Finding the best gifts for parents deserves time and thought, whether shopping for the best gifts for mums, dads, your step-parent, godmother, or grandmother. Not to get too sentimental, but that's because these parental figures have a big impact on shaping who you are, and so deserve the very best.
Don’t stress if you’re feeling stumped — especially after we piled on the pressure. There are plenty of gifts for parents who seemingly have everything. Go the personalised gift route, opt for something a bit wacky and unexpected, or simply grab your mum that thing she’s been eyeing in your closet. Gifts under £50 or splurging on a luxury gift of £100? At the end of the day, it’s the thought that counts — and a lot of thought went into this list of top gifts for parents.
Featured in this article
And this isn’t just for existing parents — many of these ideas also make perfect pregnancy gifts for first-time mums, as they’re about to earn that sacred title too! We’ve thought of everyone and everything, so all that’s left to do is click ‘Add to Cart’ and breathe a sigh of relief.
- The best last-minute gifts for parents, curated by GLAMOUR's shopping editors, to shop in 2025
- What is a thoughtful gift for parents?
- What do you buy friends who are parents?
- Best gift for parents overall
- Best housewarming gift for parents
- Best gift for mums
- Best gift for dads
- Best Christmas gift for parents
- How I choose the best gifts for parents
How I choose the best gifts for parents:
This parental gift guide is my e-commerce magnum opus. It involved plenty of market research — aka chatting to my mum, her friends, besties who have birthed tiny humans, and scouring the internet — as well as uncovering what’s topping everyone’s Santa lists this year.
Alongside the rest of the Glamour team, I regularly attend press days and product launches to test the latest in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle, so you only buy gifts worth your money. When a product hasn’t been personally reviewed by me or a member of Glamour’s shopping team, we rely on customer reviews and stick to brands we already know and adore.
When I get my hands on a sample, here’s what I consider:
- Design — Is it practical, fit for purpose and built-to-last?
- Price point — Would I actually spend that much on it? No, really?
- Delivery — How quickly did it arrive, and what were the associated shipping costs?
- Giftability — Is this something the recipient wouldn't just want or need, but actually use frequently?
.jpg)
Ahead, the best last-minute gifts for parents, curated by GLAMOUR's shopping editors, to shop in 2025:
If mum and dad have got more holidays in the calendar than you can possibly keep up with, some stylish new luggage will go down a treat. Antler suitcases simply cannot be beaten – and their bundle of a cabin, medium and large suitcase will see your parents (or in-laws) through weekend breaks, cruise holidays and everything in between. We especially love this set because the smallest suitcase features a handy front pocket — perfect for slipping in a laptop or iPad on the go.
Save when you shop for the best gifts for parents with these Antler discount codes.
Often, the best gifts for Christmas or birthdays are the things we desperately want, but don’t really need. We feel guilty splashing out on ourselves when, honestly, we could live without it. Sure, the cheapest supermarket hand soap will keep germs at bay, but what we really want is a handwash that looks almost as elegant as it smells. Enter this exquisite duo from Molton Brown. With scents that linger — from zesty, re-energising lemon and refined vetiver to cocooning bright orange and warm pine — it’s basically summer in a bottle. TL;DR: a luxury gift for your hands. Expect every guest leaving your bathroom to pause and say, “Nice handwash, by the way!” Mark our words.
Save when you shop for the best gifts for parents with these Sephora discount codes.
The festive season can be stressful for parents, with houseguests to host, elaborate meals to plan, and gifts to tick off the list. And let’s be honest, life outside of Christmas is hardly stress-free either. Your kids don’t stop being your kids just because they’ve moved out or had their own babies. Enter: this stunning ESPA bath gift set. Powered by expertly formulated blends of natural ingredients, each oil is designed to deliver results you can truly see and feel. Consider it permission to slow down — and yes, even dads deserve a candle-lit bubble bath with a generous glass of wine.
The best massage guns - or percussive therapy devices, if we're being fancy – are gadgets which will help them relax before bedtime and soothe those workout (or WFH-induced) pains. The Theragun Relief is the best portable massage gun our editors tested, coming in much lighter than any other Theragun model. It's easy to lift above the head and lasts for 150 minutes on a single charge.
Save when you shop the best gifts for parents with these Boots discount codes.
There’s something oddly decadent about receiving a really nice tablecloth. I mean, when was the last time any of us bought one for ourselves? It feels like a luxury, even though it’s one of the most practical housewarming gifts you can give. It’s a great pick for parents, too — useful but indulgent, and they’ll think of you every time they set their now gorgeous table. The frayed edges and textured fabric add a personal, cosy touch, while the simple design works with pretty much any decor — whether they’re leaning tradwife or boho and breezy. It might even earn the coveted spot of Christmas tablecloth for the year.
