Finding the perfect gift for your grandmother can be a heartwarming yet sometimes challenging task. You want to give her something that she’ll truly appreciate, something that speaks to her needs and desires, and shows her how much you care. More than just a present, you’re aiming for a useful gift that enhances her daily life and brings her joy.
Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or just to show your love, choosing a gift that is both thoughtful and practical is key. As Diane Gottsman, a renowned etiquette expert and author of Modern Etiquette for a Better Life, wisely advises, “It’s not so much the gift but the memory you make… Time is more precious than any other gift, and giving Grandma the gift of time, along with the gift, makes it even more special.” So, let’s dive into a curated list of useful gifts that will not only be cherished but also make your grandmother’s life a little easier and a lot more delightful.
Top Useful Gifts for Grandmothers
This selection of gifts combines practicality with thoughtfulness, ensuring your grandmother receives something she can truly use and enjoy.
1. Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light: For the Avid Reader
Is your grandmother an enthusiastic reader? The Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light is an incredibly useful gift that allows her to immerse herself in books without straining her eyes, especially during nighttime reading. Featuring adjustable brightness levels and color temperatures, this light isn’t just for books; it’s also perfect for hobbies like knitting or sewing, providing focused illumination exactly where it’s needed.
2. UGG Scuffette II Slippers: Comfort and Warmth at Home
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A comfortable pair of slippers is a timeless and useful gift for anyone, especially grandmothers. UGG Scuffette II Slippers offer both luxury and practicality. Made with soft suede and UGG’s signature sheepskin lining, these slippers provide exceptional warmth and comfort. The durable sole means she can wear them indoors and out for quick errands or collecting the mail, making them versatile for everyday use.
3. Ocoopa Rechargeable Hand Warmer: For Warmth on the Go
If your grandmother often feels the cold, especially during outdoor events or chilly days, the Ocoopa Rechargeable Hand Warmer is a thoughtful and useful gift. This set of two hand warmers offers multiple temperature settings and long-lasting rechargeable batteries. They are a significant upgrade from disposable hand warmers, ensuring she stays cozy and comfortable whether she’s at a grandchild’s game or just enjoying a walk outside.
4. Ayesha Curry Bacon Grease Can: Southern Kitchen Essential
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For grandmothers who love to cook, particularly with classic Southern flavors, the Ayesha Curry Bacon Grease Can is a charming and practical gift. Saving bacon grease for cooking is a time-honored tradition, enhancing dishes with rich, smoky flavor. This beautifully designed grease can is both functional and stylish for any kitchen countertop.
5. PersonalizationMall Birth Month Flower Pot: A Touch of Personal Garden
Combine personalization with a love for gardening with the PersonalizationMall Birth Month Flower Pot. This custom planter can be adorned with birth month flowers of family members and personalized text. It’s a delightful way for her to display her pride in her family while adding a touch of greenery to her home or garden, perfect for herbs or decorative plants.
6. Lamicall Tablet Pillow Stand: Relaxed Tech Time
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For tech-savvy grandmothers or those who enjoy reading or watching videos on tablets, the Lamicall Tablet Pillow Stand is a wonderfully useful gift. This pillow stand provides comfortable support for tablets on any surface – be it a table or sofa. It allows her to relax and enjoy her digital content hands-free, reducing neck and hand strain.
7. Southern Living Holiday Hot Cocoa Jar: Festive Warmth
Perfect for the holiday season or any cozy winter day, the Southern Living Holiday Red Snowflake Hot Cocoa Jar is both decorative and functional. This stoneware jar, adorned with festive snowflakes, is ideal for storing hot cocoa mix. It brings a touch of holiday spirit to her kitchen and is microwave and dishwasher safe for everyday convenience.
8. Better Homes & Gardens Porch Swing: Relaxing Outdoor Comfort
For grandmothers who enjoy spending time outdoors, the Better Homes & Gardens Camrose Farmhouse Porch Swing offers a comfortable and stylish seating option. Named a top pick for wicker porch swings, it’s spacious for two, comes with lumbar pillows, and is made with durable, weather-resistant materials. It’s a gift that encourages relaxation and enjoying the outdoors.
9. Wonderbly Personalized Grandma Book: Sentimental Storytelling
A deeply sentimental and useful gift is the Wonderbly I Love Grandma This Much Book. This personalized book allows you to include your grandmother’s name and the names of up to four grandchildren in a heartwarming story. It’s a beautiful keepsake that celebrates the unique bond between a grandmother and her grandchildren, perfect for reading together or as a cherished memory.
