Gifts for Empty Nesters: Thoughtful Ideas for Parents Who Have Everything

Thoughtful gifts for empty nesters, from pampering treats to time together. Ideas for empty nester moms, dads and parents who seem to have everything, perfect for Christmas.

As our parents get older and are in the empty nest stage of life (like we are ourselves, now!), it becomes more and more difficult to find meaningful gift ideas that they’d like! It seems like if they want something, they just buy it themselves.

I remember the gift buying struggle for my own parents, and now that my husband and I are actually empty nesters ourselves, we understand the struggle even more.

So, I recently went to my amazing Instagram community and asked them for gift ideas for parents who are also empty nesters. (If you aren’t over there with us, come join my Instagram channel!)

They understood the assignment and came up with the most amazing ideas! Here is their list of creative ideas (with a few of our personal favorites, too).

Pampering Gifts for Empty Nester Moms

1. A magnifying makeup mirror. I use mine every day!
2. A pedicure appointment. Oh, these are a special treat for me, too!
3. An “at home” manicure and pedicure set with some pretty products, like my favourite Essie gel polish and top coat set.
4. A pretty silk scarf set. I have & love this set – and so many of my Instagram followers do, too!
5. New gold earrings. These classic gold hoops are gorgeous.
6. A hair brush blow dryer.
7. A facial, massage or spa treatment.
8. A gift card for a haircut. Thanks to Mary in the comments, who gives this to her mother-in-law!

Cozy Comforts for Home

9. New Glerups. I was thrilled to discover these really cool wool slippers. They’re gorgeous and look so comfy.
10. New towels. For those of us still using towels from our wedding decades ago, new towels are a real treat!
11. New bed pillows.
12. A massager. My husband and I bought ourselves this one, and our sore backs are so happy about it.
13. Honey from a local apiary. Thanks to Joanne in the comments for this one! It’s consumable and can be used in so many ways.

Experiences to Enjoy Together

14. A weekend away.
15. Gift cards for dinner out.
16. Gift cards for theatre events.
17. Museum passes.
18. Dance lessons. How fun!
19. A season pass to national parks, like a Parks Canada Discovery Pass.

Gifts of Time and Help

20. A house cleaning service.
21. Hire an organizer to help downsize.

Sentimental Gifts from the Kids and Grandkids

22. Have the kids come home for a family photo. This was a very popular request, and sometimes the best present is your presence!
23. Photos of the kids and grandkids.
24. Homemade Christmas cards from the grandkids. Oh, how sweet!
25. A favourite family recipe, handwritten. These handwritten recipe gifts will melt someone’s sentimental heart!
26. 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

27. An Amazon Kindle. I got one for Christmas last year and just love it! It’s particularly nice for travel.
28. A Tile tracker. Perfect for parents who are always hunting for their keys, wallet or glasses! These handy Tile by Life360 clip right onto a keyring or tuck into a wallet, and they work with both iPhone and Android phones. Just tap the app and the Tile rings so you can find it. And if they misplace their phone, pressing the Tile makes the phone ring, even on silent!
29. An air fryer.
30. An Amazon gift card, so they can choose their own gift.

Did I miss any gift ideas for parents?

If you have any other great gift ideas for older parents, please list them in the comments below. We all love a little help in the gift ideas 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

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