51 Best Family Gift Ideas They’ll Actually Use and Enjoy in 2025
With multiple personalities and preferences to consider, finding family gift ideas that everyone will enjoy may seem easier said than done. Although it can be challenging to choose a gift that appeals to a range of ages and interests, the most meaningful gifts for siblings are the ones that bring them together.
So, what makes a good family gift? When considering family gift ideas, be sure to think about location, ages and lifestyle, including factors such as living space and shared hobbies. Try to choose gifts that are easily shared or create the opportunity for experiencing something new together. Research published in the Journal of Marriage and Family has found that frequently enjoying shared activities can be crucial to emotional well-being in adolescence and beyond.
So with that in mind, dive into our top picks for everything from creative and personalized family gifts to do-it-yourself items and ideas for foodie families.
Jump to Section
- Creative Family Gift Ideas
- Foodie Family Gift Ideas
- Unique Gift Ideas for Families
- Game Family Gift Ideas
- Personalized Family Gift Ideas
- Inexpensive Whole Family Gift Ideas
- DIY Family Gift Ideas
Creative Family Gift Ideas
1. Pottery Classes
Interactive family gift ideas give recipients a chance to spend time together with creative activities that the whole family can enjoy. Local pottery classes fit the bill, teaching families a new skill that might even turn into a shared hobby further down the line.
They can transform unfinished pottery into colorful keepsakes, learn the basics of wheel throwing and even glazing pottery.
2. Paint and Sip
For a family gift idea for empty nesters, couples or families with adult children, consider booking them into a local paint and sip. Perhaps Mom and Dad could benefit from a creative evening out while the kids get some time away from their parents. With drinks flowing freely and a stress-free creative environment, a paint and sip is a great way to relax and recharge.
3. Painting Classes
Painting classes are the perfect gift for creative families or even a gift for grandparents who like to relax with a creative hobby. Celebrate gatherings such as birthdays or other special occasions with fun, interactive painting classes. Online painting classes offer guidance in a wide range of techniques without having to leave the house.
4. Drawing Classes
Families with kids who love to doodle will love the gift of drawing classes. Don't let the kids have all the artistic fun! Explore online drawing classes to find interactive lessons suited to any age, from cartooning or portraits to free drawing and kid-friendly sessions.
5. Karaoke Microphone
Karaoke is a fun activity that families can enjoy together any night of the week. Along with their favorite tunes, a karaoke microphone lets them become the star of the show in their very own living room. Get two for a harmonious duet or friendly lip sync battle.
6. Piano Play Mat
Musical families will love jamming on a piano play mat. Kids can work together to harmonize or entertain themselves while creating a cacophony of sound on a giant, musical play mat. These make great interactive gifts for families with toddlers who can also participate in the music-making fun.
7. Mini Projector
A mini projector is a versatile family gift idea that transforms any wall into a movie screen. Families can enjoy weekly movie nights, rewatch home videos or stream their favorite shows together in style. It’s also one of the most practical whole family gift ideas, perfect for both cozy evenings and big gatherings.
Foodie Family Gift Ideas
8. Cooking Classes
Cooking classes teach important life skills while creating memories and offering opportunities to explore different cultures through food, making them one of the best family gift ideas. They can learn a wide range of culinary skills, such as how to incorporate fresh herbs in the kitchen or make beautiful artistic desserts.
Browse the diverse selection of culinary skills and cuisines they can practice at nearby cooking classes. If you're unsure which class they'll want to try, get them a foodie gift card so they can choose!
9. Online Mixology Classes
For parents or families with grown children, online mixology classes are unique family gift ideas that add flavor to gatherings. They'll learn how to mix cocktails, craft syrups, and pair ingredients under the guidance of expert mixologists. These experiences can be a great whole family gift idea when shared during holidays or celebrations.
10. Virtual Wine Tastings
Virtual wine tastings are a sophisticated family gift idea, perfect for reunions and anniversaries. Families can explore wines from around the world, discover pairing techniques and enjoy a delicious shared journey. This gift idea for families will have them ready for a tour of the best wineries in Napa together in no time.
