Got Picky Parents to Shop For? They Might Actually Use These Gifts!

At least you can check them off your list.

BY: Jennifer Belanger
Update: September 28, 2024

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What are you supposed to gift your parents if it seems like they already have everything? And what if they’re older parents – then chances are high that they actually do have everything. If you’re typically in a complete state of semi-panic because you’ve given them gift cards (not that there’s anything wrong with that!) for the past 5 years in a row – and are looking to get creative this year – we’ve got some cool ideas below.

I find that my parents really aren’t looking to take on any more bric-a-brac, or “stuff.” So I try to find a gift idea that walks the line between useful, and not something they’d typically pick up for themselves.

Whether your parents are total homebodies, are the type to head out all the time, are surprisingly tech-savvy, or are classic and traditional, we’ve got it covered. We’ve come up with a wide variety of useful and all-in-good-fun gift ideas – ideal for their birthday, anniversary, the Christmas season, Hanukkah, or just because! They did give birth to you after all, so you really do owe them.

Check out some of the best gifts for parents who have everything in 2024! Truth be told, they’ll most likely end up returning it all anyway. Kidding. Maybe.

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INTERESTS

I always try to consider what they enjoy doing in their free time. Whether it’s traveling, cooking, reading, sports or movies, a gift related to their interests is a nice way to show attention to detail.

SENTIMENTAL

I love a gift with sentimental value. This could be something personalized, a meaningful framed photo, or even a way to stay in touch long distance to show some love and appreciation.

PRACTICALITY

I also try to think of items that could make daily life easier or more enjoyable, like a kitchen gadget, a subscription to a service they love or use, or even a way to make taking in the grandkids games a bit more comfortable.

LONG DISTANCE

I included ideas that might brighten their day, even if you can’t be there in person. Sending gourmet foods, sweet treats and even experiences can hit the mark from across the miles.

OUR TOP GIFT PICKS

MasterClass

if they love to learn

PROS

CONS

It’s never too late to learn, or polish up on a skill, so why not take some classes from some of the biggest celebrities and pros in the biz. Classes are conducted online and at their own pace – so they can relax and really enjoy themselves. I think this is a great way to say goodbye to rigid schedules and hello to flexible learning vibes.

With MasterClass, they’ll have access to lessons taught by some of the best and brightest in their fields, from award-winning actors to world-renowned chefs to legendary athletes. Whether they’re honing their acting chops with Natalie Portman or mastering the art of cooking with Gordon Ramsay, they’ll learn from the masters themselves and gain invaluable insights. And since they can learn at their own pace and on their own schedule, it doesn’t matter if they’re a night owl burning the midnight oil, or an early bird seizing the day.

YETI Colster

keep your cans cold

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These Colsters will keep their beer, soda (whatever their can of choice is) so much colder, for so much longer. They come in a variety of colors, as well as a slim version. My second favorite thing about this YETI? It’s dishwasher safe. Rejoice! I love being able to toss this into the dishwasher, whether I’ve had it at the pool, the beach, the lake, or even the backyard.

I’ve purchase this one plenty of times over the years – for myself, as gifts, and even packed extras when staying at someone’s lake house for them to keep. They keep beverages cold for a hours (but let’s be real, a beer won’t take hours), are scratch resistant, and designed to not sweat – keeping hands nice and dry. While the 12 ounce size fits most standard cans, I’ve also put a beer bottle inside (because sometimes you have to think outside the box). It jiggles a little, but gets the job done.

Waterproof Bluetooth Portable Speaker

music on the move

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First off, this baby is tough. It’s got an IPX7 waterproof rating, which means you can take it to the beach, the pool, or even your shower concerts without worrying about splashes, spills, or even submersion. So if they love singing in the shower, or singing in the rain, this is the one. This one makes a great gift for tech lovers too.

The Clip 3 isn’t just about rugged durability, though. It’s also about freedom. Freedom from wires, thanks to Bluetooth connectivity that lets them stream their favorite tunes from your phone or tablet. And freedom to roam, with a built-in carabiner that lets them clip it to their backpack, bike, or belt loop. In a nut shell? They can take it just about anywhere.

