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50 Best Gifts for Parents That Show Just How Much You Appreciate ‘Em

We know they deserve the world but these gifts are pretty neat too.

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What is it about shopping for your parents or guardian figures that is so darn stressful? They’ve given you life, nurtured you, mentored you, so now what can you ever get them in return?! To make matters worse, they always swear up and down that they “don’t need anything,” but you know deep down that there is something out there that they could use. And for those of us whose friends or loved ones are or just became parents themselves, the line of what makes a standout prezzie can be difficult. But here’s a secret: The best gifts for parents are functional, sentimental, and can serve as a token of appreciation for all they do. All of us with parents or guardian figures can relate, which is why we compiled our very own list full of recs we have a feeling they’re sure to love.

For starters, if your dad can throw down in the kitchen, top-notch cookware or some artisanal olive oils will make his day. Another way to ensure that you find a really thoughtful gift for your ‘rents is to pay close attention to any household items they’ve been needing forever but have refused to purchase. We all have at least one frugal parental unit that loves to hold onto things well past their expiration date. So if they’ve got some ratty ol’ slippers that are barely hanging on by a thread, get ‘em a new comfy pair.

Below, we gathered 50 thoughtful gift ideas for parents that will help make your shopping quest easier. And regardless of what you pick out for them, they’re bound to love it because it came from their fave child (aka you).

1
this comfy blanket

Bare Home Weighted Blanket

On Sale
Bare Home Weighted Blanket

Helping your parents unwind after a long day has never been easier. This Bare Home weighted blanket is the ultimate gift for an instant and no-fuss, stress-relieving effect. It's soft and plush and will look fabulous in their home.

2
this relaxing eye mask

MZOO 3D Contoured Cup Sleeping Mask

On Sale
MZOO 3D Contoured Cup Sleeping Mask
Now 21% Off
Credit: Amazon

This isn’t a regular eye mask, it’s a cool one. It’s a total game-changer for your parents' sleep with its soft memory foam feel and contoured design for a comfortable fit. And good news for side sleepers: They won’t have to worry about it slipping off their face throughout the night.

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3
this innovative bird feeder

Bird Buddy Original Smart Bird Feeder

Original Smart Bird Feeder
Credit: Amazon

My mom is obsessed with watching the birds in her garden, but she’s never been able to get a close-up look without scaring them away. But technology has come to the rescue! This solar-powered smart feeder lets your parents track every bird customer that comes their way and take pics of the adorable animals in real-time.

4
these cloud-like slides

BRONAX Slides

On Sale
BRONAX Slides
Now 33% Off
Credit: Amazon

I’m a firm believer that everyone needs a pair of super comfortable slides they can slip into immediately upon arriving home. Not only does this pair come in various different color options, but it’s also affordable, lightweight, and extra supportive.

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5
this soft pilllowcase

Kitsch Satin Pillowcase

Kitsch Satin Pillowcase

No more of your mom sleeping on those old pillowcases she’s had for years! Upgrade her nighttime routine with this satin pillowcase, which is soft to the touch and benefits her skin and hair, thanks to its gentle material.

6
these runner-approved shoes

Hoka Bondi 8 Shoes

Hoka Bondi 8 Shoes

If your dad dreams of running a marathon or goes for a run every morning, get him these comfy sneaks that will support his every step. These Hoka’s are incredibly popular amongst frequent runners for being comfortable, durable, and stylish.

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7
these smart sunglasses

Ray-Ban Meta Sunglasses

Meta Sunglasses
Credit: Amazon

These Ray-Ban meta sunglasses are one of the coolest new inventions to hit the market in recent years and will allow your parents to do so much without the hassle. Like what you might ask? Besides giving them the ability to record and capture photos, they also allow for hands-free calls, music, and more, Oh, and they look exactly as cool as a regular pair of Ray-Bans.

8
this Alexa-compatible thermostat

Google Nest Thermostat E in White

On Sale
Google Nest Thermostat E in White
Now 29% Off
Credit: Amazon

Have you ever found yourself amid an argument as to which one of your parents would get up to turn on the thermostat? Relatable. This Google Nest smart thermostat will let them to change the temperature without having to get up thanks to its Alexa-compatible feature.

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9
this portable speaker

Sonos Roam 2

Sonos Roam 2

I just recently purchased the Sonos Roam 2 for my dad and can confirm it has a rich, powerful sound all packed into a compact and portable design. Whether they decide to use it at home or put the waterproof features to work near the pool or beach, they’ll love blasting their music for hours on end thanks to its long battery life.

10
this hands-free vacuum

eufy Robot Vacuum

eufy Robot Vacuum

The eufy robot vacuum is the housecleaning fairy your parents always wished for–minus the wings. This handy gadget zooms around and picks up dust (and pet hair) all without your parents needing to walk around and track it. With smart features and powerful suction, your parents' lives will change before their eyes.

