For the People Who Raised You: Christmas Gifts Parents Will Actually Use

Give the frequent traveler in your family true all-day power with the Anker 737 portable charger. In our testing, the massive 24,000mAh capacity topped off phones multiple times and even pushed up to 140W to fast-charge compatible laptops, while the built-in display made it easy to monitor remaining juice. It’s heavier and bulkier than pocket power banks and can run warm under sustained loads. We also ran into occasional compatibility quirks with certain laptops and cables.

A YETI Rambler is the kind of everyday upgrade parents appreciate. In our testing, it kept coffee hot and iced drinks cold for hours, and the tough stainless-steel body shrugged off dings and the dishwasher alike. Just remember the MagSlider lid is splash-resistant, not fully leakproof, and some sizes won’t fit every car’s cup holder. It’s pricier than generic tumblers, but the durability and performance make it a buy-once, use-daily gift.

These Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew socks are the gift your outdoorsy parent will actually wear out—and then replace free for life. In our testing, the merino wool blend wicked moisture, regulated temperature, and the high-density cushioning with reinforced heels and toes held up to long days on trail. Some users find the toe box snug at first, and a few report heat build-up or moisture retention in certain conditions. Recent batches can fit a bit differently, so check sizing.

For the parent who obsesses over their morning pour-over, the Fellow Stagg delivers precise, repeatable results. We found the degree-by-degree temperature control, quick heat-up, and temperature-hold function made back-to-back cups simple, while the gooseneck spout poured cleanly without drips. Capacity is around 1 liter, which may feel small for bigger households, and the price is higher than basic kettles. There are also reports of long-term reliability hiccups, so consider a retailer with solid support.

For the grill‑obsessed parent, the MEATER delivers true cable‑free cooking with a stainless probe that’s waterproof, dishwasher‑safe, and resilient enough for searing, deep frying, and sous vide. In our testing, it charged quickly and the charger’s AAA battery lasted ages between swaps, making weeknight meals easier to time. Bluetooth range can be spotty through walls or metal, so keep a phone or tablet nearby for cloud relays. It’s pricier than wired thermometers, but the convenience feels worth it.

For parents who love kitchen projects, the Ninja CREAMi Deluxe is a fun way to customize frozen treats. In our testing, the larger 24-ounce containers were great for sharing, and the 11 presets made everything from gelato to slushies straightforward. Plan ahead, though, since bases need about 24 hours in the freezer, and the machine is fairly loud. Some batches turned out crumbly or powdery, so expect a little trial-and-error with recipes to dial in texture.

For the family chef or grill master, the Thermapen ONE is the instant-read we reach for first. In our testing it delivered readouts in about one to three seconds with accuracy around ±0.5°F, and the IP67 waterproof rating made cleanup easy at the sink. It’s pricey compared with basic thermometers, and a dimmer backlight can make night grilling trickier. Some owners report case cracking over time, but day-to-day performance remains top-notch for roasts, candy, and weeknight chicken alike.

If your parents want barista‑ish results without the fuss, the Vertuo Next nails one‑button brewing in a compact footprint that actually fits small counters. During our review, we liked the flexible cup sizes—espresso, lungo, or bigger mugs—and the Bluetooth/Wi‑Fi updates for firmware and machine diagnostics. The trade‑off is proprietary Vertuo capsules and reports of durability hiccups over time. There’s no built‑in frother, so pair it with an Aeroccino if lattes and cappuccinos are on the wish list.

For parents who aren’t all‑in on Apple, the Tile Mate Pro 2‑Pack is a practical, cross‑platform alternative to AirTag. In our testing, the very loud speaker and advertised long range made finding keys in a cluttered house easier, and the CR2032 battery is simple to swap. Real‑world range and connectivity vary a lot by environment, and the ringer gets harder to hear in noisy rooms. Also, some helpful extras like location history and SOS require a paid subscription.

For parents who misplace keys or luggage, Apple’s AirTag is the most seamless option if they’re already on iPhone. In our testing, Precision Finding on U1‑equipped iPhones is impressively accurate at close range, and the Find My network helps locate items far from home. The CR2032 battery typically lasts about a year and is easy to replace. Just note it’s Apple‑only, performance drops through walls, and there are real privacy considerations that warrant thoughtful setup.

