Grandpa’s juice whiskey glass, and Grandpa-friendly text abbreviations t-shirt.
7. Something for the Kitchen
Grandparents have a lot of time on their hands, and it’s high time you gift your grandfather something he has been talking about trying for years. Our suggestions include a whiskey smoker kit, a home-brewed root beer kit, and a fancy set of grill tools.
8. A New Grill
Again, this is a larger gift, but we are willing to bet you have lots of cousins who are having the same problem as you are. If you all put $25 in, chances are, you can buy your grandfather a nice new grill. You can even bring your parents’ generation in if you need more capital!
We recommend choosing a pellet grill if you have enough money, as these grills are easy to use and don’t require as much skill as charcoal grills. You also don’t need to worry about hauling around heavy gas cans, though we suppose pellets can be heavy too!
9. Garden Supplies
Does your grandfather love to garden? Don’t underestimate how much he is spending on gardening supplies! While you can purchase a gift card to a home improvement or garden store, we recommend taking the time to get to know what he needs or uses a lot of. Though it might seem silly to wrap a bag of soil, the cost of them can add up!
You could also purchase a nice or fun watering can, a bird feeder, or something else auxiliary that your grandfather wouldn’t buy for himself.
10. Sports Gear
Has your grandfather taken up a sport like golf, tennis, or pickleball? Sports cost money, and purchasing your grandfather new equipment can be a great gift!
Even if your grandfather already has everything he needs, a t-shirt from his favorite team, or a branded hat can be a fun gift to unwrap at Christmas time. If you don’t have a lot of money, asking your grandfather to teach you his favorite sport, or offering to play with him, can go a long way.
11. Fancy Snacks
Grandparents love consumable gifts, as they can be fun but also don’t add stress as they work to downsize. This gift can go a few different ways; you can make a fun gift to share with your grandfather, or you can order something unique for you to try together.
Some ideas we have used in the past are a beef jerky tasting from Man Crates, though popcorn buckets and nut trays are also very popular options. If you want to get really creative, consider a hot sauce set you can taste together, or a unique flavor of potato chips you can laugh about trying later.
