10 Gifts for Grandparents That Will Get You in the Will

Getting gifts for grandparents isn’t easy—after all, they already know the invaluable joy of giving life to two generations. What more could they possibly need? This grandma and grandpa gift guide focuses on meaningful, unique and useful presents for the seniors of the season. And since I can’t do a single nice thing for my grandfather without him accusing me of trying to “get in the will,” I’ve decided to lean into it. Here’s some ideas for being crowned the favourite grandchild and playing the long game, inheritance-wise.

Grandparents, if you’re reading this before Christmas, stop right now (and yes, I will come over this weekend and help you with your email).

10 Gifts for Grandparents in 2024

A Flower Subscription

This is the gift for the grandma that has everything (so many things, in fact, that she’s stared to do a creepy death-cleaning thing where she’s getting rid of clutter so that you don’t have to do it later). Local florists like Our Little Flower Company offer subscription services that deliver fresh flowers on a weekly or monthly basis starting at $55.

Next level: Subscribe her to the largest bouquet size ($95) for the largest cut of the inheritance.

A Night Out

I’ve already waxed poetic about how great it is to gift experiences instead of physical things, and I think that’s especially true when it comes to grandparents—hey, life is short, and we only have so many opportunities for quality time with our elders. My favourite activities to do with my grandmothers are to get tickets to local theatre (the Arts Club is doing Waitress in the summer and tickets are on sale now from $39) and (stay with me here) Flyover Canada. While Flyover ($28) isn’t necessarily the coolest thing to do, it’s super accessible (read: no long walks required) and especially interesting to old people—at least, it is to the old people in my life.

Next level: Make sure to factor eating into your night out, and choose a restaurant that’s close by.

A Box of Fancy Cheese

If your grandparents are anything like mine, they tend not to treat themselves very often (and from a will standpoint, frugality is a good quality in an elderly relative). A little gift box of artisanal goods goes a long way, and you can support a local small business in the process—this $65 cheese box from Les Amis du Fromage comes with Tickler cheddar, French Double cream brie and Kaltbach cheese from Switzerland.

Next level: A set of cheese knives would be a cute addition to this present, or you can simply hang out with your grandparent and share the goods—again, quality time is tops.

Matching Sweaters

Lucky for us, a lot of current trends lean very grandparent-chic. So the next time you’re picking up a sweater and thinking “Ha, my grandma/pa would wear something like this,” why not make it a reality? Show up at their home in your new sweater, then bask in the look of surprise and delight on their faces when they open one just like it. Simons is a classic for nice knits: I’d go for these chunky florals for grandma ($79) or this hip old man sweater ($99) for grandpa.

Next level: If you can get the whole family involved, even better—just make sure everyone remembers whose amazing idea it was.

A Wine Holder with a Sustainable Story

Lots of grandparents love to talk, especially about the good ol’ days–gift them a cool, functional item for their home that comes with its own unique history. I love Vancouver-based Chopvalue‘s furniture and home decor made from recycled chopsticks. The Zero Gravity wine holder ($39) is a winner, for sure, and your grandpa can brag to all their bingo friends about its unique origins.

Next level: A bottle of wine to go in it, duh. And of you’re not sure what to grab off the BCL shelf, our wine editor Neal McLennan has you covered.

A Grandchild Date at a Secret Bar

Oops, I’m suggesting quality time again. This is yet another experience that will be a blast for your grandparents even if it’s a little old-news to you–head to Laowai or Bagheera and say the password (order the “number seven” or place a bet on King Louie, respectively) to enter the “secret” bar and shell out some cash for what might be the most expensive cocktail grandpa’s ever had. He’ll remember that, when it counts.

Next level: Do not tell them what you’re doing or where you’re going beforehand, so the secret bar is also a surprise.

Cute or Beautiful Earrings

Important: check to confirm that grandma’s ears are pierced before getting this gift. It’s true that jewellery isn’t a particularly extraordinary gift, but local designers give us so many opportunities to buy really personal pieces. Case in point: Scandinazn’s tomato earrings (on sale for $45 now) would be the perfect gift for a tomato-growing granny. For a more classic elegant look, there’s Shine Gallery’s Ripple curve hoops ($75).

Next level: Get earrings that commemorate a specific memory or hobby of your grandmother’s and include a heartfelt note.

Local Art Prints or Textiles

Art is such a great gift for someone who “has it all,” because even though it’s not at the top of our need hierarchy doesn’t mean it doesn’t drastically improve our lives (and make someone—say, someone who might give you a large chunk of money—think about you every day). Local artist Artbedo has a beautiful collection of art prints commemorating iconic Vancouver spaces (think the Sylvia Hotel, Duffin’s Donuts and Livia) that older Vancouverites will love. For the more practical grandparent, there’s also these cute tea towels ($32 for a set of two).

Next level: Gift the corresponding food item along with the art piece (for example, a Livia print and a loaf of sourdough) to really kick this gift up a notch.

A Stylish Serving Plate

I hate to generalize, but I think that grandmas trying to get you to eat more is an almost universal experience. Odds are your nana already has all the kitchen basics (hey, she’s been around a while), but consider getting a pretty serving plate for a gift: it’s thoughtful, useful and your jealous cousins will get to see it at every family gathering from now on. Fable’s oval serving platter (currently on sale for $50) is minimal but textured, and comes in seven colours.

Next level: Fable has plenty of matching kitchenware, if you’d like to make up a whole gift package that serves.

A Family Photo Session

Ah, the old faithful. There are so many ways you can do family photos as a gift, all at different price points. It can be as simple as getting the cousins together and taking a photo near the ocean, printing it out at the drugstore and slapping it in a frame: I guarantee grandma will cry. Or, go all-out and gift a photo session that includes your grandparents. Tons of local photographers offer family sessions, Olive and Bean Photography‘s start at $425.

Next level: Get a digital picture frame to share family photos and upload others throughout the year—I got the Skylight frame for my grandparents last year and it was a hit.