If your parents charge on a nightstand, we found the AirPods Pro MagSafe Case snaps into alignment on MagSafe chargers and keeps the footprint slim. It offers basic scratch and bump protection without bulking pockets. Because this listing is on eBay, authenticity and warranty can be uncertain, and used or aftermarket cases sometimes arrive discolored. Buy from a reputable seller, check photos closely, and confirm returns in case support from Apple isn’t included.

These Venetian‑style Wicked Good Slippers make a cozy gift for Mom, with plush lambswool lining that, in our testing, kept feet toasty on cold floors. The rubber sole has enough traction for quick trips to the mailbox without babying them. Fit can be unpredictable—many buyers report inconsistent sizing—so consider ordering two sizes or keeping the return window handy. Also note the shearling can compact over months of wear, and occasional quality‑control issues have popped up.

Treat Mom or Dad to that spa‑at‑home feeling: in our testing, Parachute’s Cloud Cotton Robe felt feather‑light, breathable, and wonderfully soft thanks to gauze‑like Turkish cotton. The relaxed ties are comfortable and don’t dig in, perfect after showers or for warmer homes. It’s not the plush, heavy terry some people expect, and a few reviewers report shrinkage or durability concerns after repeated washes. The premium price stings, but the airy comfort makes it a gift they’ll reach for daily.

If your folks love reading, the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition makes an excellent upgrade with its larger seven‑inch, high‑contrast display that feels more book‑like. During our review, we appreciated weeks‑long battery life, faster performance, 32 GB of storage, and the convenience of wireless charging. The metallic “soft” finish can feel a bit slippery, and some early units showed yellowish bands. Also note it costs more than the standard Paperwhite, which may be the better value for casual readers.

This CozyChic throw is the blanket parents end up hogging on movie night. Our experience shows the fabric is exceptionally soft—many editors call it the softest they’ve felt—and the generous 54 x 72-inch size is perfect for lounging, plus it’s machine-washable. The tradeoff is a higher price than typical throws, and the material attracts pet hair, so lint rollers may become a staple. Some reviewers also question long-term value for the cost, so consider the splurge.

If your parents love photo updates, this Pix-Star 10-inch frame makes sharing effortless. In our testing, the free-for-life cloud storage and multiple options—email, mobile app, web albums, or USB/SD—meant everyone could send pictures without subscriptions or hassle. The IPS 1024×768, 4:3 display shows smartphone shots without awkward cropping, but we did see occasional connectivity hiccups and a rare freeze that required a quick power-cycle. The included stand feels flimsy, yet the day-to-day joy of fresh family photos more than balances it.

Got parents who love spontaneous getaways? In our experience, the Airbnb Gift Card’s email delivery usually lands within minutes, making it a clutch, last‑minute present, and once the code and PIN validate it works just like store‑bought credit. Do note some buyers report missing emails or already‑redeemed codes, and Target support can be slow to resolve refunds. We recommend purchasing a few days early and confirming balance, and remember it typically can’t be applied to existing reservations.

Help Mom or Dad level up styling days with Dyson’s Airwrap Long Barrel attachment. During our review, the long, bidirectional barrels created bouncy curls and waves with less direct heat than traditional tools when paired with the Airwrap, and the lightweight design made sessions easier on arms. There’s a learning curve and some users report frizz, plus it’s a pricey add-on. It also isn’t ideal for very short or tightly coiled hair, so consider hair type before gifting.

Handy parents will appreciate the Leatherman Wave Plus for its durable stainless‑steel build and outside‑accessible blades that flip open one‑handed when you’re on a ladder. In our experience, the replaceable wire cutters add serious longevity if you cut a lot of fencing or zip ties. Expect a break‑in period—pivots can feel stiff at first—and the scissors aren’t the strongest for heavy tasks. The included nylon sheath is just okay; consider upgrading to leather for daily carry.

Got a DIY-loving parent tackling projects around the house? During our review, the DeWalt DCD805B’s compact 7-inch body made overhead and tight-space drilling a breeze, and the brushless motor delivered efficient, confident power. The 1/2-inch metal ratcheting chuck kept bits locked in, which we found reassuring on tougher jobs. Just note it’s typically sold as a bare tool—battery and charger add to the price—and torque and runtime can vary depending on the battery you pair with it.