Mother’s Day and Father’s Day Gifts 2025: Several Inexpensive New Travel Gifts and Kitchen Gadgets Those in Your Family Did Not Know Each Generation Wanted or Needed and One Splurge Item
- Mema
- May 8
- 5 min read
Updated: May 14
There are so many idea articles for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, so this Grandma tried to think of a few new ideas for 2025. Of course, parents and grandparents will say they need nothing. So, maybe think outside of the box–no, think of a bunch of things that can go in a box or basket that would be helpful to parents or grandparents, especially those who are travelers and/or are cooks or bakers for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day 2025.
INEXPENSIVE TRAVEL IDEAS
Personalized Photograph Luggage Tags
Luggage tags should only include full name, telephone number, and email address. It is recommended that you put more than one luggage tag on each bag. You can also include your destination address or hotel information, but it's generally recommended to avoid including your home address for security reasons.
As it is always wonderful to have at least one unique luggage tag, I came across personalized luggage tags which allow you to put a photograph on them, perfect for a present for family members. There are constant promotions and 40% off first orders, but always check Retail Me Not. Three I ordered came to $10 each including shipping. Check out Nations Photo Lab.
Anti-Theft Bags, Waist Packs, and Wallets
After my handbag was slashed on the Rialto Bridge in Venice, I searched and found the best company for anti-theft bags, waist packs, and wallets. I am on my second generation bag from Day Makers of Santa Barbara.
My daughter loves her Pacsafe V anti-theft urban sling, and the best part is that it is unisex.
Hats That Travel and Block the Sun
So many hate wearing a hat, but with climate change, but what about a hat that can fold up into nothing oh so packable, waterproof, has a high sun protection rating, men women and even unisex styles, and great sales. There is even an easy to use size and fit guide. Check out Walleroo Hat Company for yourself and those you love.
INEXPENSIVE KITCHEN GADGETS
Soup Socks
Buy many packages as a gift on Amazon.
I found soup socks first in Tucson, Arizona, in a gourmet housewares store. When making chicken soup, I use at least five to six soup socks, depending on how much soup I am going to need for the holiday guests. Our family only likes the homemade chicken broth with noodles or matzo balls, so getting clear clean broth used to be a chore before soup socks. I put a whole chicken in one. It keeps the chicken all together and the soup clean. If I am making a lot, I add another soup sock with additional pounds of cut up chicken, usually the parts I like to eat. I put the root vegetables our family does not eat: celery, onion, parsnips, turnips, in another soup sock. I put baby carrots, which we keep and use in another soup sock. I put the parsley, which is added only in the last half hour in the last soup sock. It is easy to discard what you don’t want, and other than skimming the broth primarily in the first two stages, it keeps the broth clean and clear, with minimum effort, much less than before. Here is the link to blog post: The Best Chicken Soup Anyone Has Ever Tasted: G G’s European Old Fashioned Chicken Soup Step by Step
Apparently, soup socks were part of a 2017 blog post, “Best Mother’s Day Gifts For Grandmothers and Great Grandmothers That Grandmas Want Plus Those They May Not Yet Know They Need.”
Now, eight years later, the ideas included in that post are relevant today! Take a look.
Chicken Shredder Tool Twist
I did not know this existed, until I made chicken soup recently at my daughter’s house, and my son-in-law introduced me to it. It has a rotating design and a transparent lid, allows you to shred chicken in a matter of minutes and customize the level of shredding to your preference, whether it's chicken pieces or finely shredded chicken. And now new there is a separate transparent plate in the middle, which can effortlessly remove the shredded chicken meat! Now, I can freeze serving size packages of shredded chicken for chicken salad, enchiladas, or any recipe calling for cooked chicken. Buy on Amazon.
5 In 1 Multi Bottle Opener, Jar Bottle Can Opener Kitchen Multi Tools Opener, Lid Twist Off Gripper, for Seniors Rheumatoid Arthritis Good Kitchen Tool (black/white)
Although I hate to admit I need these, I have found them invaluable. They open jars, bottles, and more than you can think of. These were recommended to me by an outstanding hand therapist to save my thumbs. Ergonomic design and high quality rubber grip allow you to hold on tight to slippery lids, even with wet hands! Everyone needs these in their home–save your thumbs too–earlier than I did. Two come in a package. Buy on Amazon.
KitchenAid All Purpose Kitchen Shears with Protective Sheath Durable Stainless Steel Scissors, Dishwasher Safe, Soft Grip Comfort Handle, 8.72 Inch, Black
This Grandma had the oldest pair of kitchen shears, and I bet the pair in the parents’ or grandparents’ kitchen is ages old. A new sharp pair that can cut through anything is a joy. Five star reviews on Amazon.
OTHER IDEAS FOR KITCHEN GADGETS IF YOU ARE PUTTING TOGETHER A GIFT BASKET OR CONTAINER
Of course, you may need more to fill that container. Make sure the container is one that will also be useful. Here are some articles with 2025 gadgets you can consider:
This Grandma loves Buzzfeed, and after reading this article, I actually bought one of the items I found interesting, a can colander.
If you're making 2025 eat-at-home goals, consider adding a self-stirring multi-cooker, soup cubes, and a retro toaster to your kitchen lineup.” By Ashley Schumacher and Abby Kass
And another list to choose from:
“40 Best Kitchen Gadgets to Buy in 2025: Unique and useful products, recommended by real chefs and kitchen appliance experts” By Nicole Papantoniou and Trish Clasen Marsanico
HIGH TECH AND SPLURGE
And, finally, if your family member is into high tech items, here is the
If your family member does not own an immersion blender, one of the items recommended by Williams Sonoma, this is one item to splurge for. Look for a lightweight, hand held, that is cordless. I love mine which actually was a Mother’s Day gift I requested one year. Check out Wirecutter, the New York Times, which reviews I rely upon and love: The Best Immersion Blender.
Even if your family member is not a traveler or frequent cook or baker, the above ideas and gadgets come in handy for every day life with
Joy,
Mema
