The Best Travel-inspired Gifts for Grandparents

By Travel + Leisure and Travel + Leisure Staff
November 17, 2017
Courtesy of Respective Retailers
Year after year, our grandparents have spoiled us with thoughtful presents, cash-filled cards, and home cooked meals (you know you love that pot pie). Could there be anyone more deserving of a sweet — and useful — present than Grandpa or Grandma?

Even if your grandparents aren’t hitting the road, airport, or train station as much as the good old days, we can still inspire them to remember their time spent traveling the world. And if they are still planning those vacations, then, well, we’ve definitely got you covered right here.

This year, Travel + Leisure is offering its most comprehensive gift guide ever. The goal? To make sure you can find the perfect present for everyone on your list (yes, even your mother-in-law). Below, our picks for the discerning grandparent. Though if we're being honest, you don't have to be a senior to appreciate these timeless, classic gifts.
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Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.

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Mighty Bright Lighted Wallet Magnifier

Courtesy of amazon.com

One gift that has consistently pleased T+L editors' grandparents is this handy, mini magnifier. It's small enough to keep in a wallet, and features a built-in LED light, making it easy for anyone to read—be it a restaurant menu or city guide book—on the go.

To buy: amazon.com, $9

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Natori Plush Velour Robe

Courtesy of Nordstrom

It doesn’t get much better than wrapping up in a lush, ultra-soft robe. Your grandmother will feel luxurious and totally indulgent when she slips on this cozy velour number.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $130

3 of 24

Haffke Silvertone Bronze Picture Frame

Courtesy of Barneys

Your grandparents will always, always appreciate a framed family photo. Select your favorite one — maybe from the last time you all went on vacation together — and pop it into this timeless frame so the memory can live on from their mantle.

To buy: barneys.com, $75

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Custom Lake Art Cribbage Board

Courtesy of uncommongoods

Two things that many grandmas and grandpas love: cribbage and a relaxing lake vacation. Here, the two are wedded together with these creative and crafty custom-made, artistic cribbage boards from Uncommon Goods.

To buy: uncommongoods.com, $59

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Book of the Month Club

Getty Images/EyeEm

For the grandparent who loves to read, gift them a subscription to the Book of the Month club, which delivers a new text (of the subscriber’s choice) each month. You can choose from a three, six, or 12-month membership.

To buy: bookofthemonth.com, from $45

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Le Creuset Classic Tea Kettle

Courtesy of williams-sonoma.com

Replace your grandparent's rusty teakettle with this elegant variation by the iconic French cookware brand, Le Creuset. To complete the gift, toss in a few boxes of their favorite tea. 

To buy: williams-sonoma.com, $100

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Cuyana Classic Alpaca Cape

Courtesy of cuyana.com

Whether your grandmother loves to travel, knit, or hit the town, this baby alpaca cape is soft, warm, and perfect for just about any occasion. It's also incredibly on-trend. For once, you may find yourself raiding Grandma's closet.

To buy: cuyana.com, $195

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Derek Rose Cotton Terry Bathrobe

Courtesy of mrporter.com

When it comes to gift giving, I personally swear by lounge wear. Nobody wants to splurge on a nice pair of pajamas—or even undergarments—so a plush bathrobe (like this one, by Derek Rose) will make Grandpa feel totally pampered. This take on the bathrobe is stylish (yet classic), moisture absorbing, and super comfortable.

To buy: mrporter.com, $220

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Rockport Cayleb Penny Loafers

Courtesy of Zappos

Keep Grandpa stepping with support and style in these slip-on leather loafers with moccasin stitching.

To buy: zappos.com, $120

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Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Diffuser

Courtesy of Neiman Marcus

Subtly fruity with hints of pink pepper and spicy woods, this diffuser from Jo Malone looks just as elegant as it smells.

To buy: neimanmarcus.com, $95

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Michael Aram Dogwood Centerpiece Bowl

Courtesy of Nieman Marcus

If Grandma and Grandpa love to entertain—or often find themselves hosting Sunday family dinners—consider buying them this stunning fruit bowl, which is guaranteed to make a statement on any table.