Sound quality? Oh, it’s got that covered. Despite its small size, it delivers surprisingly rich and clear audio. Plus, with up to 10 hours of playtime on a single charge, day-long adventures won’t be interrupted by a silent speaker and awkward silence.

Nixplay Digital Touchscreen Picture Frame

for sentimental value

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I find that while this one might seem a little cliche, but most parents really do love having one of these. This digital frame is the ultimate memory keeper and such a cool way to display favorite photos. It’s easy to set up and add pics on the fly for them to view privately – easily swiping through your latest vacation pics or family moments right on the frame, thanks to its intuitive touch interface.

Plus, with WiFi connectivity, you can beam your photos directly to the frame from anywhere in the world. It’s like having a personal photo gallery that updates itself, making it a breeze to share your life’s highlights in real time.

Heated Stadium Seat

for the sports fans

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My parents always find that this seat is a conversation starter – with plenty of “Where did you get that!?” at the various hockey, lacrosse, field hockey and baseball games. Needless to say, it’s a game changer (pun intended). They’ll be warm, as it heats up to a toasty 115°F and comfortable. It comes with a USB battery included, so they can just plug in and heat up. With three cozy settings to choose from, they’ll stay warm as they cheer on their favorite player.

Settle in on the 20” wide seat with a a waterproof bottom with water-resistant construction when the game’s trying to rain on your parade, and sink into the high-density memory foam cushion. Need to adjust your viewing angle thanks to person who just sat down, right in your eye line? Pick from six reclining positions. Plus, with a hidden back pocket, three zippered side pockets, and a handy cup holder, all snacks and essentials will be organized and within reach. Topping it all off, this seat folds up with back straps for easy transport.

YETI Tumbler

for drinks on the go

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I can’t even tell you how many of these tumblers have made their way into my kitchen cabinet. Between purchasing my own, and the handful we’ve received as personalized gifts (we have a coach in the house), there’s always one available to take on the go, and they never disappoint. This style is a 20 ounce, but it also comes in a 10 and 30 ounce size.

My favorite thing about these travel tumblers, is that in addition to keeping your hot beverage hot and your cold beverage cold for extended periods of time, they’re also dishwasher safe, fit into your average car cup holder with ease, are double-wall vacuum insulated and splash resistant.

Long Distance Touch Lamp

for smiles across the miles

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I have a set of these from when we had relatives living afar and kids who thought it was a cool way to say hello. Imagine tapping your lamp in New York and instantly lighting up your best friend’s lamp in Tokyo. These lamps are like the ultimate high-tech friendship bracelets, letting you send a colorful, glowing “hello” across the miles. It’s a fun way to stay connected with loved ones, no matter how far apart you are. A top pick specifically for mom and dad, be the distance great or small.

They can choose from a rainbow of colors to send specific messages or just match your mood. Feeling blue? Tap to share it. Want to send some sunshine? Go for a bright yellow glow. They’re also simple to set up and use. Just connect them to WiFi, sync them up, and light up someone’s life.

Fire TV Stick

for the tv and movie lover

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This handy little device will let them easily binge-watch all their must-see shows and movies (more than 1.5 million movies and TV episodes, including Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Max, and more). And while many options are free, but some subscription fees may apply.

Being 4K they’ll experience enhanced picture quality. But full disclosure, they’ll need to have a 4K TV to fully experience the high quality image. Oh, and it can be controlled with their voice via Alexa, so you’ll get a good laugh watching them scream the wrong name of any movie into the controller.

Lobster Care Package for Two

for the seafood lover

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I’ve sent this particular option before as Christmas gifts, with rave reviews! I think this is a great option if you need to ship your gift across the miles, or if they simply don’t need any more “stuff.”

Goldbelly offers a variety of food – from meat, to desserts, and even subscription options to be be shipped from famous restaurants all over the United States! Check everything out from sweets and treats to surf and turf. The above option is a lobster care package from McLoons Lobster Shack in Maine.

Tile Mate

keep tabs on their stuff

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Ugh, what’s worse than running late and your keys are playing hide-and-seek again. No sweat! With a quick tap on their smart phone, the Tile Mate rings out, leading you to your keys faster than you can say “Where the &%*! did my keys go!?” It’s sleek, lightweight, and attaches to almost anything – whether it’s a wallet, backpack, or even the dog’s collar. Plus, with the community find feature, it’s like having a network of sidekicks ready to help track down your stuff.

