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40 Family Gift Ideas That Are Useful, Thoughtful, and Fun

Family gift shopping can be tough, much tougher than buying something for a coworker or favorite teacher.

When you’re shopping for people you’ve known your whole life, you are in the unique position to know if your sister actually wears the pajama set she said she loved or if your uncle really did think that birthday gift was funny.

Gift giving can become even more difficult when you’re looking for one gift the whole family can enjoy. It can be intimidating trying to appease multiple personalities with one gift.

Whether you are buying individual gifts or something for the family to share, family gift ideas that are considerate and unique can be found; you just have to look in the right places.

Table of Contents

The Best Family Gift Ideas for 2023

1. Cuisinart Automatic Ice Cream Maker

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This fully automated ice cream maker can whip up two quarts of your favorite cold treat in 25 minutes. It has a large spout to easily add the family’s favorite ingredients, has a heavy-duty motor and double-insulated freezer bowl, resulting in consistently smooth and delicious ice cream. If everyone doesn’t love ice cream, it can also make frozen yogurt and sorbet.

For anyone looking for fun family gift ideas, this one is a no-brainer!

2. Mont Alpi Stainless Steel Portable Pizza Oven

potable pizza oven

What’s better than having your family members helping to create and eat delicious home made pizza? There’s nothing like sharing pizza with the family and this portable outside pizza oven can hold up to even the most choosy pizza enthusiasts.

A great gift the entire family can enjoy, it is also one of the best gifts for uncles and dads who think they are pizza chefs.

3. State Fair Bingo

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Add a little flair to the next family game night when you switch out the typical board game with this retro-styled bingo set that up to 8 people can play at once. The set includes a solid bingo wooden board, 8 shutter bingo cards, hand-etched wooden bingo balls and a traditional metal spinner.

A great gift for grandparents, everyone will get caught up in the excitement of the balls rolling around in the spinner as the bingo caller announces the next number.

4. Portable Badminton and Pickleball Net Set

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There’s nothing like a net in the sand or grass to bring out the competition amongst family. A great family reunion gift idea, the adjustable height of the net means you can play badminton, tennis, pickleball and even a modified version of volleyball suitable for kids.

The net takes less than 5 minutes to setup and takedown and comes with a convenient carrying case so you can have fun anywhere. This is a family gift idea the whole family can enjoy, whether playing or enjoying the show.

5. Echo Smart Speaker with Alexa

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The entire family will fall in love with this third generation Echo speaker, which is powered by Dolby for some seriously clear sound and thumping bass.

A great family gift idea, the Echo with Alexa, is sure to make life around the house much easier. Voice control smart devices in your home, like the lights and door locks, play your favorite songs and stay in sync with the family by using the Echo as an intercom.

6. Personalized Family Tree Wall Art

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A family photo in a sense, this customized artwork is one of the best gifts for strengthening familial bonds. The print features a tree with beautiful golden-yellow birds. The number of birds in the tree depends on how many family members you have, making it the perfect gift for a larger family or for a young family just starting out.

A real handcrafted canvas print, the colors are fade resistant and the canvas is coated with acrylic to protect it from dust and dirt.

7. Beer Making Kit

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Specially designed for first-time brewers, this kit comes with simple instructions, ingredients and equipment. In only 30 minutes you can brew up a batch of your very own beer, ready to drink in 3-4 weeks. This is fun for a family with grown children or extended families. Found at Walmart.com.

Made by Mr. Beer, the only homebrewing company that also actually owns a brewery, it’s an excellent gift idea for the family that loves beer.

8. Multi-Device Charging Station

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Having so many devices in one home can definitely get frustrating, but with this charging dock station from aliexpress.com, the entire family will breathe a sigh of relief.

Featuring 5 USB ports and 1 wireless charging pad, it keeps up to 6 devices organized and desks and counters clutter-free. It features detachable dividers which can be assembled according to how wide a device is, ensuring a secure fit. It also is a great gift for parents who need a high-quality charger that is easy to use and understand.

9. Family of 4 Ring of Love Bronze Sculpture

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A great gift for the immediate family, this handcrafted sculpture represents an intertwined family of four, and is one of the best gifts to acknowledge the joy and closeness of family bonds (a gift card can’t do that).

Constructed using the sand cast method, it is sturdy and well-made and with its bronze finish, it is an absolutely charming addition to any dresser top or display cabinet. The statue is complete with a velvet-lined bottom so it doesn’t scratch the surface it’s on.