10. Jack Rogers Melnick Moccasins: Stylish and Practical Footwear
For a blend of style and practicality, consider Jack Rogers Melnick Moccasins. These suede loafers are elegant yet comfortable, featuring a tassel detail and a supportive rubber outsole. They are versatile enough for both casual outings and more formal occasions, making them a useful addition to her wardrobe.
11. Southern Living Holiday Kitchen Towels: Festive Kitchen Upgrade
Update your grandmother’s kitchen décor with the Southern Living Holiday Merry & Grand Kitchen Towels. These festive cotton towels, decorated with holiday greenery, are not only decorative but also highly practical for everyday kitchen tasks, adding a touch of holiday cheer to her home.
12. Taoyio Solar Water Can Light: Enchanting Garden Decor
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For grandmothers with a love for gardening, the Taoyio Solar Water Can Light is a whimsical and useful outdoor decoration. This solar-powered light automatically illuminates at dusk, creating a magical effect of flowing water. It’s a charming way to enhance her garden décor while also serving as a gentle reminder to water her plants.
13. Coach Essential Small Wristlet: Stylish and Compact
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A stylish and useful accessory, the Coach Essential Small Wristlet is perfect for grandmothers who appreciate elegance and practicality. Made from polished pebble leather, this wristlet is ideal for carrying essentials like a phone, cards, and keys. Its detachable strap offers versatility, making it suitable for various occasions.
14. Chanel No. 5 Purse Spray: Classic Fragrance On-the-Go
Chanel N°5 is an iconic and timeless fragrance, making the purse spray a luxurious yet useful gift. This refillable spray is perfect for keeping her signature scent with her throughout the day, whether she’s traveling or simply out for the afternoon. The elegant packaging adds to the gift’s sophistication.
15. Papier Folk Flowers Recipe Journal: Cherished Family Recipes
Help your grandmother preserve and organize her cherished family recipes with the Papier Folk Flowers Recipe Journal. This beautifully designed journal includes sections for various meals and notes, providing ample space to document culinary creations and family food traditions. Personalizing it with her name adds an extra thoughtful touch.
16. Le Creuset Heritage Rectangular Dishes: Kitchen Heirloom Quality
For grandmothers who love to bake and cook, Le Creuset Heritage Rectangular Dishes are an investment in quality and a highly useful kitchen gift. This set of three stoneware baking dishes in various sizes is oven, freezer, and microwave-safe. Known for their durability and timeless design, these dishes will be a staple in her kitchen for years to come.
17. Favorite Daughter Grandma Tee: Fun and Fashionable
Let your grandma wear her title with pride with the Favorite Daughter Favorite Grandma Tee. This comfortable and stylish t-shirt playfully declares her status as the “Favorite Grandma.” Made with soft tri-blend cotton, it’s perfect for casual wear and a fun way for her to show off her grandma status.
18. Rey To Z Denim Grandma Hat: Casual and Customizable
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The Rey To Z Denim Grandma Hat is a casual and cool accessory that’s also customizable. With “Grandma” embroidered on the front and available in multiple colors, this 100% cotton hat is great for everyday wear, protecting her from the sun while showcasing her grandma pride.
19. BLACK+DECKER Electric Kettle: Quick and Convenient
For tea-loving grandmothers, the BLACK+DECKER Electric Cordless Kettle is an incredibly useful kitchen appliance. With rapid boil technology, it heats water faster than traditional stovetop kettles. Its cordless design and automatic shut-off feature add safety and convenience to her daily tea or coffee routine.
20. Pure Enrichment Heating Pad: Soothing Relief
The Pure Enrichment PureRelief Heating Pad is a thoughtful gift for grandmothers who experience aches and pains. This wearable heating pad provides relief to the neck, back, and shoulders with adjustable heat settings and moist heat therapy option. Its user-friendly design and extended cord ensure comfortable and convenient use.
21. Katie Kime Leopard Print Coaster Set: Chic Home Accessory
Add a touch of style to her home décor with the Katie Kime Leopard Print Coaster Set. These leather coasters are not only functional, protecting furniture from drink rings, but also fashionable with a chic leopard print design. They are a practical yet stylish addition to any living room or dining area.
22. Grandmother’s Memories Keepsake Box: Precious Memories Preserved
Help your grandmother capture and preserve her life stories and memories with the Grandmother’s Memories Keepsake Box. This set includes a journal with prompts, a notebook, and envelopes, all housed in a beautiful keepsake box. It’s a thoughtful gift that encourages reflection and the sharing of personal history for future generations.
