Gift Ideas for Parents

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And of course it's not but the thing is, nothing is. You have to accept the fact that it really is the thought that counts. But that doesn't mean you don't have to try-- the operative word is thought.

Here are a few things you may not have thought of yet.

1. Settle an Argument.

   Is there something they always bicker about, like Mom's closet is too stuffed or Dad never shovels the walkway? Put it to rest by hiring it out: Get a personal shopper to visit Mom's closet and help her thin it out, hire a snow removal service for Dad. Other ideas: Hire a gardener, housecleaner, or handyman for a one-shot visit or a season.

2. Photos. OK you may have thought of that but not like this:
   
   • USB Flash Drive. Starting at $5, these little devices store tons of photos you can pop in the mail to your parents.

     

   • Present them is in a more functional form a la messenger bag or tote bag. Find a good photo of your parents, their dog, your kids, their lakehouse, whatever makes them smile. Then go to SnapTotes.com or Costco.com, upload the photo, click a few buttons and their gift is on its way.

   • Give a Digital Picture Frame. You can pick one up at Target and pre-load it with photos they'll enjoy. It's personal, functional, refillable, adorable!

     

   • As for free gift ideas for parents, you can't beat a Smilebox.com slideshow. Go to the website, download the free software, and make a fantastic slideshow with photos you upload. You can add music and text. It's super easy, you'll see. Click on the photo on the right.

3. A Trip.

   After years of entertaining themselves, they might enjoy having a trip planned for them.

   1. Call a B&B within driving distance and have them send a gift certificate for a night or two.
   2. Ask the B&B's recommendation for a nearby restaurant.
   3. Call the restaurant and have them send a gift certificate too.

   Presto!

4. A Thank You Note.

   It can be the gift itself if done thoughtfully. Make a Top 10 list of how they've helped you or why you love them or how they're so awesome you could never find a good enough gift for them so you won't even try.

5. Movies.

   A couple of tickets to the local theatre is a nice idea but I really like gifting a movie subscription service like Netflix or Blockbuster.com.

   Personally I like Blockbuster over other mail-order services because in addition to getting movies in the mail, you can also trade them in at your local Blockbuster so you don't go a minute without a movie.

   Plus it's the ultimate last minute gift idea: You can click the box to the right for a free trial and be done in like 1 minute!

6. Wall Street Journal

   

   I got this for my dad a few years ago and not only did he love it, my mom got hooked on it too. It's a really well-written paper, not just for Wall Street-types at all.

   It will come right to your parents' door every day except Sunday.

   They're running a GREAT deal right now-- Get The Wall Street Journal for 75% off!

7. Booze.

   If you're a grownup and your parents enjoy their cocktail hour, consider a Wine of the Month Club. You can have from 2-12 months of wine delivered.

8. YouTube.

   I've saved one of my favorite last minute gift ideas for parents for last: The YouTube video. If you haven't seen your parents in a while and have the means to make a little video, simply upload it to YouTube and email them the URL. It can be you, your town, your kids, etc. and of course, warm wishes for the occasion. And who knows, maybe it will make you famous.

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