10. Betty Crocker Pizza Maker

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Popcorn will take a backseat on your family movie night when you bring this pizza maker home. The baking plates are nonstick-coated, making cleanup very easy and the thermostat is self-regulated, giving even the most cooking-averse family members pizza with a perfect golden crust.

When you’re tired of eating pizza (if that’s possible), it’s no problem because you can make quesadillas, giant cookies, nachos and even cinnamon buns. It even comes with snack and meal ideas the family can decide to make together.

11. Our Story Engraved Important Dates Sign

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Family gift ideas for the whole family to enjoy like this personalized wall décor, are a great way to keep everyone close. Made from solid birch wood, get the names and dates (birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, etc.) of important events that have occurred in the family.

Hand-painted and coated for a smooth finish over the expert laser engraving design and superb detailing, it is a moving tribute to those closest to you. A great holiday gift idea for the whole family, everyone will beam with pride.

12. Kimono Waffle Spa Bathrobe

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Lightweight but cozy, it is perfect to use year-round, no matter the weather. Not just for use when getting out the shower, it can be used at the pool, spa or when traveling, too. These matching robes are a great gift idea for the family that has a pool or hot tub! The kimono-style collar and belt give it an appealing fit and the roomy pockets provide convenience.

13. Personalized Décor LED Night Light

Personalized decor LED night light letter K

Customized gifts are some of the best gifts and this LED light is doubly customized. Choose any of the modern-designed, wood letters from the alphabet, like the beginning letter of your family name, for instance. Next add up to ten characters which will be cut out of the letter lamp (and light comes through the cutout) for a brilliant display.

14. It’s In The Bag Party Game

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Games are good family gift ideas because they bring the family together, but It’s In The Bag does more than that – it will get the party jumping! Incredibly popular, children and adults of all ages will make everyone forget about their smartphones and tablets.

If you like Pictionary or board games, your family will pick this game up in no time and laugh like never before as the timer runs down. You will reign supreme as the ultimate host for family get-togethers.

15. Dessert Toppers Sea Salt Collection

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These flavored salts may not be the holiday gift family members were expecting, but it is one they won’t know how they lived without.

All-natural, these sea salts sit far above simple table salt, as they use less salt while adding much more flavor. Packaged in three flavors – Espresso, Fleur de Sel and Lavender – use them to give desserts a savory finish. For the cooks in the family, these professional-choice salts make excellent gifts for nieces, nephews and siblings.

16. Movies Scratch Off Poster

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Movie nights are more fun when there’s a common go-to, say for instance watching the top 100 films cinema has produced. This poster is a fun family gift idea that includes classics, but also has award-winning animated movies and modern-day blockbusters.

The satisfaction you all will get as you scratch off a recently watched movie to reveal its symbol is a great feeling. It’s even better once you see that the illustrations for each movie are completely original and can’t be found anywhere else.

17. Personalized Ceramic Mug

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When you don’t know what to get a family member or if you want to get everyone in the family the same gift, this 11-oz. mug is going to fill everyone with joy.

The mug changes color with temperature and is available in three colors: red, blue and black. You can add a name, date, initials or a picture to these family mugs so everyone knows which one is theirs.

18. Watch Ya Mouth Family Edition

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A board game that is absolutely hilarious, this is a funny family gift idea that will let you see your family as you never have before. Perfect for 3-10 players ages 8+, players must wear cheek retractors while saying phrases. You can imagine the gross fun there is to be had as teams try to figure out what their teammates are trying to say.

Every get together will never be the same again once this award-winning party game has been unwrapped.

19. Show Love Family Socks

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The perfect gift basket addition or stocking stuffer gift, these socks let friends and family know how much you love them every time they put them on.

Available in a number of colors and family titles, such as Nana or grandma, you will find the right pair for your loved ones. The socks are low-cut and ultra-soft, made of premium cotton blend and spandex for long-lasting comfort and a well-fitting sock that doesn’t slouch. Words make a big difference and the recipient of these socks will walk around all day feeling good.

20. Metal Bucket List

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Every family has things they want to do together. Well this gift holds all of those dreams and wishes in one place. A gift that the whole family will want to join in on, this metal bucket is a reminder to work and play with those you love.

The bucket includes chalk for a customized design and includes 30 cards that family members can use to write down the things they want to do and the date they want to achieve it by.

21. Tic Tac Toe Wood Coffee Table Game

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The classic board game gets a classy makeover with this wooden rendition of tic tac toe. Made from solid blond wood, the flattering color fits well with any décor and it encourages interaction. One look at this board on a table and it’s game on.

