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Shopping for a gift for your grandfather is kind of like shopping for the dad who “doesn’t want anything” — but supercharged. Truly, there are only so many Argyle socks and fun ties you can give your granddad before the sentiment wears. So to help you find the best non-basic gift for the grandfather in your life, I spoke to grandparents and some thoughtful grandkids about their wish lists and the gifts they’ve given that have been hits. Then I sifted through the Strategist archives to gather some other grandfather-worthy gifts we’ve surfaced over the years. Here, you’ll find gifts for every type of grandpa, from the outdoorsman and the grill enthusiast to the family gardener and the world traveler. And for everyone else on your list, you’ll want to check out our massive gift-guide hub.
Update on December 12, 2024: Added new products; updated prices and checked stock for all products.
Under $25
If he treats every grandchild’s masterpiece as he would art from a gallery, consider this picture frame that’s easy to open and close as the art pours in. Plus it doubles as art storage since it can hold up to 50 pieces.
This fill in the blank-style journal contains simple but creative prompts that grandfathers and their grandchildren can complete together over time. Older grandkids could also complete the exercises solo, then gift an already completed book of love notes for their grandfather to read and enjoy.
For the grandfather who starts every sentence with “When I was your age,” this book includes 12 prompted letters for him to record all his best memories for his grandchildren to cherish and even includes envelopes and stickers.
Here’s a book to add to the story-time queue. It includes tips for “babysitting” a grandpa, like what to eat for snacks and what to do on a walk.
DeeDee Moore, the founder of the grandparenting blog More Than Grand, likes gifting Richard Eyre’s book to new grandfathers. “It’s an excellent gift for those grandfathers who want ideas to help shape their role as grandpa or who need a little help getting outside their comfort zone,” Moore says.
My parents recently gave this book to my grandfather, who is in the middle of writing a book. He loved it so much that he keeps recommending it to me so we can chat about it.
Pair it with these book darts if he loves to annotate (but hates to dog-ear).
If he’s always forgetting to take his pills, he might just need a better pill case. This one, which our travel writer uses, is waterproof and made of metal, so he won’t have to worry about pills getting crushed.
For the grandpa who’s always reaching for the salt, we suggest a giant bucket of Maldon. The finishing salt is crunchy, flaky, and a gift he’ll use again and again until you replace his supply next year.
Whether he’s a fan of Seinfeld or likes a good party trick, this traveler pen is a reliable writing utensil for filling out travel forms, journaling, or completing crosswords. It can be used on any surface, in all weather conditions, and at any cabin pressure.
The grandpa who’s into gardening most likely has all the tools he needs to nurture his plants, but bug spray might be something he forgets to re-up. Strategist contributor Aleta Burchyski’s husband loves this citronella-based one and even occasionally uses it as cologne.
If he’s always kvetching about your coffee situation when he comes to visit, we suggest this surprisingly delicious instant coffee that he can keep on hand for a little pick-me-up. It has earned the approval of kitchen and dining writer Emma Wartzman, who says it’s tasty and easy to use.
Small but mighty, this massage ball is ideal for the grandpa who’s serious about his afternoon walks and can’t resist a morning bike ride but needs a little something extra to knead out aches and pains.
Under $50
And if it’s his back that’s achy, gift him this hook-shaped massager designed for kneading out hard-to-reach spots.
Here are some nice-looking compression socks, which help prevent heavy legs and swollen feet during long flights to see the grandkids.
Board games came up with multiple grandparents who said they’re a fun gift that encourages family time. Go with Ticket to Ride, an easily accessible game for multiple players that’s also strategic enough to play over and over again.
Grandfather Manny Oliverez told us his grill was one of the best gifts he’s received, because “what is better than being together grilling and eating with friends, family, and the grandkids?” We like this large yakitori, which can easily hold a couple of steaks.
A set of pit gloves will keep him from scalding his fingers. These are coated with neoprene rubber and “designed for true-blue barbecuers who have to handle hot meat on the smoker — that means they’re waterproof, stainproof, and, most important, greaseproof.”
My grandfather was looking for a sleep mask that wasn’t too tight and would help him snooze deeply. I gave him this one, which is adjustable and the most effective blackout sleep mask that I’ve tested since writing our guide to sleep masks.
When we surveyed 1,000 seniors about the things they buy, they shared that books are some of the most useful gifts to receive. For the grandpa who’s a pickle enthusiast, consider gifting him this comprehensive guide to at-home fermentation.
Pair it with the kit that includes everything you need to master the art of fermentation.
Grandparents Barbara and Fred Zucker have multiple grandkids in college and suggest gifting a crewneck from a grandkid’s alma mater. It’s a cozy way to keep the grandkids with you at all times.
Under $100
If Grandpa’s a golfer, he’ll appreciate a set of custom golf balls. You can personalize them with his name, initials, or a photo that’ll brighten his day anytime he tees up.
This packable pad will come in handy for his next camping trip. Utah-based hiker Rob Urry, a father of four and grandfather of 11 likes that it’s super comfortable and takes just a few breaths to inflate.
Our favorite Trtl neck pillow is more like a padded scarf that makes flying more bearable. One enthusiastic senior survey respondent told us it made a nine-hour flight from Los Angeles to France “so easy.”
Make his morning strolls that much more relaxing with Merrell’s notoriously comfortable slip-ons.
A lifelong cyclist is likely all set on basic gear, but these lobster gloves are specially designed for the cyclist who wants ample control over his bike and shift while still keeping his fingers warm. Get them for the granddad who bikes all year long.
Under $200
If he already has a massage ball, step up his at-home massage setup with this heated foot massager. It’s hands free for easier use.
If his current robe is tattered, gift him our favorite 100-percent cotton bathrobe from Parachute. It’s lightweight yet warm and looks very classic.
The Aura digital picture frame came up again and again when I chatted with grandparents about the gifts they actually want. You can set this one up beforehand to avoid hours of tech help in the future.
If he’s always recommending a new classic for your to-read list, surprise him with this clock that tells time with quotes from books spanning the past six centuries. The creators add new quotes every day, so he won’t get tired of seeing the same ones over and over again.
Hokas were a favorite among seniors who contributed to our senior survey because the sneakers are extra cushioned and comfortable. In fact, they’re the Strategist’s favorite ultracushioned walking shoe.
Whether he’s a regular at the gym or knows all the neighbors because of his daily walks, our favorite fitness tracker will allow him to track his workouts, count steps, and keep an eye on his heart rate. Plus it has built-in GPS to help track long walks and bike rides.
This isn’t any old corkscrew. It’s best for the wine enthusiast with an extensive collection of older bottles because it combines a classic corkscrew with a forked Ah-So-style wine-opener to better remove those old corks that might fall into the bottle.
Here’s a feast for the granddad who was a fan of Katz’s pastrami on rye way before When Harry Met Sally … put it on the map. This package includes Katz’s famous hand-carved pastrami and corned beef along with some matzo-ball soup and potato latkes.
Over $200
This solar-powered smart bird feeder livestreams avian friends straight to Grandpa’s phone. Grandmother Mary Eckenrode says the only thing her husband has on his wish list is a camera to watch the animals in his backyard.
Ronnie Green’s husband, Frank, is a train enthusiast and loves sharing that passion with his grandchildren through overnight train trips. This carry-on closet is best for grandpas with a similar passion who won’t have a hotel room to unpack their suitcase into.
An exercise bike was a popular wish-list item in our senior survey, and it will keep Grandpa active. This Schwinn bike has multiple adjustable settings and workout programs for a customized ride, and it displays your ride history.
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