There are typical, boring gifts for dads: a Home Depot gift card, a bottle of scotch, a shaving set… barbecue tools. The same goes for moms: slippers, an apron, craft supplies… fancy teas. But, hey, not all parents are alike, nor do they all do typical “mom" and “dad” things. Instead of throwing a cliche, commonplace item into one of those gift bags, a more specific, personal gift will be of much better use to your parents in all of their uniqueness. Not all of us have the time to make an elaborate, grand gesture of a holiday gift to Mom or Dad, but we can all spare a moment to really consider what they would enjoy unwrapping this year. We’ve got you covered with some of the more thoughtful gifts you can order to satisfy your gift-giving ambitions. Here at Parade.com, we’re all about sharing products we love with our audience. When you make a purchase on an item seen on this page, we may earn a commission, however, all picks are independently chosen unless otherwise mentioned.
Best Christmas Gifts for Parents
2. DIY Organic Home Spa Kit, $25 at Uncommon Goods
Who could use a spa day more than the woman who raised you, huh? The stresses of mom-life call for some serious relaxation. Make it even easier for her by bringing the spa home. DIY Organic Home Spa Kit, $25, Uncommon Goods
3. “Thank You, Mom” Candle, $38 at Homesick
Homesick is a candle company that sells scents that bring you back to your roots. What’s homier than your mom? And to her, what’s more homey than her children? “Thank You, Mom” Candle, $38, Homesick
4. Bathtub Wine Holder, $38 at Uncommon Goods
Definitely more of a practical gift, this wine glass holder will fit into any bathroom atmosphere and will provide for a peaceful bath at the end of a long day. When your mom tries to wind down, the last thing she should be worried about is knocking over her wine glass. Bathtime Essentials Wine Holder, $38, Uncommon Goods
5. Cocktail Syrup 3-Pack Set, $42 at W&PG
For the cocktail lover who doesn’t always have the time to break out the mixology kit, this pack of syrups makes for an indistinguishable alternative. It comes with all your mom would need for a few Moscow Mules, classic Old Fashioneds, and Spicy Margaritas, except the booze. Cocktail Syrup 3-Pack Set, $42, W&P Design
6. Maya Angelou “Still I Rise” Scarf, $48 at Uncommon Goods
For the literary mom out there, it can be complicated to find a book to suit her individual tastes. Instead, why not give your mom the words of a legendary female American poet—and in a wearable form, no less? Maya Angelou “Still I Rise” Scarf, $48, Uncommon Goods
7. Bean Box Coffee Sampler, $129 at Bean Box
That warm cup of coffee just hits differently during the winter months. Rather than try to pick out artisan coffee yourself—hoping to find something decent—leave it to the coffee experts to choose something your parents will like. Bean Box Coffee Sampler, $129 for 6-Months, Bean Box
8. Baleen Goody Hoop Earrings, $38 at EarthHero
Looking for something that’s both unique, pretty, and good for the environment? These tortoise earrings are simple and elegant, as well as made from biodegradable natural plastic in a zero-waste production studio. Baleen Beige Tort Goody Hoop Earrings, $38, EarthHero
10. Sleep Travel Kit, $74 at Ettitude
While funding an all-expense-paid vacation for your parents may not be within budget, this travel kit will certainly make traveling easier for them. Including an eye mask, an eye pillow with removable lavender and wheat inserts, and a pillowcase. The bamboo used to make this kit is sustainably sourced and harvested. Ettitude Bamboo Sateen Wellness Kit $74, Ettitude
11. Gin Making Kit, $60 at Uncommon Goods
Making your own gin can be super fun for the moms who want to see the crafting process, and who want to enjoy the end result. Infusing one of the many botanicals included in the kit (juniper berries, laurel, cardamom, etc), your mom can create her ideal gin. Gin Making Kit, $60, Uncommon Goods
12. A Trio of Water Bottles, $80 at Uncommon Goods
Encourage your mom to ditch the plastic water bottle with this bundle of three items: a mug, a bottle, and a glass. All of the items in this bundle are easily portable, which is perfect for a mom who always seems to be out and about. Hydration Bundle, $80, W&P Design