A great gift for cousins that you’re ultra-competitive with or for your own home, it is stylish and a great way to get any member of the family talking.

22. Putt-A-Bout Putting Green

Putting green 3 feet wide by 9 feet long

For the family who loves golf but can’t get to the course as often as they would like, gift this family their very own putting green. This putting green is 3-feet wide by 9-feet long made of imitation grass with a non-skid foam backing.

The putting green features 3 target holes that are just 1/4″ smaller than regulation golf holes, allowing you to strengthen your aim. It also comes with 2 hazards to help catch your putt if you happen to miss the holes. There is also a slight incline to develop the firmness of your stroke.

Saving Tips: Check out Walmart coupon codes for the best deal.

23. Play Fun-Air Scoop Ball Game

scoop ball for healthy family

With this US Games Fun-Air Scoop Ball kit from Staples, you and your family will no doubt enjoy hours of playful fun in the backyard or on the beach!

This game is perfect for young children from 5 years old and up (and the not so coordinated), as the scoops are large enough for easy catching and the whiffle ball moves slowly.

Fun fact: the game helps children develop hand-eye coordination!

Savings Tip: Check out Staples promo codes for the best deal.

24. Play on a Propel Trampoline with Enclosure

healthy family on trampoline

There’s nothing like a trampoline for endless entertainment. Both young and older kids, plus even adults, flock to these for hours of laughter and exercise.

This large trampoline from Sears includes an enclosure for extra protection. Typically these are recommended for 6+ years old.

The excitement of such boundless bouncing can quickly lead to launching clear off the trampoline, so you’ll be grateful for this safety precaution.

Savings Tip: Get Sears promo codes for the best deal.

25. Play Badminton Outdoors

badminton for healthy family

This badminton kit from Walmart can be set up quickly and easily in your own backyard.

The full-size collegiate style net means the game is very simple to learn, but real skill takes determination!

This friendly competition is sure to get everyone in the household fired up and involved! Play teams of kids against parents for a silly challenge.

Kids and adults alike will bond over the thrill of victory when playing this ultimate outdoor game. Let your 2-4 years safely have fun trying to swing the racket.

Savings Tip: Find Walmart promo codes for the best deal.

26. Play Basketball with the Kids

basketball set for a healthy family

Inspire in your young children, or teenagers, to want to get outside and play a ball game with this 44 inch Portable Basketball System that is a professional-quality basketball hoop from Kohls.

The rim is adjustable from 7.5′ to 10′, so it can grow along with your children!

The rust-resistant pole and weighted stand help keep it upright and intact for years.

Best of all, there’s no concrete construction required–just fill the stand with water or sand, and you’re ready to go!

Savings Tip: Find the best Kohl’s coupon codes for great savings.

27. Play on a Outdoor Playground Set

healthy family play set

Treat your kids to their own treehouse, swing set and climbing rope with this Alpine Custom Wooden Play Set Kit from The Home Depot.

Made for children ages 3 and up, this play equipment includes 10 activities and is all-weather proof, so it will stand up to even the harshest environments.

The quick installation system will help you build it in no time, so your kids can begin the daily adventure of having a swing set and wooden fort!

Savings Tip: Find the best Home Depot promo codes to save the most.

28. Play in a Swimming Pool

healthy family enjoying the pool

This massive Intex 32 ft. x 16 ft. x 52 in. Rectangular Ultra Frame Pool Package from Kmart is so large, the entire family can splash around at once (and even swim laps!).

With a length of 32′ and a width of 16′, this pool is equivalent to having a full-sized swimming pool in your backyard without the added cost that comes with digging up your lawn!

Teach your children to swim or just cool off on hot days.

Construction and cleaning are a breeze, and the pool is ready to be filled with water in just 60 minutes.

No need to spend any more money on taking your kids to crowded, public pools. Get your very own personal pool to let the kids swim whilst you can watch them.

29. Spikeball 3-Ball Set

Spikeball 3 Ball Set game

Spikeball is all the rage these days! Bring it to the beach, to the backyard or to the park. Fun for the whole family and easily portable.

Savings Tip: Find Kohl’s promo codes for the best deal.

30. Personalized Family Mugs

Ceramic coffee mugs

These ceramic coffee mugs are the perfect gift for coffee and hot chocolate lovers. You get to create characters of each family member to be printed on these adorable family set of mugs. One side of the mug features the characters that were created by an artist, while the other side has the family name and year established (this is optional).

