14 Thoughtful Gifts for New Grandparents

Becoming a grandparent is one of life's sweetest transitions. To help celebrate the newly-minted Nanas and Papas in your life (and make their new role even more enjoyable), we've rounded up the best gifts for first-time grandparents – from practical items they'll use daily to meaningful keepsakes they'll treasure forever.

For preserving their stories for future generations‍

Remento's No-Write Life Story Book

‍Think of this as a personal biographer in their pocket. While there are lots of memory books out there, what makes Remento special is that it requires zero writing - they simply respond to weekly prompts by recording their voice, and the platform magically transforms those stories into a beautiful hardcover book. "It's quite genius," says Heather Kinsey, who bought it for her mother. "When I saw that Remento helped write the story better than she could, I was sold." Several shoppers mention buying it for parents with dementia to capture memories "before it's too late." The best part? Each chapter includes a QR code so future generations can actually hear the stories in their loved one's voice.

$99 at Remento

For displaying an endless stream of baby photos

Aura Carver Digital Frame

‍Every grandparent's home needs a dedicated way to show off their new pride and joy. This wifi-enabled frame lets family members instantly beam photos from their phones straight to grandma and grandpa's house. The screen is large and crystal clear, and setup is refreshingly simple - one Strategist editor's "not-so-tech-savvy" parents mastered it in minutes. Plus, there's no subscription required, making it a truly one-and-done purchase.

$179 at Amazon

For storytime snuggles

Pottery Barn Wells Swivel Glider & Ottoman

‍While it's certainly an investment, this supremely comfortable chair will be their command center for years of bedtime stories, bottle feedings, and baby snuggles. The swivel-glider motion soothes fussy babies (and tired grandparents), while the included ottoman provides essential foot support. "My mother-in-law loved this chair so much at our house, she bought one for hers," says one reviewer. The performance fabric stands up to inevitable spills and spit-up.

$999 at Pottery Barn

For capturing memories like a pro

Sony ZV-1 Camera for Content Creators

‍Help them document every precious moment with this point-and-shoot that thinks it's a professional camera. It's specifically designed for vlogging and content creation, meaning they'll get crisp, well-lit shots even if they're not tech wizards. The automatic focus prioritizes faces and can track moving subjects (perfect for active toddlers), while the built-in image stabilization keeps videos smooth. "I bought this for my dad who wanted to document his grandkids growing up," writes one reviewer. "The quality is amazing and it's actually easy enough for him to use."

$748 at Amazon

For staying organized

Personalized Grandparent Planning Calendar

‍This isn't just any calendar – it's a command center for the modern grandparent. Each month features photos of the grandkids and space to track important dates like doctor appointments, dance recitals, and babysitting duties. "My mom says this helps her feel more involved in her grandchildren's lives, even though we live in different states," one reviewer notes. The paper quality is substantial, and you can add birthdays and anniversaries before it ships.

$30 at Minted

For their new home office‍

Baby Care Kit Deluxe

‍When you're suddenly back in the baby business after a few decades, it helps to have all the essentials in one place. This comprehensive kit includes everything from a thermometer and nail clippers to baby pain reliever and saline drops. "This saved us multiple late-night pharmacy runs," says one grandparent. The clear organization and labeled compartments make it easy to find what's needed in a hurry.

$65 at BuyBuyBaby

For proud proclamations‍

Made By Mary "Grandma" Disc Necklace

‍Available in silver, gold, or rose gold, this delicate necklace lets them subtly (or not so subtly) celebrate their new role. You can customize it with their preferred grandparent name – from traditional "Grandma" to more unique options like "Mimi" or "Nana." The 16-inch chain length sits right at the collarbone, though you can request longer lengths if needed.

$70 at Made By Mary

For overnight visits‍

Bugaboo Stardust Playard

‍This travel crib sets up in one second flat (we timed it) and folds just as quickly. Unlike other portable cribs that require an engineering degree to assemble, this one uses a clever accordion design that even sleep-deprived grandparents can manage. The mattress is surprisingly plush, and the whole thing weighs just 15 pounds.

$319 at Bugaboo

For tech-savvy grandparents‍

Echo Show 10

‍Think of this as mission control for modern grandparenting. They can use it for video calls that automatically pan to follow them around the room (great for showing off their space to far-away family), display digital photos, set reminders for medications or appointments, and even control smart home devices. "My mom uses it primarily for video calls with the grandkids," one reviewer writes, "but she's slowly discovering all the other features."$249.99 at Amazon

For coffee with pride‍

Custom "Established Grandparent" Mug Set

‍These aren't your typical novelty mugs. Made from sturdy ceramic with a professional-grade printing process, they're actually nice enough to display. Each set includes two mugs customized with their grandparent names and the year they earned the title. They're dishwasher-safe and hold a generous 15 ounces.

$35 at Etsy

For the sentimental grandparent

"Letters to My Grandchild" Time Capsule

‍While Remento captures their stories verbally, this book takes a different approach with written prompts like "The world I want you to grow up in..." and "What I want you to know about our family..." The paper quality is excellent, and each letter can be sealed and dated with instructions for when to open it.

$14.95 at Amazon

For garden-loving grandparents‍

Family Tree Garden Stone Kit

‍This kit lets them create a lasting outdoor memorial with their grandchild's handprints. The stepping stone is weather-resistant and includes everything needed to make and decorate it. Many reviewers note it's become a yearly tradition, creating a stone for each grandchild.

$39.95 at Uncommon Goods

For family history buffs‍

Ancestry DNA Kit + World Explorer Membership

‍Help them explore their family's roots with this combination of DNA testing and genealogical research tools. The World Explorer membership lets them build an online family tree and access billions of historical records. "My dad became obsessed with researching our family history after getting this," one reviewer notes. "It's given him a wonderful project to share with his grandchildren."$100 for DNA kit +

$39/month for membership at Ancestry

For capturing professional-quality moments‍

Family Photo Session Gift Card

‍Sometimes the best gift isn't a thing but an experience. A professional photo session captures the joy of their new role while creating lasting memories. Many photographers offer special "generation" packages specifically for extended family photos.

Prices vary by location and photographer, typically starting around $300

Frequently Asked Questions About Gifts for New Grandparents

What's the traditional gift for new grandparents?

‍While there's no official "traditional" gift like with weddings or anniversaries, photo frames and family jewelry are classic choices. Modern options often focus on technology that helps them stay connected with their grandchildren.

How much should you spend on a gift for new grandparents?

‍Most people spend between $50-200 on new grandparent gifts. However, the range can vary widely based on your relationship and budget, from meaningful $15 photo frames to $1000+ furniture pieces.

What do first-time grandparents need most?

‍Practical items for their home (like a portable crib or changing supplies), ways to capture memories (cameras or photo frames), and items that help them stay connected with their grandchildren if they live far away.

When should you give a new grandparent gift?

‍Most people give gifts either when the pregnancy is announced, at a baby shower, or shortly after the baby is born. However, there's no wrong time to celebrate this new role.

What should you avoid when buying for new grandparents?

‍Avoid overly complicated technology unless you know they're tech-savvy, and be cautious with sized items like clothing unless you're certain of their preferences. Also, consider their space limitations when buying larger items.