11. Family Cookbook
A place to gather cherished recipes is the perfect gift for foodie families. Filling a family cookbook with the recipe for grandma’s signature dinner rolls and the secrets to mom’s perfect chocolate chip cookies is a great way to pass these special memories from generation to generation.
12. Pizza Oven
One of the best family gift ideas for the whole family to enjoy is a pizza oven. With this special gift, they can have or host gourmet pizza nights where everyone can choose their favorite toppings or they can get creative and use it to cook breads, barbecue and even desserts.
13. Ice Cream Maker
With a classic ice cream maker, the family can enjoy the iconic summer treat without having to pack in the car and head to the nearest scoop shop. They can also get creative with their favorite flavors and mix-ins while enjoying their cold and creamy, homemade dessert. Ice cream party ideas start right here.
14. Food-Making Kit
From sushi-making kits or DIY bubble tea to homemade churros or everything you need to get started in molecular gastronomy, food-making kits are excellent gifts for foodies.
With specially curated kits available for a wide variety of cuisines and concoctions, you are sure to find the perfect gift to suit nearly any taste and culinary interest.
15. Food Subscription Box
From a wide variety of meal kits and specialty ingredients to curated selections of international snacks, the possibilities are nearly endless with these fun, foodie gift ideas.
A food subscription box can be a lifesaver for busy families or introduce them to new ingredients, snacks and cooking styles. Subscription boxes are also an easy way to send gifts to families who live in a different town or state.
Unique Gift Ideas for Families
16. Photography Classes
Families who love collecting photos or sharing moments and memories on social media will likely enjoy unique family gift ideas like photography classes. From beginner basics to mastering photography for social media, photography classes will help them enhance their skills and unleash their creativity.
As a whole family gift idea, photography classes will help families document life while making new memories.
17. Acting Classes
Acting classes are truly unique gift ideas that offer an unexpected way to connect, build communication skills and tap into a wide range of emotions through traditional acting exercises or improv.
With classes and levels available suited to children and adults, acting classes are a great way to foster self-awareness, grow their confidence and enhance their ability to adapt.
18. National Parks Pass
Encourage them to explore the great outdoors with family experience gift ideas like a National Parks Pass. The America the Beautiful pass is an annual pass that allows entry to national parks and federal recreational lands such as forests, lakes and monuments, with proceeds used to improve and enhance visitor services.
19. Museum Membership
A museum membership is a unique family gift idea that allows them to spend time together in a safe and educational environment while developing their interests in history or science and supporting local institutions.
Family experience gifts can create cherished memories and build a connection to the community. Some other membership gift ideas might include a local attraction, botanical garden, art gallery or zoo.
20. STEM Activity Set
Family gift sets focused on STEM skills, including science, technology, engineering and math, are thoughtful gifts for families with toddlers and young children. The National Inventors Hall of Fame notes that kids as young as one year old can receive developmental benefits from participating in STEM activities and play.
21. Video Doorbell
A video doorbell might not sound glamorous, but it’s one of those family gift ideas that’s equal parts practical and fun. Families can keep an eye on deliveries, laugh at the occasional funny visitor, and enjoy extra peace of mind. As whole family gift ideas go, it’s a great blend of practicality and entertainment.
22. Digital Photo Sharing Frame
Forget cluttered walls — a digital photo frame lets families relive their favorite moments in an endless slideshow. Pictures can be sent straight from a phone, turning the frame into a constantly updated family album. It’s one of those gift ideas for families that will spark conversation every time it lights up.
23. Smart Speaker
From playing their favorite music to keeping track of the grocery list, the entire family can benefit from the gift of a smart speaker. A voice control option for smart devices throughout the home can also make life around the house a little bit easier for parents. If you're looking for anniversary gifts for parents, this one's a safe bet.
24. Telescope
Introduce the family to the wonders above with a telescope, a magical choice for a family gift idea. Stargazing nights turn into family traditions as everyone takes turns spotting planets and constellations. It’s one of those whole family gift ideas that expands imaginations while keeping everyone outdoors together.
