Thoughtful gifts for empty nesters, from little indulgences to quality time together. Ideas for empty nester moms and dads, including parents who seem to have everything, all great for Christmas.
As our parents get older and enter the empty nest stage of life (as we are now!), gift ideas they actually want get harder to find. If they want something, they simply buy it themselves.
I remember the gift-buying struggle with my own parents, and now that my husband and I are empty nesters ourselves, we understand it even better.
So I recently asked my amazing Instagram community for gift ideas for parents who are also empty nesters. (If you aren’t over there with us, come and join my Instagram account!)
They totally got the assignment and came up with some fantastic ideas! Here’s their list of creative picks, along with a few of our own favourites.
Pampering Gifts for Empty Nester Moms
- A magnifying makeup mirror. I use mine every day!
- A pedicure appointment. These are a real treat for me too!
- An “at home” manicure and pedicure set with some pretty products, like my favourite Essie gel polish and top coat set.
- A lovely silk scarf set. I have one and love it, and so many of my Instagram followers do too!
- New gold earrings. Classic gold hoops are gorgeous.
- A hairbrush blow dryer.
- A facial, massage or spa treatment.
- A gift card for a haircut. Thanks to Mary in the comments, who gives this one to her mother-in-law!
Cozy Comforts for Home
- New Glerups. I was thrilled to discover these really cool wool slippers. They’re gorgeous and look so comfy.
- New towels. For those of us still using towels from our wedding decades ago, new ones are a real treat!
- New bed pillows.
- A massager. My husband and I bought ourselves one, and our sore backs are so happy about it.
- Honey from a local apiary. Thanks to Joanne in the comments for this one! It’s edible and can be used in so many ways.
Experiences to Enjoy Together
- A weekend away.
- Gift cards for dinner out.
- Gift cards for theatre events.
- Museum passes.
- Dance lessons. How fun!
- A season pass to national parks, such as a Parks Canada Discovery Pass.
Gifts of Time and Help
- A house cleaning service.
- A professional organizer to help them downsize.
Sentimental Gifts from the Kids and Grandkids
- Have the kids come home for a family photo. This was a very popular request, and sometimes the best present is simply your presence!
- Photos of the kids and grandkids.
- Homemade Christmas cards from the grandkids. So sweet!
- A favourite family recipe, handwritten. These handwritten recipe gifts will melt someone’s sentimental heart!
- An empty nest gift basket filled with a few of their favourite things, like cozy socks, a good book, special tea or coffee, and a sweet note from you.
Fun Tech and Handy Gadgets
- An Amazon Kindle. I got one for Christmas last year and I just love it! It’s especially nice for travel.
- A Tile tracker. Perfect for parents who are always hunting for their keys, wallet or glasses! These handy Tile by Life360 clip onto a keyring or tuck into a wallet, and they work with both iPhone and Android. Tap the app and the Tile rings so you can find it. If they misplace their phone, pressing the Tile makes the phone ring, even on silent!
- An air fryer.
- An Amazon gift card, so they can choose their own gift.
Did I miss any gift ideas for parents?
If you have other great gift ideas for older parents, please share them in the comments below. We all love a little help in the gift idea department!
More Helpful Gift Guides:
- These kitchen gadgets would make great stocking stuffers.
- These handwritten recipe gifts will melt someone’s sentimental heart!
- Creative handmade gifts for her
- Christmas gift ideas for her
