Gift IdeasMother's Day and Father's Day gift ideas
These days are for saying what usually goes unsaid. The gift is an excuse for the message.
A handwritten letter
Say three specific things you are grateful for. It is kept longer than any object.
A framed photograph of the two of you
Choose a photo they have not seen for years. Print it larger than you think.
A bunch of fresh flowers
Ask the florist what came in today. Fresh and simple beats large and tired.
A photo collage printed as a poster
Collect pictures from friends and family first, then join them in any collage maker and print the result.
Breakfast in bed and a day without chores
Costs nothing and is remembered. Do the dishes too.
A meal you cook yourself
Their favourite dish, a set table, phones away.
A jar of notes
Fifty small slips, each with a memory or a reason you are glad of them.
A hand-painted card
Children's drawings are the best cards a grandparent can receive.
A shirt or kurta
Check the size from a shirt in his cupboard, not from memory.
A warm shawl or stole
Wool for the north, light cotton or silk for the south.
Reading glasses case, magnifier or reading lamp
Small comforts for someone who reads every day.
A soft cushion, backrest or foot rest for their favourite chair
Comfort gifts are the right gifts for elders.
A large printed family photograph
Get everyone into one picture, print it big and frame it.
A photo album you have filled yourself
Printed photos, with dates and names written underneath, in an album they can hold.
A day out together
A film, lunch and a walk. Put the phone away for the day.
A hobby kit
Gardening tools, a painting set, a fishing rod, a set of chess pieces: whatever the next chapter is about.
A subscription to a magazine or newspaper
A gift that arrives again every month.
A wall calendar of family photos
A year of pictures on the wall, one for each month.
A helper for a day
Arrange a cleaner, a cook or a babysitter for a day or a week.
Their old photographs scanned and restored
Collect the family's loose prints, have them copied and give back both the originals and a new album.
A saree, suit piece or dupatta
If you do not know her taste, choose a classic colour and a fabric she already wears.
A handbag or wallet
Look at the one in use now, and choose the same style in better quality.
Perfume or attar
Buy the one they already wear, or go together to choose.
A pair of comfortable walking shoes
Take them along for the fitting. Feet do not forgive guesses.
Dinner at the place they keep mentioning
Book the table, arrange the travel, and pay before the bill arrives.
A class or workshop
Pottery, cooking, music, dance, photography: something they said they would try one day.
A spa or salon voucher
For someone who looks after everyone except themselves.
A music player or radio
Loaded with old songs, bhajans or ghazals for an elder who finds phones fiddly.
A piece of gold or silver jewellery
Small and classic, such as earrings, a chain or a ring, is worn more often than large and elaborate.
A pilgrimage or a trip to their home town
Plan every detail: tickets, stay, a companion. For elders, the planning is the gift.
A big family gift bought together
A television, a washing machine or a holiday, given by all the children or all the friends as one gift.
No idea matches these choices. Set one of the boxes back to "Any".
Your shortlist
Choosing a Mother's Day and Father's Day gift
- Do something for them that day: cook, take over their chores, sit with them.
- A letter saying what you learnt from them is worth more than anything from a shop.
- If you live far away, a video call and a delivery timed for the morning show planning.
About the spending levels
This site does not quote prices, because prices change with the city, the shop and the year. Each idea is marked with one of four levels instead:
- Token: A small gesture: the cost of a snack or a few cups of tea.
- Modest: An everyday gift for friends and family.
- Generous: A special gift for someone close or a big occasion.
- Grand: A once-in-years gift, often given by a family together.
Questions people ask
What is a good Mother's Day or Father's Day gift?
Do something for them that day: cook, take over their chores, sit with them. Two ideas from this page: "A framed photograph of the two of you" and "A hobby kit".
Is it fine to give money?
In India, money in an envelope is a normal and welcome gift on most family occasions, especially weddings and festivals. Add a line of blessing and your name. See our page on shagun.
Other occasions
Guides
- Shagun: giving moneyThe envelope, the extra rupee and how to decide the amount.
- Gifting etiquetteGiving, receiving, regifting and gifts to avoid.
- Return giftsIdeas for birthdays, weddings, pujas and housewarmings.
- Gift wrappingWrap a box neatly, or wrap without paper at all.
- Gift messagesShort lines to write on a tag or card, to copy.
- Secret Santa name drawerPair everyone for a gift exchange on one phone.