50 Unexpected Gifts for Grandpa That Show How Much He Matters

If your Grandpa likes the taste of beer and enjoys mixing and matching flavors in unusual combinations, this is the gift for him! Why should “different kinds of berries” be the only category jelly flavors fit into? Hand-canned in Vermont, this set of four features a Porter, a Hefeweisen, an India Pale Ale and a Maple Stout, and goes great on a cheese platter.

This t-shirt fits any size Grandpa from Small to 3XL, and can be a fun way to announce your pregnancy if there aren’t any other grandkids on the planet yet. If the third generation has already been around for a while, don’t write this one off, though. The date can be changed to any year you like.

“Ikat,” if you don’t already know, is an ancient technique for dying textiles that emphasizes the fabric’s warp and weft. This one’s made in India, has a light weave featuring a beautiful pattern in blue and white, and is sure to be a gift that Grandpa will wear every night.

This adorable keychain is a great gift for any Grandpa that likes fishing and wants to remember his grandkids every time he doesn’t forget his keys. The keychain features little fish pendants, one for each grandchild: aluminum for the boys and copper for the girls. And even though it’s customized for your family, it ships in three days or less!

Grandpa’s gonna look sharp wherever he travels with this camel-colored bicast leather toiletry bag. If your grandfather likes to explore the world and currently keeps his toothbrush and shaving supplies in a cheap travel bag or, heaven forbid, a ziplock, you could consider it your duty to get him this. Nine-hundred-plus five-star reviews can’t be wrong.

Is Grandpa the fix-it type? Then maybe this 16-ounce claw hammer with a message of your choice engraved on the handle is the gift to buy. The handle is real wood and the custom message can be written in pretty much any font you can think of, so go crazy! (Though not too crazy: the seller has a strict “no profanity” policy.)

If you want Grandpa to think of you when he reaches for his cash, this money clip might be just the thing. Not only is it a very useful gift, but it’s also extremely handsome. The leather is genuine, the message is custom, and the magnets are strong—what more is there to say?

Remember that Vitelli toiletry bag three gift-ideas ago? Well Grandpa’s gonna need something to put inside of it, and The Man Can delivers. This is a gift idea that’s somehow simultaneously funny and luxurious. Grandpa uses the included paint-can opener to crack the lid and reveal a bar of soap, shave gel, hand butter, bay rum oil and a body mitt.

If your Grandpa is often reaching for a toothpick, it’s time to upgrade him to the single-malt variety. These toothpicks are soaked in a fine whisky from the famous 200-year-old distiller based in Islay, Scotland, and then kiln-dried for superior flavor. The wood they’re made out of is sustainably forested, too!

This hefty pen in gunmetal and rose gold says “GRANDPA” like you mean it. The leaf accent on the engraving sets this apart from many a monogramed gift, and the gift box is lined in satin. The pen is compatible with Parker-style ballpoint refills, so Grandpa can cherish this one for years to come.

Here’s a cool present that’s a lot more subtle than most customized gifts for Grandpa to wear in public. The handsome genuine leather bracelet comes in black or brown, with a hand-stamped ring that Grandpa gets to roll along his wrist for anyone to whom he wants to show off the monogram.

Every Grandpa is also a Dad, and here’s a whisky glass that acknowledges that. The festive font is laser etched in frosted white, and with the classic “Est. (your year here)” format, it works as a fun gift to inform a new Grandpa of his status and the kiddo on the way, as well!

There’s nothing quite like a classy visual pun, and this awesome gift delivers. Now Grandpa can truly have a drink on the rocks (granite, from the beaches of New England, to be specific). No more plastic ice-cube trays, either—these stone disks come in a hardwood tray for easy chilling.

Crazy Dog is known for the superior quality of their t-shirts, and this one is no exception. If you’re looking for a really straightforward gift idea for Grandpa, this is probably the one to go for—the screenprinted fonts are attractive and pleasingly positioned and there are seven different colors to choose from. And if your Grandpa is plus-sized, this one goes all the way up to 5XL!