My mum loves inspecting my skin and asking how I achieve a certain glow, but she can get a little overwhelmed by all the options and fancy beauty jargon out there. If you’re hunting for the perfect beauty gift for mums, this Trinny London set is a winner. It helps her achieve that same firm, radiant complexion and is ideal as a beauty gift set, letting her try three beloved products in one go. Plus, it’s compact enough to always earn a spot in her toiletries case on holiday.
Save when you shop for the best gifts for parents with these Trinny London discount codes.
.jpg)
Alright, many might scoff at the idea of a LEGO gift for parents. But it’s time to stop thinking LEGO is just for kids — reality check: adults love it too! This is such an unusual gift that they’re guaranteed not to already have. We particularly love it for parents who appreciate the fine arts, as it doubles as a miniature masterpiece for their home. Plus, there’s no better bonding experience than tackling a project like this together — so maybe skip it if the marriage is on shaky ground. We could all do with embracing our inner child a little more, so when it comes to Christmas gifts, why not have some fun?
Name something your parents use every single day. Maybe you said their shower (hopefully), their coffee machine, or their electric toothbrush — all essential, yes. But what about their pillows? We use them every night, whether healthy or sick, busy or relaxed, yet so many of us skimp on finding the right one. Our parents aren’t getting any younger, but we can help them weather the aches of time with a high-quality memory foam pillow. A set of two makes the perfect gift for both parents — something they’ll genuinely use every evening. Bonus: it’s an excellent gift under £50 for minimalists who hate all the extra faff.
Save when you shop for the best gifts for parents with these Rem-Fit discount codes.
Whether they’ve entered their retirement era or are simply making the most of their annual leave, many parents discover a real passion for travel later in life. More often than not, though, it involves one person being saddled with an unwieldy backpack containing everything they might possibly need — Rennie, face suncream, five litres of water, Imodium… you name it. To lighten the load of this long-suffering hero, we recommend gifting your parents a really good backpack. This ultralight yet durable option is packed with clever compartments for their walking pharmacy and will do wonders for their backs. Practical, thoughtful and genuinely life-improving — the holy trinity of gifts. Might also double as a great gift for husbands, FYI.
We say this with love and kindness, but many of our parents have started giving iPad toddler energy. The big screen is undeniably helpful and accessible, but it can be a real wrist killer. Enter: a fun iPad holder like this beanbag. It’ll get a laugh, sure, but it’s also genuinely practical — perfect for following recipes in the kitchen, FaceTiming hands-free, or scrolling without unnecessary strain. It’s also a brilliant mum-to-be gift, allowing them to stay entertained while breastfeeding, or to distract toddlers long enough to finally use the bathroom in peace. Truly, a gift that understands modern life.
Save when you shop for the best gifts for parents with these Superdrug discount codes.
How many people wish they went to the theatre more? Plenty. But it’s not always feasible — whether due to location, schedules, accessibility, finances or any number of other reasons. Many of us end up settling for an evening on the sofa instead, but that doesn’t mean missing out on the cultural delights of live theatre. With National Theatre at Home, you can enjoy breathtaking performances in your pyjamas, with far cheaper refreshments to boot. Surprise your parents with a six-month subscription as an experience gift so they can try it for themselves (shorter and longer options are available). Honestly, £10 a month for unlimited theatre? Sign us up.
We’re simply obsessed with gifting luxurious pyjamas to mums. It should be a boring present, yet somehow it’s always one of the best things to find under the Christmas tree. This silk pyjama set from Eberjey is a standout — universally flattering and effortlessly chic. It’s particularly brilliant for older women, as the breathable silk stays cool at night, making it a godsend for night sweats. When in doubt, this is our go-to gift for mothers-in-law.
This set screams chic luxury and promises plenty of pleasure for any whiskey aficionado. The premium, weighty glassware includes delicately hand-blown tumblers, a water jug, and a decanter, while the hand-finished walnut and cork serving tray evokes the artistry of the whiskey ageing process. It also doubles as a personalised gift, as the wooden tray can be engraved with a name, a wedding anniversary, or even a favourite saying. If in doubt, we always recommend the classic: ‘Bottoms up.’ An excellent gift for fathers-in-law who enjoy some of the good stuff. Later on this list, you'll find the perfect bottle to combine it with…
My mum can’t complete a recipe from her phone or laptop — it has to be printed. Those sheets inevitably end up in a chaotic pile, when what she really needs is a recipe journal. This makes a perfect sentimental gift for parents, allowing them to embrace the culinary delights of the internet in a far more comfortable, analogue format. It’s also a lovely way to collect recipes from friends and family. To make it extra personal, ask each family member to fill in their favourite dish before gifting it. Bon appétit!
