Celebrate your new baby with these sentimental gift ideas for new grandparents

best grandparents gifts

by Laura Healy |
Updated on

Becoming a grandparent for the first time is an exciting, emotional, and incredibly rewarding experience. After all, grandparents are like second parents, and as such, deserve to be treated to a little something in anticipation of one of the most important roles in life. But which gifts for grandparents say the most?

Perhaps your friends have excitedly told you they're going to be grandparents and you want to send something to congratulate them; or you've just told your parents, "You're going to be grandparents," and want to commemorate the occasion with a keepsake gift for grandma and grandpa. Finally, perhaps their new grandson or granddaughter has just been born, and while all the focus is on the new baby gifts and gifts for new parents - understandably - wouldn't it be nice to get gifts for the new grandparents too?

Grandparents' gifts can vary from fun novelty T-shirts and sentimental photo frames, to practical gifts that will come in handy with new babies around. Being a grandparent isn't always the most stress-free experience, so a pamper set for a little self-care evening is another fab idea for the grandma or grandpa-to-be, especially after all the babysitting duties they'll most likely be called upon to help out with.

We've found all the best grandparents' gifts to help you decide.

Best gifts for grandparents at a glance:

Best grandparents' gift idea overall: Skylight Frame: 15 inch WiFi Digital Picture Frame – £249 on Amazon
Best letter grandparents' gift: Letters to my grandchild – £11.84 on Amazon
Best baby scan grandparents' gift: Baby Scan Ultrasound Photo Frame – £17 on Etsy
Best fun grandparents' gift: Gifffted Grandma and Grandpas Coffee Mug – £22.33 on Amazon

Best grandparents' gift idea overall

It might be a pricey option but the Skylight Frame is the ultimate gift for grandparents, seamlessly blending modern convenience with those all-important cherished memories. With its easy setup and intuitive interface, grandparents can effortlessly display and cycle through photos right on their tabletop. Our Reviews Editor Emily Gilbert tested the frame and thinks it's such a fantastic gift option for grandparents. "Yes, it's pricey," she says, "but the fact it can be constantly updated with new photos to really keep everyone connected makes it 100% worth it." We love that the frame is super easy to use as well, even for those who aren't the best with tech, and Emily points out: "I like that you don't have to use the app if you don't want to."

Overall, Emily says it's a really well-made piece of kit with high resolution: "I know my in-laws are going to love it for enjoying photos of their first grandchild."

Thanks to its innovative sharing feature, you and other family members can send photos directly to the frame from anywhere in the world via email or through the Skylight app. Whether it's snapshots of baby's milestones or family gatherings, this digital frame will help keep them connected to their loved ones wherever in the world they are located.

You can use the free mobile app if you prefer, and subscribe for more features. It's so easy to use; you can browse, adjust, delete or pause the slideshow easily with the touchscreen display; plus there's a fun feature whereby you can tell family you love the photos with the heart button, and they'll get an email notification.

Another customer thought the digital frames were such a good idea that he bought three frames for a celebration party. He said: "the phone app made it very easy to organise and upload the photos, and I like that the frame gets a private email address making it super easy for friends and family members to send photos from their devices for the event without having first to coordinate through me." The only thing some customers would like to improve is for the power cord to be a couple of feet longer.

Pros

  • Multiple people can upload photos so it's easy to build a slideshow of family memories
  • Easy to set up and use in just one minute
  • You can just email photos straight to the frame or use an app
  • Two size options are available

Cons

  • Need to subscribe for optional features
  • Power cord could be a couple of feet longer
Dimensions:38.1 x 38.1 x 2.5 centimetres
Battery:1 Lithium Metal batteries required. (included)
  • Electronic photo frame
  • Connect via WiFi - share moments instantly
  • Offline mode
  • Cloud-based storage convenience 
  • 10-inch color touch-screen display
  • 1280x800 resolution

