Holiday gift guide: What to buy your grandparents this season

Grandparents have been known to spoil us in every way possible—whether it’s with gifts, sweets (Grandma’s homemade cookies are the best!), or, best of all, their time.

Make sure that they feel equally spoiled this holiday season with gifts that they’ll treasure. Here’s a gift-buying guide for Grams and Gramps (who, by the way, don’t really already have everything).

Pair an experience with a small gift

We’re not accusing your grandparents of lying, but don’t believe them when they say “we don’t need anything.” That just might be code for “I want to spend time with you.” For a gift that’s sure to be a hit, think of what your grandma or grandpa enjoys most, plan a day around it and buy a gift to complement the plan. For example: Grandpa loves a good nature walk or hike. Buy him a new pair of trail walking shoes, like these men’s New Balance shoes, $56.99 at Overstock.com, and print out a map of the the trails you’ll try together this year. Grandma loves going to the theater? Get tickets to an upcoming play at the local performing arts complex or community theater and pair with a new brooch, like this sparkly Nina Treasure Floral crystal style, $65 from Nordstrom, that she can pin to that jacket she saves for special occasions.

Personalized photo gifts

Sure, Grandma joined Facebook so she could stay up-to-date with you and your kids (well, and to play a little Farmville, too). But, in an era of online photo streams, there’s something to be said about a personalized photo book or customized photo gift. Head over to Shutterfly and get your kiddos involved in creating the memento. Design a photo luggage tag for grandparents who like to globe-trot, a candle with a family portrait to add some warmth to their living room or a wall art arrangement kit of fave family photos and get a free hanging set.

Webcam

Separated by states? Gift your grandparents with a Web camera so they can Skype with you and their grandkids. The Logitech HD Webcam C615, $49.99 from Best Buy, ensures high-definition video calling and you can upload videos and photos. (Now Grandma won’t have to eavesdrop when it’s Grandpa’s turn to talk).