7 great Christmas present ideas to give your grown-up children

Christmas is just around the corner and many super-organised people are already thinking about what presents to buy their friends and family.

While older people with mobility problems might be looking at home stairlift prices and considering buying one as a Christmas present for themselves to help them get around their home, it can be difficult to buy presents for others.

This is especially true if you have grown-up children, as they may not want clothes or gadgets and instead would prefer something slightly different.

The festive period can be demanding and expensive enough without procrastinating over what presents your grown children want.

To help avoid Christmas being stressful you should look at this guide about present ideas for grown-up children.

A retro gift

Price: Anything from £1.99 to £9.99

Clare Nicholas, who runs This Mummy’s Always Write, says buying presents for older children can be hard, but she thinks buying a present that taps into their childhood is a great idea.

“Buying presents for older, grown-up children can often be hard. They've left home and are mostly settled and could even have families of their own now.

“They won't need too much which makes it even harder and the idea of you not buying a gift may make you sad, but they also won’t want you wasting your money on them.

“How about a retro gift? Something they loved from their childhood - a quarter of their favourite sweet shop treats? A yo-yo or even a spinning top? Who wouldn't want to be reminded of their youth?”

A 2 for 1 spa day

Price: £109

After a hectic Christmas period, why not kick back and relax at a spa?

A 2 for 1 spa day will not only get rid of any stress that the festive period may have caused but will also give parents and their grown-up children some time together in a relaxed environment.

A spokesperson for Buy A Gift recommends buying a spa day.

“This is a great gift experience as it is a reasonable price – this includes four treatments, valid for 10 months, with lots of locations to choose from. Grown-up children like to enjoy time together with friends or partners and this is a unique experience. Head to your chosen health club with a loved one, where you will each enjoy 70 minutes of pampering, with a leg and back massage, facial and OPI manicure or pedicure included to ensure you’re feeling de-stressed, refreshed and renewed! The rest of your spa day will be devoted to you, allowing you full access to the great spa and leisure facilities which may include a pool, gym, sauna and more!”

Offer your own time

Price: Free

While most people instantly think of buying presents for their grown-up children, they might appreciate something that is free: your time.

Clare Nicholas also runs the Emmy’s Mummy and Harry’s Too blog and she recommends that instead of buying Christmas presents you can offer to help your son or daughter in other ways.

“Offer to babysit if you are able or an afternoon tea together in the garden centre - gifts don't always have to be expensive to mean the world to someone.”

This could also include helping with the cleaning or other household jobs, but it is important to ask your child whether they are happy for you to do this before going ahead with your plans. Offering to do household tasks such as this could help save them so much time after a long day at work.

Happy Christmas Smartbox

Price: £49.99

If you’re unsure of what your child wants, then you can opt for a gift that will give them a large choice of experiences to choose from.

Buy a Gift recommends their Happy Christmas Smartbox as it gives you the choice of thousands of indulgent gift experiences.

“This smartbox gives the choice of 2,750 experiences for someone to choose from, and it is £49.99 which is great value for money. Some experiences are for one person, while others, like the dining experiences and afternoon teas, are for two to enjoy together. Adrenaline-fuelled adventures on offer include scuba diving, land yachting, Zorbing and indoor skydiving, while the more relaxing options include spa days, pampering treatments and chocolate/wine tasting events. With so many to choose from there really is something for everyone in this Happy Christmas box!”

Tickets to the theatre or another show

Price: £99

For a memorable evening in London, you can buy a theatre and dinner for two present from Virgin Experience Days. This gift includes a two-course pre-theatre meal that is within a short walk away from your chosen theatre.

You can choose the upper circle or balcony seats at a West End show and visitors with mobility problems will be able to pick accessible seats. Theatres also welcome wheelchair users, but this must be stated at the time of booking.

You will not be limited on the shows you can watch as you will be able to pick from a selection of shows. So, whether it’s musical, comedy, horror, drama, visitors will not be disappointed.

An afternoon tea for two

Price: £59

Often your child will just want to spend some time with you and for those with mobility problems that are unable to do anything that involves too much physical activity can instead opt for Buy A Gift’s Champagne chocoholic afternoon tea for two.

Talking about this gift, which is at the London Hilton Park Lane hotel, a spokesperson for Buy A Gift, says, “This is a wonderful afternoon tea experience - The sumptuous afternoon features the lightest sandwiches and scone options such as raisin or chocolate chip, alongside the plain classic. Fine tea comes courtesy of Twinings, with specially themed blends including chamomile, mint and fruit, each creating the perfect cup. Follow on with beautiful pastries, a course of miniature fancies and revelations such as chocolate coconut with rum jelly or caramelised banana macaroon.”

Buy them a recipe delivery service

Price: Around £45

With Blue Apron you can be sent chef-designed recipes that include Mediterranean meals, quick one-pan dinners and other top-rated customer favourites.

By buying this for your children they will be sent fresh ingredients straight to their doors and can then follow the step-by-step instructions to rustle up a delicious meal.

The likes of Blue Apron offer family plans or two-person plans and customers are able to pay per serving or weekly. There is also a vegetarian option available.

Here we’ve listed the best Christmas present ideas to give your grown-up children:

• A retro gift
• A 2 for 1 spa day
• Offer your own time
• Happy Christmas Smartbox
• Tickets to the theatre or another show
• An afternoon tea for two
• Buy them a recipe delivery service