25. Robot Vacuum
Chores may not scream “fun,” but a robot vacuum is a family gift idea that everyone secretly appreciates. It tackles messes while freeing up more time for games, movies and other shared activities. As gift ideas for families go, it’s a modern win-win.
Game Family Gift Ideas
26. Virtual Scavenger Hunts
Virtual scavenger hunts are fun family gift ideas that mix teamwork with excitement. Families race to find clues, solve riddles, and complete checklists before the clock runs out. It’s one of the most engaging gift ideas for families who love a challenge.
27. Online Trivia Games
Liven up family gatherings with a little friendly competition in online trivia games. Entertaining hosts will test their knowledge in a variety of topics, from pop culture or even custom questions designed around a specific family member.
28. Virtual Game Nights
Set aside the usual board games for virtual game nights. With this family gift idea, an interactive host challenges groups to games of bingo, trivia or game show-style showdowns for an evening full of laughter and fond memories. These activities are excellent gifts for families of four but also work well for larger groups and family reunions.
29. Virtual Escape Rooms
Virtual escape rooms turn family game night into an adventure of codes, clues, and teamwork. Everyone works together to solve puzzles and race against the clock in themed scenarios.
30. Lawn Games
Lawn games are fun and gifts for families who love to enjoy the outdoors. Whether at summer block parties, neighborhood gatherings, an afternoon in the park, an autumn tailgate or a lazy evening in the backyard, games like cornhole, ladder toss or bocce are a great way to please the whole family.
31. Board and Card Games
Few things bring generations together like a stack of board and card games. From classics like Scrabble and Uno to newer hits like Ticket to Ride, these games guarantee endless rematches. They’re the kind of gift ideas for families that never stay on the shelf for long.
Personalized Family Gift Ideas
32. Custom Photo Puzzle
Turn a cherished family photo into a jigsaw puzzle for a gift that’s both playful and sentimental. Everyone can piece it together at the table, reliving the memory as the image comes to life. Whole family gift ideas don’t get more personal than this.
33. Personalized Family Tree Art
Give the gift of beautifully crafted, personalized family tree art that they will be proud to display in their home. You can find talented artists to create a unique piece on websites such as Etsy or commission a local artist to make this one-of-a-kind gift.
34. Family Recipe Keepsake
The kitchen is often said to be the heart of the home, with treasured memories kept in the aromas and tastes of favorite family recipes. Create a signature family recipe keepsake, such as an engraved cutting board or art piece, that allows the family’s most cherished recipes to continue being passed down from generation to generation.
35. Family Celebration Calendar
As a family grows, it becomes harder and harder to keep track of birthdays, anniversaries and other important occasions. Family celebration calendars are customizable and practical family gift ideas that will help make sure they never miss celebrating a special day.
36. Pet Portrait
For households where the furry friend is practically another sibling, a custom pet portrait is a playful and charming surprise. Whether painted in a regal pose or a cartoon style, these portraits capture personality in full. Among personalized family gift ideas, few spark smiles faster.
37. Family Story Book
Capture legendary family stories with a professional interview service such as Artifact to create studio-quality keepsakes of cherished family memories.
For a DIY version of these gifts, grab a tape recorder or video camera and spend some time collecting stories and memories from grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, siblings or parents to compile your very own family story book.
38. Custom Family Portrait
No need for a long studio session — today’s artists can transform a casual snapshot into a stunning custom portrait. From watercolor to digital illustration, families can choose a style that fits their personality. This makes for a timeless keepsake and a standout gift idea for families.
39. Genealogy Kit
For curious families, a genealogy kit is a journey into ancestry and identity. Exploring DNA connections and long-lost roots often sparks meaningful conversations at the dinner table. It’s a fascinating family gift idea that combines science with storytelling.
Inexpensive Whole Family Gift Ideas
40. Dance Classes
Dance classes are great family gift ideas to keep fun and joyful movement in their routine and an excellent way to burn off some of the kids’ extra energy. Whether they're into salsa, hip hop or even ballet, you can find fun and energizing dance classes for every interest and experience level.
