Family Christmas Gift Ideas: Special & Memorable Gifts For The Whole Family
- Brooke Amidei
- Nov 13
- 8 min read
Updated: Dec 15
There’s something extra special about giving a gift the whole family can enjoy. Something that pulls everyone off their screens, out of their corners, and back together. A family gift feels thoughtful, unexpected, and a little magical and likely more memorable. It says this one’s for all of you. Whether it’s sparking a new tradition, creating a shared adventure, or just adding more fun to cozy nights in, these gifts deliver joy that lasts long after the wrapping paper’s gone.
Because music makes memories. A record player turns family nights into little time capsules- spin old favorites, introduce the kids to real album art, and make it a ritual to pick a new vinyl each month. Spoiler alert- this is the family gift we are getting for our family this year and the exact record player I purchased. We also got a few Christmas records and plan to make an outing with the kids (who are 17 and 14) to the local record store where each of us and pick out one record to start creating our own library and really include the whole family. I'm so excited!
Nothing says “we survived another year together” like everyone fighting for a turn in the foot massager. My sister gave me this foot massager last year for Christmas and I cannot believe how much we ALL love it! My boys (and their friends) fight for it when they are sore from sports, and it is the best way for all of us to unwind after long days. We just keep it right by the couch and it is the most coveted seat in our living room!
A built-in excuse to get outside and unplug. A picnic basket turns an ordinary Saturday into a little adventure—just add sandwiches, a blanket, and sunshine. We were gifted a picnic backpack for our wedding and put it to good use every single year more than once. Bike ride with the full family with picnic treats packed, Mother's Day outings, concerts, you name it!
Because family competition is healthy… mostly. Pickleball is easy for everyone to play and guaranteed to bring laughter (and maybe a little trash talk) to your backyard or driveway. This is something I definitely want to have more of in my life! We have played a handful of times with our full family and of four and had a blast every time we've done it.
Breakfasts, burgers, hibachi nights—it’s like bringing a diner to your patio. The flat top turns cooking into a shared event instead of a solo job. This really is the gift that keeps on giving. It opens up a whole new world of recipes that the whole family can enjoy, especially friend rice and Big Mac tacos?? Gifting one to my husband for Father's Day was the best, selfishly awesome (although we all love it) move!
For families who take their toppings seriously. Pizza night becomes an experience, not just dinner—and everyone gets to make their perfect slice. This has been on our wish list for years and we really should pull the trigger on it. Talk about bringing the family together! What does that more than piping fresh pizza?!
One word: peace. Whether it’s post-holiday chaos or just a Tuesday, an eye massager is the fastest way to relax in five minutes flat. Another great gift from my sister of Christmas past! It plays music, it warms and gently massages and brings peace to whomever is using it!
For sore backs, teenage athletes, or parents who slept funny (again). It’s one of those “how did we live without this?” gifts. This is an absolute household staple in my mind! Every one. Every age. Every person on your list. We just keeps our charged and in the living room so we can all use it, all the time. Game changer.
Every family needs at least one blanket that everyone fights over. A soft, oversized throw instantly levels up movie nights and lazy mornings. The key is to get a king sized throw so that you can all snuggle up with it together. I love this one!
Dipping things in cheese or chocolate never gets old. It’s the ultimate “together” treat—fun, messy, and completely delicious. We had a tradition of doing fondue as a family every Valentine's Day and my friend's family does a chocolate fondue the night before the first day of school. This is such a great way to build a delicious tradition with your family (and of of course break it out over the holidays to break it in!)
Transform any wall into a movie theater. Perfect for backyard movie nights or cozy indoor marathons- popcorn required. Spoiler alert, this is wrapped and under the tree for my 14 year old this year. I know he will love it in his room on his own and with his friends, but I'm hopeful we can put this to good family use too!
Concert or Event Tickets
Because experiences beat stuff every time. A concert, play, or game gives everyone something to look forward to—and memories that outlast any gadget. We took our kids to their first ever concert (Imagine Dragons) and presented them with the tickets on Christmas Eve. We teed up one of their favorite songs, "Radioactive" on YouTube and had the boys come in with their eyes closed. As they sat in the living room we described the scene of being at a concert, the laser lights, the smoke in the air, the roar of a crowd and then....we blasted the TV on with the song and said, "WE'RE GOING TO IMAGINE DRAGONS!!" and told them the date of the concert. It was an epic gift and one they'll never forget!
