Christmas Gifts for Grandparents: 14 Ideas They'll Actually Love

Every year grandparents say the same thing: don't get us anything. Usually they mean it. They have enough stuff, but there's one thing they never get enough of: their grandkids. That's why the best Christmas gifts for grandparents are about the grandchildren, time together, or memories. Here are 14 ideas, each with an honest tip. We make painted portraits ourselves, but most of these ideas have nothing to do with us.

Order by December 16 for Christmas 2026

Order personalized gifts by Wednesday, December 16. Our prints and canvases arrive within 2 to 5 business days in the United States, so it will be there before Christmas Eve. With express shipping you have about one more business day. Carriers are busy in December, so earlier is always safer.

Gifts with the grandkids in them

1. A painted portrait of the grandchildren

The gift that most often leaves grandparents speechless. Pick a photo of the grandkids together, or combine separate photos into one painting. You see a free preview first; a fine art print starts at $59 and a canvas at $119. Make a gift for your grandparents.

Honest tip: not everyone in the same photo? Upload up to four photos and we combine them, so nobody is missing.

2. A photo calendar with every birthday

A calendar with a different grandchild each month and every birthday already filled in. They'll look at it all year.

3. A framed drawing by the grandkids

Have the grandchildren draw Grandma and Grandpa, then frame it with their names and the year. It costs almost nothing and often becomes the most treasured gift of all.

4. A recorded storybook

Grandma or Grandpa reads a favorite book aloud, and the grandkids get the recording to play at bedtime. Especially lovely when you live far apart.

Time together

5. A sleepover weekend with the grandkids

For grandparents who love babysitting, a weekend with the grandkids staying over is the best gift there is. You get a free weekend too.

6. A day out with three generations

A Christmas lights walk, the zoo, or hot chocolate after sledding. Give a homemade invitation with the date already on it.

7. Cooking Grandma's recipe together

Ask for their best-known recipe and cook it with the grandkids. Write the recipe out nicely afterwards, with a photo from that afternoon.

Just for Grandma or just for Grandpa

8. A Christmas gift for Grandma: her and a grandchild

A portrait of Grandma with a grandchild on her lap, or a painted version of her wedding photo. A gift just for her feels extra personal.

9. A Christmas gift for Grandpa: his dog or cat

Many grandparents talk about their pet as much as about the grandkids. A portrait of their dog or cat is a gift they won't see coming.

Practical but still personal

10. A digital photo frame, already loaded

Only a good gift if the photos are already on it. Load it and set it up beforehand so they just have to plug it in.

11. A help coupon from the grandkids

Shoveling snow, raking leaves, setting up a new phone: older grandkids can really help. A homemade coupon beats a gift card.

12. Homemade cookies

Christmas cookies baked by the grandkids, in a nice tin. They eat the cookies and keep the tin.

One big gift from the whole family

13. A large canvas with every grandchild

Go in together with your siblings on one big gift: all the grandkids on a framed canvas. It often becomes the centerpiece of the living room. Agree on the size together first.

14. A tribute to someone who's missing

If Grandma or Grandpa is on their own now, a family portrait that includes a loved one who has passed can mean a great deal. Only do this after talking it over, and choose the moment with care. A portrait of a pet they lost is often treasured too.

In short

The best Christmas gift for grandparents is about the grandkids. If you're unsure, choose something they can hang on the wall or something you do together. Shopping for your own parents or your in-laws too? Read our Christmas gifts for parents who have everything and our gift ideas for in-laws.