The Best Holiday Gifts for Senior Women in 2023

Looking for a perfect holiday gift for your grandmother? From unique handmade gifts to plants and games, here are dozens of ideas.
August 24, 2023
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Best Holiday Gifts for Grandma: How to Surprise Grandma With a Gift She'll Love

Getting a gift for your grandma isn't just about marking a special occasion; it's a heartfelt way to show appreciation for the love she’s given you through a lifetime. When you're searching for that token of gratitude, it's not just about the item itself, but the emotion and memories it carries.

Our guide breaks down the best gift ideas for grandma. There's something here for everyone, whether you’ve got tech-savvy grandma or one who loves cozy comforts.

Health and Relaxation Gifts

Gifts that allow you to relax and unwind are always a treat. Here are ideas that promote well-being and serenity – and as a bonus, many of these are things that can be enjoyed together.

  1. The Little Flower Soap Co. Relaxing Spa Gift Box ($36 on Amazon)

A thoughtful collection of spa essentials handcrafted with love by a local Michigan artisan. Includes beautiful natural soaps, bath salts, and more. 

  1. AromaBliss Ultrasonic Diffuser ($39.99 at Walmart)

This automatic essential oil diffuser has a wood grain design and offers up to 8 hours of aromatic mist. It sets the tone for a calming morning or evening.

  1. Blueberry-Lemon Cream Tea Box  ($98 at Mrs. Bakewells)

This English teatime box is packed with classic scones, rich preserves, and quality Twinings teas. It will transport you right to the UK and makes a great gift box.

  1. Everlasting Comfort Bath Pillow ($35 on Amazon)

If your grandma is someone who feels comfortable getting in and out of the bathtub, this bath pillow is designed to cradle the head and neck so you can relax in it. It has a breathable mesh cover that can be washed to keep it clean.

  1. Coolest Grandma Scented Candle ($19 on Etsy)

This delightful candle has a sweet design and a fruity scent with spicy tones to remind your grandma how much you love her.

Arts and Crafts Gifts

If your grandma is artistic and loves to make things, here are some gift ideas she’ll love.

  1. Hummingbird Paint-by-Number Kit ($38 at Uncommon Goods)

This paint-by-numbers kit has a beautiful hummingbird drawing that makes for an enjoyable painting session. It comes equipped with quality brushes and non-toxic paints.

  1. Knitting Caddy & Yarn Bowl ($71 at Uncommon Goods)

This unique caddy keeps yarn in place and also holds other knitting essentials. It's perfect for organizing all your knitting tools in place. 

  1. Pink Picasso Botanical Floral DIY Canvas Paint ($46 on Amazon)

This beautiful paint-by-numbers kit is perfect for flower lovers.

  1. Adult Coloring Book for Women ($12 on Amazon)

This coloring book is designed to calm the mind. It’s visually appealing and helps to reduce stress and anxiety.

  1. Boho Diamond Painting Coasters ($13 at Amazon)

These Boho coasters have beautiful crafting and come with a diamond painting kit to customize the colors and patterns. 

Books and Puzzles

The mind needs nourishment as much as the body. For grandmothers who cherish reading and puzzles, here are some suggestions:

  1. Amazon Kindle Paperwhite ($150 at Amazon)

Even if your grandma prefers physical books, the power of having every book at her fingertips always makes a good gift. If she has a library card, she’ll be able to borrow books.

  1. Dessert Person: Recipes and Guidance for Baking with Confidence: A Baking Book ($20.49 at Amazon)

Many consider this NYT best-selling book the best cookbook they’ve ever owned.

  1. Hungry Hearts: Essays on Courage, Desire, and Belonging ($7 on Amazon)

This collection of essays offers reflections on love, relationships, and the journey of self-discovery from renowned authors and thinkers.

  1. Artisan John Derian Dancing Butterflies 750-Piece Puzzle ($20 on Amazon)

This vibrant puzzle has 750 intricate pieces and is a great gift for anyone who likes puzzles and nature.

Everyday Essentials 

Products that combine elegance with practicality are perfect gifts for the modern grandma. These handpicked essentials are sure to elevate her daily routine.