The website offers a very detailed personalization method. First you input the family name with a maximum of fifteen characters and the year established with a maximum of four characters. After that, you get to get into the personal descriptions.

For each mug you order, you will be able to add a first name to make it even more personal. You can then choose a female character, male character, or a child character. If you select male or female, you are given fourteen style designs to choose from that best fit the look of the family members. If you select child, there are seventeen style designs. You can customize skin color, hair color, and clothing color.

Before you place your order, you are able to preview the choices you made to make sure the gift is perfect. It also gives you a ship date, so you know exactly when to order it to make sure it is delivered on time.

Tips: Get UncommonGoods promo codes for the best deal.

31. Matching Family Christmas Pajamas

Matching Christmas pajamas

PatPat is an online boutique that offers a very wide range of outfits and clothing for everyone in your family. The best part of this website is absolutely the matching Christmas pajamas which make a fun family Christmas gift idea.

The sizes for the set are as follows; baby sizes are 0-18 months, kid’s sizes are 2 years to 9 years, women is offered in small, medium, large, extra-large, and men is offered medium, large, extra-large and XXL. Some matching sets even offer a size for your furry family member, too.

Savings Tip: Check out Patpat promo codes for the best deal.

32. Personalized Family Candle

Personalized candles

Candles are always a fantastic gift idea. What makes them even better? When they don’t feel like a last-minute gift. If you order a personalized candle with a custom message and a family name, they will definitely appreciate the effort put in.

There are thirteen scents offered; apple cider donuts, crème brulee, cranberry apple marmalade, eucalyptus mint, good karma, oakmoss and amber, banana nut bread, pumpkin spice, fallen leaves, black amber and plum, fireside, cabin nights, and autumn wreath. They have descriptions of each scent so you can pick the scent you think the family will like best.

For the personalization, you are able to add a family name on the front of the candle, and you can write a special message on the back of the candle.

Tips: Get Etsy promo codes for the best deal.

33. Grilled Cheese Toaster

Adorable toaster

If you ask anyone what they ate the most when they were growing up, I guarantee they will say grilled cheese. This super adorable toaster is made specifically for easy grilled cheese making. Included are two removable toasting baskets and a drip tray for easy cleaning.

Featured on the toaster, there is an adjustable toasting dial, a cancel button, a preheat button, and a defrost button, cool touch technology on the handles, and a cord wrap for easy and neat storage. This toaster is 600 watts and comes with a one-year limited warranty.

Savings Tip: Get Kohl’s promo codes for the best deal.

34. Indoor Snowball Fight

Indoor snowball fight gift

For the families who maybe don’t get snow, or just don’t like being cold, this indoor snowball fight gift is a great idea. The game includes twenty plush, perfectly round snowballs. You don’t need to worry about hurting anyone in the family or breaking any furniture.

Savings Tip: Check out Walmart promo codes for the best deal.

35. Scary Stories Box Set

Book set are Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

If the family you are shopping for is really into sharing scary stories with each other, this book set will get them really excited. The books included in this set are Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, More Scary Stories, and Scary Stories 3.

The first book tells stories that are full of horror, revenge, and plenty of supernatural events. There are several escapes from death in these stories, the whole family will enjoy reading this one together. The second and third books include stories with similar themes to the first book.

In addition to the book series, there is also a movie based on the first book. The whole family will enjoy reading the books and watching the movie together.

Savings Tip: Check out Barnes & Noble promo codes for the best deal.

36. Indoor S’mores Maker

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S’mores are usually a summer or fall treat because they are made over a fire. But what if your teen is obsessed with s’mores year-round? This indoor s’more maker is electric powered, so it is safe to use inside.

Included in this kit are the stainless-steel electric range, removable grill plate, cord to plug in to an outlet, plastic tray with compartments to hold marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate, and four marshmallow roasting skewers. The only thing not included is the food!

Savings Tip: Get Kohl’s coupon codes for the best deal.

37. Roomba

Extra powerful Roomba Vacuum

This is a gift that your grandparents will love. A vacuum that does all of the work for them and is very efficient at its job. A Roomba delivers extra powerful suction for great pick-up performance. Roomba can also learn cleaning habits and offers personalized cleaning schedules for maximum efficiency.

The Roomba maps out your floor plan and cleans every part of the floor and won’t stop until it is finished. It cleans floors logically in straight rows, using tracking sensors to navigate through your home.

Featuring multi-service rubber brushes, the Roomba is perfect for pet owners. The rubber brushes adjust to carpets and hard floors. The high-efficiency filter collects 99% of pet dander and allergens.