13. Tropics Self-Care Box, $59.99 at TheraBox
Take your mom on a virtual island vacation with this self-care box! From face masks to body serum to a conversation card deck, this box comes decked out with eight different products for your mom to use whenever she needs some me-time. “Tropics” Self-Care Box $59.99, TheraBox
14. Cuff Bracelet, $108 at Earth Hero
Ethically made by artisans in Kenya, and connected to the global market by woman-led company SOKO, this cuff bracelet is perfect for the mom who is both conscientious as well as stylish. Handcrafted using recycled materials, this piece is made of brass and plated in 24k gold. Soko Sayo Cuff Bracelet $108, Earth Hero
15. Frida Kahlo Earrings, $104 at Awe Inspired
As bold and unique as your mother, these earrings are a tribute to the iconic, boundary-breaking artist, Frida Kahlo. Handcrafted and hand-polished, these sterling silver earrings make a statement. Frida Kahlo Coin Earrings, $104, Awe Inspired
16. Rattan Crossbody Bag, $128 at The Little Market
Available in two different styles (round and rectangle), as well as with two different colored straps (tan and brown), this bag is adaptable to your mom’s personal style. Ideal for either everyday use or as a more stylistic choice for outings, your mom will look very cottagecore with this on her shoulder. Round Rattan Crossbody Bag, $128, The Little Market
17. Glossier Essential Edit Kit, $50 at Glossier
Including Glossier’s iconic products like Boy Brow and Lash Slick, this travel kit includes the essentials for looking and feeling refreshed. The Essential Edit is great for the mom that enjoys simple, first-rate cosmetics and skincare. The Essential Edit Kit, $50, Glossier
18. Small Floral Vase, $32 at Anthropologie
Give your mom something with as much personality as she has with this vase. Normal vases are a bit of a yawn, but this one is a conversation piece even when it’s not holding any flowers. Carmo Vase, $32+, Anthropologie
19. Magnificent Roses Preserved Delightful Medley, $200 at 1-800-Flowers
Not all moms have a green thumb, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t all deserve flowers. This acrylic box of preserved roses includes a dozen flowers that will remain preserved for an entire year, looking fresh and beautiful until the next holiday season! Magnificent Roses Preserved Delightful Medley, $200, 1-800-Flowers
20. Personalized Photo Calendar, $59 at Artifact Uprising
Add a sentimental touch to your gift-giving this year by customizing a desk calendar for your mom, adding family photos that you know will strike a chord with her. Personalized Brass Easel & Calendar, $59, Artifact Uprising
21. Portable Humidifier, $129 at Verishop
Both safe and energy-efficient, this portable air conditioner and the humidifier will make your mom’s life a little more comfortable. Great for the office, the bedroom, or really any indoor setting, give her the chance to chill out with this gadget. Evapolar evaLIGHT Plus Personal Portable Air Cooler and Humidifier, $1249, Verishop
22. Personal Concrete Fireplace, $99 at Bespoke Post
For the moms who run cold, personal fireplaces exist. Yes, a personal fireplace that can be moved from room to room. You can even roast marshmallows over it! Personal Concrete Fireplace, $99, Bespoke Post
23. Amber Necklace, $67.13 at Etsy
Made from real baltic amber, this pendant shows just how far back your love for your mom originates. The warmth of the amber is complemented by its cool silver chain. Baltic Amber Pendant Necklace, $67.13, Etsy
25. Pearl Hug Necklace, $47.99 at Etsy
Your mom can carry a hug from you wherever she goes with this necklace! Depending on your preference, you can get this piece in either gold or silver. Give Me A Hug Necklace, $47.99, Etsy
26. Face Mask 5-Piece Kit, $75 at Peter Thomas Roth
With five different face masks included in this single kit, your mom will be able to get the skincare she deserves. These masks help purify, detox, and hydrate skin. Mask-a-Holic 5-Piece Kit, $75, Peter Thomas Roth
27. Warming Foot Massager, $59.99 at Sharper Image
For the parent who always has cold feet, this is the perfect taste of luxury. Not only will it warm up their feet in no time, but it’ll also give them a great foot massage, too! Warming Foot Massager, $50, Sharper Image
28. Olaplex Ultimate Essentials Kit, $28 at Dermstore
If your mom isn’t an Olaplex fan yet, she will be after trying this. For hair repair and maintenance, this kit includes five different Olaplex hair products in nifty travel-sizes. Olaplex Ultimate Essentials Kit, $28, Dermstore
29. Smart Garden Grow Kit, $100 at Uncommon Goods
Fresh ingredients have the ability to transform any recipe. Give your mom the gift of fresh basil without the work of having to constantly look after it with this kit, as the technology does all the work! Smart Garden Grow Kit, $100, Uncommon Goods
31. Irish Moor Mud Face Mask, $60 at Peter Thomas Roth
Who said Dad doesn’t deserve a little pampering? This mask purifies, decongests, and hydrates skin, so your dad will be looking and feeling like his best self. Irish Moor Mud Mask, $60, Peter Thomas Roth
32. Wood Triple Docking Station, $79 at Oakywood
Help your dad keep all of his important items in one place with this docking station. Made of a timeless walnut wood, this docking station allows your dad to charge up to three devices at once. Wood Triple Docking Station, $79+, Oakywood
34. Frank Lloyd Wright Puzzle, $16 at Uncommon Goods
Looking for a way to spend more time with dad? This puzzle offers the perfect opportunity for some quality time, and it’s actually double-sided—so you can see both the blueprints for Wright’s famous architecture, as well as the architecture itself. Or, you can do the same puzzle twice! Frank Lloyd Wright Double Sided Puzzle, $16, Uncommon Goods
35. Recycled Sea-Saving Bracelet, $20 at Earth Hero
Is there any place dads love more than the beach? This bracelet helps keep our beaches beautiful, as it is made from recycled plastic, and for every one sold, 4Ocean removes a pound of waste from the sea. 4Ocean Sea Turtles Recycled Bracelet $20, Earth Hero
37. Mini Museum, $129 at Mini Museum
Museum excursions are ideal for curious minds, but why not bring the museum to you? Or your dad, rather? This mini-museum is a super compelling piece, ideal for a desk or tabletop surface, and it’s complete with authentic items like a megalodon tooth. Mini Museum - Third Edition, $129, Mini Museum
38. Hot Sauce Gift Set, $29.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond
A good hot sauce can never be underappreciated. For the dad who can never get enough spice out of life, this set of four hot sauces will go great with all kinds of foods. MPB Culinary 10-Pack Hot Sauce Gift Set, $29.99, Bed Bath & Beyond
39. Seinfeld LEGO Set, $79.99 at LEGO
Miss building LEGO sets with your dad? Here’s the opportunity to make some new memories, and to relive one of the best sitcoms over! LEGO Collectible Seinfeld Model, $80, LEGO
41. Packable Hammock, $79.95 at Dick’s Sporting Goods
Clocking in at just over 1 lb, your dad can take this printed hammock with him anywhere. Not only is this hammock easy to set up and made for two people, it’s made of breathable, quick-drying nylon. ENO DoubleNest Hammock, $79.95, Dick’s Sporting Goods
42. Boston Tea Party Gift Set, $39 at Uncommon Goods
Bring it back to 1773 with this gift set, featuring all of the types of tea that were thrown into the Boston harbor at the Boston Tea Party. If your dad enjoys his cuppa with a side of American history, he’ll be tickled when he opens this box up. Teas of the Boston Tea Party, $39, Uncommon Goods
43. Pour-Over-Coffee Set, $70 at Etsy
Make their morning coffee routine even better with this great gift idea for parents. Ideal for brewing a cup of coffee in style, this pour-over bundle includes a pour-over dripper and a mug—plus a whole lot of style. Pour-Over Coffee Set from Shop Vanilla Bean, $70, Etsy
44. Mezcal and Tequila Infusion Set, $98 at Earth Hero
An aesthetically pleasing tequila infusion set, this gift is great for the dad who loves to host company. This tasting set is complete with four tasting cups and a decanter, and it comes with infusion recipes, too! Mezcal and Tequila Infusion Set, $98, Earth Hero
45. Popcorn Movie Night Set, $24.95 at Sur La Table