  1. Aquasentials Easy Lotion Applicator ($7.69 on Amazon)

Aquaessential's applicator has a 16" brush and is great for applying lotion to those hard-to-reach places. It has an ergonomic wooden handle that is comfortable to hold and makes a great gift with any lotion and would make a perfect stocking stuffer.

  1. La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm Body Lotion ($23.99 on Amazon)

This La Roche-Posay lotion has ingredients like shea butter that leave skin hydrated and silky. It's a favorite pick from dermatologists for mature skin.

  1. AquaTeak Patented Sumba Tank Teak Shower Bench ($199.95)

A stylish and durable teak bench designed not only for comfort with its raised height and arms but also for safety with its non-slip rubber feet.

  1. Wine Soaps ($30 at Uncommon Goods)

These soaps are inspired by popular wines and handcrafted in Georgia.

Customized Gifts

In the age of fleeting digital memories, tangible keepsakes still hold a special place in our hearts. Here’s a curated list of memory-making gifts.

  1. Vintage Custom Engraved Necklace ($13.45 on Etsy)

This rose gold necklace includes custom engraving and a picture inside. It’s a modern take on vintage locket necklaces and a sweet keepsake.

  1. Aura Carver Luxe HD Smart Picture Frame ($179 on Amazon)

This smart frame allows you to send photos from your phone and plays them in a slideshow. It has unlimited storage and is a revolving, dynamic photo collage that’s easy to add to.

  1. 'What I Love About Grandma' Fill-in-the-Blank Journal ($11 on Amazon)

A journal for grandchildren to write about their grandma based on prompted question. It makes a great gift for children of all ages – particularly those in elementary and middle school.

  1. Willow Tree Grandmother, Sculpted Hand-Painted Keepsake Box ($26 on Amazon)

This hand-painted box showcases a grandmother and grandchild’s bond. Inside, a message says, "Love that transcends the years."

  1. Photo Gallery Wall Calendar ($36.99 at Shutterfly)

This personalized calendar allows you to add family photos and customize the design.

Culinary and Kitchen Gifts

Grandmas who love cooking know that it’s not just about food—it's an expression of love. These picks will make her time in the kitchen even more special.

  1. Personalized Birthflower Cutting Board ($33.60 on Etsy)

Gift your grandma a personalized wooden cutting board adorned with a birth flower design. You can add the family and/or grandchildren's names for a personal touch.

  1. Breville Countertop Compact Wave Soft-Close Microwave ($249.95 on Amazon)

This Breville microwave is our favorite model for older adults. It stands out with an 80% quieter, soft-close door, and a set of one-touch auto buttons like Reheat and Popcorn.

  1. Personalized Grandma and Grandchildren Aprons ($24.99 on Etsy)

These customized apron allow you to embroider names and designs and come in lots of great color options.

  1. Juliska Berry & Thread Melamine Dinner Plate ($26 at Amazon)

We love Juliska’s chic Melamine dinnerware. They’re perfect for a grandma who needs new plates and bowls and is looking for something lighter to hold and carry.

Gardening Gifts

These gifts are perfect for the grandma who blossoms in the garden.

  1. Floral Weeder Glove Gift Set ($24 at Uncommon Goods)

These breathable gloves are designed for comfortable gardening and paired with a special soap that ensures her hands remain soft.

  1. Via Citrus Calamondin Orange Tree ($65 at Amazon)

If your grandma has the right space for this, this lovely orange tree produces fruits that are a delightful cross between mandarin oranges and kumquats. With its beautiful leaves, fragrant flowers, and vibrant fruits, this tree is a treat that fills the space with a wonderful scent.

  1. Lavender Floral Vase with Grandma Quote ($19.30 on Etsy)

A quality ceramic vase in a light lavender color for holding fresh flowers — plus a sweet quote for grandma.

  1. Thistle Butterfly Puddler ($42 at Uncommon Goods)

A unique stoneware piece designed to attract butterflies. It has a small well for water and minerals to keep them coming back.

  1. Gardening Subscription Box starting ($112 at My Garden Box)

A monthly box filled with gardening goodies, from tools to seeds. How fun to receive new gardening surprises every month!