23. Made By Mary Grandma Necklace: Personalized Jewelry
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A piece of personalized jewelry like the Made By Mary Grandma Necklace is a deeply meaningful and useful gift. This customizable disc necklace can be engraved with any name, making it a unique and personal keepsake she can wear every day, close to her heart.
24. Vera Bradley Small Vera Tote Bag: Practical and Patterned
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The Vera Bradley Small Vera Tote Bag combines functionality with vibrant style. Available in numerous prints and colors, this tote features multiple pockets inside and out, making it ideal for everyday errands or travel. The option to personalize it with a monogram adds a special touch.
25. Omaha Steaks Classic Dinner Pack: Gourmet Meal Delivery
For a truly indulgent and useful gift, consider the Omaha Steaks Classic Dinner Pack. This gourmet food package includes a variety of high-quality meats and sides, making meal preparation effortless and delicious. It’s a wonderful way to treat a grandmother who enjoys good food but might appreciate a break from cooking.
26. Little Words Project Grandma Bracelet: Beaded Sentiment
The Little Words Project Grandma Bracelet is a charming and affordable piece of jewelry that celebrates her role as a grandmother. This beaded bracelet, featuring crystals and pearls with “Grandma” spelled out, is a sweet and stylish accessory she can wear daily with pride.
27. My Cup of Tea Subscription: Tea Lover’s Delight
For grandmothers who savor a good cup of tea, a My Cup of Tea Subscription is a thoughtful and recurring useful gift. This subscription box delivers a selection of teas and honey spoons each month, providing a delightful tea experience. It also supports a great cause, employing women in need in Memphis.
28. Shutterfly Glass Photo Ornament: Personalized Holiday Decor
A Shutterfly Subtle Script Glass Ornament is a personalized and useful gift that can become a cherished part of holiday traditions. Customize this glass ornament with a family photo to create a unique and sentimental Christmas decoration that she’ll treasure year after year.
29. keke Embroidery Kit: Creative Hobby Starter
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Encourage a new hobby with the keke Beginner Embroidery Kit. This comprehensive kit includes everything needed to start embroidery, from pre-printed cloths to hoops and threads. It’s a relaxing and creative activity that can provide hours of enjoyment and a sense of accomplishment.
30. Harry & David Popcorn Club: Monthly Snack Surprise
Treat your grandmother to a year of delicious snacks with the Harry & David Premium Popcorn Club. This subscription delivers gourmet Moose Munch popcorn in various flavors each month. It’s a delightful and Useful Gift For Grandmothers who enjoy tasty treats and a bit of monthly indulgence.
31. Hill House Home Hotel Robe: Luxurious Loungewear
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The Hill House Home Hotel Robe provides luxurious comfort for relaxing at home. Made from soft micro cotton, this robe is available in several colors and designs, with an option for a custom monogram. It’s a useful gift that brings a touch of spa-like luxury to her everyday routine.
32. Belatelove Nana Gift Sign: Sweet Sentimental Display
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Sometimes, a simple sentimental gift speaks volumes. The Belatelove Nana Gift Sign is a tabletop sign with a heartwarming message expressing love for grandma. It’s a sweet and useful décor item that will remind her of your affection every time she sees it.
33. LaSenada Nana Keychain: Personalized Keepsake
The LaSenada Nana Keychain is a customizable and useful everyday item. Engrave her grandma name and add birthstones for each grandchild to this keychain. It’s a personal and practical gift she can carry with her, always reminded of her loved ones.
34. Williams Sonoma Garden Tool Basket: Organized Gardening
For grandmothers who are avid gardeners, the Williams Sonoma Agrarian Tool Basket is a beautifully crafted and highly useful gardening accessory. This handwoven basket with pockets and ties helps keep her gardening tools organized and easily accessible. You can even personalize it by filling it with gardening essentials.
35. Letters to My Grandparent Book: Heartfelt Communication
Letters to My Grandparent is a sentimental and interactive gift that allows grandchildren to express their love and create lasting memories. This book contains prompts for writing 12 letters to Grandma, which can be dated to be opened in the future, creating a time capsule of affection and thoughts.
36. Savannah Bee Company Hand Cream Set: Hydrating Skincare
The Savannah Bee Company Hand Cream Tube Trio is a practical and pampering gift that ensures her hands stay soft and hydrated. This set includes three travel-sized hand creams with moisturizing ingredients like royal jelly and honey. It’s a useful gift for daily skincare, especially during dry seasons.
