Gift ideas for parents who have everything: the gift of confidence

Every December the same question comes round: what do you buy the person who has everything? The presents that get used are usually the ones that make daily life a little easier, or keep someone closer to family. Here are eight ideas.

1. A photo frame the family can fill from their phones

Some digital frames let relatives send photos straight to the frame from an app or by email, so new pictures of the grandchildren simply appear. Choose one that needs nothing from the person receiving it, and set it up before you wrap it.

2. A printed photo book of the year

Old-fashioned and much loved. Twenty good photos, printed and bound, will be picked up far more often than a folder on a phone.

3. A smart speaker, already set up

For the radio, music, the weather and simple reminders ("remind me to take my tablets at eight"). Set it up yourself first, add the family as contacts, and write the three most useful phrases on a card beside it.

4. Audiobooks

A good choice for anyone whose eyes tire of small print. If they have sight loss, the RNIB Talking Books service is also worth a look.

5. A tablet, with the setting-up done for them

The real gift is the setting up: bigger text, favourite apps, family contacts added and video calls tested. A new device still in its box can feel more like homework than a present.

6. Your time

A day out, a regular video-call slot, or a trip back to somewhere from their past. It costs little and is often what they would choose.

7. A class in something they have always wanted to try

Painting, history, a language. Local colleges and the u3a run courses for every level, and the company is part of the gift.

8. A one-to-one AI lesson at home

Full disclosure: this one is what I do. It is two hours at their own kitchen table, on their own phone, tablet or computer, learning whatever interests them most: asking it anything by voice or camera, editing photos and making short videos, planning trips, or learning something new. It also covers how to spot the new AI scams. They keep a printed guide written just for them, and get two weeks of phone help afterwards.

How to choose

Think about what they enjoy, and what frustrates them now: small print, feeling out of touch with the family, or worry about scams. Then pick the present that fits. And whatever the gadget, set it up before you give it.

Gift vouchers

A home session voucher is £149: a printed card in a proper envelope, valid for 12 months. They ring to book when it suits them. Order by Tuesday 15 December for posting in time for Christmas. See the gift vouchers, or ring 07500 511462.