Is Grandpa a moonshiner at heart but doesn’t have his own still, these days? Then this infusion kit is the next best thing. In just 48 hours he can turn is favorite whisky into his favorite spicy whiskey, with an infusion of organic cinnamon, cardamom and grains of paradise. A funnel and filter are included, as is an attractive 500 mL swingtop bottle.

For the fly fishing Grandpa, here’s a small gift idea that shows you know where he stands. Literally—the sole of one foot has a picture of a fish and underneath the other one is a fishing rod. The ink is especially durable and the socks are a classic white with grey heel and toe.

Speaking of swingtop whiskey bottles, check this one out. At 8 oz. it’s really a flask, but what an attractive one! Instead of the laser etched custom label that many personalized gifts include, this flask features deep sandcarving that really showcases Grandpa’s name, hometown and personal distillery…

If this is the year that he turns the big seven-zero, definitely include this among your gifts for Grandpa. Packed full of information about the year and date of his birth and what it really means to have achieved a full seven decades on this planet, this book is sure to delight. The cover comes in your choice of nine colors and the graphic design inside is top notch.

If you’re looking for something as useful as it is cool with an old-timey flair, this pocket watch is a unique gift idea. It’s got Japanese quartz movement and a Roman numeral display, all housed in chrome alloy that flips open and hangs from a chain, and best of all comes with an embossed slogan that reads “The Greatest Grandpa.”

If you’ve always wanted to get Grandpa a photo collage but are hopeless with Photoshop or GIMP, this might be just what you’re looking for. You submit 60 to 70 photos of the grandkids and PhotoVenturas works their magic, combining the images into the word “GRANDPA.” This is a digital product, so you’ll have to get it printed and framed on your own.

This is one to consider among your unisex gift ideas, because Grandma will definitely want to try it out too. The back massager comes with three different silicone tips and a motor capable of 3900 vibrations per minute for deep tissue massage. With an ergonomic handle and a heating massage option, this one is really the gift that keeps on giving.

This cool gift is perfect for a Grandpa who’s always wanted to try brewing but didn’t know where to start. The small-batch kit brews 12 bottles of Bourbon Stout. You’ll have to buy the bourbon separately, but everything else is included—a one-gallon glass fermenter and all the equipment, plus malt extract, specialty grains, hops, yeast and toasted oak chips for that smoky flavor.

Grandpa’s gonna look snazzy with a matching belt, watch and wallet! When you want to go for a useful gift instead of cute, why not cover all the bases? These three items he’ll find useful every single day look really handsome in black, brown or dark blue PU leather.

If you’re looking for unisex gift ideas, this is one for Grandpa to share with Grandma! Three sliding panels on this wine box made of aspen and Baltic birch commemorate three anniversaries, while the three together display their names, hometown, and the year they established your family. Three bottles of wine not included but highly recommended.

When Grandpa needs some cheering up this is a great gift idea. Not only is the blanket made of super snuggly polyester plush, but it’s emblazoned with the words Warm Hug Prayer Positive Thoughts Strength Hugs Healing Energy Harmony Peace Love Hope Campassion Serenity Joy Fun Bear Hug Comfort Rejuvenating Spirit Positive Energy Resilience in a repeating pattern. Everything the man could wish for!

If Grandpa’s one to play up his origins in a previous era, he’ll get a kick out of this. The delightful curves of this wood and brass light switch cover are augmented by the addition of a little arrow indicating “on” or “off,” plus a knob that replaces run-of-the-mill flipping with a horizontal sliding action that will make Grandpa feel like Captain Nemo.

Do you happen to have a Grandpa of a certain age—and by a certain age we mean turning 51 years old this year? Then this is undoubtedly the best gift for him. The small print says “Aged to Perfection” and “Limited Edition,” both of which you’ll no doubt agree entirely apply.

Get Grandpa his own whiskey barrel, and if he’s not already distilling, throw in the optional rum and whiskey kit. This genuine oak barrel comes in either a 2 liter or 5 liter size and is stamped on the end with Grandpa’s name and the name of his distillery. The lignins, lactones and tannins that oak provides will really improve the flavor of any liquor aged inside this barrel, handmade by Virginia coopers.

If you liked Cool Present Number 13, listed above, but are looking for a cheaper gift idea, try this one. The rocks are soapstone cubes rather than granite discs, but these crystal glasses are actually fancier, and Grandpa is sure to appreciate the pine box for storing the entire kit.

