When it comes to Christmas or anniversaries, buying a single gift that both Mum and Dad can enjoy together is a great way to save time and money. Okay not really… (Although that is also true). More to the point, choosing gift ideas for Mom and Dad will mean that the gift gives them a further excuse to spend time together and at their age an experience is probably worth more than just another CD or handbag. Below then are some ideas for gifts that can give them just that.

Gift Ideas for Mom and Dad:

Spa Day – A spa day may seem like it’s more geared towards the female portion of your parental duo, but chances are that Dad will appreciate it just as much once he gets there. Both probably lead stressful lives, and a spa day gives them an opportunity to take a break from that and get pampered themselves for a while rather than running around after you all the time. Both can experience a professional massage, a sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and potentially facial or manicure too (okay perhaps those last too are more for the Mum). It also gives them a great day out together and is something that they can fit in whenever suits them.

Weekend Away – Booking a hotel for your parents is another way to give them some time to themselves and also a bit of peace and quiet. Book a hotel somewhere scenic or with lots of interesting things to do in the area and you can give them a couple of days’ worth of time together as well as some interesting stories to tell. If a hotel is too expensive you can always get others to chip in on the idea or alternatively shop around for deals online. If you book far enough in advance you can probably get them something nice for under £100 (or $200). Alternatively you could just book them one night for half that price. Whatever you do though ensure that they’ll both be free on that date first.

Furniture or Ornaments – One thing that both parents share is their home so if you want to get something they can both enjoy then a piece of furniture or an ornament. Here you walk the fine line between giving them something they need and something they want, so try and make it something unusual such as a wine rack, bar, foot rest, painting or garden ornament. The gimmickier it is the more it’ll impress Dad and the more ornate the more it’ll impress Mum.

Meal – Your Mum and Dad have probably taken you out for countless meals in your lifetime which is both a great family experience and a good chance for you to enjoy some prepared food. Well now it’s your turn to return the favour. You can pick a restaurant that suits your budget but from that point on the exact price is a bit of a gamble… pray they don’t order the swordfish!

Champagne – Almost everyone enjoys a bottle of champagne and parents are no different. As a gift for your Mom and Dad it gives them an excuse to spend an evening in together, or alternatively something nice to save up for a special occasion/when they have guests round. Champagne is a mark above a bottle of wine and is a real treat that they probably wouldn’t buy for themselves, plus they get the fun of firing the cork…

Chocolates – Chocolates, like the champagne, let your parents indulge themselves on an evening in and enjoy something sweet in each others’ company (other than you of course). Again it’s also something they can choose to share or not…

Homemade Food/Cooking – You know when you were younger and you parents told you you’d rather you made them their presents? Well that wasn’t true – presents you buy are much more useful and interesting. However when it comes to food this is not the case, and a nicely arranged meal, cake, sweets can be something they can both enjoy together that also shows al lot of time and effort has gone into its creation. You can even make your own chocolates if you want to get really creative by melting the chocolate and adding your own assortment of sweet fillings.

Photo Album – Parents are a sentimental lot and that doesn’t change as they get older. A photo album then can make a great gift that they can fill with pictures of themselves together and maybe you and any siblings. If you want to really get on their good side you can take some time out and fill the album yourself with pictures you think they’ll like. Bare in mind that they might well show these to other people so try to avoid anything too incriminating of yourself.

Photo Shoot – Okay this is one that your Dad may hate, but once he’s gone through the ordeal some professional photos of the two of them together that they can display is a great gift they can both enjoy and one that he’ll secretly love too (chances are he probably still thinks he’s a model).

Show or Concert – If your parents are of a similar age then chances are they both have a similar taste in music. If you pick a band they both enjoyed when they’re a younger then you can remind how it felt when they were young, something that’s probably a fairly fleeting memory these days. If all their favourite bands are dead then a tribute act is your next best option, or if they like something a bit more refined then maybe a show or Opera.

Mack LeMouse

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