Cozy and Comforting Gifts

There’s nothing quite like the embrace of a cozy gift to make grandma feel cherished and warm. Here’s our selection of our favorite cozy comforts.

  1. Ekouaer Flannel Faux Poncho ($32.99 on Amazon)

This flannel poncho doubles as both a cozy blanket and a chic outer layer.

  1. Personalized Birth Flower Blanket ($14.85 on Etsy)

This customizable blanket allows you to add your grandma's birth month and her name. It’s available to customize in a range of colors and fonts.

  1. CUSHIONAIRE Women's Feather Cloud Recovery Slide Sandals ($19.99 on Amazon)

These soft and flexible foam sandals truly feel like walking on a cloud.

  1. Sherpa Weighted Blanket ($49.00 at Target)

Unlikely most fake sherpa blankets, this has a removable cover to make it easy to wash.

  1. Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Ribbed Robe ($118 on Amazon)

Made from a cozy nylon-rayon blend, this robe is both comfortable and practical with its pockets.

Tech Products

Here are some of our favorite tech products that enhance dail ylife.

  1. Apple Watch Series 7 ($399.99)

One of our favorite products for aging well, this watch is functional and stylish and has so many safety features that we love, like the Fall Detection feature.

  1. Amazon Echo (4th Gen) ($74.99 on Amazon)

The Amazon Echo is one of our must-haves for older adults: its great for easily setting reminders, playing music, making drop-in calls, and controlling smart home devices.

  1. SwitchBot Curtain Smart Electric Motor ($79 on Amazon)

If your grandma has curtains, we love the SwitchBot. It makes traditional curtains smart to open or close them with just a touch or an app.

  1. SOI Handbag Illuminator With Charging Power ($36 at Uncommon Goods)

The smart light on this phone charger turns on by detecting hands. It gives you both light and power in one device — perfect for on-the-go.

  1. EPLO Smart Toilet ($759 on Amazon)

One of the more luxe items on our list, this modern, stylish toilet comes with a warm seat, instant warm water, and a remote for easy use.

Mobility Aid and Assistance Gifts

If your grandmother needs extra assistance, these are some of our favorite gifts.

  1. Carex Bed Rails ($55 on Amazon)

Bed Rails allow individuals to push themselves up from bed easely with padded hand assist bar, reducing strain on the back and legs. This one has a robust steel frame to ensure durability.

  1. DMI Step Stool with Handle ($39 on Amazon)

This is our favorite step stool for hard-to-reach items.

  1. Non-Slip Carpet Stair Treads ($39 on Amazon)

These stair treads enhance grip when walking on wooden stairs — essential for preventing falls.

  1. Carex Bathtub Transfer Bench ($64 on Amazon)

This transfer bench provides a safe and comfortable way to move in and out of the bathtub.

How to Make Every Gift for Your Grandma Special

Your gift is bound to leave a lasting impression because it’s from you, but here are a few touches to make it even more special:

Thoughtful Packaging

The first impression of any gift starts with the wrapping. Choose wrapping papers or fabrics that resonate with your grandma's taste — perhaps something vintage, floral, or in her favorite color. If she’s eco-conscious, consider using reusable fabric wraps or recycled paper. And a handwritten note or card attached to the gift is always a lovely addition.

Direct Deliveries

If you can't present the gift in person, make use of online stores like Amazon, Walmart, or Etsy that offer direct delivery to her address. Many of these platforms also provide gift-wrapping services. Ensure you choose a wrapping style that she'd love and add a personal message during checkout.

Personal Touch

Even if you're ordering online, think of ways to add a personal touch. This could be a short video message or a handwritten letter sent by mail to accompany the gift.

Experience Over Material

When you’re finding a gift, consider gifting experiences, too, like a spa day, book club membership, or a virtual class something she's interested in. For many, these can be more valuable than physical gifts. And if it's something you can do together, even better!

It's the thought and effort behind the gift that makes it special. Taking a few extra steps to present it beautifully and meaningfully can make all the difference in how your gift is received.

Final Word

The perfect gift for your grandmother is one that celebrates the unique bond you share. Whether it's a token of comfort, a tool for her favorite hobby, or a simple reminder of your love, the joy of your gift lies in the shared moments and cherished memories it represents.

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