To buy: neimanmarcus.com.com, $325

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Gray Legendary Cross Stitch Mugs, Set of 2

Courtesy of World Market

You can never have too many mugs. If your grandparents love to enjoy a morning cuppa or a spot of tea in the evening, these beautiful mugs features a cross-stitched, Nordic design that will fit right into their cupboard.

To buy: worldmarket.com, $16

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The Americans

Gifts for Grandparents

Originally published in France in 1958, photographer Robert Frank’s The Americans documented everyday life in 20th-century America—and redefined our country’s icons. With an introduction by Jack Kerouac, this hardcover edition includes 83 of Frank’s original photos. His snapshots captured the lives of the impoverished, the upper class, and everyone (and everything) in between.

To buy: amazon.com, $33

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Kat Burki Complete B-Bio Correcting Face Crème

Courtesy of katburki.com

We learned some of our best makeup and skincare tricks from our grandmothers, so why not return the favor by introducing her to Kat Burki’s ‘fountain of youth’ in a bottle? From her Complete B line hails the most exalted of all anti-aging moisturizers. It's all-natural (like the rest of her products) and prevents, reverses, and repairs skin damage with powerful detoxing and nutrient-rich ingredients.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $390

15 of 24

Dempsey & Carroll Hendrick’s Gin Correspondence Cards

Courtesy of dempseyandcarroll.com

We’re suckers for an elegant set of stationery and hand-written notes here at T+L. Based on our experiences, most grandparents are, too. This whimsical set is embellished with classic Hendrick’s designs (penny farthings and bird cages) and can be personalized.

To buy: dempseyandcarroll.com, $65 for a set of 10 cards and envelopes

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Boatneck Poncho

Courtesy of Nordstrom

Cozy meets chic with this simple, elegant pullover poncho that is just as versatile as it is comfortable. Grandma can slip it over a sweater on her way to dinner and then wear it when she cozies up to the fire with a good book.

To buy: nordstrom.com, $110

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Dr. Scholls Tatum Slippers in Grey

Courtesy of drschollsshoes.com

Give your grandpa—or grandma—a comfortable pair of slippers, like this pair from Dr. Scholls, with cushioned insoles for extra support. Be sure to buy an extra pair for yourself, too.

To buy: drschollsshoes.com, $20

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Coach Iconic Leather Gloves

Courtesy of Coach

Grandma’s going to need a fancy new pair of gloves, too. Our favorite is definitely Coach’s timeless leather style, which comes in three shades of nappa leather and is lined with soft merino wool.

To buy: coach.com, $125

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Silk Hermes Tie

Courtesy of Hermes

You can count on putting a smile on grandpa’s face when you pull out that little orange box. With dozens of creative, colorful, and classic styles and designs to choose from, this is the crème de la crème of accessories. After all, pops should only have the best of the best.

To buy: hermes.com, $180

20 of 24

Chapon Fourreau Winter White Assorted Chocolate Box

Courtesy of Barneys

You know, it’s quite true that there is no better expression of love than — you guessed it — chocolate. This delicately arranged assortment of delectable Chapon chocolates is beautifully decorated and made in France, so this is the real deal. It just might inspired their next trip to the City of Lights.

To buy: barneys.com, $72

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Glazed Leather Pencil Cup

Courtesy of Barneys

While it may seem simple, this stylish, glazed leather pencil cup is a timeless piece that is also totally utilitarian. Plus, you can stuff it with some extra little goodies before wrapping it up for gramps.

To buy: barneys.com, $78

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Martha Stewart’s Vegetables

Courtesy of play.google.com

I don’t know about your Grandmother, but mine is what I’d call a “wannabe Martha.” Everyone’s favorite homemaker-turned-businesswoman recently released a new cookbook focused entirely on vegetables. In addition to 150 recipes, there are tips on how to select, store, prepare, and cook your favorite produce.

To buy: amazon.com, $20

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Sephora Mini Blast Travel Ionic Blow Dryer

Courtesy of Sephora

Great for the grandma who is on the go, this little blow dryer is just as powerful as it is packable. In fact, we selected it as one of this year’s Ultimate Travel Essentials.

To buy: sephora.com, $26

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Tom Ford Men’s Exfoliating Energy Scrub

Courtesy of saksfifthavenue.com

Tom Ford’s new exfoliating scrub for men will be a major upgrade to Grandpa's grooming routine.

To buy: neimanmarcus.com, $49

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