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11
this heated coffee mug

Ember Smart Mug

On Sale
Ember Smart Mug

If you were to ask my mom what one of her ultimate pet peeves is, she’d name lukewarm coffee at the top of her list. This smart mug that can be controlled via app helps make that problem nonexistent since it keeps her drink at the perfect temperature for as long as she needs. No more harshing her morning zen when she realizes her bev has gone cold!

12
these soft slippers

UGG Tasman Black Suede Slippers

UGG Tasman Black Suede Slippers

UGG season is year-round IMO! These adorable slippers with plush shearling lining and durable suede, are perfect for lounging around the house or running quick errands. Warning: Your mom might never want to take them off—and honestly, can you blame her?

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13
this adorable trinket tray

BEUNAIZER Jewelry Dish Tray

On Sale
Jewelry Dish Tray
Now 41% Off
Credit: Amazon

Sometimes my mom is too tired to store her jewelry away properly and ends up throwing her earrings on the kitchen cabinet or along the corner of her coffee table. These jewelry trays however will help keep all of her accessories organized when she places them in convenient places around the house.

14
this DIY matcha set

TEANAGOO Matcha Tea Set

On Sale
TEANAGOO Matcha Tea Set
Now 27% Off
Credit: Amazon

If your parents take their matcha game seriously, get them this kit that includes a Japanese tea set, matcha bowl, bamboo whisk, scoop, sifter, whisk holder and matcha. It’ll bring new excitement to drinking their favorite beverage as they build this into their routine.

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15
this hydrating body wash

Ouai Melrose Place Body Cleanser

Melrose Place Body Cleanser
Credit: Ouai

Sometimes something as simple as a new luxe body wash is enough to make your mom over the moon. It’s the little things! She’ll love using this cleanser as she takes showers with its floral scents of bergamot, lychee, white musk, and champagne. It’s also deeply hydrating and soothing.

16
this sentimental book

Papier Family Favorites Recipe Journal

Papier Family Favorites Recipe Journal
Credit: Papier

For a sweet family memory, get your parents this recipe journal where they can jot down all their favorite family meals for you all to recreate. It’s a gift for them and you.

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17
this sunrise alarm clock

Hatch Restore 2

On Sale
Hatch Restore 2

Try as they might, my parents have never exactly been morning people. The Hatch Restore 2 however is my plan to change their minds with a soothing and gentle alarm noise and calming sunrise feature. It also has a wind-down mode to help them get the best sleep of their lives.

18

Amazon Kindle (2022 release)

Kindle (2022 release)
Credit: Kindle

If they’re always curling up with a good book, this Kindle will let them access thousands of novels all at the touch of their fingertips. They’ll love the adjustable light that lets them read at any point during the day—including right before bed!

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19
these comfy joggers

Vuori Clothing Sunday Performance Jogger

Sunday Performance Jogger

Your pops will want to wear these joggers everyday—trust. Although they resemble the comfort of his favorite sweats, it’s a wardrobe piece that he’ll be able to wear out of the house too.

20
This calming diffuser

Vitruvi Stone Essential Oil Diffuser

Stone Essential Oil Diffuser

Moms work harder than anyone else, that’s a fact. With that in mind, it can be difficult for them to set aside some much needed self-care time. This diffuser makes it so all she has to do is drop in some of her favorite essential oils and turn it on to enter total relaxation mode.

Headshot of Daisy Maldonado
Daisy Maldonado
Associate Shopping Editor

Daisy Maldonado is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan who loves writing about fashion trends, must-have beauty products, and digital culture. When she's not writing, you can almost certainly find her shopping (she knows her credit card numbers by heart) or obsessing over celebrity news. Although she’s acquired an extensive closet over the years, her favorite item she owns is a Harry Styles Love On Tour hoodie she purchased at his concert in Manchester. Daisy's work has appeared on Refinery29, The Daily Beast, E! News, Allure and more. Keep up with all of her chaotic travels, NYC life and fashionable moments on her Instagram. 

Headshot of Mekita Rivas

Mekita Rivas is an editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers fashion, culture, and lifestyle. She writes about everything from the best leather totes and books she can't put down to plants, podcasts, and politics. Prior to joining Cosmopolitan, she was a senior contributing fashion editor at PopSugar and Bustle. Her writing has been published in dozens of publications including The New York Times, Vogue, Harper's BAZAAR, Women's Health, Refinery29, and others. She currently splits her time between New York City and Washington, D.C. Follow Mekita on Instagram, where you'll typically find a mix of her snapshots from fashion week and various editor travels.

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