37. Southern Living Stone Hoop Earrings: Elegant Accessory
Southern Living Stone Hoop Earrings are a beautiful and versatile accessory that can elevate any outfit. These elegant hoop earrings add a touch of sophistication to both casual and formal attire, making them a useful addition to her jewelry collection.
38. Weewooday Eyeglass Cases: Protective Eyewear Storage
Practical and affordable, the Weewooday Eyeglass Cases are a useful gift for any grandmother who wears glasses. This set of two hard-shell cases protects her eyewear from damage, whether for reading glasses or sunglasses, and features charming floral designs.
39. London Fog Rain Boots: Stylish Weather Protection
London Fog Piccadilly Rain Boots are both fashionable and functional, making them a useful gift for dealing with wet weather. Available in various colors and patterns, these Chelsea-style rain boots offer comfort and protection with their memory foam insoles and waterproof design.
40. East Fork Mug: Handmade Ceramic Comfort
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The East Fork Mug is a beautifully handmade and useful piece of pottery. Crafted in North Carolina, this durable mug is comfortable to hold and comes in various colors. Microwave and dishwasher-safe, it’s perfect for her daily coffee, tea, or any favorite beverage.
41. Minted Heart Photo Art: Personalized Wall Decor
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The Minted Heart Snapshot Mix Photo Art is a deeply personal and useful gift that transforms cherished memories into a piece of art. Customize this framed collage with 30 photos to create a heartwarming display of family moments. It’s a beautiful addition to her home décor and a constant reminder of family love.
42. Southern Living Subscription: Monthly Inspiration
A Southern Living Magazine Subscription is a gift that keeps on giving throughout the year. Delivering monthly issues filled with Southern culture, recipes, travel ideas, and home décor, it’s a source of ongoing inspiration and enjoyment for grandmothers who appreciate Southern lifestyle.
43. Memories for My Grandchild Journal: Legacy of Stories
The Memories for My Grandchild Journal is a deeply sentimental and useful gift that helps preserve family history. This journal provides prompts for grandmothers to record their life stories, wisdom, and memories for future generations, creating a treasured family heirloom.
44. Mikimoony Sunshine Gift Box: Cheerful Comfort Package
Brighten your grandmother’s day with the Mikimoony Sending Sunshine Gift Box. This cheerful gift set is filled with sunflower-themed items, including a tumbler, blanket, and fuzzy socks, designed to uplift and comfort. It’s a thoughtful and useful way to send a little sunshine her way.
45. Fitbit Inspire 3: Health and Wellness Tracker
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Encourage an active lifestyle with the Fitbit Inspire 3. This health and fitness tracker helps monitor activity levels, heart rate, and sleep. It’s a useful gift for grandmothers focused on maintaining their well-being, offering insights and motivation to stay healthy.
46. Lucycaz Tabletop Easel Set: Artful Expression
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For grandmothers with artistic inclinations or those looking to explore a new hobby, the Lucycaz Tabletop Easel Set is a wonderful and useful gift. This set includes a tabletop easel, paints, brushes, and canvas, providing everything needed to start painting. It’s a great way to encourage creativity and relaxation.
47. Eve’s Addiction Family Tree Necklace: Birthstone Family Tribute
Celebrate family bonds with the Eve’s Addiction Birthstone Family Tree Necklace. This customizable necklace features a family tree pendant with up to nine birthstones. It’s a meaningful and useful piece of jewelry that represents her cherished family and keeps them close to her heart.
48. Shutterfly Photo Puzzle: Interactive Memory Game
The Shutterfly Photo Puzzle offers a unique and interactive way to relive favorite memories. Customize this 50-piece puzzle with a personal photo, creating a fun and useful activity that can be enjoyed alone or with family.
49. Homesick Grandma’s Kitchen Candle: Evocative Scents
Evoke warm, nostalgic feelings with the Homesick Grandma’s Kitchen Candle. This scented candle captures the comforting aromas of Grandma’s kitchen, with notes of apple pie and vanilla. It’s a thoughtful and useful gift that fills her home with a cozy and familiar scent.
50. BaubleBar Custom Blanket: Personalized Comfort
The BaubleBar Spell It Out Custom Blanket combines comfort with personalization. Customize this soft blanket with up to nine characters to spell out “Grandma,” “Nana,” or any endearing term. It’s a cozy and useful gift for snuggling up on the couch, personalized just for her.