It’s Android, IOS & Smart Home compatible – and uses the free Tile app on both iOS and Android devices. It also also works with Amazon Alexa, Hey Google and Siri. Looking for the tech specs? It’s water-resistant (IP67 rated), and features up to a 3 year non-replaceable battery, along with a 250 ft / 76 m Bluetooth range.

iRobot Roomba Vacuum

hands off cleaning

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Make their lives a bit easier with this top selling robot vac from iRobot. It’s easy to set up and will get under all those places they typically don’t like to bend down to clean, like under the couch, under their bed, and more. Full disclosure, I have seen the dog get annoyed with it, and use his paw to shut it off (true story).

Offering three levels of powerful suction tailored to tackle both carpets and hard floors, it doesn’t just clean – it customizes the clean! From light dusting to deep dirt extraction, it’s ready to handle the mess with ease. Like a seasoned pro, it methodically cleans in neat rows, while its savvy sensors dodges furniture and avoids any staircase mishaps. With the ability to set cleaning schedules, you can have it work its magic while you’re out living your best life. Plus, it’s got the stamina to clean for up to 120 minutes on a single charge and the smarts to return to its charging station when the battery runs low.

Furbo WiFi Dog Cam

for their best pal

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This pet cam boasts a 1080p HD camera with night vision, giving you a crystal-clear live view of your home and furry friend, day or night. Easily monitor pets, stream live video, chat with family members, and even toss treats – all from the comfort of your smartphone. The two-way audio feature lets you talk to your pet, making it feel like you’re always there, even when you’re afar.

But, wait, there’s more! Furbo’s treat tossing feature adds an interactive twist to your day. Load up your dog’s favorite treats and play a game of catch to keep them entertained, or use it to help alleviate separation anxiety. Plus, with the barking sensor alert, Furbo notifies you instantly when your dog is barking, so you can check in and see what’s up. Setting it up is easy peasy – plug it in, place it near your WiFi router, download the app, and connect!

Shady Pines Mug

for the jokester

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Shady Pines, Ma! I love a light-hearted gift, and if they’re a Golden Girls fan, and you like to toss out the occasional veiled threat of a nursing home, this one is a winner! And what’s better than a little coffee and sarcasm?

This fun 15 ounce mug is dishwasher safe, microwave safe, and the design is printed on both sides (finally a win for the lefties in the world!).

Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager

for the "sore" sport

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We’ve had a couple of these at my house, and they always deliver. They can enjoy a little at-home massage with this simulated hand kneading massager. It features 8 Bi-directional rotation knots, with optional heating mode and 3 adjustable intensity. Ahhhhh.

User-friendly? Sure is! It just drapes over the shoulders. Hit the power button, and let the magic begin. The controls are right at their fingertips, allowing them to easily switch between settings without interrupting their zen. Feeling so zen they zone out? Fear not, because it comes with an overheat protection feature and an automatic shutoff after 15 minutes of use.

Keurig K-Cafe Coffee Maker

for coffee lover

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I’ve had this particular model for years now, and I love the side frother option. I find that a Keurig is a great option if they’re not the type to typically brew an entire pot. Maybe they like different flavor coffees, maybe one likes decaf (why??), or maybe one doesn’t like coffee at all (even worse!). Kidding. But, you get the idea.

This single serving coffee maker kicks things up a notch with a built-in frother. Trust me, it’s a game changer that adds a little extra joy in the mornings. Whether they’re in the mood for a strong espresso shot. or a smooth cup of joe, this machine has it all covered. It’s also compatible with all K-Cup pods, offering endless flavor possibilities.

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These Christmas Toys are Totally Santa Approved

Jennifer Belanger

Jennifer is the senior shopping / gifting editor at Brostrick.com and has been creating content, choosing the coolest and most unique gifts, and spending endless hours basically shopping for us (professionally) for over 8 years (since 2016). Some of Jen's writing can also be found on the gifting website Giftsicle.com and The Wine Down Report. Read full bio.

Tagged: christmas gift ideas

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Got Picky Parents to Shop For? They Might Actually Use These Gifts!

BROSTRICK'S SELECTION PROCESS