If your dad is the film buff of the family, then this is the gift box to get. After all, the best part of going to the movies is the popcorn, right? Popcorn Movie Night Set, $24.95, Sur La Table
46. Personalized Record Cutting Board, $60 at Uncommon Goods
Personalize this cutting board to represent your dad’s favorite album, or one that means a lot to your family! When he’s not using it, this piece can be displayed on its stand to be admired by all. Personalized Record Cutting Board w/ Stand, $60, Uncommon Goods
47. 100 Movies Scratch-Off Poster, $15 at Uncommon Goods
Another film-inspired present, this print is both a unique piece of decor, as well as a fun bucket list project that your dad can enjoy. As he works his way through the 100 classic movies on this chart, he’ll love getting to scratch each one off as he goes. 100 Movies Scratch-Off Poster, $15, Uncommon Goods
48. Personalized Neon Bar Sign, $179.99 at Man Crates
If you really wanna light up your dad’s life, try out this personalized neon bar sign. It can be customized with any name or moniker of your choosing. The most difficult part will be deciding where to hang it up. Personalized Neon Bar Sign, $179.99, Man Crates
49. Portable Charger, $62.95 at Nimble
How are you going to be able to call your dad if his phone is constantly dead? This portable charger holds up to three days of power, can charge two phones at once (so your mom can hook her phone up, too!), and is made up of 72% recycled plastic. CHAMP Portable Charger, $62.95, Nimble
50. Personalized Golf Ball Set, $34.99 at Personalization Mall
Your dad will be the king of the course with this 12-pack of personalized golf balls. He can show it off to his friends next time he sets off on the green. Personalized Golf Ball Set, $34.99, Personalization Mall
51. Grilling Season BBQ Gift Set, $81 at Knack
This box will have your dad looking forward to grilling season once again. Complete with gourmet barbecue sauce, barbecue rub, grilling planks, and a book on barbecuing, all your dad will need is the actual meat. Grilling Season BBQ Gift Set, $81, Knack
52. Adventure Essentials Survival Kit, $145 at Uncommon Goods
Never worry about your dad again when he’s out on a camping trip or taking a solitary hike! This kit comes with all types of gear and supplies that one might forget when packing up, and it all fits within a working flashlight. Adventure Essentials Survival Kit, $145, Uncommon Goods
53. Ultimate Rub Collection, $64.95 at Spiceology
Get your dad the gift of flavor this year with this set of 12 mini rub jars. He’ll never get bored with all of these spice combos to choose from for any food from meat to veggies to pasta. Ultimate Rub Collection, $60, Spiceology
54. Photo Vault, $59.99 at Sharper Image
This USB-style gadget is ideal for anyone with too many photos to count. As soon as your dad plugs this drive into his computer, he can immediately start backing up his photos without sifting through his photos. Photo Vault, $60, Sharper Image
55. Personalized Bottle Opener, $16.99 at Personalization Mall
Both aesthetically pleasing and practical, this bottle opener and beer cap collector can be mounted on any wall. If anyone has any doubt who it belongs to, your dad can point to his name on the leather. Personalized Leather Bottle Opener, $16.99, Personalization Mall
56. Nolah Weighted Bamboo Blanket, Originally $249, Now $124 at Nolah
This weighted blanket offers a “calming deep pressure stimulation” that can help calm both the mind and body. Take advantage of Nolah’s deal for 50% off weighted bamboo blankets and your parents will sleep comfortably under the breathable fabric with a double-sided cooling bamboo cover. Nolah Weighted Bamboo Blanket, $124, Nolah
57. Nolah Squishy Pillow, Originally $198, Now $178 at Nolah
Nolah has all sorts of great deals on bedding right now, including up to $700 off mattresses plus two free pillows. Their Squishy Pillows have a 4.8/5 rating thanks to the dual-chamber design that allows you to add or remove pieces of the foam filling and adjust the height and firmness to your preference. Nolah Squishy Pillow, $178, Nolah
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