Personalized Gifts for Grandma: Ideas She'll Use, Keep and Show Off

Grandmas are famously easy to please and famously hard to shop for. She'll love whatever you give her. She'll also quietly put it in a drawer with the other scarves, the other candles and the third "World's Best Grandma" mug.

The gifts grandmas really treasure tend to have one thing in common: they're about the grandkids. Here's a guide to personalized gifts for grandma that go beyond the drawer.

What makes a gift for grandma meaningful

Before the list, a quick test. The best gifts for grandma usually:

• Come from the grandchildren, made or chosen by them
• Capture a moment or an age she doesn't want to forget
• Get used, worn or displayed, not stored
• Give her something to show friends, neighbors, her book club

If a gift ticks two or three of these, you're on the right track.

Handmade gifts from grandkids

These cost little and are often treasured most.

• A portrait of grandma by each grandchild, dated and labeled with their ages
• A "what I love about grandma" list, written or dictated
• A recipe card for "grandma's famous cookies," written by the grandkid in their own words (the measurements are always wonderful)
• Handprint art, framed
• A letter from each grandchild, saved in a keepsake box

Personalized gifts to buy or make

Photo gifts

• A photo book of the year, with captions written by the grandkids
• A digital frame preloaded with family photos, which you can update remotely
• A calendar with a grandchild's photo or drawing for each month

Keepsakes with names and dates

• A family tree print or necklace with the grandkids' names
• A personalized recipe box for her best recipes
• A garden stone with the grandkids' handprints

Gifts made from a grandchild's drawing

A child's drawing turned into something grandma uses every day can be one of the most personal gifts there is. Options include framed prints, mugs, pillows and calendars, and embroidery on clothing.

At ANORA, we embroider children's drawings on hoodies and T-shirts, keeping every line as drawn. A grandma who wears her grandchild's drawing gets to carry it with her and show it off wherever she goes.

Ideas by type of grandma

The grandma who bakes

A drawing of the two of them baking, an apron, a recipe book in the grandkids' handwriting. Our film One Cookie Each is about a grandma who bakes with her granddaughter every Christmas Eve, one cookie with a face for each of them.

The grandma who does the school run

A thank-you that recognizes the everyday help. Our film The Rain Likes Grandma is about a grandma who walks her granddaughter to school in the rain, holding the umbrella over her.

The grandma who lives alone

Something that keeps the grandkids close: a photo frame, a regular video call, a drawing she can wear. Our film Every Light Is On is about a child who always drew grandma's house with every light on, so she wouldn't be alone in the dark.

The long-distance grandma

Something that travels well and connects across miles: mailed drawings, a shared photo album, matching pieces for grandma and grandchild. See our guide to gifts for long-distance family.

The grandma who has everything

Experiences and time: a day out, a class together, a standing weekly call. Or something that can't be bought anywhere else, because a child made it.

The great-grandma

Something simple, warm and easy to see and hold. Our film One Scarf for Everyone is about a great-grandma who knitted for the whole family.

Gifts by budget

Free or nearly free

• Drawings, letters and handmade cards
• A recorded video of the grandkids singing or telling a story
• A "coupon book" of visits, help and hugs
• An afternoon together

Modest

• A framed drawing
• A photo book
• A personalized recipe card set

A splurge

• A digital photo frame
• A family trip or experience
• An embroidered hoodie or T-shirt with a grandchild's drawing

Tips for getting a great drawing for grandma

• Ask a specific question: "What do you love doing with grandma?"
• Write down what the child says about the drawing, on the back
• Don't correct anything: purple hair, giant hands and all
• Let them do several and pick the one that makes you smile

Timing for personalized gifts

Personalized gifts take time to make, so start early, especially before Christmas, Mother's Day and grandma's birthday. For our embroidered pieces, production and U.S. delivery take approximately 12 business days from the start of production.

When you're ready, upload a drawing here and preview it on a hoodie or a T-shirt. During our grand opening, code BESTGIFT takes 15% off.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most meaningful gift for a grandma?

Something made by or about her grandchildren: a drawing, a letter, a photo book, or a keepsake that captures their age. Time together is also high on most grandmas' lists.

What do you get a grandma who has everything?

Something that can't be bought elsewhere: a grandchild's drawing, a recorded message, an experience together, or a personalized keepsake.

What can toddlers make for grandma?

Handprint art, a scribble portrait with their description written underneath, or a decorated card. Toddler art captures a stage that passes quickly.

What is a good Christmas gift for grandma from her grandkids?

A drawing of grandma by each grandchild, a photo book of the year, or a keepsake made from a grandchild's art that she can wear or display.