Just about everyone seems to be an F1 fan nowadays, so naturally, we’ve found the ultimate boozy gift with a racetrack-ready finish. Glenfiddich has unveiled a limited-edition 16-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky to celebrate its multi-year partnership with the Aston Martin Formula One™ Team. Crafted from a unique marriage of American oak wine casks, new American barrels and second-fill bourbon casks, it delivers notes of maple syrup, caramelised ginger and Chantilly cream. A winning gift for boyfriends, dads, or any F1 fanatic who enjoys a seriously good glass of spirits.
Honestly, what’s better for parents than a gift you can all play together? Whether it’s Christmas Day, a weekend away, or a Sunday evening post-roast, this card game gets everyone laughing and competing. Skip-Bo, from the makers of Uno, is simple enough that you won’t tear your hair out explaining it to your parents — or drunk friends at parties. Bonus: it works just as well with two players, so your parents can enjoy it even when you’re not around. It's a gift for kids, but also adults.
There’s something undeniably bougie about receiving a Fortnum & Mason hamper. It’s luxury coded. It screams |I’m an adult with my life together." It’s the perfect gift for parents who already have everything (because, let’s be honest, there’s always room for more cheese in the fridge). It also makes a brilliant new-mum gift — after a long day keeping a small human alive, she deserves something indulgent. Consider it a well-priced yet effortlessly classy present.
Save when you shop for the best gifts for parents with these Fortnum & Mason discount codes.
A vase is always a winning gift for parents — stylish yet practical. But this one is truly something else. Shaped like a real heart, it’s crafted from porcelain, with each vein and artery concaved to hold a single flower bud. Complete with a slim metal stand, it can be displayed upright or even hung on the wall thanks to the hole in the back. Your parents hold a place in your heart, so why not show them literally with this breathtaking vase? It’s an especially perfect gift for sisters or mums.
Honestly, find me a mum who isn’t complaining about cold hands all winter. Go on, I’ll wait. And yes, I know what you’re thinking — everyone has a hot water bottle tucked away somewhere. But they don’t have this stunning lambswool option from Rowen & Wren, which is as stylish as it is cosy. It’s also a brilliant gift for new mums, helping soothe the aches that come with post-partum recovery and breastfeeding.
A great gift for parents who are struggling with entering the 21st century, the Amazon Echo Show 8 will have them ditching the landline in favour of crisp and clear video calls. They can use it to glance at their calendar, set reminders, monitor traffic, wake them up (yep, it even works as an alarm clock) and play music through Amazon Music, Apple Music or Spotify. And that's just the beginning.
If you’re hunting for a gift for foodie parents, they’ll be thrilled by this gorgeous loaf tin. Designed by Juliet Sear — renowned British pastry chef, cake designer and author — it’s a timeless addition to any kitchen and pairs beautifully with one of her cookbooks. Practical yet elegant, it’s a winning combination for a thoughtful present. Trust us: this gift for mums will earn you serious brownie points… or at the very least, sourdough points.
If you’re shopping for parents who brave that daily trek to the office, a ridiculously nice travel mug is a small thing that can make a big difference — brightening up their 6 a.m. commute. This reusable coffee cup from Stanley is lighter than the standard stainless-steel bottle and comes in gorgeous colours, keeping drinks hot or cold seemingly forever. It’s also perfect for new parents, whether they’re out on pram walks or trying to keep their cuppa warm through the long, sleepless nights.
Buying skincare for someone is always a gamble — especially mums, who are famously particular about what they’ll actually put on their face. You also have no idea what their skin needs at any given moment. But with a product like By Sarah’s, you can safely take the leap. The only thing better than a luxurious facial oil is one with a story: founder Sarah created it to soothe her sister Lauren’s delicate skin during leukaemia treatment (she was both her stem-cell donor and her skincare saviour). The result is as thoughtful as it is effective. A beautiful, meaningful gift for mother-in-laws or your own mumma.
If your parents are firmly in their Coffee Connoisseur Era, treat them to this beginner’s barista course. It’s the perfect experience gift, giving them something fun to do together. They’ll learn how to pull the perfect espresso, steam milk to the ideal texture, and even master some basics of latte art. Plus, they’ll leave with a free 250g bag of 200 Degrees coffee beans. It’s a gift for parents that, honestly, benefits you in the long run too.
Who can name a better marker of adulthood than a truly beautiful coffee table book? It makes a perfect housewarming gift for parents, but honestly, it works any time of year — people are always keen to refresh their coffee table collection. This cloth-bound edition takes readers behind the scenes at the Houses, following a day in the Soho House way, from the moment you wake up to when you go to bed. It’s a luxurious blend of interior design, food, and drink — pure indulgence for the eyes. We also love this as a gift for best friends.