Best grandparents' gift for chronicling milestones

grandparents gifts album
Price: £19.99
https://redirect.viglink.com?key=eb32892e8a408657289072c26bd927b5&prodOvrd=PCR&opt=false&u=DRZHQksDHUpPFkMeTFdHUFdMF1NYX0xCGQNJXkBWDAESUkBdV0ZIS0xfVV1GRlZZXRRRW1AWXxsAHRRHWQsKDB5BSUxTF11MV18VXlRFVltWRlJATB8ZI0kOBQ9aXFoGCg%3D%3D&x=v1

Help grandma and grandpa chronicle those all-important milestones and other precious moments in their grandchild's life with a keepsake album. One reviewer said: "I adore this book. My daughter is 18 weeks pregnant and I’ve written so much already. It’s a lovely memory for our grandchild and an important way to share things that could be forgotten."

From their first haircut to their first Christmas, this beautifully illustrated book provides prompts to add photos, cards, notes and more to remember important moments in their grandchildren's life - although, the book does only cover the first year.

One customer also points out that the paper quality isn't great, advising to use a shield behind the page when writing as they found the impression passes through to the other side. The book also has a US bias, as another reviewer shares, so this is something to be aware of if you're purchasing from the UK. The price is also printed to the back cover, so you can't just remove a sticker, which might be annoying as this is intended as a gift.

Pros

  • A treasured family heirloom that can be passed down from generation to generation
  • The book contains beautiful illustrations
  • Space to add notes, photographs, cards, and other memorabilia

Cons

  • Contains a few American sayings/US bias despite being sold in UK
  • Paper quality isn’t great
Dimensions254 x 229 mm
PublisherUnion Square and Co
  • Space for notes, photographs and memorabilia
  • Hardback

Best funny gifts for grandma

Who doesn't love a fun, novelty T-shirt? We can't help but laugh at the 'I'm not retired, I'm a full-time grandma' print, which we're certain grandma will appreciate too. It comes in a rainbow of colours to suit her taste, as well as eight different sizes.

One reviewer said: "Great quality shirt, got it for a gift for my mother and she loved it. The material is super soft and it fit her perfectly. Would recommend this seller and product to anybody looking for a similar item." Another customer said: "My mum loved this shirt as a gift. Quality has been good. We have washed it and colour hasn’t faded." Overall people were happy with the quality of the fabric and fit of the top. You can also get this design as a vest, sweatshirt, or V-neck T-shirt.

Pros

  • Wide range of colour combinations and sizes from petite to plus size
  • Available in other designs too
  • Made from a soft material

Cons

  • Can only be washed on a cold wash
SizesXS - 4XL
Colour range12
Material Solid colour ring spun cotton, heathered colour cotton poly blend
Washing instructionsTurn inside out. Machine wash cold. Tumble dry low. Do not bleach. Do not iron directly on design.
  • Custom designed, printed and hand pressed
  • Super soft ring-spun cotton
  • Heather variety is made from a soft cotton-poly blend
  • Variety of colours and sizes
  • Machine wash cold

Best hamper gifts for grandma and grandpa to share

Hampers are appropriate for pretty much every occasion, and the milestone of grandparenthood is no exception. This M&S hamper includes wine, chutney, biscuits, and crackers to make gran and grandpa's day. One reviewer thought it was a lovely hamper: "I bought it as a gift and the recipients were pleasantly surprised to find the hamper had a second layer of products." Another reviewer mentioned that it was a good-sized basket with a decent selection of quality items; they said: "I liked that the basket had a handle at the top so I could carry it to the recipient without tipping everything over." Overall customers think this hamper is great value for money.

Pros

  • Plenty of items included in the hamper
  • There are two layers of delicious food items to enjoy
  • It comes with a basket included which can be reused for storage

Cons

  • Not suitable for nut or peanut allergy sufferers
Contents6 items
Dimensions410 x 320 x 195mm
  • Can include personal message
  • Basket included

Best baby scan gifts for new grandparents

What better way to announce the new arrival than with this adorable framed ultrasound? With the words 'Meet your first Grandchild' inscribed at the top, this frame will be cherished for years and years to come. One reviewer says, "Absolutely beautiful design and very good quality! I was going overseas to visit my parents to let them know they were going to become grandparents (with this as their gift)." Customers find the seller to be very helpful, with one reviewer describing the service as amazing. We also love how budget-friendly this personalised gift is.