Redneck Life (or any funny family board game)
The laughs are half the fun, and the trash talk is the other half. Games like this get everyone off their phones and into the moment. Unfortunately, I'm not a big gamer. I think they are awesome and a great way to spend time with your family, but overall they aren't for me. My friend gifted us Redneck Life as a joke one year, but this game is hilarious! If your kids are 10+ this game is super fun. If your kids are 21 and older, break out some cheap "redneck" beer and play as a family. It's like the game of Life only with redneck problems, names and more hilariousness. The person with the most teeth at the end of the game wins.
This one is also wildly inappropriate which makes it perfect for the right group. Obviously know your audience, but if your kids are grown and your family's sense of humor is slightly questionable (like mine) you have to get this Go F*** Yourself Game. You play it the same way you would the old school Go Fish game, but the questions are things like, "Do you have a lazy eye?" or "Did you invest in bitcoin you f***ing loser?" and you either have to respond "Yes" or "Go f*** yourself." It will have you howling!
New Pillows for Everyone
A practical gift that feels like luxury—because nothing says love like better sleep for the whole crew. I think I added this one here because we SHOULD totally do this. I have the Purple pillow and LOVE it and so do my kids. They would love it if I upgraded their pillow game. The Purple one is kind of pricey and I've heard great things from friends who love the COOP pillow which is a little more affordable. Give the gift of great sleep this Christmas! New sheets all around while you're at it!
Every family has a hidden performer (or a few who think they are). Karaoke nights bring out the joy, silliness, and maybe a little friendly competition. Something for all ages and they can have fun with friends and fun with all of the family, even grandparents, when the mood strikes! Have a little fun with the family this Christmas! Maybe sing Christmas carols?!
Hear me out on this one. YOU. WILL. LOVE. IT. Your spouse will love it. Your kids will love it (and laugh really hard at the "carwash for their butt". After living in Japan we now have one in three of the four toilets in our house, because none of us could live without it. This is the gift your family didn't see coming and it will quickly become their favorite gift of the year.
The universal symbol for slowing down. Whether it’s for afternoon naps or reading in the shade, a hammock adds calm to the chaos. It's actually a verb now too. The kids these days "go hammocking". How great to see your kiddo curled up taking a nap or reading a book or just chilling with you or with friends on a new hammock as the weather gets warmer?
Adventure + exercise + family fun. Great for lakes, rivers, or just laughing while someone tries to stand up. We have two now and some of our best, recent family members have been when we have taken out the paddle boards (especially when we try to get the family dog to ride along). Easy to fit two people on at a time and a great way to get into a little more adventure with your crew.
Video Game You All Love
Family bonding disguised as screen time. Find one everyone enjoys and make it your go-to for rainy days or lazy weekends. If it was our family's pick it would be Super Mario Bros. but if you are more traditional you can even disguise some of the more educational games as video games with this Family Fun Pack for PlayStation 4.
Local Memberships (Zoo, Museum, Theater, etc.)
The gift that keeps on giving all year long with easy entertainment, learning, and shared time together without planning stress. Have a local favorite spot that you would like to go to more often as a family? A lot of times there are deals over the holidays and I feel like these make great gifts to/from the grandparents so they can join in the fun!
Puzzle and/or PuzzleTable
Fun fact- THIS puzzle is MY DAD'S ACTUAL PUZZLE! My dad is a puzzle master (like one giant puzzle a month kind of guy) and also an avid traveler and photographer. He only likes to do Springbok puzzles because the pieces fit together the very best and they selected two of his photos to turn into puzzles! How cool is that?!
I don't know about you, but the main thing that keeps us from breaking out a puzzle is the space. Invest in a puzzle table to keep the family project out without taking over the kitchen counter.
S’mores, stories, and stargazing, no reservation required. Fun year round and this one is cool because you can cook on it if you want to too! You know you'll love creating memories around your family fire pit!
Hot Tub
During Covid this was our family's BIG Christmas gift and that has been five years ago and it was one of the best decisions we made. It's funny how we all enjoy using at different times. My husband loves an early morning soak, I love it when I'm feeling extra chilly and need to warm up, the boys both love it for their sore muscles after football and when friends are over and even five years later we still all hop in together from time to time and some of my best chats with my sons have happened in the hot tub as well. A great investment! There are some less expensive options and even inflatable options that look pretty good, or you could go for the full schbang!
Cooking Class or Workshop
Something everyone can learn and laugh through together. Sushi or pasta making class? Jewelry and candy making? Glass blowing or pottery making? So many fun ideas!
A Pet
Come on! It's SO FUN!! The most memorable Christmas EVER!
I hope this has been helpful in inspiring some great family gifts that encourage connection and fun for your whole family!
For even more ideas and inspiration Link to Babble's Amazon Storefront of Family Gift Ideas
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