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One of the best gifts I ever received that wasn’t expensive or flashy was a really nice tube of lip balm. A friend of mine told me it’s her favorite, and while the formula lives up to the hype, what makes it special is how often I use it. Every time I reach, I think of him and feel that it is a silent daily reminder of our friendship. To me, that’s the mark of the right gift: something useful, personal, and unexpected.
But when it comes to parents, figuring out what kind of gift can feel impossible. Usually they have everything they need – and they want most of them to be caught in the box. Take them out for coffee, plan a long lunch, or continue that walk. Gifts are great for parents, too: think tickets to your favorite singer or nurse, a night at the Philharmonic, a performance at the local theater, or a museum membership and a tote bag at the gift shop. Better yet—plan a trip. Give them memories.
And when you just want something to wrap and put under the tree, go for gifts that combine sentiment with everyday practicality. Our curated gift guide for parents hits that sweet spot “I never thought about that” and “I needed to replace that but I never did.” Think about the things your parents reach for every day and upgrade: a new wooden chopping board that goes from prep to easy assembly, hotel-style towels paired with a towel warmer, slippers to keep.
It’s not that you’re giving them something that works, you’re giving them a reason to think of you every time they use it. And finally, that’s what the best gifts do – they become little reminders of the people we love the most.