Pros

  • This would make a great gift when announcing a pregnancy
  • Can add a custom message underneath the scan image

Cons

  • Only available in one size
Image size4 x 3 inches
Material Polystyrene polcore moulded with shatterproof glass front
  • Handmade
  • Can add custom message
  • Available in three colours
  • Can be wall mounted or free standing

Best fun and useful gifts for grandparents

grandparent mugs
Price: £19.99
Alternative retailers
Walmart$18.49View offer

Another fun present for the brand-new grandparents, this cute pair of mugs can be used for a pregnancy announcement, or just as a fun, 'welcome to grandparenthood' gift. We love that you get two mugs in the gift set so that each grandparent gets their own keepsake.

One reviewer bought these as a gift from their baby to his grandparents on Eid day. "They loved it!" they said, "great quality and sweet design. They look great together." The mugs are made from ceramic with high quality no-fade printing, meaning they'll will last for many years to come. The large ergonomically shaped handles that make them comfortable to use, . They are also microwave and dishwasher safe, making them easy to use and clean.

Pros

  • Two mugs in the set means you only have to buy one gift for both grandparents
  • No need to wrap as it comes in a beautiful gift box
  • The printing is high quality and won't fade over time

Cons

  • No choice of colours
Dimensions11 x 11 x 11cm
Material Ceramic
  • Set of two mugs
  • Dishwasher and microwave safe
  • Large handle for comfort
  • Non-fading printing
  • Gift box included
  • Fine-foam protected

Best presents for grandparents to celebrate with

Taittinger champagne gift setJohn Lewis

Treat grandma and grandpa to a little bit of bubbly luxury with this gorgeous Tattinger gift set, perfect for their own celebration dinner party for two. It comes with two glasses specially for the occasion, although one customer pointed out that these were a bit smaller than expected - so you'll just have to top up a few more times.

One reviewer said: "The presentation box was appealing and gave the impression that it contained a luxurious gift that was suitable for a special occasion. The bottle of champagne was delicious and was greatly appreciated by the recipient of the gift." Another customer also commented on the box, saying: "The presentation box seen online doesn't do it justice - it is really stunning and looks very special." This is the perfect gift that you can't really go far wrong with.

Pros

  • Comes in a lovely presentation box with two glasses as well as the champagne
  • It's the perfect gift for a celebration

Cons

  • Glasses might be smaller than expected

Best pampering thoughtful gifts for grandparents

Rejuvenate, renew, and reset with this gift set by Rituals which will help grandma unwind and indulge in a little bit of much-needed self-care. It has a light floral scent and is full of luxurious products including a candle and beauty products including shower gel, body cream and body scrub. It will provide everything grandma needs for a relaxing evening at home. We especially like the origami-style gift-wrapped presentation, which is inspired by the Japanese art of giving.

Pros

  • Arrives beautifully wrapped in pretty paper and a luxurious gold seal
  • There are a variety of different options all with different coloured wrapping

Cons

  • Just four items in the set
Contentsfoaming shower gel 200ml, body cream 100ml, body scrub 125g, candle 140g
  • Gift wrapped
  • Delicate, floral scent
  • Luxury products
  • Infused with cherry blossom and rice milk
  • Includes:
  • Foaming Showergel 200mls
  • Body Cream 100mls
  • Body Scrub 125g
  • Candle 140g

Best funny advice book gifts for first-time grandparents

grandparents guide

Rrp: £10.99

Price: £8.12

A funny, tongue-in-cheek survival guide, ideal for first-timers. This illustrative guide is jam-packed with funny tips and comical illustrations, guaranteeing lots of laughs and even more wisdom. It isn't intended as a serious guide, so make sure the grandparents have a good sense of humour.