Savings Tip: Get Best Buy coupon codes for the best deal.

38. 12 Days of Christmas Tower Makes Fun Family Christmas Gift Idea

Tower of twelve boxes

A tower of twelve boxes makes for a festive advent calendar. Each drawer is filled with something sweet and gourmet. The drawers also have cutouts, so it is easy to pull them out to find what special treat that day holds.

Some of the treats included are moose munch popcorn in caramel and chocolate, chocolate-covered cherries, milk chocolate mini mints, a couple different types of truffles, and a few more surprise treats.

Savings Tip: Check out Harry & David Rack coupon codes for the best deal.

39. Panini Sandwich Maker

panini sandwich maker

This panini maker is perfect for families because it can make up to 4 sandwiches at a time. A built-in LCD display panel with a temperature and time controls. A safe touch handle and drip tray make for a healthier meal, and easy preparation for your desired ingredients so you can have all the deliciousness you want.

Savings Tip: Find The Home Depot coupon codes for the best deal.

40. Tic Tac Toe Wood Coffee Table Game

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The classic board game gets a classy makeover with this wooden rendition of tic tac toe. Made from solid blond wood, the flattering color fits well with any décor and it encourages interaction. One look at this board on a table and it’s game on.

A great gift for cousins that you’re ultra-competitive with or for your own home, it is stylish and a great way to get any member of the family talking.

Family Gifts: A Buying Guide

When it comes to buying gifts for your family members, things can get stressful pretty fast, especially when the holiday gift-giving season comes calling. If you have a large family, things can really get out of hand, even if you’re only giving everyone a $20 gift card.

That’s where family gift ideas come in. These are the kind of gifts that are perfect for the entire family to enjoy in one way or another, and they also usually help bond the family, bringing you closer together through shared laughs and fun.

Whatever the reason you are shopping for family gifts, this gift guide will ensure that you never go wrong.

Appliances

Appliances aren’t typically what most people think of when looking for family gift ideas, but they actually are some of the best gifts to consider giving. An appliance can be used over and over again and can be used to make special days even more special.

For example, movie night is something common for families, but with a popcorn maker, the dynamic changes completely. The family will really feel like they are at the movies, only they get to eat the exact kind of popcorn they love and they get to make it themselves.

Other appliances like espresso machines, cotton candy makers and ice cream machines will all be loved in any household. You know the personalities in your home or the home you’re buying for so take the time to think about how you can enhance a pre-existing family tradition.

Bring out their wild side

Adult family members are usually expensive to shop for and typically already have a lot of things. But you don’t always have to add more products to their lives.

A great gift is laughter. An even better gift is laughter at a family member’s expense.

Games are so much fun and there are so many more than the board and card games most people know (like those listed above). Board games in particular have a way of making everyone show their silliness, competitiveness and imagination. Perfect for family reunions and casual get-togethers, games break the ice and get the party started.

When thinking about how to get family members out of their comfort zones, music is also a great way to go. Gifts like a karaoke machine or microphone for the family may provide performances from your grandfather or daughter that you were not expecting.

Get crafty!

There is absolutely no reason why your family can’t get together and make something exceptional. With so many DIY kits available, you are sure to find something everyone can combine their talents on.

A few examples of craft gifts that the entire family will really enjoy include sewing machines, Lego building sets, puzzles and tree house sets.

Give memories

Sharing memories you’ve had with your family is just as special as creating new ones with them. Take the many pictures from your smartphone and/or camera and turn them into something tangible.

If you’ve snapped pics of your nephew’s wedding or your niece’s basketball game, have some of the best ones you’ve taken professionally printed. You can either get an inexpensive frame or get a stylish one for a bit more money.

You can make your own scrapbook of photos, too. There is no limit. With the many options at our fingertips nowadays, you can make a digital collage on a USB memory stick, complete with your parents’ favorite music, or sing their favorite songs yourself!

Personalized clothing

Nothing tells your family you love them like literal words! Socks and shirts are some of the easiest items to find that tell your brother how great he is or your uncle how much cooler he is than your dad.

If you want to give something fun and lighthearted, clothing is usually the way to go because they are typically less expensive than the other choices, which mean you can always get every family member a pair of socks or a shirt, and the customization adds something very special to the gift.

Get the Perfect Family Gift

With a little bit of time and effort, you can find a wide range of thoughtful gifts that the family or a family member will remember fondly for years to come.

Additional family member gift ideas you might be interested in: