One of the best gifts I’ve ever received wasn’t expensive or flashy—it was a really great tube of lip balm. My friend told me it was her favorite, and while the formula truly lives up to the hype, what makes it special is how often I use it. Every time I reach for it, I think of her and feel that quiet, daily reminder of our friendship. To me, that’s the mark of a perfect gift: something useful, personal, and a little unexpected.

But when it comes to parents, finding that kind of gift can feel impossible. They usually have everything they need—and what they want most can’t be wrapped in a box. Take them out for coffee, plan a long lunch, or go on that walk you’ve been meaning to have together. Experience gifts are high-tier for parents, too: think tickets to a favorite musician or comedian, a night at the philharmonic, a play at the local theater, or even a museum membership and a tote bag from the gift shop. Better yet—plan a trip. Give them memories.

And when you really just want something to wrap and put under the tree, go for gifts that blend sentiment with everyday usefulness. Our curated gift guide for parents hits that sweet spot of “I never would’ve thought of that” and “I needed to replace that but never would.” Think about the items your parents reach for every day and upgrade them: a new wooden chopping board that moves from prep to serve with ease, hotel-style towels paired with a towel warmer, slippers that will actually last.

Not only are you giving them something practical, you’re giving them a reason to think of you every time they use it. And in the end, that’s what the best gifts really do—they become tiny reminders of the people we love most.