One reviewer was disappointed as they were expecting something more detailed and useful with some humour thrown in. So keep in mind that this book contains minimal words and daft humour that may only appeal to some people's taste. One reviewer said, "A light-hearted look at becoming first-time grandparents!" Another said, "The people I gifted it with were thrilled. They said it was funny but had good advice!" Overall people found this to be a cute gift.

Pros

  • This is the perfect novelty gift for Gran and Grandpa
  • Features comical illustrations

Cons

  • No really serious advice
PublisherSummersdale
Pages96
Dimensions12.19 x 1.27 x 15.88 cm
  • Features entertaining illustrations
  • Lots of tips for new Grandparents

Best jewellery personalised gifts for grandparents

A personalised, heart-shaped locket that you can fill with beautiful family portraits of grandma and grandpa with the brand-new addition to the family. You'll get brownie points for thoughtfulness and it is a wonderful keepsake. You can also have the locket engraved for an additional cost, and even have the makers add your photos rather than do it yourself - again, for an additional price.

One reviewer said: "It melted my heart. I will treasure it always. Thank you for making this, it's something I would recommend to anyone, well made and not expensive, also was kept up-to-date with tracking and arrived on time and safely." Another reviewer said: "Locket was slightly chunkier than expected but I am happy with the purchase," so keep in mind that the heart does fold out several times, which makes the locket slightly heavier and more bulky than others.

Pros

  • Features four spaces for photos
  • Engraving is available for an additional cost
  • Five different chain lengths available
  • Comes with a cute gift box and handmade tag

Cons

  • Extra charge to include photos inside
  • Locket is fairly chunky
MaterialBrass (locket), brass plated (necklace chain)
Dimensions (locket)2cm x 2cm
  • Solid brass locket with ornate clasp
  • Clasp opens to reveal multiple spaces for up to 4 photos
  • Photos can be etched straight onto the brass
  • Can include an engraving
  • Choice necklace lengths
  • Gift box with handmade tag included
  • All packaging recyclable and biodegradable

Best letter grandparents' gift

Grandparents gifts letters

Rrp: £14.95

Price: £13.90

This precious gift idea for new grandparents includes a collection of 12 letters for grandparents to write, ideal for passing on words of wisdom only a grandparent can. The letters can then be post-dated and sealed with the included stickers, and given to the grandchildren to open in the future. The letters include prompts such as, 'Here is a special story about our family,' 'What I want you to know about me,' and 'My wishes for you are...' along with others.

This is both a gift for grandparents and grandchildren to cherish forever. One reviewer shares: "Each month for the first year of my grandson’s life, I wrote a letter in this book. While I won’t give it to him until his 10th birthday, he will have many letters of stories that I may not have shared with him, my views on the world, and my hopes for his future. Hopefully, he will treasure it the way I am treasuring every minute I am with him." Customers like the quality of this book saying it's well made and should last a long time. They thought the prompts were useful, helping to focus thoughts and share things that might not have been talked about otherwise.

Pros

  • A unique and precious keepsake gift that can become a family heirloom
  • Includes stickers to seal the letters, plus writing prompts

Cons

  • Cover of the book separates from the pages
Pages12
PublisherChronicle Books
Dimensions9.65 x 2.03 x 20.45 cm
  • 12 letters to write
  • Contains unique prompts
  • Includes stickers to seal the letters
  • Hardcover

Best unique gifts for grandparents to display children's artwork

Grandparents gifts artwork frame
Price: £16.99

When the grandchildren start school they will be bringing home lots of pictures they have created for their grandparents, and it's hard to know how to display them all. This practical and sentimental display frame provides a space for grandparents to both store and display the precious artwork.

Available in a selection of colours, this wall mounted frame is a must for proud grandparents. One reviewer says: "Really nice quality over all. We love ours and our daughter likes to change the pictures out. Both grandparents have noticed it and commented on how they’d love to have one at their house. We’ll be getting one for each set of grandparents for Christmas." Some customers found it a bit tricky to hang with two mounts, but overall people loved the unique concept and thought it makes the perfect gift.

Pros

  • Provides storage for up to 100 pieces of artwork as well as displaying it
  • There are lots of different colours to choose from
  • Easy to open and close the frame with a magnet closure

Cons

  • Some reviewers said the hooks on the frame for mounting were uneven
Dimensions‎30.48 x 36.83 x 2.51 cm
Colour options15
  • Black A4 frame that opens like a book
  • Interior elastic straps for storage
  • Comes with white beveled mount
  • Includes hanging hardware for horizontal/vertical display
  • Holds up to 100 pieces of artwork
  • 15 colour options available
  •  Store artwork under elastic straps inside the frame
  • Wall mounted
  • Tempered shatter-resistant glass
  • Sturdy metal tabs keep the mount and artwork in place
  • Frame opens and closes with a small magnet

Best homeware grandparents' gift ideas

Grandparents gifts door mat
Price: £19.67 (was £39.33)

www.etsy.com

With muddy little feet soon to be running around their house, this cute welcome doormat will be the perfect addition to the new grandparents' home. Not only will it be incredibly useful, but it will be a lovely reminder every time anyone visits of how special a grandparents' house is. One reviewer said: "I ordered the large size and I am so glad I did! Great quality and it came just as listed! My parents love this addition to their front door!" We also love that it can be personalised, as this accounts for families who only have one grandparent.

Pros

  • Slip-resistant back keeps this doormat in place
  • Available in a range of sizes to suit different doorways
  • It can be personalised

Cons

  • No colour options
Sizes8 x 12"<br>12 x 26"<br>16 x 24"<br>18 x 30"<br>24 x 36"<br>24 x 48"<br>36 x 60"
Material Coir
  • Slip resistant back
  • Cured UV resistant ink
  • Range of sizes
  • Can be personalised

Best personalised photo gift for grandparents

A lovely, not to mention stylish and sentimental, keepsake gift for grandad. There are lots of options for the leather and text colour. And you could even get a matching one for Granny too with the personalisation feature. One reviewer said: "Really perfect presents. This is the third time of buying and as always the item is beautiful and just as expected." Customers thought this gift was good quality, arrived promptly, and had great communication from the seller on Etsy. You can choose gold foil wording, or to have the leather embossed instead.

Pros

  • Choose from gold foil or embossed wording
  • Lots of colours to choose from from black, brown and grey, to mint and pink
  • A special gift for grandad or grandma

Cons

  • Photo must be high-resolution
Material PU leather
  • Gold foiling/debossed personalisation
  • Vegan/PU leather
  • 11 colour options

How to choose the best gifts for grandparents

The best gift for grandparents is time with their precious grandchildren, but after all their hard work it's lovely to acknowledge everything they do and make sure they know how much they are loved and appreciated with a special present. Grandparents' gifts don't have to be expensive: they can be simple keepsakes, or even a drawing from your little one. First consider what the grandparents you are buying for enjoy. Do they have any hobbies? Is there anything they need? Perhaps there is something which will make babysitting a little bit easier. Gifts don't have to be practical though; grandparents will love anything with photos or sweet sentiments. If it's hard to think of a joint present, perhaps buy separate gifts for grandma and grandad - then they won't have to fight over who gets to open it.

Do grandparents expect to be treated to gifts when a new baby arrives?

Definitely not, but it doesn't mean they won't appreciate it. Just like buying a gift for new siblings so they don't feel left out, it is nice to include grandparents in the celebrations too. Of course, there will be lots of chance to spoil grandparents and you can also buy gifts for Grandma for Mother's Day from the new baby, and don't forget gifts for grandad on Father's Day too.

The most important thing though is spending time together as a family now the dynamics have changed, and grandparents will be eager to help and share the experience. If baby's grandparents live far away, then keep them updated with photos and maybe even video calls, as well as thoughtful gifts.

How we test

Interested to know how we choose products to include in our round-ups, who tests for us, and whether we physically test every product we feature? Find out everything you need to know about how we test so that you can enjoy our suggestions and choose confidently.

Laura Healy is a Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby. She is a mum-of-two girls and loves writing about all things parenting. She has a PhD in Creative Writing and enjoys reading and attending literary festivals, as well as writing fiction.

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