Save when you shop for the best gifts for parents with these Soho Home discount codes.
You can never have too many pairs of shoes — or candles, especially when we’re talking Diptyque. These luxury candles look almost as good as they smell and make the ultimate gift for mothers-in-law or mums — basically anyone you want to subtly say, “Yes, I finally have a salary.” They’re perfect for a new mum gift box, helping mask the… ahem… 'delightful' odours of newborns. Plus, they’re a timeless Christmas gift for parents, a luxury that never goes out of style.
Step aside, Le Creuset, there’s a new elite kitchen staple in town. For the price of just one of those iconic pots, you can get this set of three casserole dishes. Made from molten iron, these saucepan sets are built to last a lifetime — and might even make their way into your own kitchen one day.
Oven safe and endlessly versatile, these dishes are perfect for everything from weekday dinners to holiday feasts. We’re obsessed with this cobalt blue shade, which adds a modern pop to any kitchen. The ultimate home gift for parents, especially new parents who will be cooking for a crowd.
Honestly, can you name anyone who wouldn’t welcome another jug into their home — especially one this stunning? Pimms in the summer, water at dinner, lemonade for the little ones, cocktails for a party — it does it all, finished in a striking blue glaze. We love this as a housewarming gift for parents, thanks to its versatility, but it also makes a thoughtful gift for grandparents.
Save when you shop for personalised gifts with these Oliver Bonas discount codes.
Here’s a little secret: everyone you know — yes, everyone — is fighting an eternal battle with storage space. Capitalism is bad, minimalism is the way forward, blah blah… but right now, we need solutions. Especially parents need storage solutions to stash all the stuff. Enter these simple yet sturdy baskets from Mustard, in a gorgeous olive hue (and yes, 11 other colours are available). They make the perfect baby gift for new parents, who are usually drowning under mountains of gear.
Nothing strikes up a conversation quite like a personalised matchbox — and yes, we’re rather proud of that pun. Small but deeply sentimental, it’s the ideal gift for couples who already have everything, or in-laws you’re still getting to know. You can upload your own handwriting and customise it with just about anything, making it perfect for anniversaries, birthdays, housewarmings and more. Bonus points if you pair it with a luxury candle so it can be put to good use straight away.
Sometimes the best gift is the most obvious one. If your parents enjoy a good glass of adult grape juice, you really can’t go wrong with a beautifully curated wine gift box — especially when birthdays and Christmas have a habit of depleting their own supply. This is more than just a boozy present; it’s an experience. Turn it into a DIY wine-tasting evening, ideally paired with that decadent cheese gift set from Fortnum & Mason. Santé, cheers and proost!
No clue what to get your in-laws? Maybe it’s even your first time meeting them — or at least the first time you’re buying a gift for your father-in-law. You really can’t go wrong with a silk sleep mask, and no one does them better than Drowsy. Perfect for light sleepers, those with snoring partners, new parents desperate for a few hours’ shut-eye, and more. This midnight blue mask blocks out light and muffles sound, giving any parent the beauty sleep they so desperately deserve.
We’re on a mission to show just how good non-alcoholic drinks can be. Thanks to brands like Botivo, sober evenings no longer have to revolve around a lacklustre glass of sparkling water. Crafted with real botanicals and absolutely no shortcuts, Botivo is complex, bittersweet, and so delicious it’s now served in 45 of the world’s top 100 restaurants. Serve over ice with soda or sparkling water and finish with a generous slice of orange to bring out all the flavours. It makes a brilliant alcohol-free gift for a mum-to-be, mother-in-law, or health-conscious friends — and yes, non-sober people too. Our foodie gift of the year, honestly.
Save when you shop the best gifts for parents with these Selfridges discount codes.
What is a thoughtful gift for parents?
A thoughtful gift for parents is something sentimental that truly shows your love — because let’s be honest, we don’t say it enough. Personalised gifts work beautifully here: think engraved jewellery, wine glasses with their names on them, or something featuring a cherished photo. Alternatively, consider an experience gift that lets them try something new, rather than adding yet another item to their already full cupboards.
What do you buy friends who are parents?
Here’s a little secret: even though they’ve birthed tiny humans, they’re still your friends. Sure, they might reach for a non-alcoholic drink over a cocktail, or a National Theatre at Home subscription over a night out, but at heart, they’re the same people they’ve always been. And despite toddlers running amok or babies tugging at their clothes, they still love bath bombs, scented candles and face masks — because some indulgences never go out of style.
