Gifts for Grandparents: Keepsakes They'll Treasure

Grandparents are famously hard to shop for. Most will tell you they don't need a thing – and they mean it. What they do treasure are gifts that keep the family close: a favorite photo where they'll see it every morning, a keepsake that tells a story, something beautiful they'd never buy for themselves. Here are our favorite gifts for grandparents, from sterling silver frames to hand-painted porcelain.

Frames for the Photos They Love Most

A photo frame is the classic grandparent gift for a reason: it turns the grandchildren into something they can look at every day. Choose a frame that will last as long as the memories.

Cunill Isabella Sterling Silver Triple 4x6 Folding Frame

Three 4x6 photos side by side – one for each grandchild, or a then-and-now trio. The classic raised-bead Isabella border is made of .925 sterling silver in Italy, and silver hinges let the frame stand on its own at different angles, with no easels needed.

Cunill Beveled Bead Sterling Silver 8x10 Frame

For the big family portrait: an 8x10 sterling silver frame with a solid cherry-mahogany wood back and a two-way easel for portrait or landscape photos. Its tarnish-proof lacquer means it never needs polishing, and it arrives in a two-piece gift box.

Jay Strongwater Kaylee 3x4 Rose Frame

A small jeweled frame for a nightstand or dressing table, hand-enamelled and hand-set with crystals by the Jay Strongwater atelier – just the size for a school photo. See all of our picture frames.

Keepsakes About Family

Some of the most meaningful gifts for grandparents celebrate the family itself – a parent with a little one, or a whole family together.

Michael Aram Family Tree Sculpture Urn

A family tree, handcrafted in metal in the Michael Aram workshops – a decorative piece for the mantel or a hall table that says exactly what it's about.

Herend Mallard Duck Family Figurine

A whole family of mallards in hand-painted porcelain from Herend, the Hungarian manufactory founded in 1826. Lovely for grandparents who count every duckling.

Herend Grizzly Bear and Baby Figurine

A big bear and a little one, hand-painted in Herend, Hungary. For a softer touch, the Herend Kangaroo and Baby comes in blue or raspberry.

A Little Something Beautiful

Herend Heart Paperweight

A hand-painted porcelain heart to keep on the desk where they pay the bills and write the birthday cards. Browse more paperweights.

Lalique Grand-Duc Votive, Small

A crystal owl votive from Lalique, made in Wingen-sur-Moder, France. Light a candle inside on family dinner nights. There is also a larger size.

Make It a Tradition

One of the loveliest ways to give to grandparents is to start a collection together. Add a new figurine to the shelf each birthday, or update the photo in a favorite frame every year so they can watch the grandchildren grow. Over time the collection becomes a family story – and a set of heirlooms to pass down. Porcelain figurines, small frames and crystal pieces all lend themselves to this kind of year-by-year gift.

Tips for Choosing Gifts for Grandparents

• Add the photo yourself. A frame arrives ready to enjoy when the grandchildren's picture is already inside.
• Think about display space. Small keepsakes and figurines suit a shelf or curio cabinet; a frame suits a nightstand or desk.
• Let the grandchildren help. A card with a drawing or a few words from them makes any gift mean more.
• Collectors love to add to a collection. If they already own Herend figurines, a new animal for the shelf is always welcome – see our Herend figurines and the Herend porcelain guide.

Grandparents' Day, birthdays and the holidays are all good reasons to say thank you. For more ideas, see our gifts for her and him.

Save your favorites: open any piece and tap the ♡ to add it to your Wishlist, then send the list to the rest of the family so nobody doubles up.