51. James Avery Heart and Vine Ring: Classic Jewelry Piece
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A timeless piece of jewelry, the James Avery Heart and Vine Ring is a beautiful and useful gift that she can cherish for years. This sterling silver ring features an elegant heart and vine design and can be engraved with initials or a personal message, making it a truly special keepsake.
52. Solbari Sun Hat: Ultimate Sun Protection
Protect your grandmother from the sun in style with the Solbari Ultra Wide Cotton Linen Hat. This sun hat offers maximum sun protection with a wide brim and UPF 50+ rating. It’s a practical and useful gift for gardening, walks, or any outdoor activity, ensuring she stays safe from harmful rays.
53. Southern Living 2023 Cookbook: Culinary Inspiration
The Southern Living 2023 Annual Recipes Cookbook is a treasure trove of culinary inspiration, making it a useful gift for grandmothers who love to cook. This cookbook compiles all the recipes from a year of Southern Living magazine, offering a wealth of Southern cuisine, cooking tips, and entertaining ideas.
54. Uncommon Goods Family Art Board: Personalized Kitchen Decor
The Uncommon Goods Personalized Family Art Board is a unique and sentimental piece of kitchen décor. Personalize this cutting board with a doodle or handwritten note from grandchildren. It’s a touching and useful gift that displays treasured family artwork in her kitchen.
55. Kitsch Satin Sleep Set: Beauty Sleep Essentials
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Promote restful and beauty sleep with the Kitsch Satin Sleep Set. This set includes a satin pillowcase, eye mask, and scrunchie, offering benefits for hair and skin while sleeping. It’s a luxurious and useful gift that enhances her nighttime routine.
56. VelvetCrownDesign Personalized Tea Cup: Custom Tea Time
The VelvetCrownDesign Personalized Tea Cup and Saucer offers a personal touch to tea time. This handmade ceramic set can be customized with her name or a special message. It’s a unique and useful gift for grandmothers who enjoy a daily cup of tea in style.
57. World’s Best Grandma Candle: Lavender Aromatherapy
Declare her status with the World’s Best Grandma Candle. This lavender-scented candle not only fills her home with a relaxing aroma but also features beautiful packaging that proudly proclaims her title. It’s a thoughtful and useful gift that combines sentiment with aromatherapy.
58. Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream: Luxurious Skincare Treat
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Pamper your grandmother with luxurious skincare like Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream. This highly-rated moisturizer is designed for dry to mature skin, providing deep hydration and antioxidant protection. It’s a useful and indulgent gift that supports her skincare routine and leaves her skin glowing.
59. Béis Weekender Bag: Travel-Ready Style
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For grandmothers who love to travel, the Béis Weekender Bag is a stylish and highly functional gift. This carry-on bag features multiple compartments and pockets, including a trolley sleeve, making travel organized and effortless. Available in various colors, it’s a useful companion for weekend getaways or longer trips.
60. Shutterfly Photo Book: Personalized Story Album
Capture and celebrate family memories with a Shutterfly Photo Book. Personalize this photo album with your chosen photos, layouts, and text to tell a special story or commemorate a trip. It’s a deeply personal and useful gift that becomes a cherished keepsake for years to come.
Questions and Answers
What do you get for a grandma who says she doesn’t want anything?
Even if your grandmother insists she doesn’t need anything, a thoughtful gift is always appreciated. Diane Gottsman notes, “Even though Grandma may have everything she needs, it’s always nice to open a present and feel the joy of receiving a gift from someone she loves.” Consider practical items like comfortable pajamas or cozy slippers. The sentiment and thought behind the gift are what truly matter.
What is a good gift for a grandma-to-be?
Welcoming a new grandchild is a special time. Journals designed for first-time grandmothers to document milestones are excellent gifts, suggests Gottsman. Personalized jewelry celebrating her new role is also a meaningful and cherished option.
How much should you spend on a gift for your grandma?
The value of a gift isn’t determined by its price tag, but by the thought and love behind it. As Gottsman advises, “It really depends on your personal budget; $25 to $100 is a good number to shoot for when buying something special.” The key is to choose something thoughtful and useful that aligns with your budget and shows your appreciation.
Why Trust Southern Living
This gift guide is curated by Southern Living contributing writer EnJanae’ Taylor, who has extensive experience in creating shoppable content. The selection is based on thorough research across online retailers, focusing on price and quality. Expert advice was also consulted from Diane Gottsman, etiquette expert and founder of The Protocol School of Texas, ensuring the recommendations are both thoughtful and appropriate for grandmothers.