This pocket knife features a 3¼” 3CR13 stainless steel blade, with a razor sharp edge that’s partially serrated—a fierce-looking knife with all-purpose capability. You can put Grandpa’s name on the wood-plated handle in an attractive cursive font, or give him a longer message of appreciation, since there’s room for up to two lines of text.

Do you and Grandpa enjoy a good game of cribbage and share a love for a particular lake or bay? This cherry wood cribbage board comes laser-etched with a topographical map of your choice from over 4,000 bodies of water or stretches of coastline in North America (plus a few international locations like Loch Lomond and Sydney Harbor). Race your bronze and aluminum pegs around the lake!

If you want funny, cool gifts for Grandpa that show off his heroic side, try this t-shirt. It’s got the classic Superman logo and comes in your choice of blue, black, red, grey or white. Pay careful attention when choosing the size, since these tend to run on the small side.

If Grandpa’s got an owl collection going, or you think it’s time for him to start, this eyeglasses holder is where it’s at. Handcarved by artisans in India and certified Fair Trade, this owl keeps Grandpa from losing his spectacles and improves healthcare and education in impoverished communities at the same time.

Here’s a cool little gag that’s perfect if you need a cheap gift idea. The slogan is engraved in a classic typewriter font and is augmented by an image of an ice cream cone—ironically the one serving suggestion that doesn’t require Grandpa to use this gift!

Is America’s favorite pastime also Grandpa’s favorite sport? Surprise him with a tiny piece of his favorite team and he’ll feel like he’s stepping up to bat every time he cracks open a beer. The wood in the handle originates from a bat used in the big leagues—pick a team, any team—and comes with details about exactly which game it saw action.

Made of ash wood in your choice of natural color, brown stain or black, this one is a gift idea for the Grandpa who wants to tidy up his workspace. It’s got useful trays and receptacles, pen and pencil holders, and can convenient display business cards and even a cell phone. There’s the option to engrave it with a special message, too.

And if you’re getting gifts to organize Grandpa’s desk, how about Grandpa’s car? This trunk organizer has a carrying capacity of 415 cubic inches and is extremely sturdy, with thick polyester material, PVC mesh, unbreakable handles and buckles and a waterproof base. It folds in half for front-seat storage, and comes with a surprise bonus of a windshield sun screen.

If Grandpa can’t get enough of that bourbon aroma but prefers the buzz of caffeine to that of booze, here’s a unique gift idea for you to consider. This is 12 oz. of 100% Arabica beans infused in small batches with genuine Kentucky bourbon using a process that leaves no alcohol content but plenty of flavor.

This cute list of rhyming couplets from poet Teri Harrison describes all the attributes that make Grandpa special and deserving of the name “Papa.” Framed to stand on a desk or hang on a wall, the poem is attractively typeset in a chalkboard style with calligraphic swirls surrounding it.

Here’s a gift idea for Grandpa that’s really funny. It’s a complete miniature golf set, including two golf balls, a flagpole and a putter—but the putting green mat is shaped to fit around the base of a toilet, and it also comes with a door hanger marked “Do Not Disturb: Golf Game in Progress”.

This useful gift is really awesome. It really is an inkless pen—the patented metal alloy tip lays down a grey line like a pencil, but it doesn’t smudge or erase, and works on almost any type of paper. Grandpa will never need a refill! The handle comes in your choice of zebrawood or walnut.

The serrated blade on this knife, just under 6″ in length, may look strangely irregular at first glance. Look closer and you’ll see that it’s actually a map of Grandpa’s favorite mountain range—provided he’s especially drawn to the Denver Front Range [currently sold out], Jackson Teton Range, or the Salt Lake Wasatch Range. The elevations of prominent peaks are marked along the blade’s length, and the handle’s made of walnut.

Finally, here’s a great gift idea that’s hard to turn down—a book with the headlines on Grandpa’s birthday from every year since the day he was born! This handsome large-format hardcover volume reprints the front page of the Chicago Tribune for each iteration of that special date, allowing you and Grandpa to take in the wide swath of history his life has spanned.