For added flexibility, they can even take online dance classes together from the comfort of their living room!
41. Themed Activity Box
For thoughtful, inexpensive family gifts, put together a themed activity box. Gather some popcorn, candy, a cozy blanket, and a movie rental or favorite DVD for a family movie night box. Pack up some colorful bowls, sprinkles, syrups and all the toppings for an ice cream sundae party box. Collect bubbles, sidewalk chalk and other games for a themed box perfect for a sunny day outside. The possibilities are endless for this easy family gift idea.
42. Multi-Device Charging Station
In gadget-filled households, a charging station saves both arguments and clutter. With every phone, tablet and console powered up in one spot, there’s no more fighting for outlets. It’s a practical entry in the world of family gift ideas that makes daily life smoother.
43. Matching Pajama Set
Matching pajamas are a playful and festive family gift idea for Christmas in particular. Perfect for Christmas morning photos or cozy movie marathons, they create a sense of togetherness that feels extra special. Available in every size, they work for families big or small.
44. Hammock
A hammock will transform the backyard into a mini-retreat. Families can curl up together with a book, swing under the stars or nap away lazy afternoons. It’s one of those whole family gift ideas that brings relaxation outdoors.
45. Weighted Blanket
With multiple people in the house, you can never have too many blankets. Someone is always too cold or wants to cozy up on the couch. Weighted blankets are comfortable and calming, inexpensive gifts that distribute gentle pressure across the body to help encourage relaxation and anxiety reduction.
DIY Family Gift Ideas
46. Herb Garden
Gather a collection of herbs such as basil, dill or lavender to create an herb garden for their kitchen, patio or yard. Kids can also get involved, learning how plants grow, where food comes from and how to care for a garden. From a small set of DIY containers to elaborate hydroponic garden setups, indoor or outdoor herb gardens are inspiring gifts that will infuse their home with the bright aromas and flavors of fresh herbs.
47. Virtual Flower Arranging Classes
Virtual flower arranging classes add a touch of color and creativity, even when taken online. Families can design bouquets together, learning tips from floral experts while comparing their final creations. It’s a refreshing and satisfying DIY family gift idea.
48. Woodworking Classes
Woodworking classes are hands-on family gift ideas that can help fine-tune skills like concentration and artistic finesse. Each family member can create custom pieces of handcrafted art while building stronger bonds and learning a new skill.
49. Glass Blowing Classes
Glass blowing classes blend a human fascination with fire with a dose of artistry to create stunning ornaments, bowls, decorations and more. Although best suited for families with older children, these family gift ideas are sure to create unforgettable experiences.
50. Arts and Crafts Station
Arts and crafts stations are easy-to-make, DIY family gift ideas that can be tailored to the interests and talents of the recipients. You can get the same gift for everyone in the family while still allowing each personality to shine through.
Fill a utility cart, set of drawers or another tiered storage container with thoughtfully selected supplies from scrapbooking materials and stickers or stamps to colored pencils, drawing paper and paint sets to inspire their unique creativity.
51. Sewing Classes
Although it may seem old-fashioned, sewing has seen a resurgence in popularity with growing interest in applications from cross-stitch to cosplay. Practical family gift ideas like sewing classes bring families together while learning a useful and creative life skill.
Family Gift Ideas FAQs
What’s the Best Way To Find the Perfect Gift?
As many families opt for experiences and thoughtful gifts, some have adopted the three gift rule: something they want, something they need and something to read. This system shifts the focus from quantity to quality with meaningful family gift ideas that create memories, strengthen bonds and encourage time spent together.
From personalized pieces of art to meaningful experiences tailored to the family’s character, these family gift ideas are thoughtful ways to inspire time spent together while strengthening relationships and creating cherished memories. When selecting family gift ideas, be sure to consider the family’s ages, interests and lifestyle to choose a special gift guaranteed to make the whole family smile and that they will enjoy for years to come.
For even more fun gift ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
